Samsung HZ15W vs Sony NEX-F3

Its time to look a bit more in depth at the Samsung HZ15W vs Sony NEX-F3, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by brands Samsung and Sony. There exists a sizable gap among the sensor resolutions of the HZ15W (12MP) and NEX-F3 (16MP) and the HZ15W (1/2.3") and NEX-F3 (APS-C) offer totally different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The HZ15W was brought out 4 years earlier than the NEX-F3 and that is a fairly significant difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Both of the cameras have different body design with the Samsung HZ15W being a Compact camera and the Sony NEX-F3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go right into a complete comparison, here is a quick summation of how the HZ15W grades vs the NEX-F3 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Samsung HZ15W & Sony Alpha NEX-F3. The entire galleries are available at Samsung HZ15W Gallery & Sony NEX-F3 Gallery.

When you are planning to carry your camera regularly, you're going to have to think about its weight and size. The Samsung HZ15W has got external dimensions of 105mm x 61mm x 37mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.5") with a weight of 249 grams (0.55 lbs) and the Sony NEX-F3 has specifications of 117mm x 67mm x 42mm (4.6" x 2.6" x 1.7") and a weight of 314 grams (0.69 lbs).

Contrast the Samsung HZ15W vs Sony NEX-F3 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you are employing at that time. Following is a front view overall size comparison of the HZ15W versus the NEX-F3.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the HZ15W and NEX-F3 is 90 and 86 respectively.

Sometimes, it is hard to see the difference in sensor sizing purely by checking out a spec sheet. The photograph here should provide you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the HZ15W and NEX-F3.

As you can see, both of those cameras provide different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The HZ15W featuring a smaller sensor will make achieving shallower depth of field more challenging and the Sony NEX-F3 will show more detail having its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also make it easier to crop pictures more aggressively. The older HZ15W will be behind with regard to sensor innovation.