Samsung HZ30W vs Sony NEX-F3

In this article, we are analyzing the Samsung HZ30W versus Sony NEX-F3, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by competitors Samsung and Sony. There exists a crucial gap among the resolutions of the HZ30W (12MP) and NEX-F3 (16MP) and the HZ30W (1/2.3") and NEX-F3 (APS-C) possess totally different sensor size.

Pentax 17 Pre-Orders Outperform Expectations by a Landslide

The HZ30W was brought out 3 years earlier than the NEX-F3 which is a fairly serious gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both cameras offer different body type with the Samsung HZ30W being a Compact camera and the Sony NEX-F3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before getting straight into a detailed comparison, below is a concise introduction of how the HZ30W grades versus the NEX-F3 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Samsung HZ30W and Sony Alpha NEX-F3. The entire galleries are available at Samsung HZ30W Gallery and Sony NEX-F3 Gallery.

If you are going to carry around your camera often, you are going to need to think about its weight and size. The Samsung HZ30W enjoys external 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) while the Sony NEX-F3 has specifications of 117mm x 67mm x 42mm (4.6" x 2.6" x 1.7") with a weight of 314 grams (0.69 lbs).

Check the Samsung HZ30W versus Sony NEX-F3 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you use at that moment. Following is the front view size comparison of the HZ30W vs the NEX-F3.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the HZ30W and NEX-F3 is 91 and 86 respectively.

Typically, it's difficult to see the contrast in sensor sizes simply by researching specifications. The picture here should provide you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the HZ30W and NEX-F3.

To sum up, both of the cameras enjoy different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The HZ30W due to its smaller sensor will make getting shallower depth of field harder and the Sony NEX-F3 will render extra detail having its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also allow you to crop photos far more aggressively. The more aged HZ30W will be behind with regard to sensor tech.