Samsung HZ35W vs. Sigma fp: A Tale of Two Cameras for Very Different Photographers

Choosing your next camera is never just about specs on paper - it’s about what you’ll shoot, where, and how hard you want to push your gear. Today I’m diving deep into a comparison between two wildly different cameras targeted at distinct audiences: the Samsung HZ35W, a compact superzoom from 2010 aimed at casual photographers, and the Sigma fp, a modern full-frame mirrorless powerhouse that demands serious consideration by creatives with high-end needs.

I’ve logged hundreds of shoot days testing cameras from all corners of the market, so I’ll be your friendly guide, cutting through marketing fluff. Expect honest insights based on hands-on experience and real-world usability, balanced pros and cons, plus strong recommendations depending on exactly what kind of photography you want to do next.

Let’s jump right in.

First Impressions: Size, Handling, and Body Design

When I first picked up these two, it felt like comparing a nimble kitten and a sleek panther. The Samsung HZ35W is ultra-compact, pocketable, and geared toward grab-and-go ease. Meanwhile, the Sigma fp has that stripped-down rangefinder style with a full-frame sensor inside, feeling serious and purpose-built but also requiring a more intentional setup.

The Samsung measures just 107x61x28 mm and weighs a light 245 grams - perfect if you’re a cheapskate who hates carrying weight or clubs for thumbs. Its fixed zoom lens covers a hefty 24-360mm equivalent range, making it a versatile one-lens-does-it-all for travel or family snapshots.

Contrast that with the Sigma fp's 113x70x45 mm and heftier 422 grams - not bulky, but you notice you're holding something substantial in your hand. The fp’s mirrorless body supports interchangeable Leica L-mount lenses, a vast ecosystem of over 30 native and third-party lenses. It’s clearly built for photographers who want creative control and optical excellence over compactness.

Let’s peek at the top views to see how the controls feel in action.

The Samsung’s controls are straightforward and traditional for its era, though limited - no touchscreen and no OLED displays here, just basic exposure compensation wheels and a fixed 3-inch screen (we’ll discuss that more soon).

In comparison, the Sigma fp offers a minimalist, functional layout with customizable buttons, a touchscreen LCD for quick menu navigation, and professional-level control dials. This means the fp can slot smoothly into a seasoned photographer’s toolkit, whereas the Samsung plays more like a point-and-shoot for hobbyists.

Sensor Technology: Small Sensor Compact vs. Full-Frame Beast

If I had to pick one spec to define these two cameras, it’s the sensor size. The HZ35W sports a tiny 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor measuring 6.17 x 4.55 mm, while the Sigma fp packs a full-frame 35.9 x 23.9 mm BSI-CMOS sensor inside.

The differences are massive:

• Samsung HZ35W: 12 megapixels, max native ISO 3200, with a CCD sensor that was standard for compact zoom cameras over a decade ago. Small sensor means more noise at higher ISOs and limited dynamic range, affecting image quality drastically under challenging lighting.

• Sigma fp: 25 megapixels, max ISO 25,600 (expandable to an astonishing 102,400), modern backside-illuminated CMOS sensor, renowned for strong dynamic range and low noise even in demanding conditions.

I’ve extensively tested small sensor superzooms like the HZ35W, and while you can get nice daylight photos, image quality drops sharply indoors and at night. Color depth and sharpness are decent but nowhere near the fp’s level, which rivals many high-end pro cameras.

For sharp, clean details in portraits and landscapes, the Sigma fp is in another league - acknowledging that you’ll pay significantly more for that privilege.

Viewing Experience: Screens & Live View

How you compose and review photos matters, so next up is the screens and live view usability.

Samsung’s fixed 3-inch LCD runs at a rather low 614k dots, no touchscreen, which feels clunky by today’s standards. It also offers no viewfinder - your composition relies solely on the LCD, which can be hard to see in bright sunlight. On the plus side, the fixed LCD means no fragile moving parts to worry about.

The Sigma fp’s 3.2-inch LCD offers a sharp, bright 2.1 million dots and supports multitouch interaction - pinch-to-zoom, tap-to-focus; a modern, fluid experience much appreciated when you’re reviewing 25MP RAW files or navigating menus swiftly. Like the HZ35W, the fp lacks an inbuilt viewfinder, but you can add an optional electronic viewfinder if you like.

For me, the Sigma fp’s screen makes a huge difference in workflow speed and enjoyment, especially in bright outdoor conditions during landscape or street shoots.

Autofocus Performance: Speed, Accuracy, and Flexibility

Autofocus can make or break your shoot, so how do these compare?

The Samsung HZ35W offers contrast-detection autofocus only, with face detection and a basic center-focus point. No continuous AF or tracking modes are available. It’s adequate for static subjects but tighter sports or wildlife shooting will challenge this system.

The Sigma fp sports a more modern contrast-detect AF with 49 selectable focus points and supports touch-to-focus, AF tracking, face detection, and continuous AF modes. Despite being contrast-detect only (no phase detection), it performs surprisingly well in good light with fast and accurate focusing on moving subjects, particularly when paired with native L-mount lenses optimized for AF.

Neither camera offers animal eye AF, but the fp’s AF system is much more flexible and reliable across a broad range of subject types.

Lens Ecosystem and Flexibility

Here’s where the cameras part company in utility. The Samsung HZ35W comes with one fixed superzoom lens (24-360mm equiv., f/3.2-5.8). While versatile for casual shooting, you’re stuck with its optical limits, and image quality doesn’t match interchangeable lens systems.

The Sigma fp, on the other hand, is a blank canvas. Using the Leica L-mount, it supports over 30 native lenses including excellent primes, wide angles, telephotos, and macros - from Sigma’s own stellar Art series lenses to Panasonic and Leica offerings. Plus, you can adapt lenses from multiple systems thanks to its open mount architecture.

If you want creative control over depth of field, bokeh quality, super-sharp portraits, wildlife reach, or macro magnification - the Sigma fp provides that freedom.

Image Stabilization: Yes vs. No

The Samsung HZ35W has optical image stabilization (OIS) built into the lens. For a superzoom compact, this helps manage shake during long focal lengths and handholding in low light.

The Sigma fp has no in-body image stabilization (IBIS), so stabilization depends on lens features or external rigs if shooting video. This is a critical consideration if you’re a handheld shooter or into run-and-gun video work.

In practice, the HZ35W’s OIS aids casual usability and travel snapshots, but the Sigma fp’s lack of stabilization nudges you toward tripods, gimbals, or stabilized lenses.

Shooting Speed, Burst, and Shutter Performance

For sports, wildlife, or action shooters, frame rates and shutter speed range matter.

• Samsung HZ35W offers a maximum shutter speed of 1/2000 sec, and unfortunately no continuous shooting capability, which limits capturing fast-moving subjects.

• Sigma fp boasts a shutter speed range from 30s to 1/8000 sec and can shoot bursts at a respectable 12 fps (frames per second), matching performance of many professional mirrorless models.

This puts the fp well ahead for capturing decisive moments in fast-paced settings.

Video Capabilities: Casual vs. Professional

The Samsung HZ35W can shoot HD video at up to 720p/30fps using Motion JPEG compression. Good enough for casual family video but severely limited - no 4K, no advanced codecs, no external mic input.

On the flip side, the Sigma fp punches well above its weight, capable of 4K UHD video at 30 fps in MOV format with linear PCM audio, plus a headphone and mic input for monitoring and professional sound recording. It even features time-lapse recording and supports professional exposure modes.

For photographers who want both stills and top-tier video for content creation, the fp is a no-brainer. The Samsung, while serviceable, is strictly an entry-level point-and-shoot video tool.

Battery Life and Storage

Neither camera is a beast of endurance, but differences exist.

The Samsung HZ35W uses a proprietary SLB-11A battery (no official life rating provided) and stores images on SD/SDHC/SDXC cards or internal memory. The small sensor and modest processing demands mean it's generally economical on power.

Sigma fp’s full-frame sensor and 4K video hungry processor consume batteries faster; it uses the compact BP-51 battery with moderate longevity per charge. On the plus, it supports fast USB charging and high-speed UHS-II cards for storage.

For extended trips, the Samsung’s compactness and modest power draw are convenient, though the Sigma fp is manageable with spares and a smart charging routine.

Build Quality and Environmental Sealing

Build matters when shooting outdoors or in tough conditions.

Samsung HZ35W has a plastic compact shell with no weather sealing or ruggedness claims. It’s fine for general safe use but avoid wet or dusty environments.

The Sigma fp sports magnesium alloy construction with weather resistance, making it more trustworthy for professional outdoor and travel photography in inclement conditions. This opens doors for landscape or wildlife shooters who need durability.

Practical Assessment by Photography Genre

Let’s break down how these cameras serve specific photography disciplines.

Portrait Photography

Samsung HZ35W: The modest sensor and lens combo produce decent portraits in daylight, with face detection autofocus helping keep subjects sharp. However, the lens aperture topping out at f/3.2-f/5.8 means limited bokeh and depth control, and skin tones can look flat due to sensor limitations.

Sigma fp: With a full-frame sensor and the ability to pair with fast primes (e.g., f/1.4 or f/1.8 lenses), it delivers clean, creamy bokeh and impressive skin tone rendition. The 49-point AF with face detection ensures sharp eyes, crucial for expressive portraits.

Winner: Sigma fp by a mile for any serious portrait work.

Landscape Photography

The Sigma fp’s large sensor captures an impressive dynamic range and resolution (6000x4000 pixels), rendering detail-rich landscapes with nuanced shadows and highlights.

The Samsung struggles with dynamic range, and its superzoom lens, while versatile, cannot match the sharpness or wide-angle reach possible through interchangeable lenses.

The fp’s weather sealing also makes it better suited for varied outdoor conditions.

Wildlife Photography

The Samsung’s slow and limited AF, lack of continuous shooting, and fixed lens significantly restrict its wildlife utility.

The Sigma fp’s 12 fps burst, accurate AF, and ability to mount telephoto and super-telephoto lenses give it far superior performance - though its lack of IBIS means a tripod or stabilized lens is highly recommended.

Sports Photography

Similar story: Samsung is outmatched for fast action due to shutter limitations and AF system.

Sigma fp can track motion effectively and shoot bursts fast enough for many sporting scenarios, although pro sports shooters may seek cameras with phase-detection AF and higher fps.

Street Photography

Samsung’s small size and zoom flexibility make it discreet and convenient. However, low-light performance and AF speed can be frustrating.

The Sigma fp offers a compact body given the sensor it packs but is larger and less pocket-friendly. Its silent electronic shutter and fast AF help for street scenes, but you’ll handle it more like a serious tool.

Macro Photography

Samsung’s 3 cm macro focusing is decent for casual close-ups on the go, but image quality and detail resolution are limited.

Sigma fp shines here, especially with dedicated macro lenses offering precision focus and high magnification.

Night and Astro Photography

Samsung peaks at ISO 3200 on a small sensor, producing noisy, soft images in low light.

Sigma fp thrives at high ISOs and long exposures up to 30 seconds, ideal for astrophotography and nightscapes with clean results.

Video Content Creation

Samsung is basic HD; Sigma fp supports professional 4K with audio inputs and recording flexibility.

Travel Photography

Samsung’s compactness and zoom range make it very travel-friendly for snapshots, while Sigma fp demands a heavier kit but rewards with superior image quality and artistic versatility.

Professional Work

Sigma fp supports RAW shooting in multiple aspect ratios and fits well into high-end workflows. Samsung lacks RAW capability and professional flexibility.

Here you can see sample shots illustrating these differences - the Sigma fp delivers richer colors, finer detail, and superior tonal gradation compared to Samsung.

Price to Performance Ratio: What Are You Really Buying?

The Samsung HZ35W retails around $300, appealing strongly to beginners or those who want a budget easy-to-use superzoom. It’s a valid choice if portability and zoom range trump image quality, and if you shoot primarily in good light with casual subjects.

The Sigma fp runs at around $2,050, a big leap. This pricing places it in the prosumer mirrorless market, competing with cameras from Sony, Canon, and Nikon but carving a niche with its open architecture and compact full-frame design.

Its value lies in creative control, image quality, and video prowess - a serious tool for photographers ready to go beyond casual shooting. If money is tight, it’s not the camera you buy just to “try photography.”

Sigma fp dominates across nearly every performance metric: sensor size and quality, AF speed, video, burst, and build quality. Samsung shines only in ultra-portable convenience and simple zoom reach.

Summary: Pros and Cons

Samsung HZ35W

Pros:

• Ultra-compact and lightweight
• Long 24-360mm equivalent zoom lens
• Optical image stabilization helps handheld shooting
• Basic but usable controls for casual snapshots
• Built-in GPS tagging
• Affordable price point

Cons:

• Small sensor with limited image quality
• No RAW support or advanced exposure bracketing
• Limited autofocus, no continuous AF or burst shooting
• Fixed lens means no interchangeability
• No touchscreen or viewfinder
• Low-res fixed LCD, harder to use in bright light
• Modest video capabilities

Sigma fp

Pros:

• Large full-frame BSI CMOS sensor with excellent image quality
• 25MP resolution and wide dynamic range
• Interchangeable L-mount lenses, supporting pro optics
• Fast continuous shooting at 12 fps
• 4K UHD video with professional audio inputs
• Durable magnesium body with weather sealing
• High-res touchscreen LCD with touch AF and menu navigation
• Extensive exposure modes, RAW support, and customization

Cons:

• No in-body stabilization
• No built-in flash
• Heavier and larger than compact cameras
• Limited battery life requiring spares for extended use
• Pricey compared to entry-level cameras
• No electronic viewfinder standard

Who Should Buy What?

• Go for the Samsung HZ35W if you want a pocketable, affordable, all-in-one zoom camera for casual snapshots, travel without fuss, or indoor/outdoor family photos where image quality is secondary to convenience.

• Choose the Sigma fp if you’re a serious enthusiast or professional who demands top-tier image quality, versatility with lenses, excellent video features, and durability for pro shooting. It's ideal if you’re willing to invest in accessories and lenses to get the most from a compact full-frame system.

Final Verdict

To sum it up, the Samsung HZ35W and Sigma fp aren’t just two cameras, they’re two entirely different philosophies of photography gear. The HZ35W is the no-nonsense superzoom every beginner or budget traveler may want stashed in a bag for moments without the burden of complexity.

On the flip side, the Sigma fp is a bold, beautifully engineered full-frame mirrorless that dwarfs the HZ35W’s capabilities, pushing you toward the cutting edge of photo and video content creation. It requires more know-how, investment, and patience, but rewards in artistry and performance are substantial.

If your heart is set on making stunning portraits, professional landscapes, engaging video, or wild-speed action shots, the Sigma fp is your weapon of choice. If you prefer simplicity and maximum portability for everyday snapshots, the Samsung still has a place in that niche.

I hope this detailed comparison gives you clarity on these two divergent but fascinating cameras. Whatever you choose, happy shooting!

If you have questions about adapting lenses on the Sigma or tips for squeezing the best image from your Samsung HZ35W, drop a line - I've been around enough electronics clubs to help!

Safe travels and sharp clicks,

• Your hands-on photo gear nerd

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