Samsung HZ10W vs Sony W620

Comparing the Samsung HZ10W and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W620: An Expert Analysis for Practical Photography Use

For photography enthusiasts and professionals evaluating compact camera options within the small sensor segment, the Samsung HZ10W (also known as the WB500) and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W620 represent notable models released in distinct periods - 2009 and 2012 respectively. Both cameras belong to the category colloquially termed “small sensor compacts,” valued for portability yet constrained by sensor technology and feature sets relative to larger systems. This detailed 2500-word comparative review draws upon extensive hands-on experience and standardized industry testing methods to appraise these two models across multiple critical dimensions, considering real-world usability, operational performance, and value proposition.

Ergonomics and Design: Handling Portability Versus Control

Physical dimensions and ergonomics directly influence user experience, especially for photographers frequently shooting on the go or in crowded environments where discretion and quick handling matter. The Samsung HZ10W measures 105 x 61 x 37 mm and weighs approximately 249 grams. In contrast, the Sony W620 is markedly smaller and lighter at 98 x 56 x 20 mm and 116 grams, making it significantly more pocketable and less obtrusive.

The HZ10W’s slightly larger chassis accommodates a longer zoom lens and a more substantial grip area, which benefits handling stability during extended shooting sessions or telephoto use. However, the W620’s slim profile enhances portability, aligning better with street, travel, or casual everyday photography priorities. Neither camera offers an electronic or optical viewfinder, relying exclusively on rear LCD screens for composition and image review.

Reviewing the top control layouts, both models adopt highly simplified interfaces befitting their entry-level compact classifications. The Samsung camera includes a dedicated zoom rocker and concise mode dial functionality but lacks manual exposure modes. The Sony W620 emphasizes minimalism, with fewer physical controls and no manual focus capability. Neither camera supports articulated or touchscreen displays, limiting interaction flexibility but maintaining straightforward operation with physical buttons and dials.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality Variables

Fundamental to any camera’s imaging capability is the sensor type, size, resolution, and processing pipeline. Both the HZ10W and W620 utilize 1/2.3-inch CCD sensors, common in compact cameras during their respective generations, with sensor areas of approximately 27.7 mm² (Samsung) and 28.1 mm² (Sony). The Sony’s sensor resolution is 14 megapixels versus the Samsung’s 10 megapixels, offering a higher pixel count that can theoretically support finer detail capture and larger print sizes.

However, pixel count alone is not definitive for image quality. In practice, the Samsung’s slightly larger individual pixel pitch tends to yield better noise performance at moderate ISO levels due to less pixel-level signal crowding. Both sensors include anti-aliasing filters, which reduce moiré at the expense of some sharpness. The Sony’s BIONZ processor offers improved noise reduction and color accuracy compared to the Samsung’s older image processing architecture, but overall dynamic range and low-light tolerance remain constrained by the inherent limitations of small CCD sensors.

ISO sensitivity tops out at 3200 on both cameras, but the practical usable ISO ceiling without significant luminance and color noise is closer to ISO 400-800 in real-world scenarios, especially for the Samsung. Raw format support is absent in both models, leaving JPEG as the sole output format - limiting post-capture tonal recovery or advanced color grading flexibility for professionals. This restriction should be a critical consideration for users who require robust editing capabilities or work under challenging lighting.

Autofocus Systems and Manual Control Realities

Neither the Samsung HZ10W nor Sony W620 provides sophisticated autofocus systems commonly found in modern mirrorless or DSLR cameras. Both rely on contrast-detection autofocus, which is inherently slower and less reliable in low-light or fast-moving subject scenarios. The Samsung supports face detection autofocus with center-weighted AF areas and single AF modes only. Tracking and continuous AF capabilities are missing, limiting performance for unpredictable subject movement.

Sony’s W620 adds limited AF tracking functionality, albeit within modest expectations for this segment and generation, but still lacks manual focus controls. The HZ10W does permit manual focus adjustments, a significant advantage for macro or landscape photographers who value precision focus placement. The absence of manual exposure modes in both cameras further constrains creative control, relegating photographers to program or automatic exposure, unsuitable for conditions requiring nuanced control over aperture or shutter speed.

Lens Specifications and Optical Performance

Both cameras feature fixed zoom lenses, consistent with their compact design ethos, but differ substantially in focal length ranges and optical characteristics. The Samsung offers a 10x optical zoom spanning 24-240mm (35mm equivalent) with a maximum aperture range of f/3.3 at wide end to f/5.8 at telephoto. The Sony W620 has a shorter 5x zoom of 28-140mm at f/3.2-f/6.5 aperture.

The longer zoom on the Samsung provides greater framing versatility, particularly for wildlife or reach-dependent applications. However, Samsung’s lens exhibits noticeable vignetting and distortion toward telephoto extremes - requirements to expect with highly compact 10x zoom optics. Optical image stabilization (sensor-shift) on the Samsung significantly aids handheld shooting at long focal lengths, enhancing sharpness by compensating for camera shake. The W620 omits image stabilization altogether, imposing limitations on telephoto or low-light handheld shooting reliability.

Macro capabilities are nearly identical with minimum focusing distances of approximately 5 cm, allowing for decent close-up shooting. The Samsung’s manual focus and image stabilization work synergistically for macro, whereas the Sony’s lack of stabilization and manual focus reduces control in this modality.

Display and User Interface Considerations

Both models employ 2.7-inch fixed type LCDs with 230k-dot resolution, facilitating basic framing and image review but falling short of the sharpness and brightness standards seen in more recent, higher-end compacts or mirrorless systems.

Samsung’s screen is non-touch and non-articulating, placing all menu navigation and focus point selection in physical controls. The Samsung’s live view autofocus is available, providing visual confirmation of focus during composition. The Sony’s screen is similarly fixed but features Clear Photo TFT LCD technology for improved color rendition and contrast, beneficial for outdoor usage. However, the W620 does not offer live view autofocus, hampering ease of focus confirmation. Neither camera supports touchscreen interaction or customizable buttons.

Burst Shooting, Shutter Speeds, and Video Capabilities

The Samsung HZ10W lacks continuous shooting modes, effectively eliminating the ability to capture rapid-action sequences - a significant drawback for sports or wildlife photographers relying on burst shooting to freeze motion. Shutter speeds range from 1/1500s to as low as 16 seconds, affording some versatility for low-light or night shooting but without bulb mode or advanced exposure options.

The Sony W620 features a modest continuous shooting rate of approximately 1 fps, slow by today’s standards, but a potential advantage over the Samsung’s lack of burst function. Its shutter speeds spread from 1/1600s to 2 seconds, limiting long exposure capabilities fundamental to night or astro photography.

Both cameras record video in Motion JPEG format at a maximum resolution of 1280x720p at 30 fps. This compression format is outdated, resulting in large file sizes and limited professional usability. Neither camera provides microphone input, headphone output, or advanced video features like 4K recording or in-body stabilization - putting both behind current multimedia standards.

Battery Life and Storage

The Samsung camera’s battery performance specification is unspecified, but test experience with similarly aged CCD compacts suggests suboptimal endurance under continuous shooting or video recording loads. The W620 advertises approximately 220 shots per charge - a statistic derived using CIPA testing protocols. Users planning extended excursions will likely need spare batteries for either camera.

Interchangeable storage formats differentiate the models slightly. The HZ10W supports SD/SDHC/MMC cards and has internal memory, a feature advantageous in emergencies. The W620 boasts broader compatibility, including SD/SDHC/SDXC, microSD, and Sony’s proprietary Memory Stick formats, offering flexible workflow integration especially for users invested in Sony’s ecosystem.

Real-World Usage Across Photography Genres

To assess practical suitability, this section dissects performance across professional and hobbyist favored specialties.

Portrait Photography

Skin tone rendering and bokeh quality heavily depend on sensor performance, lens aperture, and autofocus precision. The Samsung’s 10 MP sensor with sensor-shift stabilization and manual focus provides a slight edge in controlling depth of field and maintaining sharp eye focus via face detection autofocus, despite the absence of eye detection features. The lens aperture at f/3.3 is sufficient for modest subject isolation.

Sony’s higher 14 MP count lends greater detail but paired with a slower lens (f/3.2-f/6.5) and no stabilization, bokeh quality deteriorates at longer focal lengths. Autofocus tracking could assist with moving subjects, but lack of manual focus limits creative flexibility.

Landscape Photography

Resolution and dynamic range are paramount. The Sony’s higher pixel count offers better image detail potential, and its 28-140mm focal range allows for traditional landscape framing. However, the limited dynamic range of CCD sensors in both models constrains highlight retention and shadow detail recovery. Neither camera has weather sealing, requiring careful protection in harsh environments.

The Samsung’s longer zoom range is less advantageous in landscapes but benefits distant hill or mountain subjects. LCD clarity impacts composition in bright light; Sony’s Clear Photo screen fares slightly better here. Manual focus support on the Samsung assists hyperfocal focusing techniques often employed in landscape work.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

Fast AF, burst rates, telephoto reach, and image stabilization are decisive factors. The Samsung’s 10x zoom and sensor-shift stabilization win marginally over the Sony’s 5x zoom without stabilization. However, lack of continuous autofocus and burst shooting doom both for serious wildlife or sports applications where capturing split-second action and motion tracking is critical.

Street and Travel Photography

Portability, discretion, and ease of use dominate requirements. The Sony W620, being smaller and lighter, suits street and travel photographers prioritizing compactness and weight savings. Its simpler interface and broader storage format support enhance travel versatility. The Samsung’s slightly longer zoom may tempt users wanting more framing flexibility without swapping lenses.

Battery life is a crucial travel variable: Sony’s rated 220 shots per charge offers a predictable baseline; Samsung’s unknown endurance merits caution.

Macro Photography

Both cameras afford respectable macro capabilities with ~5 cm minimum focus distances. Samsung’s manual focus and stabilization provide tangible advantages in critical focusing and reducing handheld blur. Sony’s absence of stabilization and manual focus handicaps macro shooting precision.

Night and Astro Photography

Extended shutter speeds and high ISO performance are essential. Samsung supports longer shutter speeds (up to 16 seconds) beneficial for night shooting compared to Sony (max 2 seconds). Both suffer from limited ISO latitude and JPEG-only workflow, preventing extensive exposure stacking or noise reduction techniques preferred in astrophotography.

Video Performance

Both cameras shoot HD 720p video with Motion JPEG compression and lack advanced features including 4K capturing, high frame rate modes, or external audio input capability. Samsung includes HDMI output; Sony does not. Samsung stabilizer slightly benefits handheld shooting. Neither is optimal for serious videographers.

Professional Work Considerations

JPEG-only output and limited manual control in both cameras restrict usability in professional workflows demanding raw image capture and refined exposure control. Lens speeds and autofocus precision fail to meet professional sport, wildlife, or event photography standards. File format constraints complicate post-processing flexibility for editors and printing professionals.

Connectivity and Workflow Integration

Connectivity is minimal in these cameras, reflecting their release eras. Samsung offers USB 2.0 and HDMI output but no wireless capability. The Sony W620 lacks HDMI but includes Eye-Fi wireless card support, enabling limited wireless file transfers - a useful feature for integrating with mobile or networked workflows.

Durability and Build Quality

Neither camera is weather sealed, water/dust/shockproof, or freeze resistant, necessitating care in adverse environments. Build materials suggest plasticky compact construction typical of entry-level compacts, impacting long-term durability and professional use reliability.

Price-to-Performance Evaluation

At launch, the Samsung HZ10W listed around $300; Sony W620 priced near $100 introduces substantial cost-saving advantages. Considering the Samsung’s superior zoom range, image stabilization, and manual focus, users prioritizing image quality and creative control may justify the higher investment. Conversely, budget-conscious consumers valuing size, weight, and simplified operation may favor the W620.

Samsung HZ10W front Samsung HZ10W screen back Sony W620 front Sony W620 screen back

Summary Recommendations

• For entry-level photographers seeking maximum zoom flexibility, image stabilization, and manual focusing options in a modestly compact form, the Samsung HZ10W remains a compelling option despite its age. Ideal for wildlife, macro, and controlled portraiture under decent lighting.

• Enthusiasts and travelers prioritizing ultra-compact size, lightweight design, and affordability should consider the Sony W620, acknowledging its limitations in stabilization, zoom range, and overall image quality. Its inclusion of wireless transfer capability can ease workflow integration.

• Neither camera suits advanced professional work requiring raw capture, continuous autofocus, fast burst shooting, or video production fidelity. Those needs exceed capabilities by a significant margin.

• Macro and night photography practitioners will find the Samsung’s longer slow shutter speeds and manual focus superior to Sony’s offerings, although neither fully satisfies demanding low-light requirements.

Through precise consideration of specifications, hands-on operational impressions, and genre-specific performance, this review elucidates the practical trade-offs and capabilities of these two similarly classified but technically disparate compacts. Ultimately, choice hinges on prioritizing zoom reach and shooting control (Samsung HZ10W) versus portability and budget (Sony W620) - defining criteria that experienced photographers must weigh carefully relative to intended photographic applications and workflow preferences.