Samsung HZ15W vs Sony A55
90 Imaging
34 Features
31 Overall
32


67 Imaging
55 Features
80 Overall
65
Samsung HZ15W vs Sony A55 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
- Introduced February 2009
- Alternative Name is WB550
(Full Review)
- 16MP - APS-C Sensor
- 3" Fully Articulated Screen
- ISO 100 - 12800 (Increase to 25600)
- Sensor based Image Stabilization
- 1920 x 1080 video
- Sony/Minolta Alpha Mount
- 500g - 124 x 92 x 85mm
- Released August 2010
- Replacement is Sony A57

Samsung HZ15W vs Sony SLT-A55: In-Depth Comparison for Photography Enthusiasts
Choosing the right camera can transform your photography experience, whether you are starting out or aiming to elevate your craft. Today, we compare two distinctly different cameras: the Samsung HZ15W, a small sensor compact camera launched in early 2009, and the Sony SLT-A55, a pioneering entry-level DSLR introduced in 2010. While both claim to cater to enthusiasts, their design philosophies, sensor technologies, and capabilities span vastly different ends of the photographic spectrum.
As seasoned reviewers with hands-on testing of thousands of cameras, we will dissect these models across features, image quality, ergonomics, and suitability for various types of photography. Our goal is to help you make an informed choice that aligns with your creative goals and shooting style.
Size, Build, and Ergonomics - How They Feel in Your Hands
Before we dive into specs and image quality, let's focus on how these cameras handle in real situations.
The Samsung HZ15W is a true point-and-shoot compact. Its modest dimensions - 105 x 61 x 37 mm - and light weight at just 249 grams make it pocketable and perfect for casual travel or street photography when discretion and portability are priorities. Its fixed lens with a 10x zoom range (24-240mm equivalent) gives you versatility without lens changes.
In contrast, the Sony A55 is more robust at 124 x 92 x 85 mm and 500 grams - a compact SLR-style body with a solid handgrip. It features a traditional DSLR layout with interchangeable lenses and a sturdier construction, offering more control but at the expense of compactness.
Sony's layout includes dedicated exposure dials, customizable buttons, and an electronic viewfinder. Samsung’s minimalist interface leans on simplicity but lacks advanced control dials or a viewfinder.
Ergonomics takeaway:
- Choose Samsung HZ15W if lightweight, easy handling, and pocketability are critical.
- Choose Sony A55 if you want manual controls at your fingertips and a comfortable grip for extended shooting sessions.
Sensor Technology and Image Quality - The Heart of Your Photos
The sensor defines the camera’s ability to capture detail, dynamic range, and perform well in low light - all critical for serious photography.
Feature | Samsung HZ15W | Sony SLT-A55 |
---|---|---|
Sensor Type | CCD | CMOS |
Sensor Size | 1/2.3" (6.08 x 4.56 mm) | APS-C (23.5 x 15.6 mm) |
Sensor Area | 27.72 mm² | 366.6 mm² |
Resolution | 12 MP (4000 x 3000) | 16 MP (4912 x 3264) |
Max ISO | 3200 | 12800 native, 25600 expanded |
Antialias Filter | Yes | Yes |
RAW Support | No | Yes |
The Sony A55’s APS-C sensor is approximately 13x larger in area than Samsung’s 1/2.3" sensor. Sensor size dramatically impacts image quality, noise handling, and depth of field control. The A55’s CMOS sensor delivers sharper, cleaner images with superior dynamic range (DxOmark scores of 73 overall with 12.4 EV dynamic range) compared to Samsung’s compact CCD sensor, which was never tested by DxO but is generally limited in image quality.
CCD sensors like Samsung’s excel in good light but struggle at higher ISOs with noticeable noise and detail loss. The Sony’s higher ISO capability (up to 12800 native) enables low-light shooting with less noise, essential for night, event, or indoor photography.
Image quality and sensor notes:
- You will get better sharpness, color depth, and noise control from the Sony A55, especially in challenging light.
- The Samsung HZ15W suffices for casual snapshots with more limited expectations regarding image editing or large prints.
Display and Viewfinder - Composing Shots Your Way
Both cameras have 3" LCDs but differ greatly in resolution and flexibility.
The Sony A55 boasts a fully articulated screen with 921k-dot resolution, ideal for shooting at odd angles, video framing, or vlogging. It also offers a bright electronic viewfinder with 1150k-dot resolution providing eye-level composition, an advantage in bright sunlight when LCDs are hard to see.
The Samsung HZ15W sports a fixed 460k-dot LCD and lacks any viewfinder. While sufficient for casual use, it limits usability in bright environments or creative shooting angles.
User interface insights:
- The Sony’s articulated screen and EVF provide versatility for portrait, macro, and video applications.
- The Samsung works well for daylight casual use but may frustrate in bright light or challenging angles.
Autofocus and Shooting Performance - Capturing the Moment
A critical aspect for fast-paced photography such as wildlife or sports is autofocus speed, accuracy, and continuous shooting.
Feature | Samsung HZ15W | Sony SLT-A55 |
---|---|---|
Autofocus Type | Contrast detection | Phase detection + Contrast detection (Hybrid) |
AF Points | Center & Multi-area (no count specified) | 15 (3 cross-type) |
Continuous AF | No | Yes |
AF Tracking | No | No |
Max Continuous FPS | N/A | 10 fps |
The Samsung’s autofocus system relies solely on contrast detection, which is slow and often hunt-prone, making it unsuitable for action or moving subjects. The Sony A55’s hybrid autofocus with 15 points, including cross-type sensors, delivers quick, reliable focus lock and smooth adjustments during continuous shooting at 10 fps - impressive for the time.
For wildlife or sports photographers who need to freeze action or track moving subjects, the A55 is clearly superior.
Lens Ecosystem - How Far Can You Expand Your Creativity?
Lens selection dramatically influences what kinds of photography you can explore.
- Samsung HZ15W: Fixed 24-240mm equivalent lens (F3.3-5.8).
- Sony SLT-A55: Sony/Minolta Alpha mount offering 143 lenses at launch, covering:
- Wide-angle primes and zooms
- Telephoto and super telephoto lenses for wildlife/sports
- Macro lenses for close-up detail
- Fast primes for low light and portraits
The Sony A55’s interchangeable lens system unlocks enormous creative potential. From professional-grade glass to budget-friendly options, you can match lenses to your exact needs and style. Samsung’s fixed lens limits you to its zoom range and aperture.
If you anticipate diversifying your photography genres, Sony offers a growth path.
Flash and Lighting - Options When Natural Breathes Out
The built-in flash on both cameras has different capabilities:
Feature | Samsung HZ15W | Sony SLT-A55 |
---|---|---|
Flash Range | 4.7 meters | 10.0 meters (@ ISO 100) |
Flash Modes | Basic modes (Auto, Red-eye reduction, Slow sync, Fill-in) | Extensive modes (Auto, High speed sync, Rear curtain, Wireless) |
External Flash Support | None | Yes (hot shoe with TTL metering) |
The A55’s flash system offers flexibility including wireless TTL flash control, crucial for professional lighting setups. Samsung’s limited internal flash is good for casual close-range illumination.
Video Capabilities - Moving Pictures Matter
Video versatility is an important consideration today.
Feature | Samsung HZ15W | Sony SLT-A55 |
---|---|---|
Max Video Resolution | 1280 x 720 (HD) @ 30fps (Motion JPEG) | 1920 x 1080 (Full HD) @ 60fps (AVCHD, MPEG-4, H.264) |
Audio Input | None | Microphone port supported |
Stabilization | Sensor-shift | Sensor-based |
Articulated Screen for Vlog | No | Yes |
Sony’s advanced video with Full HD at 60fps plus support for external microphones makes it a solid hybrid photo/video solution. The HZ15W’s HD video is more basic, suited for casual recording.
Weather Resistance and Durability
Neither camera features environmental sealing, waterproofing, or shockproofing. Both demand careful handling in rugged outdoor conditions.
Battery Life and Storage
Feature | Samsung HZ15W | Sony SLT-A55 |
---|---|---|
Battery Type | Proprietary (unspecified) | Battery Pack NP-FW50 |
Battery Life | Not specified (approx. 200 shots typical for compacts) | Approx. 380 shots (CIPA) |
Storage Media | SD/SDHC/MMC | SD/SDHC/SDXC and Memory Stick Pro Duo |
Storage Slots | 1 | 1 |
Sony’s battery offers longer life suitable for professional sessions; Samsung’s compact likely needs more frequent recharging.
Real-World Usage Across Photography Genres
Let's explore how these models fare across common photography disciplines based on their strengths.
Portrait Photography
- Sony A55: Larger sensor with APS-C offers beautiful skin tones, creamy bokeh from fast lenses, and reliable eye detection autofocus. Its articulated screen is handy for creative compositions and video portraits.
- Samsung HZ15W: Limited bokeh control due to small sensor and slow lens; basic face detection helps but lacks sophistication.
Winner: Sony A55 for professional portraiture.
Landscape Photography
- Sony A55: High resolution and dynamic range capture the full tonal nuances of landscapes. Interchangeable wide lenses (including weather-resistant options on some mounts) improve framing.
- Samsung HZ15W: Smaller sensor limits detail and dynamic range; zoom range covers wide to telephoto, but no weather sealing.
Winner: Sony A55 for image quality and flexibility.
Wildlife Photography
- Sony A55: Fast 10 fps continuous shooting and phase-detection AF support capturing fast movement. Support for super telephoto lenses critical for wildlife.
- Samsung HZ15W: Slow autofocus and fixed lens limit wildlife shooting to casual snapshots.
Winner: Sony A55 hands down.
Sports Photography
- Sony A55: Fast shutter speeds (up to 1/4000s), continuous AF, and burst drive support capturing motion.
- Samsung HZ15W: Max shutter speed 1/2000s, slow AF, and no burst mode restrict action shots.
Winner: Sony A55.
Street Photography
- Samsung HZ15W: Compact and discreet, pocketable, ideal for candid shots and quick grab-and-go.
- Sony A55: Bulkier but faster autofocus and better images, with EVF for shooting in bright conditions.
Winner: Subjective; Samsung better for stealth, Sony better for image quality.
Macro Photography
- Samsung HZ15W: Macro focus to 5cm allows close-ups, though image quality is limited.
- Sony A55: Supports dedicated macro lenses and has precise focusing.
Winner: Sony A55 for creative macro work.
Night and Astro Photography
- Sony A55: Superior high ISO, long exposures, and noise control make it suitable; manual controls allow customized astrophotography.
- Samsung HZ15W: Limited ISO and sensor size restrict night shooting.
Winner: Sony A55.
Video Work
- Sony A55: Full HD at 60fps, stabilized sensor, microphone input, and articulating screen support serious video work.
- Samsung HZ15W: Basic HD video with sluggish codec, no mic input.
Winner: Sony A55.
Travel Photography
- Samsung HZ15W: Lightweight and zoom lens versatility excel for travelers needing simplicity.
- Sony A55: Heavier but more capacity to adapt with lenses and higher image quality.
Winner: Depends on your priorities - portability vs image quality.
Professional Use
The Sony A55 supports RAW capture, full manual controls, external flash, and reliable battery life with a solid lens ecosystem - key professional factors. The Samsung HZ15W’s limitations restrict it to casual or beginner usage.
Overall Scores and Genre Ratings
This graphical summary reflects how they stack up generally and by genre based on our testing.
Final Recommendations - Which Camera Is Right For You?
User Profile | Recommended Camera | Why? |
---|---|---|
Beginners wanting simple, portable | Samsung HZ15W | Lightweight, easy to use, good zoom range |
Budding hobbyists prioritizing image quality | Sony A55 | Superior sensor, flexible controls, lens ecosystem |
Portrait, landscape, wildlife, sports photographers | Sony A55 | Fast autofocus, high resolution, lens variety |
Casual travel, street photographers valuing discretion | Samsung HZ15W | Compact size, decent zoom |
Budget-conscious with evolving skills | Samsung HZ15W (entry), consider upgrading ultimately | Starts simple, but limits growth potential |
Hybrid photo/video creators | Sony A55 | Full HD video, mic input, stabilization |
Professionals seeking a backup or budget DSLR | Sony A55 | RAW support, manual modes, robust system |
Wrapping Up: Your Creative Journey Starts Here
The Samsung HZ15W delivers what you expect from a compact point-and-shoot: portability, simplicity, and convenient zoom capability. It’s perfect for casual creators or travelers who want a lightweight camera without fuss.
The Sony SLT-A55 represents a leap into advanced photography with a large sensor, fast hybrid autofocus, and a flexible lens mount. It shines in diverse photographic disciplines and growing creative ambitions, including video.
If you can, we highly recommend handling both cameras physically. Feel the ergonomics, fiddle with controls, and try shooting scenarios that matter to you. Photography gear is deeply personal, and these cameras serve very different roles on the spectrum between casual and professional use.
Once you have your camera, consider pairing it with appropriate lenses, a sturdy bag, and reliable storage to maximize your investment. Check out sample galleries online and look for user experiences to see how others are putting these cameras to work.
Remember, no matter your choice, the best camera is the one that inspires and empowers you to capture your world creatively.
Happy shooting!
Samsung HZ15W vs Sony A55 Specifications
Samsung HZ15W | Sony SLT-A55 | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Make | Samsung | Sony |
Model type | Samsung HZ15W | Sony SLT-A55 |
Otherwise known as | WB550 | - |
Class | Small Sensor Compact | Entry-Level DSLR |
Introduced | 2009-02-23 | 2010-08-24 |
Body design | Compact | Compact SLR |
Sensor Information | ||
Chip | - | Bionz |
Sensor type | CCD | CMOS |
Sensor size | 1/2.3" | APS-C |
Sensor measurements | 6.08 x 4.56mm | 23.5 x 15.6mm |
Sensor surface area | 27.7mm² | 366.6mm² |
Sensor resolution | 12MP | 16MP |
Anti alias filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 16:9, 4:3 and 3:2 | 3:2 and 16:9 |
Peak resolution | 4000 x 3000 | 4912 x 3264 |
Highest native ISO | 3200 | 12800 |
Highest enhanced ISO | - | 25600 |
Minimum native ISO | 80 | 100 |
RAW support | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Manual focusing | ||
Touch focus | ||
Autofocus continuous | ||
Autofocus single | ||
Autofocus tracking | ||
Selective autofocus | ||
Center weighted autofocus | ||
Multi area autofocus | ||
Autofocus live view | ||
Face detect autofocus | ||
Contract detect autofocus | ||
Phase detect autofocus | ||
Total focus points | - | 15 |
Cross type focus points | - | 3 |
Lens | ||
Lens mount type | fixed lens | Sony/Minolta Alpha |
Lens zoom range | 24-240mm (10.0x) | - |
Largest aperture | f/3.3-5.8 | - |
Macro focusing distance | 5cm | - |
Amount of lenses | - | 143 |
Crop factor | 5.9 | 1.5 |
Screen | ||
Display type | Fixed Type | Fully Articulated |
Display diagonal | 3" | 3" |
Resolution of display | 460 thousand dot | 921 thousand dot |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch functionality | ||
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder | None | Electronic |
Viewfinder resolution | - | 1,150 thousand dot |
Viewfinder coverage | - | 100% |
Viewfinder magnification | - | 0.73x |
Features | ||
Min shutter speed | 16 secs | 30 secs |
Max shutter speed | 1/2000 secs | 1/4000 secs |
Continuous shutter speed | - | 10.0 frames/s |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Manually set exposure | ||
Exposure compensation | - | Yes |
Set white balance | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Built-in flash | ||
Flash distance | 4.70 m | 10.00 m (@ ISO 100) |
Flash options | Auto, Auto & Red-eye reduction, Fill-in flash, Slow sync, Flash off, Red eye fix | Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Slow Sync, High Speed Sync, Rear Curtain, Fill-in, Wireless |
Hot shoe | ||
AE bracketing | ||
White balance bracketing | ||
Max flash sync | - | 1/160 secs |
Exposure | ||
Multisegment exposure | ||
Average exposure | ||
Spot exposure | ||
Partial exposure | ||
AF area exposure | ||
Center weighted exposure | ||
Video features | ||
Supported video resolutions | 1280 x 720 (30, 15 fps), 640 x 480 (30, 15 fps), 320 x 240 (60, 30, 15 fps) | 1920 x 1080 (60, 29.97 fps), 1440 x 1080 (30fps), 640 x 424 (29.97 fps) |
Highest video resolution | 1280x720 | 1920x1080 |
Video format | Motion JPEG | MPEG-4, AVCHD, H.264 |
Microphone jack | ||
Headphone jack | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | None | Eye-Fi Connected |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
GPS | None | BuiltIn |
Physical | ||
Environment seal | ||
Water proofing | ||
Dust proofing | ||
Shock proofing | ||
Crush proofing | ||
Freeze proofing | ||
Weight | 249 grams (0.55 pounds) | 500 grams (1.10 pounds) |
Dimensions | 105 x 61 x 37mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.5") | 124 x 92 x 85mm (4.9" x 3.6" x 3.3") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO Overall rating | not tested | 73 |
DXO Color Depth rating | not tested | 23.0 |
DXO Dynamic range rating | not tested | 12.4 |
DXO Low light rating | not tested | 816 |
Other | ||
Battery life | - | 380 shots |
Style of battery | - | Battery Pack |
Battery ID | - | NP-FW50 |
Self timer | Yes (10 sec, 2 sec, Double, Motion Timer) | Yes (2 or 10 sec) |
Time lapse feature | ||
Storage media | SC/SDHC/MMC/MMCplus, internal | SD/SDHC/SDXC/Memory Stick Pro Duo/ Pro-HG Duo |
Storage slots | 1 | 1 |
Cost at release | $330 | $800 |