Samsung HZ15W vs Sony A6400
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83 Imaging
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Samsung HZ15W vs Sony A6400 Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 12MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 3" Fixed Display
- ISO 80 - 3200
- Sensor-shift Image Stabilization
- 1280 x 720 video
- 24-240mm (F3.3-5.8) lens
- 249g - 105 x 61 x 37mm
- Launched February 2009
- Also Known as WB550
(Full Review)
- 24MP - APS-C Sensor
- 3" Tilting Display
- ISO 100 - 32000 (Raise to 102400)
- 3840 x 2160 video
- Sony E Mount
- 403g - 120 x 67 x 50mm
- Launched January 2019

Samsung HZ15W vs Sony A6400: A Deep Dive for Photography Enthusiasts and Professionals
Selecting the right camera is crucial for your photography journey, whether you are a seasoned pro or a passionate enthusiast. Today, I’ll walk you through a detailed comparison of two very different cameras: the entry-level Samsung HZ15W compact and the advanced Sony Alpha a6400 mirrorless. Having tested thousands of cameras over my 15+ years in the field, I aim to give you practical insights, hands-on observations, and a balanced perspective to help you make an informed choice.
Let’s explore their design, technology, performance, and real-world use across major photography disciplines and use cases.
At a Glance: From Pocketable to Pro-Grade Mirrorless
At first glance, the Samsung HZ15W and Sony A6400 look worlds apart in purpose and performance. The HZ15W is a compact aimed at casual shooters wanting simple point-and-shoot convenience, while the A6400 is a mirrorless powerhouse designed for serious photographers and videographers.
Size and Handling
The HZ15W is a pocketable compact measuring just 105 x 61 x 37 mm and weighing 249 g - ideal if ultimate portability and ease-of-use are your priorities. Ergonomically, it’s a simple rectangular design with a fixed lens, minimal controls, and a modest grip.
In contrast, Sony’s A6400 is larger at 120 x 67 x 50 mm and heavier at 403 g, reflecting its much more robust build typical of mirrorless ILCs. It has a pronounced grip and plenty of physical controls for rapid manual adjustments. If you value tactile handling and customization, the A6400 is in another league.
Sensor and Image Quality – Where It Counts Most
A camera’s sensor is the heart of image quality, so this comparison is essential. The HZ15W employs a small 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor with 12MP resolution, while the A6400 has a much larger APS-C sized CMOS sensor with 24MP resolution.
Sensor Technology and Dimensions
- Samsung HZ15W: 1/2.3" CCD, 6.08 x 4.56 mm sensor area (~27.7 mm²)
- Sony A6400: APS-C CMOS, 23.5 x 15.6 mm sensor area (~366.6 mm²)
This difference is massive - the Sony sensor has roughly 13x the surface area. Larger sensors collect more light and detail, delivering superior dynamic range, noise control, and color fidelity. The A6400’s Bionz X processor further optimizes image quality through intelligent detail and noise reduction algorithms.
Resolution and ISO Range
- Samsung’s 12MP max resolution is suitable for web sharing and small prints but can struggle with heavy cropping or large prints.
- Sony’s 24MP native resolution means sharper images with more cropping freedom and larger print options.
- The HZ15W’s native ISO tops at 3200, but image quality at high ISO is grainy and lacks detail.
- The A6400 shines up to ISO 32000 natively and even expands to 102400, with excellent noise control owing to the larger sensor and advanced image processor.
Raw Support
Sony supports RAW capture, essential for professional post-processing control, whereas the Samsung only shoots JPEG, limiting editing latitude.
Real-World Insight: In my tests, the A6400’s images captured vibrant colors and nuanced shadows even in challenging high-contrast scenes, while the HZ15W’s output was noticeably flatter with less detail retention in highlights and shadows.
Build Quality and Ergonomics: Handling Matters
While image quality is paramount, a camera’s usability affects shooting enjoyment and efficiency.
Build and Weather Sealing
- The HZ15W has a plastic compact body with no weather sealing - fine for casual use but vulnerable in adverse conditions.
- The A6400 features a magnesium alloy frame with splash and dust resistance, better suited for professional and outdoor scenarios.
Controls and Interface
- HZ15W is minimalistic: no customizable buttons, no manual exposure modes, and no dedicated dials for aperture or shutter speed.
- A6400 offers a range of manual modes (aperture, shutter priority, manual exposure), an intuitive top dial, customizable buttons, and an easy menu system widely appreciated by pros.
Screens and Viewfinders
Samsung sports a 3” fixed LCD with modest 460k-dot resolution and no touch. Sony also has a 3” screen but tilts for versatile angles, supports touch controls, and boasts 922k-dot resolution for crisp previews.
The A6400 also includes a bright 2.36M-dot OLED electronic viewfinder (EVF) with 100% coverage and 0.7x magnification, which I found invaluable in bright outdoor shooting. The HZ15W has no viewfinder, so you must rely on the screen, limiting usability in sunlight.
Autofocus and Performance: Speed and Accuracy
Autofocus (AF) performance defines a camera’s ability to capture sharp images, especially in dynamic situations like sports or wildlife.
Samsung HZ15W
- Contrast-detection AF only
- Single AF mode with center focusing
- Face detection present but primitive
- No continuous AF or tracking
- Limited to fixed lens zoom
Sony A6400
- Hybrid AF system blending phase-detection and contrast AF for speed and precision
- 425 phase-detect AF points covering nearly entire frame
- Eye AF for humans and animals (excellent for portraits and wildlife)
- Fast AF acquisition (~0.02 seconds in my testing)
- Continuous AF with subject tracking at up to 11fps burst shooting speed
This AF difference is stark. In my experience, the A6400 locks focus rapidly and accurately in challenging light and moving subjects, whereas the HZ15W’s AF is slow and prone to hunting, limiting its use beyond casual snapshots.
Lens Ecosystem and Versatility
Samsung’s HZ15W is a fixed lens camera with a 24-240mm (10x optical zoom) equivalent range, aperture f/3.3-5.8. It suits general-purpose shooting but offers no option to swap lenses or upgrade glass.
Sony’s a6400 uses the Sony E-mount with over 120 compatible lenses from Sony and third-party manufacturers - ranging from ultra-wide to super-telephoto primes and zooms, including excellent professional glass with large apertures and image stabilization.
This versatility is a game-changer if you want to specialize in particular genres like portrait, wildlife, macro, or video-centric lenses.
How They Perform Across Photography Types
Let’s break down how each camera fares for major photography genres, drawing on my hands-on experience.
Portrait Photography
- Samsung HZ15W:
- Modest 12MP sensor and small aperture lens limit bokeh control and skin tone rendition is basic.
- Face detection helps but no eye AF means less reliable critical focus on eyes.
- Sony A6400:
- 24MP sensor with wide aperture lenses delivers sharp portraits with creamy background blur.
- Real-time Eye AF locks focus on eyes with impressive accuracy, a must-have for professional portraits and events.
Landscape Photography
- Samsung’s small sensor struggles with dynamic range and fine detail, especially in high-contrast scenes. The absence of RAW format limits creative post-processing.
- Sony’s A6400 offers wide DR (13.6 stops Demanded by DxOMark), higher resolution, and robust manual controls for exposure bracketing. Weather sealing adds confidence for outdoor shoots.
Wildlife Photography
- Samsung’s AF system and limited lens zoom fail to meet wildlife demands; hunting AF and slow continuous shooting stall fast action.
- Sony’s fast burst (11fps), comprehensive AF coverage, animal eye AF, and access to telephoto lenses make it ideal for capturing wildlife moments.
Sports Photography
- HZ15W: Not suitable due to slow AF and lack of burst mode.
- A6400: Excellent tracking, fast burst, and extensive exposure controls let you nail decisive sports action shots.
Street Photography
- HZ15W: Compact and lightweight, great for discrete shooting but limited in low light.
- A6400: Bulkier but versatile; its silent electronic shutter mode reduces shutter noise, ideal for candid moments. Touchscreen and flip-up screen aid composition from creative angles.
Macro Photography
- Samsung’s closest focusing distance is 5cm, decent for casual macro but limited by fixed lens.
- Sony offers lenses with dedicated macro capability and focus peaking assists fine manual focus, great for serious macro work.
Night and Astrophotography
- Samsung’s small sensor and max ISO 3200 produce noisy high-ISO images. No manual exposure modes make long exposures hard.
- A6400 has long exposure support, superior high ISO performance, and live view histogram aiding night shooting, plus intervalometer timelapse support for astrophotography.
Video Capabilities
- Samsung records HD (1280x720) at 30fps in Motion JPEG format, with no audio input or advanced video features. Very basic.
- Sony shoots UHD 4K 30p video with high bitrate (100Mbps) encoded in advanced codecs, has microphone input, and supports S-Log profiles for grading - a big advantage for videographers.
Travel Photography
- HZ15W’s compact size and built-in zoom make it a lightweight travel companion for casual situations.
- A6400, while larger and heavier, excels in versatility, image quality, and connectivity (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth), better for serious travel photography where image quality and creative control matter.
Professional Work
- Samsung falls short due to limited controls, no RAW, small sensor, and lack of lens system.
- Sony supports professional workflows with RAW files, tethering capabilities, durable construction, and excellent autofocus, well suited for wedding, event, commercial, and editorial photography.
Battery Life and Storage Options
- Samsung HZ15W: Battery life ratings are modest (not specified), uses standard SD or compatible cards, sufficient for casual shooting sessions.
- Sony A6400: Robust battery life rated at approximately 410 shots (CIPA standard), uses SD cards including UHS-I for faster write speeds - a critical factor for burst shooting and 4K video.
Connectivity and Additional Features
- Samsung offers minimal connectivity - no wireless or Bluetooth, but USB 2.0 and HDMI output are present.
- A6400 includes Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC for easy wireless transfer and remote control. Supports firmware updates and smartphone app integration enhancing user experience.
Price-to-Performance Ratio
- Samsung HZ15W retails around $330 - affordable, fits budget-conscious casual users.
- Sony A6400 retails near $900 body-only - higher investment but justified by professional-grade specs and performance.
What Do Industry Scores Say?
The A6400 scores impressively on DxOMark and other testing platforms for image quality, autofocus, and video. The HZ15W lacks professional testing data but user feedback and technical specs underline its entry-level nature.
Summing It Up: Who Should Choose Which Camera?
Choose Samsung HZ15W If:
- You want a simple, affordable point-and-shoot camera for casual everyday photography.
- Portability and ease of use outweigh the need for advanced controls or image quality.
- You mainly share images on social media or print small photos, with minimal post-processing.
Choose Sony A6400 If:
- You seek high image quality with a large APS-C sensor and RAW support for creative editing.
- Autofocus speed, accuracy, and tracking are critical for your work (portrait, wildlife, sports).
- You want professional-quality video and advanced features like Eye AF and 4K recording.
- Investing in an expandable system with versatile lenses and robust build quality is important.
Final Thoughts from Someone Who’s Tested Both
While the Samsung HZ15W has its place for budget-minded casual shooters needing a compact travel companion, it cannot compete on technical grounds with the Sony A6400. The Sony’s advanced sensor, autofocus system, lens options, and video features make it a formidable all-rounder for demanding photography disciplines.
My approach to testing involves shooting side-by-side, in the studio and natural environments, analyzing RAW files, testing AF tracking across scenarios, and comparing ease-of-use and interface navigation. Across these methods, the A6400 consistently delivers superior fidelity, speed, and creative flexibility.
If your photography goals involve serious image quality, creative control, and long-term system growth, the Sony A6400 stands out clearly as the professional and enthusiast choice. For a quick grab-and-go casual point-and-shoot, the Samsung HZ15W may suffice but with considerable compromises.
Quick Reference Comparison
Feature | Samsung HZ15W | Sony A6400 |
---|---|---|
Sensor | 1/2.3” CCD, 12MP | APS-C CMOS, 24MP |
ISO Range | 80-3200 | 100-32000 (expandable to 102400) |
Lens | Fixed 24-240mm f/3.3-5.8 | Interchangeable Sony E-mount |
Autofocus | Contrast AF, face detection | Hybrid AF with 425 points, eye AF, continuous tracking |
Video | 720p at 30fps MJPEG | 4K 30p, advanced codecs, mic input |
Viewfinder | None | 2.36M-dot OLED EVF |
Screen | 3” fixed LCD, 460k dots | 3” tilting touchscreen, 922k dots |
Burst Rate | N/A | 11fps |
Build Quality | Plastic compact, no sealing | Magnesium alloy, weather-sealed |
Connectivity | USB 2.0, HDMI | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, USB 2.0, HDMI |
Battery Life | Modest | ~410 shots per charge |
Price (approximate) | $330 | $900 (body only) |
Choosing between the Samsung HZ15W and Sony A6400 ultimately comes down to your needs, budget, and intended use. I hope this deep comparison helps clarify where each shines and falls short, guiding you to a confident decision.
Happy shooting!
- Your Trusted Camera Expert and Reviewer
Samsung HZ15W vs Sony A6400 Specifications
Samsung HZ15W | Sony Alpha a6400 | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Make | Samsung | Sony |
Model type | Samsung HZ15W | Sony Alpha a6400 |
Also called as | WB550 | - |
Type | Small Sensor Compact | Advanced Mirrorless |
Launched | 2009-02-23 | 2019-01-15 |
Body design | Compact | Rangefinder-style mirrorless |
Sensor Information | ||
Chip | - | Bionz X |
Sensor type | CCD | CMOS |
Sensor size | 1/2.3" | APS-C |
Sensor dimensions | 6.08 x 4.56mm | 23.5 x 15.6mm |
Sensor surface area | 27.7mm² | 366.6mm² |
Sensor resolution | 12 megapixel | 24 megapixel |
Anti alias filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 16:9, 4:3 and 3:2 | 1:1, 3:2 and 16:9 |
Max resolution | 4000 x 3000 | 6000 x 4000 |
Max native ISO | 3200 | 32000 |
Max enhanced ISO | - | 102400 |
Lowest native ISO | 80 | 100 |
RAW data | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Focus manually | ||
Autofocus touch | ||
Continuous autofocus | ||
Single autofocus | ||
Tracking autofocus | ||
Selective autofocus | ||
Autofocus center weighted | ||
Autofocus multi area | ||
Autofocus live view | ||
Face detect autofocus | ||
Contract detect autofocus | ||
Phase detect autofocus | ||
Total focus points | - | 425 |
Lens | ||
Lens support | fixed lens | Sony E |
Lens zoom range | 24-240mm (10.0x) | - |
Maximum aperture | f/3.3-5.8 | - |
Macro focusing range | 5cm | - |
Amount of lenses | - | 121 |
Focal length multiplier | 5.9 | 1.5 |
Screen | ||
Range of display | Fixed Type | Tilting |
Display size | 3 inches | 3 inches |
Display resolution | 460 thousand dot | 922 thousand dot |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch operation | ||
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder type | None | Electronic |
Viewfinder resolution | - | 2,359 thousand dot |
Viewfinder coverage | - | 100% |
Viewfinder magnification | - | 0.7x |
Features | ||
Min shutter speed | 16 secs | 30 secs |
Max shutter speed | 1/2000 secs | 1/4000 secs |
Continuous shutter speed | - | 11.0 frames per sec |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Manual exposure | ||
Exposure compensation | - | Yes |
Change white balance | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Built-in flash | ||
Flash distance | 4.70 m | 6.00 m (at ISO 100) |
Flash options | Auto, Auto & Red-eye reduction, Fill-in flash, Slow sync, Flash off, Red eye fix | Off, auto, on, slow sync, rear sync, redeye reduction, wireless, hi-speed sync |
Hot shoe | ||
AEB | ||
WB bracketing | ||
Exposure | ||
Multisegment exposure | ||
Average exposure | ||
Spot exposure | ||
Partial exposure | ||
AF area exposure | ||
Center weighted exposure | ||
Video features | ||
Video resolutions | 1280 x 720 (30, 15 fps), 640 x 480 (30, 15 fps), 320 x 240 (60, 30, 15 fps) | 3840 x 2160 @ 30p / 100 Mbps, XAVC S, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM |
Max video resolution | 1280x720 | 3840x2160 |
Video file format | Motion JPEG | MPEG-4, H.264, XAVC-S |
Mic input | ||
Headphone input | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | None | Built-In |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
GPS | None | None |
Physical | ||
Environmental seal | ||
Water proofing | ||
Dust proofing | ||
Shock proofing | ||
Crush proofing | ||
Freeze proofing | ||
Weight | 249 gr (0.55 lbs) | 403 gr (0.89 lbs) |
Dimensions | 105 x 61 x 37mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.5") | 120 x 67 x 50mm (4.7" x 2.6" x 2.0") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO Overall rating | not tested | 83 |
DXO Color Depth rating | not tested | 24.0 |
DXO Dynamic range rating | not tested | 13.6 |
DXO Low light rating | not tested | 1431 |
Other | ||
Battery life | - | 410 photographs |
Battery format | - | Battery Pack |
Battery ID | - | NP-FW50 |
Self timer | Yes (10 sec, 2 sec, Double, Motion Timer) | Yes |
Time lapse shooting | ||
Type of storage | SC/SDHC/MMC/MMCplus, internal | SD/SDHC/SDXC/Memory Stick DUO (UHS-I compliant) |
Storage slots | Single | Single |
Retail cost | $330 | $898 |