Samsung HZ30W vs Sony A100

Its time to look a little more in depth at the Samsung HZ30W versus Sony A100, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by manufacturers Samsung and Sony. The image resolution of the HZ30W (12MP) and the A100 (10MP) is fairly close but the HZ30W (1/2.3") and A100 (APS-C) enjoy different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The HZ30W was revealed 3 years after the A100 which is a fairly big difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of the cameras come with different body type with the Samsung HZ30W being a Compact camera and the Sony A100 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before going in to a comprehensive comparison, below is a short view of how the HZ30W matches up against the A100 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Samsung HZ30W & Sony Alpha DSLR-A100. The full galleries are viewable at Samsung HZ30W Gallery & Sony A100 Gallery.

If you're aiming to carry around your camera often, you'll need to consider its weight and dimensions. The Samsung HZ30W has exterior dimensions of 107mm x 61mm x 28mm (4.2" x 2.4" x 1.1") along with a weight of 245 grams (0.54 lbs) whilst the Sony A100 has dimensions of 133mm x 95mm x 71mm (5.2" x 3.7" x 2.8") with a weight of 638 grams (1.41 lbs).

Check out the Samsung HZ30W versus Sony A100 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you have chosen at that time. The following is the front view over all size comparison of the HZ30W and the A100.

Using size and weight, the portability grade of the HZ30W and A100 is 91 and 64 respectively.

Usually, it is tough to imagine the difference in sensor sizes purely by viewing a spec sheet. The picture underneath should offer you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the HZ30W and A100.

As you can see, both of the cameras have got different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The HZ30W using its smaller sensor is going to make shooting shallower depth of field more difficult and the Samsung HZ30W will provide you with extra detail because of its extra 2MP. Greater resolution can also help you crop images much more aggressively. The newer HZ30W provides an edge with regard to sensor innovation.