Comparing Samsung HZ30W vs. WB850F: The Ultimate Small-Sensor Superzoom Showdown

Choosing the right camera can be a daunting journey, especially when the market features two compelling superzoom compacts like the Samsung HZ30W and WB850F. Both pack impressive zoom ranges, user-friendly interfaces, and smart features wrapped in small, travel-friendly bodies. But which one really aligns with your creative ambitions, budget, and practical needs?

Drawing on over 15 years of hands-on testing thousands of cameras, we'll walk you through a detailed comparison of these two devices. From sensor tech to autofocus, image quality to handling - every angle gets covered. We’ll also highlight how each performs in key photography genres, and offer clear recommendations tailored to your unique shooting style.

So let’s dive deep and help you discover if the classic HZ30W or the more modern WB850F deserves a place in your camera bag.

Getting to Know the Samsung HZ30W and WB850F

At first glance, these two cameras appear quite similar - compact superzooms designed for enthusiasts craving long reach without lugging around a DSLR. But look closer and you’ll note meaningful differences.

You can see the WB850F edges forward on sensor resolution, zoom reach, aperture, video specs, and connectivity - all packaged in a similarly sized body.

Physical Design and Handling: Small Cameras, Big Ambitions

Compact superzooms like these rely heavily on handling comfort and user-friendly controls since you’re often shooting on the go.

Both cameras are roughly pocketable, weighing just over 240 grams, with dimensions under 110 mm across - ideal for travel or street use where a lightweight rig reduces fatigue. The HZ30W is slightly thicker (28 mm) than the WB850F (25 mm) but this difference is subtle.

Looking at the control layout, the WB850F offers more modern ergonomics with intuitively placed dials and buttons tailored for quicker access to frequently used settings - aperture priority, ISO, flash modes, etc. The HZ30W's layout is simpler but less ergonomic for rapid adjustments.

Practically speaking, if you value comfortable grip and speedy command interface in bustling conditions, WB850F’s design edges out. However, the HZ30W remains perfectly usable for casual shooting or beginners easing into manual modes.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: CCD vs BSI-CMOS

This is where the WB850F leaps ahead in a fundamental way. The 2010 HZ30W features a 12MP CCD sensor, typical of compact cameras at the time. CCD sensors deliver decent color fidelity but typically lag behind modern CMOS sensors in noise management and speed.

The WB850F sports a 16MP backside-illuminated (BSI) CMOS sensor - a game changer for low light and autofocus responsiveness. BSI sensors improve light gathering by flipping the sensor structure, reducing noise and improving dynamic range.

Despite sharing the same 1/2.3" sensor size (6.17 x 4.55 mm), the image quality gap is tangible, especially as you push higher ISO settings or crop into images. Here’s a direct look at these sensor size and resolution specs:

Real-World Impact

• Portraits: WB850F's higher resolution and better noise control mean crisper skin detail and smoother tonal gradations. CCD sensors in the HZ30W may produce more visible noise at ISO 800 and upwards.
• Landscapes: More megapixels allow WB850F users to crop and print larger while maintaining detail. Dynamic range is also modestly better on WB850F - useful for preserving shadows and highlights.
• Low-Light: WB850F shines thanks to its BSI sensor and wider f/2.8 aperture wide-end lens, bringing improved ISO performance and image clarity.

Lenses and Zoom Range: Reach Your Subject with Confidence

Both cameras feature built-in zoom lenses with versatile focal ranges supporting a variety of shooting applications:

The WB850F’s extended telephoto reach of 483 mm is significant if you enjoy wildlife, birding, or distant sports venues. The slightly faster f/2.8 aperture on the wide end also aids low-light photography and creative depth of field control - particularly useful for portraits or subject isolation.

However, the HZ30W’s 3-cm macro focus distance offers a more intimate close-up capability than WB850F’s 5 cm, potentially better suited for flower or product photography where extreme proximity matters.

Viewing and Interface: Screen Resolution Matters

The rear LCD screen is your window to composing shots and browsing images.

WB850F features a significantly sharper AMOLED screen that provides excellent color reproduction, high contrast, and wider viewing angles - highly beneficial when shooting outdoors in bright light or reviewing photos on the fly.

The HZ30W screen’s low resolution makes previewing finer details and manual focus less confidence-inspiring. While neither camera has a viewfinder, the WB850F’s advanced display makes up for this in part.

Autofocus and Shooting Performance: Tracking Life’s Moments

Accuracy and speed in autofocus define how often you capture decisive moments, especially outdoors or in active scenarios.

Both cameras utilize contrast-detection autofocus systems without phase-detection pixels. But the WB850F enhances focusing with selective AF areas and face detection, while the HZ30W lacks face detection capabilities.

The WB850F’s maximum continuous burst rate of 10 fps blitzes the HZ30W’s lack of burst mode, making it the superior choice for capturing moving subjects such as sports, wildlife, or children at play.

We found WB850F’s autofocus more reliable in mixed lighting and able to track faces smoothly, streamlining portrait and street shots. HZ30W can feel slower, meaning you might miss fleeting moments.

Putting the Cameras to the Test Across Genres

Let’s evaluate how these cameras meet the demands of various photographic genres, based on sensor, lens, autofocus, and operational factors.

Samsung HZ30W front Samsung HZ30W screen back Samsung WB850F front Samsung WB850F screen back

Portrait Photography

• WB850F delivers more pleasing skin tones with richer detail and less noise. Face detection supports eye-level focus, improving sharpness on eyes.
• HZ30W lacks face detection and offers less precise focus controls, which may challenge you in capturing consistently sharp portraits.

Landscape Photography

• WB850F's higher resolution and better dynamic range produce more detailed images with richer tonal gradations in skies and shadows.
• Both cameras have superzoom lenses wide enough for landscapes but wide apertures won’t be a strong suit here. Neither is weather sealed, so exercise caution in rough conditions.

Wildlife Photography

• The WB850F’s longer zoom (up to 483 mm), faster burst shooting, and better autofocus make it the more competent wildlife partner.
• The HZ30W has a respectable zoom range but slower AF and no burst mode make tracking active animals challenging.

Sports Photography

• WB850F's 10fps shooting and dependable AF tracking edge it forward.
• The HZ30W is limited without burst capability and slower focusing under lower light.

Street Photography

• Both cameras are compact enough for discrete shooting.
• The HZ30W’s less conspicuous design and simpler interface might appeal to traditional street shooters.
• The WB850F boasts faster autofocus for dynamic street scenes but might draw more attention.

Macro Photography

• HZ30W focuses closer (3 cm) for better macro detail capture versus WB850F’s 5 cm minimum.
• Optical stabilization on both helps, but don’t expect advanced focus stacking or bracketing features.

Night and Astro Photography

• WB850F strongly outperforms due to superior low-light ISO handling and noiseless images.
• Long exposures (up to 16 seconds on HZ30W vs. 8 seconds on WB850F) are possible, but WB850F’s cleaner images make post-processing easier.

Video Capabilities

• WB850F offers 1080p Full HD recording at 30fps and additional slow-motion modes (240fps and 480fps at low res).
• HZ30W tops out at 720p HD, which may not satisfy videographers aiming for sharper footage.
• Neither have external microphone inputs or headphone jacks, so audio control is limited.

Travel Photography

• Both cameras excel in versatility and size for travel.
• WB850F’s built-in WiFi and GPS aid geotagging and quick sharing, enhancing the travel experience.
• Battery life info is limited but both use proprietary SLB series batteries.

Professional Use

• Neither camera supports RAW capture, a significant limitation for professional workflows.
• Workflow integration leans on JPEG output quality. For pro assignments demanding meticulous editing, these cameras are entry-level tools.

Technical Breakdown: Strengths and Weaknesses

Build Quality and Weather Resistance

• Neither model offers weather sealing or ruggedization.
• Handling is typical compact plastic with a mix of matte and glossy finishes.
• With careful use, they handle day-to-day travel well but avoid harsh environments.

Battery and Storage

• Both use proprietary rechargeable batteries:
  • HZ30W: SLB-11A
  • WB850F: SLB-10A
• Storage expands via standard SD card slots.
• No dual card slots or in-camera charging.

Connectivity Options

• WB850F is more connected with built-in WiFi and GPS - useful for modern workflows.
• HZ30W lacks wireless capabilities entirely.

Price-to-Performance Evaluation

WB850F demands a premium but rewards with clearer images, faster AF, and more features.

Summary of Genre-Specific Strengths

*Street photography preference depends on whether you prioritize stealth (HZ30W) or quick capture (WB850F).

Final Recommendations: Which Superzoom Fits Your Vision?

If you are a beginner or casual shooter on a budget looking for easy zoom and simple controls, the Samsung HZ30W remains a respectable, affordable option. Its straightforward interface and decent image quality suit family events, travel snapshots, and basic macro work.

For enthusiasts or advanced amateurs craving better image quality, faster autofocus, longer reach, and richer features like 1080p video and wireless sharing - the Samsung WB850F is the clear winner. Its sensor technology, advanced AF system, and connectivity will help you expand creative horizons across many genres, especially portraits, wildlife, sports, and travel.

If video is important to you, the WB850F’s Full HD capabilities and higher frame rate options make it well worth the extra investment.

However, if professional RAW files, weather sealing, and external mic/audio options top your must-have list, neither camera fully satisfies these needs. You would then want to look towards entry-level mirrorless or DSLR systems.

Getting the Most Out of Your Samsung Superzoom

Whichever Samsung you pick, investing in a few accessories can elevate your shooting experience:

• Extra batteries and SD cards for extended sessions
• Compact tripods for low-light and macro stability
• Protective cases to shield your camera on adventures
• Lens cleaning kits to maintain image clarity

Wrapping Up Your Choice

Both the Samsung HZ30W and WB850F embody the spirit of portable superzoom photography with subtle but important distinctions. The WB850F’s technological upgrades and comprehensive feature set deliver a notably more versatile and future-proof tool.

Meanwhile, the HZ30W holds its ground as a practical, budget-friendly camera suitable for everyday use and beginners keen on exploring zoom photography without complexity.

Hands-on testing confirms the WB850F's superiority in image quality, autofocus, and video, making it our top recommendation if budget allows – especially for those aiming to broaden their photographic journey.

Check out both cameras in person wherever possible to feel their ergonomics and responsiveness firsthand. Your perfect small-sensor superzoom awaits!

Thank you for trusting our in-depth comparison to guide you. Here’s to capturing stunning photos that inspire your creative vision!

Explore, experiment, and enjoy the art of photography with confidence.