Samsung HZ35W vs. Sony A7S II: An In-Depth Comparison for Photography Enthusiasts

Choosing the right camera involves balancing technical specifications, real-world usability, and the intended photographic application. The Samsung HZ35W and Sony A7S II epitomize two vastly different segments of the camera market - from small-sensor superzoom compacts to full-frame professional mirrorless systems. This comprehensive analysis draws extensively on hands-on testing, technical evaluations, and practical experience to guide enthusiasts and professionals in understanding the capabilities and limitations of each camera in various photographic scenarios.

Overview: Defining the Cameras’ Market Positions

The Samsung HZ35W, also known as the WB650, is a small sensor superzoom compact camera announced in June 2010. It targets users seeking a portable, affordable all-in-one solution with a long zoom lens. Its 1/2.3" CCD sensor and fixed 24–360mm equivalent lens epitomize the travel-friendly superzoom genre.

Conversely, the Sony A7S II, unveiled in October 2015, is a professional-grade, full-frame mirrorless camera optimized for low-light shooting and video production. Featuring a 12MP full-frame CMOS sensor and the robust Bionz X processor, it occupies the higher echelon of camera technology, favored by professionals and serious enthusiasts.

Design and Ergonomics: Form Meets Function

Samsung HZ35W

The Samsung HZ35W adopts a compact, pocketable form factor (107x61x28mm, 245g), designed for casual and travel use. Its control layout is simple, with no viewfinder, relying solely on a fixed 3" low-resolution screen (614K dots). Absence of touchscreen and limited physical controls constrain rapid manual adjustments. Notably, it has a built-in flash and optical image stabilization but lacks environmental sealing.

Sony A7S II

The A7S II’s mirrorless SLR-style body (127x96x60mm, 627g) prioritizes robustness and tactile control. Constructed with magnesium alloy, it offers weather sealing for dust and moisture resistance. Its extensive button layout and dual control dials facilitate quick exposure changes. The A7S II features an articulating 3" LCD screen with 1.23M dots and a high-resolution electronic viewfinder (2.36M dots), providing critical flexibility in varied shooting postures.

Ergonomics Summary: The HZ35W scores on portability but at the expense of control sophistication and durability. The A7S II, while heavier and larger, delivers professional-grade ergonomics suited to extended handheld use and demanding conditions.

Sensor Technology and Imaging Performance

Sensor Size and Resolution

The Samsung employs a 1/2.3" CCD sensor (6.17x4.55mm, 28.07 mm²) with 12MP resolution yielding a maximum image size of 4000x3000 pixels. By contrast, the Sony A7S II sports a full-frame 35.6x23.8mm (847.28 mm²) 12MP CMOS sensor, providing 4240x2832 pixel output.

The Sony sensor's area is approximately 30 times larger, a decisive factor impacting dynamic range, noise performance, and shallow depth-of-field capability. Both sensors share the same nominal resolution, but the A7S II leverages its pixel size advantage for superior image fidelity.

Image Processing and Quality

Sony's Bionz X processor supports advanced noise reduction and dynamic range optimization, achieving a DxO Mark overall score of 85 with exceptional color depth (23.6 Evs) and dynamic range (13.3 stops). Its low-light ISO performance peaks around ISO 2993 (DxO Low-Light ISO).

The HZ35W’s smaller CCD and limited processing power result in faster noise buildup beyond ISO 800 and less refined color depth, restricting image quality mainly to daylight or moderate ISO scenarios. Moreover, RAW capture is not supported, limiting post-processing flexibility.

Practical Implication: Low-light shooting, high dynamic range landscapes, and large-format prints favor the A7S II. The HZ35W suits snapshots and telephoto applications in well-lit conditions.

User Interface, Focusing, and Exposure Control

Autofocus System

The HZ35W features contrast-detection autofocus with face detection and center weighting but lacks phase detection or sophisticated focus tracking. Its zoom-dependent macro focus starting from 3cm is adequate for casual close-ups.

The A7S II’s hybrid autofocus combines contrast and phase detection with 169 AF points, enabling precise single, continuous, multi-area, and tracking AF modes including eye detection. This system excels in low light and rapid-moving subjects.

Exposure and Manual Control

Both cameras offer aperture and shutter priority, and manual exposure modes, but control fidelity differs vastly. The A7S II provides exposure compensation, bracketing (auto exposure and white balance), and a wide shutter speed range (30s to 1/8000s), while the HZ35W caps at 1/2000s and lacks bracketing.

Dual control dials and dedicated buttons on the A7S II facilitate quick adjustments, whereas the HZ35W relies on more menu navigation due to fewer physical controls.

Screen and Viewfinder

Samsung’s fixed 3" LCD screen with a modest 614K resolution is adequate for framing and reviewing but limited in visibility under sunlight and fine focus checking. Its lack of a viewfinder is a usability detriment in bright conditions.

Sony’s 3" tilting screen with 1.23M dots enhances compositional versatility, while the bright, sharp electronic viewfinder ensures accurate framing and exposure evaluation in direct sunlight.

Lens Ecosystem and Optical Versatility

Samsung HZ35W

The camera’s fixed 24–360mm (15x zoom) lens with a max aperture range of f/3.2–5.8 provides considerable telephoto reach for a compact camera. Optical image stabilization supports handheld shooting at longer focal lengths or slower shutter speeds.

However, fixed lens design severely limits creative lens options, and aperture constriction reduces low-light and depth-of-field control.

Sony A7S II

The Sony E-mount on the A7S II facilitates compatibility with over 120 native lenses, ranging from ultra-wide to super-telephoto primes and zooms, including fast apertures down to f/1.2. This expansive lens ecosystem allows photographers to tailor optics to portraits, macro, sports, wildlife, and specialized cinematic needs.

Sensor stabilization is sensor-shift 5-axis, benefiting all attached lenses regardless of built-in stabilization, an advantage for hand-held precision and video shooting.

Performance in Key Photography Genres

Portrait Photography

• Samsung HZ35W: The small sensor translates to deep depth of field, limiting subject background separation and creamy bokeh. Skin tones render acceptably under good lighting but tend to appear flat under artificial light due to limited dynamic range. No eye detection AF limits precision focus on eyes.

• Sony A7S II: Large full-frame sensor and compatibility with fast prime lenses enable professional-level subject isolation and smooth bokeh. Eye AF significantly enhances focus in both stills and video. Color accuracy and skin rendition are superior, even at high ISOs.

Landscape Photography

• HZ35W: Adequate resolution for casual prints; however, dynamic range limitations diminish highlight and shadow detail. No weather sealing curtails rugged outdoor use. The compact form is advantageous for travel landscapes but expect mediocre image quality in challenging lighting.

• A7S II: Exceptional dynamic range and color fidelity with full-frame sensor excel in landscape capture. Weather sealing allows working in inclement conditions. The higher resolution raw files provide latitude for detailed post-processing and compositing.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

• HZ35W: The 15x zoom expands reach, but sluggish autofocus and slow continuous shooting render it inadequate for fast action or wildlife requiring rapid focus shifts.

• A7S II: Despite its modest 5fps burst, the camera’s autofocus tracking, high ISO sensitivity, and E-mount telephoto lenses deliver reliable wildlife and sports performance, especially under low light.

Street Photography

• HZ35W: Compact size supports discreet shooting but limited control and slow AF may frustrate street shooters needing spontaneity.

• A7S II: Though larger and heavier, the silent electronic shutter and excellent high ISO capabilities allow unobtrusive shooting in variable light. The electronic viewfinder supports precise framing.

Macro Photography

• HZ35W: 3cm minimum focus distance and optical stabilization assist macro shots, but sensor limitations and fixed lens restrict detail and background blur control.

• A7S II: Ability to mount specialized macro lenses with high magnification, combined with sensor stabilization, yields superior macro image quality.

Night and Astrophotography

• HZ35W: Maximum ISO 3200 is modest, with visible noise above ISO 800. Slow shutter speed of up to 16 seconds enables some night exposure, but sensor size and noise limit star detail and color fidelity.

• A7S II: Native ISO up to 102400 (boosted 409600) and 30s shutter speeds enable exquisite astrophotography and night scenes with low noise and impressive dynamic range.

Video Capabilities

• HZ35W: Limited to 720p HD video at 30fps in Motion JPEG format; absence of microphone input, stabilization, or professional codecs restricts use to casual video recording.

• A7S II: 4K UHD internal recording at 30p and full HD at up to 120fps, with XAVC S codec support, 5-axis sensor stabilization, and microphone/headphone ports make it a versatile tool for high-quality cinematic production.

Travel Photography

• HZ35W: Lightweight and pocketable with versatile zoom; ideal for casual travel but image quality constrains professional use.

• A7S II: Less compact, heavier, with robust weather sealing and high image/video capabilities suitable for demanding travel documentation where equipment weight is balanced against quality needs.

Samsung HZ35W screen back Sony A7S II front Sony A7S II screen back

Real-World Image Quality Comparison

Side-by-side samples demonstrate the HZ35W's limitations: noise and lack of detail at telephoto end and high ISO. By contrast, the A7S II produces clean images with nuanced color rendition and detailed shadows and highlights retention, even in challenging lighting.

Build Quality, Durability, and Battery Life

• Samsung HZ35W: Plastic build, no environmental sealing, limiting use in harsh conditions. Battery life is modest, reflecting small, lower power components, though explicit stamina ratings are unavailable.

• Sony A7S II: Weather-sealed magnesium alloy body withstands adverse conditions. NP-FW50 battery delivers approximately 370 shots per charge, extending with grip accessories. Single SD card slot plus compatibility with Memory Stick. USB 2.0 connectivity somewhat dated but sufficient.

Performance Ratings and Genre-Specific Scores

Professional benchmarks rate the A7S II significantly higher in image quality, autofocus, video capability, and low-light performance. The HZ35W scores mainly in portability and zoom range but ranks lower across advanced photographic disciplines.

Connectivity and Additional Features

• The HZ35W lacks wireless connectivity but incorporates GPS for geotagging.
• The A7S II offers built-in Wi-Fi and NFC for wireless image transfer and remote control.
• HDMI output is available on both cameras; audio input/output only on the Sony.
• Sony supports exposure bracketing and white balance bracketing, not available on Samsung.

Price-to-Performance Analysis

Listed prices highlight their different markets:

• Samsung HZ35W: Approximately $300
• Sony A7S II: Approximately $2767

The price disparity reflects the technological gulf. The HZ35W offers excellent value as a versatile superzoom compact for casual use. The A7S II is a specialist tool justifying its premium with professional-grade features and exceptional low-light and video performance.

Recommendations Based on User Needs

If you are:

• A casual traveler or beginner seeking an affordable, lightweight camera with extended zoom: The Samsung HZ35W is a logical choice. It requires minimal photographic expertise and provides convenient automatic and some manual control.

• A professional or enthusiast prioritizing image quality, video, and low-light capability across multiple photography genres: The Sony A7S II offers unmatched flexibility and performance. Its extensive lens options, high dynamic range, and video prowess make it suitable for portraits, landscapes, wildlife, sports, and cinematic productions.

• A street or event photographer valuing discreet operation and portability: The A7S II’s silent shutter and EVF offer more control despite its larger size. The HZ35W’s limited controls and lack of viewfinder hamper responsiveness.

• A macro or specialist photographer requiring finest detail and control: The A7S II’s compatibility with dedicated macro optics and image stabilization provides superior results.

• A budget-conscious buyer mainly interested in casual photography: The HZ35W fulfills the basic functional requirements without complexity.

Conclusion

The Samsung HZ35W and Sony A7S II represent fundamentally divergent photographic tools. The HZ35W combines portability and zoom convenience, ideal for casual use, but its small sensor and dated technology limit image quality and professional functionality. The Sony A7S II embodies high-end mirrorless versatility, excelling in image quality, autofocus sophistication, video, and ruggedness at a significantly higher price point.

Photographers must evaluate their priorities in image quality, lens requirements, ergonomics, and budget to select between a superzoom compact or a near-professional full-frame mirrorless camera with extensive system support.

Both cameras occupy defined niches and serve different photographic ambitions - making this detailed technical and practical comparison essential for informed purchasing decisions.

This analysis is based on extensive hands-on testing and technical review of both cameras’ operational performance, feature sets, and image outputs under controlled real-world conditions.