Samsung HZ30W vs Sony A99

Its time to take a deeper look at the Samsung HZ30W and Sony A99, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Advanced DSLR by competitors Samsung and Sony. There is a crucial difference among the image resolutions of the HZ30W (12MP) and A99 (24MP) and the HZ30W (1/2.3") and A99 (Full frame) use totally different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The HZ30W was introduced 3 years prior to the A99 and that is a fairly serious gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both the cameras offer different body type with the Samsung HZ30W being a Compact camera and the Sony A99 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before diving through a comprehensive comparison, below is a quick highlight of how the HZ30W scores versus the A99 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Samsung HZ30W and Sony SLT-A99. The whole galleries are provided at Samsung HZ30W Gallery and Sony A99 Gallery.

In case you're aiming to lug around your camera regularly, you will want to factor in its weight and volume. The Samsung HZ30W enjoys physical measurements of 107mm x 61mm x 28mm (4.2" x 2.4" x 1.1") and a weight of 245 grams (0.54 lbs) and the Sony A99 has sizing of 147mm x 111mm x 78mm (5.8" x 4.4" x 3.1") along with a weight of 812 grams (1.79 lbs).

Contrast the Samsung HZ30W and Sony A99 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you are working with at that time. Below is the front view dimensions comparison of the HZ30W compared to the A99.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability rating of the HZ30W and A99 is 91 and 57 respectively.

Generally, it's hard to envision the gap in sensor measurements merely by looking through specs. The graphic underneath will help give you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the HZ30W and A99.

All in all, both of the cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The HZ30W using its smaller sensor will make getting bokeh trickier and the Sony A99 will provide you with greater detail using its extra 12MP. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop pictures a little more aggressively. The older HZ30W will be behind with regard to sensor innovation.