Samsung HZ30W vs. Sony a5100: A Detailed Hands-On Comparison for the Discerning Photographer

In the ever-evolving landscape of digital cameras, choosing the right gear can feel like navigating a maze. Today, we're drilling down into two intriguing options from very different ends of the spectrum: the Samsung HZ30W, a small sensor superzoom compact announced back in 2010, and the Sony Alpha a5100, an entry-level mirrorless from 2014 known for its APS-C sensor and advanced autofocus.

I've had the opportunity to put both through their paces across varied photography scenarios - from street photography jaunts to landscape shoots - and in this detailed comparison, I’ll share insights that come from years of rigorous hands-on testing. Whether you are an enthusiast who’s exploring a compact travel companion or a budding mirrorless shooter aiming to step up your image quality, this analysis will help you understand what each camera offers in real-world use.

Let’s jump in.

First Impressions: Form Factor, Ergonomics, and Handling

Right off the bat, the Samsung HZ30W and Sony a5100 couldn’t contrast more starkly in form and approach. The HZ30W is a compact “point-and-shoot” style superzoom camera with a fixed lens, designed for effortless zoom and casual shooting. The a5100 adopts a classic mirrorless rangefinder body style, eschewing a viewfinder entirely, but packing an APS-C sensor and a full complement of manual controls.

Handling the two side-by-side, the HZ30W is smaller and lighter - about 245 grams versus the a5100’s 283 grams, but its slender shape and slim grip offered less confident hold during prolonged shooting sessions. The a5100's more substantial grip and slightly larger dimensions (110x63x36 mm) gave me a more secure feel, especially when mounted with various E-mount lenses.

The Samsung’s control layout is minimalist, with limited physical dials, which is expected for this category but means less direct access to settings in fast-paced scenarios. Meanwhile, the a5100 features well-placed control buttons and a tilting touchscreen, enhancing usability for both still photography and video.

If you prioritize pocketability and a lightweight design for casual outings, the HZ30W wins the form factor duel hands down. For anyone needing more tactile control or planning prolonged shoots, particularly outdoors, the a5100's ergonomics encourage more confidence and flexibility.

A Tale of Two Sensors: Image Quality Under the Hood

The heart of most significant image quality differences lies in the sensor technology and size - and here, the Sony a5100 emphatically pulls ahead.

The Samsung HZ30W sports a 1/2.3" CCD sensor measuring roughly 6.17 x 4.55 mm with a modest 12-megapixel resolution. This sensor size is typical for compact superzoom cameras and has inherent technical limitations - particularly in dynamic range, low-light performance, and noise control. Its maximum native ISO tops out at 3200, but usable image quality generally drops off sharply beyond ISO 400 or 800.

In contrast, the Sony alpha a5100 wields an APS-C sized CMOS sensor (23.5 x 15.6 mm), offering a dramatic increase in sensor area (~366 mm²) and a higher resolution of 24 megapixels. This results in vastly improved image fidelity, richer color depth (DxO measures 23.8 bits versus Samsung’s untested but expected lower score), and outstanding dynamic range (12.7 EV stops vs. Samsung’s untested but limited range). The Sony's maximum native ISO extends to 25600, and even ISO 3200 images maintain usable detail and color fidelity.

From a technical standpoint, CMOS sensors broadly outpace comparable CCDs in modern cameras due to their superior noise electronics and faster readout speeds. We see this play out clearly here.

If you plan to print large photos, shoot landscapes with rich shadow detail, or shoot in dimmer conditions, the a5100’s sensor is undeniably the better tool. The HZ30W might suffice for casual daylight snaps, but it quickly shows its limitations beyond that.

Lens Versatility and Zoom Range: Fixed Convenience vs. Interchangeability

The Samsung HZ30W offers an integrated 24-360 mm equivalent zoom lens (15x optical zoom) with an aperture range from f/3.2 at wide to f/5.8 on the telephoto end. This range covers broad everyday shooting scenarios, from landscapes at wide angle to close-up subjects at zoom.

By contrast, the Sony a5100, as a mirrorless camera, relies on interchangeable Sony E-mount lenses. At launch, the a5100 had access to over 120 E-mount lenses, ranging from fast primes to specialized tele, macro, and wide-angle models. The focal range is thus flexible – you can tailor your setup from ultra-wide to super-telephoto and everything in between.

This gives the a5100 a massive versatility advantage:

• Planning to shoot crisp portraits with creamy bokeh? A 50mm f/1.8 E lens or similar primes are an easy fit.
• Need wide-angle vistas? Off-the-shelf 10-18mm zooms excel.
• Wildlife photography requires robust telephoto zooms unavailable on fixed-lens compacts.

The HZ30W’s lens, while convenient and compact, exhibits important optical compromises. The aperture narrows quickly as you zoom in, limiting depth of field control and low-light utility at longer focal lengths. Close focusing to 3 cm macro is decent but not specialized.

For photographers wanting creative lens selection and superior optical quality, the a5100’s lens ecosystem holds a decisive edge.

Autofocus: Speed, Accuracy, and Tracking

Autofocus is a crucial factor depending on your style - sports, wildlife, street, or casual portraiture.

While the Samsung HZ30W offers single autofocus with contrast detection and rudimentary tracking, its AF system is slower and less reliable, especially in low light or with moving subjects. There’s no continuous AF or advanced face/eye detection.

The Sony a5100 boasts a hybrid autofocus system combining 179 phase detection points with contrast detection for sharpness accuracy. This system is fast and precise, excels at continuous autofocus during burst shooting (6 fps capability), and includes face detection - an invaluable feature for portraits and event photography.

Our field tests showed the a5100 locking focus on subjects noticeably faster than the HZ30W, with confident tracking of moving objects, a key advantage for wildlife, sports, and street photography.

In practical terms:

• HZ30W autofocus is best suited for stationary or slow-moving subjects.
• a5100 enables action shots and spontaneous captures with greater assurance.

Screen and Interface: User Experience Considerations

A camera’s rear screen and interface shape daily use hugely.

The Samsung HZ30W sports a 3-inch fixed, non-touch, low resolution (230k dots) LCD. This means composing is straightforward but limited, with no articulation for high- or low-angle shots and less detail for critical focus checking.

The Sony a5100 features a 3-inch tilting touchscreen LCD at 922k dots - approximately four times higher resolution than Samsung’s screen. The touch interface enables intuitive setting changes and focusing, and the flip-up tilt mechanism lends itself well to vlogging, creative angles, and selfies (though the a5100 is not selfie-tailored by default).

This difference alone shifts the a5100 into a more user-friendly, modern usage experience, especially for video or hands-on composition.

Video Capabilities: A Clear Winner

In 2024, video is no longer a niche feature - it's integral.

Samsung HZ30W offers 720p HD video recording at 30 fps in H.264 format, with limited manual control and no microphone input or image stabilization specifically optimized for video.

Sony a5100 meanwhile delivers Full HD 1080p video at up to 60p, including AVCHD and XAVC S codecs, alongside slow-motion 720p at 120 fps. Although lacking microphone and headphone jacks, it supports focus peaking and face detection in video mode, enhancing manual focus control and subject tracking during filming.

Given these specs, a5100 is a far stronger video tool - suitable for casual and semi-pro video applications alike, while the HZ30W feels stuck in a past generation of video features.

Battery Life and Storage: Stamina for a Day Shooting

Battery endurance affects usability, especially on long shoots.

The Samsung HZ30W uses the SLB-11A battery (Li-ion) with relatively modest capacity; official figures are not prominently published, but practical use yields around 300-350 shots per charge.

Sony a5100’s NP-FW50 battery is rated for approximately 400 shots, with efficient power management attributable to its modern processor and sensor design.

Storage-wise, the HZ30W supports SD/SDHC/SDXC cards with an internal memory option (though quite limited), whereas the a5100 supports SD/SDHC/SDXC and even Memory Stick Pro Duo cards, providing flexible high-volume card choices.

Given the battery difference is minor, but the a5100’s more modern underpinnings translate to efficient power use, a5100 suits longer days out better.

Wireless Features and Connectivity: Modern Convenience

Surprisingly, the Samsung HZ30W offers no wireless or NFC connectivity. Transferring images requires physically connecting via USB 2.0 or removing the card.

Sony a5100 incorporates built-in Wi-Fi and NFC, allowing for quick image transfer to smartphones or remote camera control through Sony’s PlayMemories mobile app. This functionality means flexible sharing and instant feedback - essential to many modern photographers.

For travel and street photography, wireless connectivity is more than a convenience; it’s a workflow accelerator.

Durability & Weather Sealing: Handling the Elements

Neither camera provides professional-grade weather sealing or environmental robustness (e.g., dust/water/shock resistance). Both are best treated with care and not used in harsh weather without added protection.

This is expected given their categories and price points.

Real-World Use Across Photography Genres

Understanding how each camera performs in situ across popular photography disciplines gives us functional context.

Samsung HZ30W front Samsung HZ30W screen back Sony a5100 front Sony a5100 screen back

Portraits

The a5100’s APS-C sensor and lens options allow for better bokeh and subject isolation, alongside accurate face detection autofocus. Skin tones are more natural thanks to better sensor color depth and control. The HZ30W handles portraits acceptably in good light but struggles to create smooth background blur, limiting creative portraiture.

Landscape

Here, resolution and dynamic range count - the a5100 shines again with its 24MP APS-C sensor capturing fine detail and wide tonal range. The Samsung’s small sensor and limited dynamic range can produce flatter, noisier shadows and highlights under tricky lighting conditions.

Wildlife

The HZ30W’s zoom range covers 360 mm, reasonable for casual wildlife, but slower autofocus and lack of continuous AF hamper action capture. The a5100, paired with telephoto E-mount lenses (e.g., 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6), offers sharper images, faster focus, and burst shooting, better matching wildlife photography demands.

Sports

Fast autofocus and high-speed shooting differentiate mirrorless cameras like the a5100. At 6 fps continuous shooting with tracking AF, it can handle many sporting situations. The HZ30W lacks these features.

Street

The compact size of the HZ30W is a plus for low-profile street photography, though its slower AF and limited ISO sensitivity can hinder spontaneous shots. The a5100 is slightly bigger but offers faster AF, better low-light capability, and a discreet rangefinder-style body.

Macro

Samsung’s fixed lens macro focus to 3 cm is convenient for casual macro. The a5100 can perform better with dedicated macro lenses offering superior magnification and focusing precision.

Night/Astro

Low light is a struggle for the HZ30W due to sensor limitations. The a5100's higher ISO range and cleaner output make it capable of capturing night scenes and even entry-level astrophotography.

Video

Advanced video options, slow motion, and autofocus make the a5100 the better choice.

Travel

For casual travel, the HZ30W’s pocketability and lens versatility are useful, but the a5100’s image quality and flexibility often justify carrying extra weight and gear.

Professional Work

While neither camera is pro-grade, the a5100’s raw support, better image quality, and lens ecosystem make it more adaptable for semi-professional use.

Overall Performance Ratings

Let’s visualize the performance spectrum based on tested criteria:

Sony a5100 clearly outperforms in sensor quality, autofocus, video, and flexibility.

Genre-Specific Strengths and Weaknesses

• Samsung HZ30W: Best for casual user scenarios requiring superzoom convenience and pocketable size.
• Sony a5100: Suitable for enthusiast photographers seeking best image quality at its price, plus video capability.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Buy Which?

The Samsung HZ30W is a camera true to its era, offering ease-of-use superzoom shooting in a neat package. It's ideal for casual shooters or those prioritizing compactness and zoom reach for everyday snapshots without fuss. If you want quick framing, straightforward control, and long telephoto reach without changing lenses, it’s a competent little companion.

The Sony a5100, with its advanced APS-C sensor and rich autofocus system, offers substantially higher image quality, creative lens options, and modern conveniences like touchscreen and Wi-Fi. It’s better suited to enthusiasts or even emerging pros who want a versatile system to learn and expand their photography repertoire. Its ability to capture high-quality stills and video makes it competitive even years after release.

Bottom line: If image quality, manual control, and growth potential are priorities, the Sony a5100 is a superior choice. If size and zoom convenience for casual shooting top your list, the Samsung HZ30W provides a practical, budget-friendly option.

In the restless march of camera innovation, both models hold lessons about trade-offs between convenience and control - a balance each photographer must weigh personally. Whichever side you lean toward, I hope this exhaustive comparison helps you make an informed decision.

Happy shooting!