Samsung HZ30W vs Sony HX80

Choosing your next camera is an exciting step, especially when comparing versatile superzoom compacts like the Samsung HZ30W and the Sony Cyber-shot HX80. Both are geared toward photographers hungry for zoom reach and portability, but they hail from different eras of technology and design philosophies. Our in-depth comparison breaks down their capabilities, technical nuances, and real-life performance so you can confidently decide which aligns best with your creative aspirations.

Compact Superzoom Showdown: Samsung HZ30W versus Sony HX80 - First Impressions

When you hold these two cameras side by side, size and feel tell an interesting story. Both weigh approximately 245 grams, but their physical dimensions diverge slightly. The Samsung HZ30W sports a slimmer design at 107x61x28 mm, while the Sony HX80 hits 102x58x36 mm with a chunkier body depth.

• Samsung HZ30W: Slimmer and pocket-friendly, favorable for those who prioritize easy carryover during travel or street photography.
• Sony HX80: Slightly deeper grip area, which improves hand comfort for extended shoots, especially when zoomed in.

This initial ergonomics glance already hints at suitability for different uses. The Samsung leans toward a grab-and-go mindset, while the Sony embraces a more substantial feel for deliberate shooting. Both have fixed lenses which we’ll explore in detail shortly.

Handling and Control Layout - Navigating Your Creative Toolkit

The control schemes on these cameras reveal their target user groups and usability. The Samsung HZ30W embodies simplicity with fewer buttons, favoring beginners or casual shooters:

• No dedicated manual focus ring; manual focus is menu-driven.
• Minimal physical dials but includes aperture and shutter priority modes, which is unusual for compacts at this level.
• LCD dominates the back, with fixed positioning limits compositional flexibility.
• Lack of electronic viewfinder means framing in bright light can sometimes be challenging.

By contrast, the Sony HX80 provides a more comprehensive set of controls:

• Tilting 3-inch LCD at 921K dots enhances framing at high or low angles.
• Electronic viewfinder with 100% coverage boosts compositional confidence, especially outdoors.
• Faster continuous shooting at 10 fps, beneficial for action and wildlife.
• Manual exposure controls plus face detection autofocus streamline portrait and street photography.

The Sony’s interface assumes users want faster access to advanced settings and better visual feedback. The Samsung is tailored for steady, measured captures. Your preference between intuitive minimalism or control-rich operation will steer your choice.

Imaging Core: Sensors and Resolution Crucial for Image Quality

Both cameras feature compact 1/2.3-inch sensors measuring 6.17 x 4.55 mm, standard in small-sensor superzooms, limiting outright image quality versus larger-sensor mirrorless options.

Sensor and Resolution Breakdown:

While resolution is higher on the Sony with 18 megapixels, the more significant difference lies in sensor technology. The Sony HX80’s BSI-CMOS sensor is markedly more efficient at gathering light than the older CCD in the Samsung, resulting in better noise performance and dynamic range at higher ISOs. This upgrade particularly benefits low-light, night, and astro photography.

Both cameras lack RAW file support, which limits post-processing flexibility for professional workflows. However, JPEG output quality is noticeably sharper and less noisy on the Sony.

Viewing Experience: LCDs and Viewfinders for Composing the Perfect Shot

The Samsung’s 3-inch fixed LCD with 230K dots looks dated, causing challenges when shooting in harsh daylight or awkward angles. The lack of touch capability or articulation limits creative freedom while composing and reviewing shots.

Meanwhile, the Sony’s 3-inch tilting LCD with a crisp 921K-dot resolution enhances usability considerably. This screen supports live view with face detection autofocus and better feedback, especially in vlogging or travel situations where you might want to frame yourself or shoot above crowds.

The presence of an electronic viewfinder (EVF) with the Sony HX80 offers another advantage - the ability to stabilize yourself against your face for steadier long-zoom shots and better image visibility outdoors. The Samsung can only rely on the LCD, which is not ideal under bright sunlight.

Lens and Zoom Capabilities: Reaching from Wide to Telephoto Excellence

Both cameras feature fixed superzoom lenses, but their reach and aperture vary:

Sony doubles the zoom reach compared to Samsung, extending to an intimidating 720mm equivalent. This makes the HX80 substantially more versatile for wildlife, sports, and distant subjects.

However, longer zoom means narrower aperture at the telephoto end - f/6.4 versus Samsung’s brighter f/5.8 - so low-light telephoto performance slightly favors Samsung. Still, optical stabilization in both helps tame shake at longer focal lengths.

For macro lovers, the Samsung can focus as close as 3 cm providing excellent close-up framing, slightly ahead of Sony’s 5 cm minimum focus distance.

Samsung HZ30W front Samsung HZ30W screen back Sony HX80 front Sony HX80 screen back

Real-World Image Quality and Sample Comparisons

Looking through sample photos taken in equivalent conditions reveals practical performance:

• Portraits: The Sony’s higher megapixels and better sensor technology generate more detailed skin textures and natural colors. Face detection autofocus improves eye sharpness. Samsung struggles to deliver smooth skin tones and sometimes oversharpening artifacts.

• Landscape: The wider dynamic range and higher resolution of the Sony HX80 provide richer details in shadows and highlights. Samsung’s images look flatter with less tonal range.

• Wildlife & Sports: Sony’s faster 10 fps burst mode captures action sequences better. The 30x zoom obviously outperforms Samsung’s 15x in framing distant subjects.

• Low Light: Despite the narrower aperture telephoto end on Sony, its BSI sensor and higher max boost ISO make it overall superior in night scenes with less noise.

From our tests, Sony’s images consistently appear sharper and cleaner, suited for enthusiasts who want more growth potential from a compact.

Autofocus and Performance: Keeping Pace with the Moment

Samsung HZ30W relies solely on contrast-detection autofocus with single AF mode and face detection absent. This causes slower focus acquisition and struggles in complex scenes or low light. Tracking moving subjects is not practical, limiting opportunities in sports or wildlife.

Sony HX80 features more sophisticated AF with face detection, live view autofocus, continuous AF, and selective AF points. This leads to faster, more reliable focusing and better subject tracking during continuous shooting - vital for dynamic photography.

Burst speeds reflect this: Sony’s 10 fps versus Samsung’s lack of continuous shooting make the HX80 the clear winner for capturing decisive moments.

Comprehensive Performance Assessment: Who Excels Where?

Our aggregate scoring across key areas clarifies each camera’s strengths:

While Samsung delivers decent value for basic use, Sony’s HX80 outperforms in nearly every category thanks to newer technologies and refined design.

Breaking Down Performance by Photography Styles and Use Cases

Portrait Photography:

• Sony HX80: Superior face detection AF ensures sharp eyes. Higher resolution sensor renders flattering skin tones with smooth bokeh at wider apertures.
• Samsung HZ30W: Limited autofocus and lower resolution constrain portrait quality.

Landscape Photography:

• Sony HX80: More megapixels, improved dynamic range, and adjustable tilting screen benefit landscapes.
• Samsung HZ30W: Lower resolution and weaker LCD hamper framing and detail capture.

Wildlife and Sports Photography:

• Sony HX80: 30x zoom, continuous AF, and 10 fps burst make it a solid compact for distant action.
• Samsung HZ30W: Zoom reach and single AF modes are limiting; not ideal for fast subjects.

Street Photography:

• Samsung HZ30W: Slimmer, more discreet design aids candid shooting.
• Sony HX80: Slight bulk and EVF make it less subtle but offers better focus accuracy.

Macro Photography:

• Samsung HZ30W: Closer macro focus distance (3cm) offers tighter close-ups.
• Sony HX80: Slightly longer macro minimum distance (5cm).

Night and Astrophotography:

• Sony HX80: BSI sensor and extended ISO boost allow cleaner night captures.
• Samsung HZ30W: Older CCD sensor performance drops quickly at high ISO.

Video Capabilities:

Sony delivers a truly modern video package with full HD, multiple frame rates, and better compression options - ideal for casual vloggers and travel shooters.

Travel Photography:

Both cameras are highly portable, but Sony’s improved battery life (~390 shots per charge) and connectivity features (Wi-Fi, NFC) make it a more flexible travel companion.

Professional Work:

Neither camera offers RAW support or professional-grade build but Sony’s image quality and exposure control put it slightly ahead for casual professional use or as a backup camera.

Build Quality, Battery, and Connectivity - Behind the Scenes

• Neither offers weather sealing, dustproofing, or shock protection, so treat both cautiously outdoors.
• Battery types differ (Samsung’s SLB-11A vs. Sony’s NP-BX1), with Sony providing significantly longer shooting capacity.
• Wireless connectivity is a decisive factor: Sony includes built-in Wi-Fi and NFC, enabling instant sharing and remote control, whereas Samsung lacks any wireless options.
• Storage media wise, Samsung accepts SD cards; Sony supports SD and Sony Memory Stick formats, offering more flexibility.

Practical Takeaways and Buying Recommendations

Final Thoughts: Which Compact Superzoom Fits Your Creative Vision?

The choice between Samsung HZ30W and Sony HX80 reflects a broader theme: legacy simplicity versus modern versatility.

• The Samsung HZ30W retains charm for those prioritizing straightforward zoom photography without fuss. It’s a compact, affordable tool suited for casual travelers or beginners with modest demands.
• The Sony HX80 is a powerful all-round compact offering significant zoom reach, better autofocus, richer video features, and enhanced image quality. If you want your camera to adapt to diverse photography styles - from portraits and landscapes to wildlife and video - the HX80 is a clear step forward.

While neither targets professionals due to sensor size and lack of RAW, the Sony HX80’s advancements make it an excellent pocket companion to explore creativity and capture moments convincingly.

Get started on your photography journey by testing these cameras hands-on where possible. Check out local retailers or rental programs to experience the ergonomics and image quality firsthand. Pair your choice with the right accessories - extra batteries, fast SD cards, and compact tripods - to maximize your shooting experience.

Happy shooting!