Samsung HZ30W vs Sony a5100

Below, we will be reviewing the Samsung HZ30W and Sony a5100, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by competitors Samsung and Sony. There is a substantial difference among the image resolutions of the HZ30W (12MP) and a5100 (24MP) and the HZ30W (1/2.3") and a5100 (APS-C) come with totally different sensor sizing.

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The HZ30W was manufactured 5 years before the a5100 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 a5100 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving through a comprehensive comparison, below is a concise introduction of how the HZ30W matches up against the a5100 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Samsung HZ30W & Sony Alpha a5100. The entire galleries are provided at Samsung HZ30W Gallery & Sony a5100 Gallery.

If you're intending to travel with your camera frequently, you're going to have to think about its weight and volume. The Samsung HZ30W offers outer dimensions of 107mm x 61mm x 28mm (4.2" x 2.4" x 1.1") and a weight of 245 grams (0.54 lbs) while the Sony a5100 has sizing of 110mm x 63mm x 36mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.4") along with a weight of 283 grams (0.62 lbs).

Take a look at the Samsung HZ30W and Sony a5100 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you choose at the time. Below is the front view dimension comparison of the HZ30W and the a5100.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability score of the HZ30W and a5100 is 91 and 89 respectively.

Often, it can be tough to envision the contrast in sensor dimensions simply by seeing specifications. The image underneath may give you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the HZ30W and a5100.

To sum up, both of these cameras posses different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The HZ30W featuring a smaller sensor will make achieving shallow DOF trickier and the Sony a5100 will show more detail due to its extra 12MP. Higher resolution will enable you to crop pictures somewhat more aggressively. The more aged HZ30W will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor innovation.