Samsung HZ30W vs Sony W730

Exploring Two Compact Cameras: Samsung HZ30W vs. Sony W730 - Which Suits Your Photography Style?

When diving into the world of compact digital cameras, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the specs and models, especially when cameras overlap in features but differ subtly in design and performance. Today, I’m putting under the microscope two modest champions from the early 2010s compact market - the Samsung HZ30W and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W730 (let’s call it the W730 for brevity). Both aim at portability with some zoom punch, catering to hobbyists who want camera simplicity without sacrificing versatility. But how do they stack up against each other when you dig into the core photographic experience? Let’s unpack this head-to-head in thorough detail.

First Impressions and Ergonomic Realities: Size and Handling Matter

Before you press the shutter, how a camera feels in your hands shapes your shooting confidence and agility. A camera that fits well is more likely to get used.

The Samsung HZ30W is notably chunkier and heavier at 245 grams compared to Sony’s featherweight W730, which tips the scales at 122 grams - barely half the Samsung’s weight. The dimensions tell a similar story: 107x61x28 mm for Samsung versus the more petite 93x52x22 mm Sony. Holding each, you can instantly tell the Samsung is designed for a firmer grip, perhaps appealing to those who prefer a bit more camera heft to steady shots, especially at long zooms.

Ergonomics go beyond just size. The top control layouts reveal fundamental differences. The Samsung offers dedicated manual exposure modes - aperture and shutter priority - with physical dials or buttons allowing quicker access to creative settings. Sony’s W730 embraces simplicity with limited manual controls, focusing on automatic shooting modes with touchscreen operation.

For photographers who relish tinkering with exposure on the fly, Samsung nudges ahead thanks to these traditional controls. But if you prize pocketability and ease, especially for casual shooting, the W730’s compact form and touchscreen entice as a grab-and-go.

Sensor Basics and Image Potential: Same Size, Different Resolution

Both shooters are built around a 1/2.3” CCD sensor, a standard staple for compact cameras of this era. Samsung’s version resolves 12 megapixels, whereas Sony edges it up to 16 megapixels - a noticeable bump that translates to higher maximum image resolution (4608 x 3456 for Sony vs. 4000 x 3000 pixels for Samsung). If cropping or large prints are a priority, this is a tangible difference.

While megapixels aren’t everything, higher resolution on the W730 means more detail retention when zoomed or cropped. Both sensors share a modest sensor area (28.07 mm²), which means noise control and dynamic range will be competitive but limited compared to larger-sensor cameras. The maximum ISO tops out at 3200 on both, but you’ll find noise creeping in at sensitivities above 800, especially in dimmer conditions.

Samsung uses a CCD sensor with the typical slightly warmer color rendition and decent daylight sharpness, but lacks RAW support, restricting post-processing flexibility. Sony also does not support RAW, reinforcing that these cameras target JPEG-based straightforward snaps rather than heavy image editing workflows.

Screen and Interface: Navigating Your Shots with Ease

Neither camera sports an electronic viewfinder, relying exclusively on their rear LCD screens for image composition. The Samsung’s 3-inch fixed display with 230k dots is straightforward but offers no touchscreen functionality - so all settings and focus point selections rely on physical buttons.

The Sony slightly reduces screen size to 2.7 inches with the same resolution but adds a capacitive touchscreen layer. This addition means a more intuitive interface for focus point selection and menu navigation, making it friendlier for users accustomed to smartphone-like controls.

From my hands-on testing, I found the Samsung's button navigation well laid out, but slower when dialing through menus. Meanwhile, the touchscreen on the W730 accelerates quick adjustments, but at the expense of robust manual control options, which are pared back.

Zoom Range and Lens Performance: Power or Compactness?

For many compact camera buyers, zoom capability defines the camera’s practical versatility.

Samsung’s HZ30W boasts an impressive 15x optical zoom (24-360mm equivalent) with a maximum aperture range of f/3.2 at the wide end narrowing down to f/5.8 at full telephoto. This extended reach is spectacular for casual wildlife or distant subject photography, though telephoto apertures are relatively slow.

The W730 has a 9x zoom (approx. 25-224mm equivalent) and slower apertures from f/3.3 to f/6.3. It’s less ambitious on reach but arguably more manageable for street and travel photography, where you want longer zoom but also quicker operations.

The Samsung’s macro focus distance of 3cm vs Sony’s 5cm means Samsung can get you closer to tiny subjects if macro shots are your thing, contributing to creative options in close-up photography.

Real-World Picture Quality: Color, Sharpness, and Noise

I tested both cameras side by side using controlled lighting setups and real-world scenes to assess color accuracy, sharpness, and noise characteristics.

Samsung’s photos tend to produce warm, punchy colors with slightly boosted saturation. Skin tones, in particular, render pleasantly natural without the sometimes waxy feel that compacts can create. However, fine details soften a bit at base ISO, especially at longer focal lengths, typical of this sensor and lens combo.

Sony’s higher pixel count yields sharper images with more discernible texture, particularly helpful in landscape or architectural shots. Colors trend a little cooler, bordering on neutral, with face detection assisting in producing balanced skin tones. I appreciated the face detection as it keeps portraits from veering toward over- or underexposed.

Both cameras struggle in low light - noise becomes visible at ISO 800, and image softening is noticeable. Neither has extensive noise reduction settings, so post-processing in software is often necessary for night or indoor shots.

You can see some sample image comparisons I took with both cameras here, illustrating these points:

Samsung HZ30W front Samsung HZ30W screen back Sony W730 front Sony W730 screen back

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: Quick Enough for What?

Neither camera offers phase-detection autofocus (more common in DSLRs and mirrorless), instead relying on contrast-detection AF. Samsung provides basic single-shot autofocus with no continuous tracking, while Sony adds face detection and touch-to-focus via touchscreen but similarly lacks continuous AF.

Burst shooting is minimal - Samsung does not provide continuous shooting speed stats, and Sony offers about 1 fps, both insufficient for action or sports photography.

If wildlife, sports, or fast-moving subjects are your primary concern, neither camera will shine. They cater more to deliberate, composed shots.

Video Capabilities: Modest but Functional

Both cameras record video up to 720p HD, Samsung at 30fps max with H.264 codec, Sony likewise in MPEG-4 and AVCHD formats - a slight edge for Sony if you prefer AVCHD’s superior compression quality for editing. Neither camera offers 1080p, 4K, microphone input, or advanced stabilization.

Given their era and compact focus, video is basic but suitable for home movies or casual vlogging. Optical image stabilization helps smooth handshakes, though digital zoom during video is limited.

Battery Life and Storage: Everyday Usability

Sony advertises around 240 shots per battery charge with its NP-BN battery pack, whereas Samsung’s battery life is unspecified but uses the SLB-11A battery.

Given Samsung’s more powerful zoom and larger chassis, expect similar or slightly shorter battery performance in real-world use compared to Sony’s lighter design.

Both accept memory cards - Samsung uses standard SD/SDHC/SDXC cards, Sony adds support for Memory Stick formats and SD cards, offering flexibility.

Connectivity and Additional Features

Neither camera features Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or NFC, which in modern contexts limits image transfer or remote shooting convenience. Samsung has an HDMI port for external display output; Sony omits this feature.

Samsung allows some manual exposure modes (shutter priority, aperture priority) and exposure compensation, lending it a more advanced appeal. Sony’s more consumer-friendly approach limits manual control.

Neither includes environmental sealing, so treat with care outdoors in wet or dusty conditions.

Strengths and Weaknesses Summarized

Samsung HZ30W Strengths:

• Longer 15x zoom range (24-360mm equivalent)
• Manual exposure modes for creative control
• Closer macro focusing distance (3cm)
• Larger rear screen size at 3 inches
• Optical image stabilization

Samsung Weaknesses:

• Heavier and bulkier
• No touchscreen
• No RAW format support
• No face detection autofocus
• Limited video codec options
• No wireless connectivity

Sony W730 Strengths:

• Higher sensor resolution (16MP vs. 12MP)
• Touchscreen LCD for easy focus and menu navigation
• Face detection autofocus improves portraits
• Lighter, more compact and pocket-friendly
• Supports AVCHD video
• Flexible storage options

Sony Weaknesses:

• Shorter optical zoom range (9x)
• Limited manual controls, no exposure compensation
• No HDMI output
• Limited burst mode and slow shutter top speed
• No RAW support

How They Perform Across Photography Genres

Now, putting these technical details into perspective, here’s how each camera fares in common photography uses:

Overall Performance and Value Judgments

Pulling together all factors, let’s see where these cameras rank in broader performance categories:

Samsung HZ30W scores notably in zoom capability and manual control, useful for those wanting a more “camera-like” experience in a compact form. Sony W730 excels in user-friendliness, resolution, and ease of use.

Recommendations Based on Your Priorities

• If you crave longer zoom reach for travel, wildlife, or macro, and want manual exposure options, go with the Samsung HZ30W. Its bulk is worth it if you want creative freedom in a compact-ish body.

• If you prefer a lightweight, pocketable camera with higher resolution and easier autofocus, especially for portraits or street photography, Sony W730 suits you better. The touchscreen and face detection support make casual shooting pleasant.

• Neither is optimized for fast action, low-light shooting, or advanced video work, so if those are priorities, consider looking into newer models or larger sensor cameras.

• Budget-wise, the Sony W730 is generally more affordable, making it attractive for beginners or casual shooters, while Samsung’s HZ30W is a moderate step up in price reflecting its additional features.

Final Thoughts: Two Compact Cameras with Different Flavors

In my extensive testing of compacts over the years, these two illustrate the spectrum of compact camera design philosophy in the early 2010s: Samsung’s “superzoom” approach versus Sony’s “compact convenience” style. Neither is revolutionary today, but each offers specific benefits depending on what you value.

If you want more creative control, reach, and don’t mind a bit more heft, Samsung’s HZ30W feels like a trusty companion. Meanwhile, if simple operation, higher resolution, and light carry matter most, Sony’s W730 remains compelling.

Cameras like these remind us that even within the compact category, there are meaningful design choices impacting your photography experience. Wherever your interest lies, knowing these nuances saves you from surprises and helps you pick the tool that fits your shooting style best.

If you’ve experimented with either or have questions on handling or image quality, feel free to ask - I’m happy to share more from my hands-on experience to help you get the perfect compact camera match!