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Samsung HZ30W vs Sony S980

Portability
91
Imaging
35
Features
40
Overall
37
Samsung HZ30W front
 
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S980 front
Portability
94
Imaging
34
Features
17
Overall
27

Samsung HZ30W vs Sony S980 Key Specs

Samsung HZ30W
(Full Review)
  • 12MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
  • 3" Fixed Display
  • ISO 80 - 3200
  • Optical Image Stabilization
  • 1280 x 720 video
  • 24-360mm (F3.2-5.8) lens
  • 245g - 107 x 61 x 28mm
  • Introduced January 2010
  • Alternative Name is WB600
Sony S980
(Full Review)
  • 12MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
  • 2.7" Fixed Screen
  • ISO 80 - 3200
  • 1280 x 720 video
  • 33-132mm (F3.3-5.2) lens
  • 167g - 93 x 56 x 24mm
  • Introduced February 2009
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Samsung HZ30W vs Sony S980 Overview

In this article, we will be evaluating the Samsung HZ30W versus Sony S980, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by competitors Samsung and Sony. The image resolution of the HZ30W (12MP) and the S980 (12MP) is pretty close and they enjoy the same exact sensor sizing (1/2.3").

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The HZ30W was launched 12 months after the S980 so they are of a similar generation. Both of these cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before we go through a in depth comparison, below is a brief summary of how the HZ30W scores versus the S980 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

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Reasons to pick Samsung HZ30W over the Sony S980

 HZ30W S980 
IntroducedJanuary 2010February 2009More modern by 12 months
Screen sizing3"2.7"Bigger screen (+0.3")

Reasons to pick Sony S980 over the Samsung HZ30W

 S980 HZ30W 

Common features in the Samsung HZ30W and Sony S980

 HZ30W S980 
Manually focus Dial exact focusing
Screen typeFixed Fixed Fixed screen
Screen resolution230k230kExact same screen resolution
Selfie screen Neither provides selfie screen
Touch friendly screen Neither provides Touch friendly screen

Samsung HZ30W vs Sony S980 Physical Comparison

When you are planning to carry around your camera, you are going to need to factor in its weight and volume. The Samsung HZ30W provides exterior dimensions of 107mm x 61mm x 28mm (4.2" x 2.4" x 1.1") with a weight of 245 grams (0.54 lbs) and the Sony S980 has sizing of 93mm x 56mm x 24mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") having a weight of 167 grams (0.37 lbs).

Examine the Samsung HZ30W versus Sony S980 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool. Camera Size Comparison with Lenses

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you are employing during that time. Following is the front view over all size comparison of the HZ30W vs the S980.

Samsung HZ30W vs Sony S980 size comparison

Using size and weight, the portability rating of the HZ30W and S980 is 91 and 94 respectively.

Samsung HZ30W vs Sony S980 top view buttons comparison

Samsung HZ30W vs Sony S980 Sensor Comparison

Generally, it can be difficult to imagine the contrast in sensor sizes only by looking through specs. The pic underneath may give you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the HZ30W and S980.

As you can plainly see, both cameras enjoy the same exact sensor sizing and the exact same megapixels so you should expect comparable quality of photos though you would want to factor the production date of the cameras into account. The newer HZ30W provides an advantage in sensor technology.

Samsung HZ30W vs Sony S980 sensor size comparison

Samsung HZ30W vs Sony S980 Screen and ViewFinder

Samsung HZ30W vs Sony S980 Screen and Viewfinder comparison
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Photography Type Scores

Portrait Comparison

Samsung HZ30W Portrait photography features
Sony S980 Portrait photography features
29
has manual focus
no external flash support
sensor resolution not great (12 megapixels)
sensor size is very small (1/2.3")
doesn't have RAW files
27
focusing manually
no manual mode
external flash not possible
low resolution (12 megapixels)
sensor is very small (1/2.3")
no RAW files
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Street Comparison

Samsung HZ30W Street photography highlights
Sony S980 Street photography highlights
60
has image stabilization (Optical)
lighter than average in class (245 grams)
fixed screen
sensor size is very small (1/2.3")
doesn't have RAW files
47
no articulating screen
no image stabilization
sensor is very small (1/2.3")
no RAW files
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Sports Comparison

Samsung HZ30W as a Sports photography camera
Sony S980 as a Sports photography camera
42
great zoom range (24-360mm 15.0 x zoom)
has image stabilization (Optical)
includes tracking focus
sensor resolution not great (12 megapixels)
sensor size is very small (1/2.3")
doesn't have phase detect AF
17
continuous shooting slow (1.0 fps)
lack of shutter priority mode
no image stabilization
low resolution (12 megapixels)
sensor is very small (1/2.3")
no phase detect autofocus
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Travel Comparison

Travel photography with Samsung HZ30W
Travel photography with Sony S980
63
lighter than average in class (245 grams)
flash built-in
really wide (24mm)
long zoom (360mm)
missing Timelapse mode
sensor resolution not great (12MP)
screen isn't selfie friendly
slow maximum aperture (f3.2)
51
has built in flash
does not have Timelapse function
low resolution (12MP)
does not offer selfie friendly display
wide angle not fantastic (33mm)
sluggish max aperture (f3.3)
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Landscape Comparison

Samsung HZ30W Landscape photography info
Sony S980 Landscape photography info
43
has manual focus
really wide (24mm)
screen size is decent (3 inch)
has image stabilization (Optical)
fixed lens (fixed lens mount)
slow maximum aperture (f3.2)
sensor resolution not great (12 megapixels)
sensor size is very small (1/2.3")
doesn't have RAW files
missing Timelapse mode
27
focusing manually
can't swap lens (fixed lens mount)
wide angle not fantastic (33mm)
sluggish max aperture (f3.3)
small screen (2.7 inch)
no manual mode
no image stabilization
low resolution (12 megapixels)
sensor is very small (1/2.3")
no RAW files
does not have Timelapse function
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Vlogging Comparison

Vlogging with Samsung HZ30W
Vlogging with Sony S980
30
really wide (24mm)
has image stabilization (Optical)
lighter than average in class (245 grams)
slow maximum aperture (f3.2)
screen isn't selfie friendly
low video resolution (1280 x 720 pixels)
missing microphone jack
22
wide angle not fantastic (33mm)
sluggish max aperture (f3.3)
does not offer selfie friendly display
no image stabilization
low video resolution (1280 x 720 pxls)
does not have microphone support
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Samsung HZ30W vs Sony S980 Specifications

Detailed spec comparison table for Samsung HZ30W and Sony S980
 Samsung HZ30WSony Cyber-shot DSC-S980
General Information
Company Samsung Sony
Model type Samsung HZ30W Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S980
Also called as WB600 -
Class Small Sensor Superzoom Small Sensor Compact
Introduced 2010-01-19 2009-02-17
Physical type Compact Compact
Sensor Information
Sensor type CCD CCD
Sensor size 1/2.3" 1/2.3"
Sensor measurements 6.17 x 4.55mm 6.17 x 4.55mm
Sensor surface area 28.1mm² 28.1mm²
Sensor resolution 12 megapixels 12 megapixels
Anti alias filter
Aspect ratio 4:3 and 16:9 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9
Highest Possible resolution 4000 x 3000 4000 x 3000
Maximum native ISO 3200 3200
Lowest native ISO 80 80
RAW pictures
Autofocusing
Manual focusing
Autofocus touch
Continuous autofocus
Single autofocus
Tracking autofocus
Selective autofocus
Autofocus center weighted
Autofocus multi area
Autofocus live view
Face detect autofocus
Contract detect autofocus
Phase detect autofocus
Total focus points - 9
Lens
Lens mount type fixed lens fixed lens
Lens zoom range 24-360mm (15.0x) 33-132mm (4.0x)
Highest aperture f/3.2-5.8 f/3.3-5.2
Macro focusing range 3cm 10cm
Focal length multiplier 5.8 5.8
Screen
Type of display Fixed Type Fixed Type
Display size 3 inches 2.7 inches
Display resolution 230k dots 230k dots
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch capability
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder None None
Features
Minimum shutter speed 16 seconds 2 seconds
Fastest shutter speed 1/2000 seconds 1/1600 seconds
Continuous shutter rate - 1.0 frames per sec
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Expose Manually
Exposure compensation Yes -
Custom white balance
Image stabilization
Built-in flash
Flash distance 5.00 m 3.50 m
Flash modes Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Fill-in, Slow Sync Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye reduction, Slow Sync
External flash
AEB
WB bracketing
Exposure
Multisegment metering
Average metering
Spot metering
Partial metering
AF area metering
Center weighted metering
Video features
Supported video resolutions 1280 x 720 (30, 15 fps), 640 x 480 (30, 15 fps), 320 x 240 (60, 30 fps) 1280 x 720 (30 fps) 640 x 480 (30 fps)
Maximum video resolution 1280x720 1280x720
Video format H.264 Motion JPEG
Microphone support
Headphone support
Connectivity
Wireless None None
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
GPS None None
Physical
Environmental sealing
Water proofing
Dust proofing
Shock proofing
Crush proofing
Freeze proofing
Weight 245 grams (0.54 lbs) 167 grams (0.37 lbs)
Dimensions 107 x 61 x 28mm (4.2" x 2.4" x 1.1") 93 x 56 x 24mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9")
DXO scores
DXO Overall rating not tested not tested
DXO Color Depth rating not tested not tested
DXO Dynamic range rating not tested not tested
DXO Low light rating not tested not tested
Other
Battery ID SLB-11A -
Self timer Yes (2 or 10 sec, Double, Motion) Yes (2 or 10 sec)
Time lapse feature
Storage type SC/SDHC/SDXC, Internal Memory Stick Duo / Pro Duo, Internal
Card slots Single Single
Retail cost $280 $300