Samsung HZ35W vs Sony a5000

The following is a extended review of the Samsung HZ35W versus Sony a5000, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by rivals Samsung and Sony. There is a sizeable difference between the resolutions of the HZ35W (12MP) and a5000 (20MP) and the HZ35W (1/2.3") and a5000 (APS-C) enjoy totally different sensor measurements.

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The HZ35W was unveiled 4 years earlier than the a5000 which is quite a large gap as far as tech is concerned. Both cameras come with different body type with the Samsung HZ35W being a Compact camera and the Sony a5000 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go in to a detailed comparison, below is a simple summation of how the HZ35W scores against the a5000 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Samsung HZ35W and Sony Alpha a5000. The full galleries are available at Samsung HZ35W Gallery and Sony a5000 Gallery.

If you're looking to travel with your camera frequently, you will have to consider its weight and volume. The Samsung HZ35W has exterior dimensions of 107mm x 61mm x 28mm (4.2" x 2.4" x 1.1") along with a weight of 245 grams (0.54 lbs) while the Sony a5000 has sizing of 110mm x 63mm x 36mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.4") along with a weight of 269 grams (0.59 lbs).

Look at the Samsung HZ35W versus Sony a5000 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you use at that time. The following is the front view measurement comparison of the HZ35W compared to the a5000.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability grade of the HZ35W and a5000 is 91 and 89 respectively.

Usually, it is hard to visualise the contrast between sensor dimensions merely by reading through a spec sheet. The pic below might offer you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the HZ35W and a5000.

Clearly, each of these cameras posses different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The HZ35W with its tinier sensor will make getting shallow depth of field harder and the Sony a5000 will resolve more detail having an extra 8 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also enable you to crop photos somewhat more aggressively. The more aged HZ35W is going to be disadvantaged in sensor innovation.