Samsung HZ35W vs Sony A390

Samsung HZ35W vs Sony Alpha A390: An Expert Comparison for Photography Enthusiasts

Choosing the right camera often hangs on nuanced factors beyond mere specifications - factors illuminated only through exhaustive hands-on testing and critical technical appraisal. Here, two 2010-era cameras targeting disparate photography segments are compared rigorously: the Samsung HZ35W, a small-sensor superzoom compact, and the Sony Alpha DSLR-A390, an entry-level DSLR designed for enthusiasts seeking step-up manual controls and lens versatility. This comprehensive analysis draws on extensive experience with sensor performance, autofocus systems, ergonomics, and real-life photographic scenarios to equip advanced amateurs and professionals with actionable insights.

Physical Design and Handling: Compact Convenience vs DSLR Bulk

The Samsung HZ35W inhabits a compact, pocketable form factor (107x61x28mm, 245g). Its slim profile and fixed-lens superzoom design cater to portability and spontaneous shooting. The grip is modest but sufficient for casual use. However, the camera's fixed lens limits flexibility and the absence of a viewfinder demands reliance on its fixed 3-inch LCD for framing, which, with just 614k-dot resolution, constrains critical focusing evaluation.

In contrast, the Sony A390 is a more substantial DSLR (128x97x86mm, 549g), featuring a traditional SLR-style body with a pronounced grip and a pentamirror optical viewfinder providing 95% coverage at 0.49x magnification. The tilt-able 2.7-inch LCD with 230k dots trails modern standards but complements the viewfinder well. The DSLR design results in increased bulk and weight but offers considerably improved handling stability for extended shooting and manual control precision.

Ergonomics favor the Sony for users valuing tactile control and robust build; the Samsung suits those prioritizing a travel-friendly, lightweight option. Both cameras lack environmental sealing, implying cautious use in harsh conditions. Ergonomic nuances also reflect in control layouts visible from the top view:

The A390 features dedicated dials and buttons facilitating direct access to key settings like ISO, exposure compensation, and drive modes, supporting rapid adjustments critical in dynamic shooting. The HZ35W's controls are streamlined but less intuitive for advanced operation, trading complexity for simplicity.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: Size Matters Significantly

A critical dividing factor is sensor size and resulting image quality potential. The Samsung HZ35W uses a small 1/2.3" CCD sensor measuring 6.17x4.55mm (28.07mm²), resolving 12MP (max image size 4000x3000). Its fixed lens operates within a focal range equivalent to 24-360mm with variable aperture F3.2-5.8. ISO tops at 3200 native.

The Sony A390 employs a much larger APS-C CCD sensor (23.5x15.7mm, 368.95mm²) with 14MP resolution (4592x3056). The sensor size advantage is nearly 13x greater in area, which fundamentally enhances noise performance, dynamic range, and color fidelity. Sony supports a native ISO range of 100-3200 with raw output support, crucial for professional-grade post-processing flexibility.

Extensive empirical testing confirms that the A390’s sensor provides superior low-light usability, tonal gradation, and shadow detail retention. The HZ35W’s sensor, typical of compact superzooms, produces noisier results at higher ISOs with limited dynamic range, restricting its utility in challenging lighting or large-format printing.

Lens and Optical Versatility: Fixed Superzoom vs Interchangeable System

Samsung’s fixed 24-360mm equivalent lens on the HZ35W caters well to travel and general photography, offering a versatile zoom range with optical stabilization. However, the maximum aperture narrowing to F5.8 at telephoto end limits shallow depth-of-field effects and low-light performance.

Sony’s A390, compatible with the extensive Sony/Minolta Alpha mount, accepts a vast ecosystem of lenses - from wide-angle primes to fast telephotos and macro optics. This system flexibility is unmatched by fixed-lens compacts and enables tailored setups for portraiture, landscape, wildlife, and macro photography. Additionally, the A390’s sensor-based image stabilization supports nearly any mounted lens.

The ability to interchange lenses adds workflow advantages such as employing specialized optics for portraiture or astrophotography, where prime lenses with wider apertures dramatically outperform standard superzoom optics in image quality.

Autofocus System and Performance: Basic Contrast Detection vs Hybrid Phase Detection

AF performance is pivotal in genres like sports and wildlife. Samsung’s HZ35W offers contrast-detection autofocus with face detection but lacks phase-detection. It supports single-point AF and rudimentary tracking but no continuous AF or animal eye detection.

Sony’s A390 uses a hybrid system with 9-phase detection AF points plus contrast detection in live view. The phase detection AF provides faster, more accurate subject tracking in various light conditions, essential for dynamic scenes and action photography. It also supports continuous AF, enabling burst shooting with maintained focus.

Although 9 points on the A390 is modest compared to modern DSLRs, its performance exceeds the single live-view AF system of the HZ35W, which can feel sluggish and less reliable especially at telephoto lengths where focus precision is critical.

Shutter and Drive Capabilities: Burst Speed and Shutter Range

The HZ35W offers shutter speeds from 1/2000 to 16 seconds but no continuous shooting mode specification, limiting applicability in shooting fast-moving subjects.

The A390 supports a more extensive shutter range of 1/4000 to 30 seconds and provides a rated continuous shooting speed of 3fps, modest by contemporary standards but adequate for emerging enthusiasts capturing sports or wildlife sequences.

The DSLR’s mechanical shutter and greater speed flexibility facilitate more precise control in manual exposure modes, key for motion freezing and creative expression.

Exposure Control and Metering: Advanced Flexibility on DSLR

Both cameras allow manual, aperture-priority, and shutter-priority exposure modes, with exposure compensation available.

Metering on both uses multi-segment and center-weighted methods plus spot metering. The A390 further incorporates white balance bracketing and custom white balance settings, enhancing adaptability in complex lighting. The Samsung lacks custom WB, a limitation for color-critical work.

Viewfinder and LCD Interface: Optical Finder Advantage vs LCD Reliance

The Sony’s optical pentamirror viewfinder delivers a real-time, lag-free composition tool, preferred for precision in bright light or rapid action sequences. Coverage falls short of 100%, so careful composition review post-shooting is advisable.

Samsung’s HZ35W forgoes any viewfinder, mandating LCD use for framing, which can be challenging in bright outdoor environments. The fixed 3-inch, 614k-dot LCD offers acceptable clarity but no touchscreen or articulation, limiting usability angles.

Sony’s tilting 2.7-inch LCD, despite lower resolution, adds compositional versatility, notably for low or high angle shoots.

Video Capabilities: Modest Recording vs None

Samsung supports video recording up to 1280x720 at 30fps using Motion JPEG format. This allows limited HD video capture, albeit without advanced features such as continuous AF during recording.

Sony A390 lacks video recording capabilities entirely, focusing solely on still photography.

This distinction matters for users who require hybrid photo-video functionality, where Samsung holds a slight edge.

Battery Life and Storage: DSLR Demands Longer Endurance

Typical small sensor compacts are notable for long battery life due to low power consumption and smaller sensors. Unfortunately, Samsung does not specify battery life figures for the HZ35W, but its SLB-11A lithium-ion cell likely offers average capacity typical of compact cameras.

Sony’s A390 uses an NP-FH50 battery pack with a CIPA rating of approximately 230 shots per charge, lower than modern DSLRs but standard for its class and era. Users should consider spare batteries for extended shoots.

Storage-wise, both employ SD/SDHC cards, but the Sony also supports proprietary Memory Stick Pro Duo media, broadening options but potentially complicating storage logistics.

Connectivity and Extras: Minimal Wireless, HDMI Present

Neither camera supports wireless connectivity such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, reflecting the period of release.

Both provide basic USB 2.0 ports and HDMI outputs for direct high-definition image and video playback.

GPS is built into the Samsung HZ35W, enabling geotagging, a useful feature for travel and landscape photographers. The Sony A390 lacks GPS functionality, necessitating external GPS devices or association with smartphones.

Real-World Performance Across Photography Genres

Portrait Photography

• Samsung HZ35W: Offers face detection AF, which aids focusing on subjects in tight framing. However, the small sensor and limited aperture range restrict shallow depth-of-field rendering and skin tone nuance. Bokeh quality is generally soft and unappealing due to lens limitations.

• Sony A390: The APS-C sensor combined with interchangeable fast primes lends itself better to capturing nuanced skin tones and smooth background separation. Face detection and 9-point phase AF assist in tracking subjects, elevating portrait quality significantly.

Landscape Photography

• Samsung HZ35W: The 24mm equivalent wide end favors expansive scenes, but limited dynamic range and sensor noise reduce fidelity in high contrast conditions. Lack of weather sealing may challenge outdoor durability.

• Sony A390: Larger sensor with a native dynamic range over 11 EV captures intricate shadow and highlight detail. Robust lens options including wide-angle primes and weather-resistant bodies outperform the HZ35W in tough environments.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

• Samsung HZ35W: Superzoom lens provides reachable focal lengths but slow AF and no continuous burst hamper action capture.

• Sony A390: With phase detection AF, 3fps burst, and telephoto lens compatibility, it better serves wildlife and sports shooters, albeit at an enthusiast’s pace rather than professional action speeds.

Street Photography

• Samsung HZ35W: Small size and quiet operation favor candid shooting; limited zoom and fixed lens may restrict creative freedom.

• Sony A390: Larger, more conspicuous body may hinder discretion; superior image quality and manual controls appeal to deliberate street photographers, particularly in diverse lighting.

Macro and Close-Up Photography

• Samsung HZ35W: Close focusing at 3cm permits some macro work but image quality constrained by sensor and lens.

• Sony A390: Ability to mount specialized macro lenses and manual focusing make it preferable for macro enthusiasts requiring precision.

Night and Astro Photography

• Samsung HZ35W: Limited ISO performance and noise control diminish night shooting success.

• Sony A390: Lower noise, manual controls for long exposures, and raw capture enable superior night and astrophotography.

Video Use

• Samsung HZ35W: Basic HD video possible but limited stabilization and codec quality restrict value.

• Sony A390: Does not offer video recording.

Travel Photography

• Samsung HZ35W: Lightweight design, superzoom lens, and built-in GPS ideal for travel snapshots and geotagging.

• Sony A390: Heavier and bulkier, but superior image quality and lens flexibility justify packing for planned or professional travel shoots.

Professional Workflow Integration

• Samsung HZ35W: No raw support limits professional editing workflows; suitable primarily for casual output.

• Sony A390: Raw support, robust manual controls, and exposure bracketing provide a foundation for professional post-production.

Performance Ratings Summary

A consolidated analysis of the operational strengths and limits places a clear distinction between these cameras across performance metrics:

Across photography types:

Sample comparative images illustrate these differences visually:

Samsung HZ35W screen back Sony A390 screen back

Conclusion and Recommendations

The Samsung HZ35W and Sony Alpha A390, although contemporaries, target divergent user profiles, and their technical characteristics reflect that.

• Samsung HZ35W stands out as a lightweight, travel-friendly superzoom compact with decent generalist flexibility, GPS tagging, and ease of use. Its small sensor and fixed lens limit image quality and creative control. It suits novices, casual travelers, and those prioritizing convenience over technical refinement.

• Sony Alpha A390 delivers superior image quality via its APS-C sensor, faster hybrid autofocus, and an extensive lens system. Its bulkier size and more complex interface demand greater user engagement but reward with compelling performance across portrait, landscape, wildlife, and professional uses. Ideal for enthusiasts upgrading from point-and-shoots who prioritize manual control and creative versatility.

Ultimately, your choice hinges on your preferred photography discipline, expectations on image quality, and operational ergonomics. For the serious enthusiast or professional seeking a foundational DSLR system in 2010-era gear, the Sony A390 offers appreciably greater capability and longevity in workflow. For casual shooters valuing compactness and ease, the Samsung HZ35W remains a valid option within its remit.

This authoritative comparative evaluation aims to aid informed decisions through objective, experience-tested insights, meeting the needs of demanding photography practitioners and advanced hobbyists alike.