Samsung HZ15W vs Sony A58

Below, we are comparing the Samsung HZ15W and Sony A58, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by rivals Samsung and Sony. There exists a huge gap among the image resolutions of the HZ15W (12MP) and A58 (20MP) and the HZ15W (1/2.3") and A58 (APS-C) come with totally different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The HZ15W was announced 5 years prior to the A58 which is a fairly significant gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both of the cameras come with different body type with the Samsung HZ15W being a Compact camera and the Sony A58 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before delving straight into a in-depth comparison, below is a concise highlight of how the HZ15W scores against the A58 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Samsung HZ15W and Sony SLT-A58. The whole galleries are provided at Samsung HZ15W Gallery and Sony A58 Gallery.

In case you're intending to carry around your camera frequently, you'll have to take into account its weight and proportions. The Samsung HZ15W offers outer dimensions of 105mm x 61mm x 37mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.5") having a weight of 249 grams (0.55 lbs) whilst the Sony A58 has measurements of 129mm x 95mm x 78mm (5.1" x 3.7" x 3.1") having a weight of 492 grams (1.08 lbs).

Contrast the Samsung HZ15W and Sony A58 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you select during that time. The following is the front view physical size comparison of the HZ15W compared to the A58.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the HZ15W and A58 is 90 and 68 respectively.

More often than not, it is very hard to visualise the contrast in sensor sizes merely by viewing specs. The image underneath may give you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the HZ15W and A58.

As you can plainly see, the two cameras posses different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The HZ15W having a smaller sensor will make shooting shallower DOF more challenging and the Sony A58 will provide you with more detail with its extra 8 Megapixels. Greater resolution will allow you to crop images somewhat more aggressively. The more aged HZ15W will be behind with regard to sensor innovation.