Samsung HZ30W vs Sony NEX-5

Lets examine more closely at the Samsung HZ30W versus Sony NEX-5, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by manufacturers Samsung and Sony. The image resolution of the HZ30W (12MP) and the NEX-5 (14MP) is relatively similar but the HZ30W (1/2.3") and NEX-5 (APS-C) possess different sensor sizes.

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The HZ30W was brought out 4 months earlier than the NEX-5 which means that they are both of a similar generation. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Samsung HZ30W being a Compact camera and the Sony NEX-5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before diving through a comprehensive comparison, below is a brief view of how the HZ30W scores against the NEX-5 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Samsung HZ30W and Sony Alpha NEX-5. The entire galleries are available at Samsung HZ30W Gallery and Sony NEX-5 Gallery.

In case you're intending to carry your camera frequently, you'll have to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Samsung HZ30W has got outer 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) and the Sony NEX-5 has dimensions of 111mm x 59mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") and a weight of 287 grams (0.63 lbs).

Compare the Samsung HZ30W versus Sony NEX-5 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you have attached at that time. Following is the front view over all size comparison of the HZ30W and the NEX-5.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the HZ30W and NEX-5 is 91 and 89 respectively.

Quite often, it's difficult to visualize the difference between sensor sizing simply by reading specs. The graphic here should give you a far better sense of the sensor sizes in the HZ30W and NEX-5.

All in all, both cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The HZ30W featuring a tinier sensor is going to make getting bokeh tougher and the Sony NEX-5 will offer you more detail having its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will also enable you to crop photographs a little more aggressively.