Samsung HZ35W vs. PL200: A Hands-On Comparison from a Seasoned Photographer’s Perspective

When I first got my hands on the Samsung HZ35W and PL200, I knew I was diving into vintage compact camera territory, circa 2010 - both aimed at casual shooters looking for affordable, easy-to-carry options. But years of testing hundreds of cameras have taught me it’s these “small sensor compacts” that reveal the most interesting tradeoffs between zoom capabilities, image quality, and usability.

In this detailed analysis, I’ll draw from my personal testing methodology, evaluating these two cameras across various real-world photography disciplines and technical benchmarks. Whether you’re a hobbyist searching for a superzoom companion or a casual snapshooter requiring a pocket-friendly compact, this review is crafted to empower your decision with first-hand expertise and balanced technical insights.

A Tale of Two Compacts: At First Glance

Before diving into the nitty-gritty, let’s compare their physical and ergonomic designs to understand how they feel and function in the hand - an often overlooked but pivotal factor influencing your shooting experience.

Notice the HZ35W’s slightly bulkier frame compared to the PL200’s slim profile.

The Samsung HZ35W weighs in at 245 grams with dimensions of 107x61x28mm, whereas the PL200 is a lighter 170 grams with a comparatively slim 100x60x21mm chassis. The HZ35W’s superzoom lens naturally demands a larger barrel, giving it a more substantial grip - useful if you prefer a firm hold during extended shooting sessions, especially in outdoor or travel contexts.

Conversely, the PL200’s compactness favors pocket portability and urban street photography, where discretion and ease of carry come first. Despite its smaller size, it fits comfortably in the hand thanks to subtle contours around the lens housing.

Control Layout and Interface: How Intuitive Are They?

I always test control ergonomics both in the studio and on the go. Fluid handling often means a faster, more confident shooting experience.

HZ35W’s dedicated manual controls while PL200 favors simplified usage.

The HZ35W surprises with a traditional enthusiast-oriented approach. It features manual focus capabilities, shutter priority, aperture priority, exposure compensation, and even live view autofocus modes - all accessible via physical controls. Though the camera has no viewfinder, the 3-inch fixed LCD offers a decent live preview.

The PL200 leans toward simplicity, lacking manual focus and exposure modes; it emphasizes autofocus ease and auto exposure. Its 3-inch LCD, however, has a resolution of only 230K dots compared to the HZ35W’s 614K dots, which affects composition precision under bright sunlight.

If you value granular manual control for creative exploration, the HZ35W shines here. The PL200 suits users prioritizing straightforward point-and-shoot operation. Both lack touchscreens and electronic viewfinders, a reminder of their era.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: Small Sensors, Big Limitations

Both cameras employ similar 1/2.3-inch CCD sensors measuring 6.17 x 4.55 mm, but differ slightly in resolution: HZ35W offers 12MP (4000 x 3000) while PL200 pushes to 14MP (4320 x 3240). Let’s explore this distinction further.

1/2.3" sensor sizes constrain depth of field and noise performance but afford compact camera designs.

With sensors this small, I expected limited dynamic range and high noise at elevated ISOs; the CCD technology moderately controls noise colors but can be reactive to sensor heat. In controlled tests, PL200’s higher 14MP resolution offers marginally sharper detail but at the expense of increased noise granularity in low light.

Neither camera supports RAW, so JPEG processing is pivotal. Samsung's in-camera image processors in this generation prioritize punchy colors and contrast, sometimes at the cost of subtle highlight or shadow recovery.

For landscapes, where dynamic range counts, both cameras struggle compared to modern APS-C or full-frame models, but the PL200’s slightly higher resolution allows moderate cropping flexibility.

Autofocus Systems: Speed, Accuracy, and Flexibility

When testing autofocus (AF), I pay attention to responsiveness in daylight, low light, and tracking moving subjects to simulate wildlife and sports usage.

The HZ35W uses contrast detection AF with face detection capabilities and supports AF tracking and center-priority AF modes. It also offers manual focus - a nice bonus for macro or artistic control. However, AF speed is modest given sensor and processor constraints.

The PL200 employs a simpler contrast detection AF without face or tracking detection. AF operates primarily through a central point, limiting compositional freedom.

In practice, the HZ35W feels more versatile for portraits and medium-paced action thanks to its AF tracking, while the PL200 performs best under static scenarios. Neither camera excels at wildlife or sports photography due to long lag and no continuous AF tracking.

Build Quality and Weather Sealing: How Durable Are These Compacts?

As a photographer who often shoots in challenging conditions, I evaluate environmental resistance seriously.

Neither camera features environmental sealing - no dustproofing, freezeproofing, waterproofing, or ruggedization. Their plastic builds reflect their budget-friendly category. The HZ35W feels a bit sturdier due to its larger, solid frame, but both should be shielded from moisture and impacts.

For travelers or users shooting outdoors, carrying a protective case or weather-resistant cover is advisable.

LCD Screen and Interface: Framing Your Shots

The rear LCD is your canvas in the absence of viewfinders, so its quality affects how well you can compose and review images.

HZ35W’s higher resolution screen delivers clearer previews; PL200’s screen feels more basic.

The Samsung HZ35W’s 3-inch display with 614K dots offers a crisp interface, making manual focusing and exposure tweaking more practical. By contrast, the PL200’s 230K-dot screen feels grainier, often struggling under bright light reflections.

Neither has touchscreen capability, so menu navigation involves buttons and dials - straightforward but less convenient than modern standards.

Lens Specs and Performance: Zoom Reach and Optical Quality

The HZ35W boasts a 24-360mm equivalent zoom (15x optical), while the PL200 covers 31-217mm (7x optical). Both lenses are fixed and non-interchangeable but have optical stabilization.

The HZ35W’s broad zoom range is a standout in this class, offering versatility from wide-angle landscapes to long telephoto shots - handy for travel or wildlife glimpses. Image stabilization here effectively counters hand shake up to moderate focal lengths but gradually loses efficacy fully extended.

The more limited zoom of the PL200 maintains slightly brighter apertures (F3.3-5.5 vs. F3.2-5.8) at the tele end, which can help in dim lighting, but it’s less flexible compositionally.

In practical terms, the HZ35W is my go-to for variety and framing freedom, while the PL200 suits users focused on snapshots and moderate zoom.

Video Capabilities: A Quick Look Back

In ten years of reviewing compact cameras, video often takes a back seat in this category.

The HZ35W records HD video at 1280x720p 30fps (Motion JPEG), whereas the PL200 captures lower resolution 640x480p at 30fps (H.264 codec), with the lack of HDMI output limiting connectivity options.

No microphones or headphone jacks are present, reflecting their casual video stance. Video stabilization relies on optical means, which helps but cannot compete with today’s advanced electronic systems.

If video is a priority, neither camera will impress seasoned videographers, though casual clips are feasible.

Battery Life and Storage Options

Both cameras run on proprietary rechargeable lithium-ion batteries (HZ35W: SLB-11A, PL200: BP70A). In my field tests, battery life is comparable, offering around 200-300 shots per charge depending on usage, typical for compacts of that generation.

Both support SD/SDHC memory cards. The PL200 also allows MMC cards, a flexible but less common format today.

Price and Value: What’s the Buyer's Proposition?

Pricing disparity is notable: the HZ35W retailed around $300 at launch, while the PL200’s price is less clear, often found used at lower cost.

Given the HZ35W’s more advanced control set, better zoom range, and higher resolution screen, its pricing reflects a slight premium. The PL200’s minimalistic approach may appeal to tight budgets or first-time compacts seekers.

Photography Genres: Which Camera Excels Where?

I tested these two cameras in multiple real-world scenarios to gauge their suitability across popular photography styles:

Portrait Photography

The HZ35W impresses moderately here with face detection AF and manual focus flexibility, allowing better control over skin tones and background blur attempts (given small sensors, bokeh is very limited). The PL200 struggles without face detection and offers less focus precision, making it less ideal for portraits.

Landscape Photography

Both cameras struggle with dynamic range due to sensor limitations, but the HZ35W’s wider zoom facilitates framing from ultra-wide to telephoto landscapes. The PL200’s image is a touch sharper in daylight due to higher pixel count but limited zoom confines composition variety.

Wildlife Photography

Neither camera is optimized for wildlife. The HZ35W’s extended 360mm reach is a plus but autofocus speed and burst rate are slow. The PL200’s shorter zoom severely limits distant capture.

Sports Photography

Lack of continuous autofocus tracking and slow burst rates rendered both cameras inadequate for fast sports photography.

Street Photography

Small size and discretion favor the PL200 here. Its quiet operation and easy handling make it a better street candid companion despite the limited zoom.

Macro Photography

The HZ35W’s 3cm minimum focus distance beats the PL200’s 5cm, allowing closer macro shots with better detail. Manual focus helps with composition here.

Night/Astro Photography

High ISO noise and small sensors limit both. The HZ35W can reach ISO 3200 but noise is severe; long exposures suffer from lack of bulb mode. Both create useable snapshots but no serious astro work.

Video Recording

Covered earlier: HZ35W’s 720p at 30fps is mildly favorable over PL200’s VGA standard.

Travel Photography

HZ35W’s versatility favors travel where optical zoom and manual control matter. PL200 wins on lightness and pocketability.

Professional Workflows

Neither fits professional demands seriously - they lack RAW, have rudimentary image controls, and no tethering capabilities.

Final Ratings Snapshot

Sample Image Gallery

Photo comparisons reveal the HZ35W captures colors a bit more saturated with punchier contrast, whereas the PL200 produces subtly sharper details in favorable light but struggles more in shadows and highlights.

Samsung HZ35W screen back Samsung PL200 front Samsung PL200 screen back

Wrapping Up: Recommendations Based on Real Use

Choose the Samsung HZ35W if:

• You want a versatile superzoom for travel or casual wildlife shots.
• Manual focusing and exposure controls matter to your workflow.
• You appreciate a higher resolution screen and more detailed live view.
• You don’t mind a slight bulk increase for improved handling.

Choose the Samsung PL200 if:

• You prioritize pocket portability and street photography discretion.
• You want a simple, no-fuss point-and-shoot without manual modes.
• Cost is a significant factor and you’re okay with limited zoom.
• Your photography is focused on daylight snaps and urban environments.

My Personal Take

Over years of camera testing, I’ve learned the importance of matching gear to your shooting style rather than chasing specs alone. The Samsung HZ35W and PL200 reflect different philosophies of compact photography circa 2010 - one leaning towards enthusiast control and long zooms, the other towards simplicity and portability.

Neither is a modern powerhouse, but for enthusiasts on tight budgets or collectors of classic compacts, they offer intriguing glimpses into past technology. If image quality and manual flexibility weigh heavy for you, the HZ35W is my pick. For street and casual everyday shooting, the PL200 holds charm with its tidy form.

I hope this comparison helps you find the right fit for your photographic journey.

If you have further questions or want to hear about niche shooting tips with these cameras, feel free to ask!