Samsung HZ30W vs Samsung NX5

Below, we will be contrasting the Samsung HZ30W and Samsung NX5, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and they are both produced by Samsung. The sensor resolution of the HZ30W (12MP) and the NX5 (15MP) is relatively comparable but the HZ30W (1/2.3") and NX5 (APS-C) possess different sensor size.

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The HZ30W was brought out 4 months prior to the NX5 and they are of a similar generation. Both of these cameras come with different body type with the Samsung HZ30W being a Compact camera and the Samsung NX5 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before diving straight into a thorough comparison, below is a concise summation of how the HZ30W matches up against the NX5 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Samsung HZ30W and Samsung NX5. The entire galleries are available at Samsung HZ30W Gallery and Samsung NX5 Gallery.

If you're looking to carry around your camera often, you need to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Samsung HZ30W provides outside dimensions of 107mm x 61mm x 28mm (4.2" x 2.4" x 1.1") accompanied by a weight of 245 grams (0.54 lbs) whilst the Samsung NX5 has dimensions of 123mm x 87mm x 40mm (4.8" x 3.4" x 1.6") having a weight of 499 grams (1.10 lbs).

Take a look at the Samsung HZ30W and Samsung NX5 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you are employing during that time. Following is the front view size comparison of the HZ30W against the NX5.

Using size and weight, the portability score of the HZ30W and NX5 is 91 and 80 respectively.

Often, it is very difficult to picture the contrast in sensor sizes simply by checking out specs. The image underneath will provide you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the HZ30W and NX5.

As you can plainly see, the 2 cameras posses different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The HZ30W due to its smaller sensor is going to make shooting shallow depth of field more difficult and the Samsung NX5 will provide extra detail having its extra 3MP. Higher resolution will allow you to crop photographs somewhat more aggressively.