Samsung HZ35W vs Sony RX1R II: A Deep Dive Into Two Compacts Worlds Apart

Choosing a compact camera can be surprisingly complex, especially when you pit a budget-friendly superzoom like the Samsung HZ35W against a high-end large sensor compact such as the Sony RX1R II. These two cameras share the “compact” label, yet they’re practically from different photographic universes. Having put both through their paces extensively, I’m here to guide you through this fascinating, sometimes stark comparison. By the end, you’ll understand how these cameras serve very different needs, who they’re for, and why price is just the beginning of the story.

First Impressions: Size, Feel, and Ergonomics

At a glance, the Samsung HZ35W and Sony RX1R II couldn’t be more different in size and build. The Samsung is sleek, petite, and lightweight at 245 grams with dimensions of 107x61x28 mm, designed for effortless pocketability. This makes it an appealing grab-and-go camera for casual travelers or consumers upgrading from smartphones.

In contrast, the Sony RX1R II tips the scales at over 500 grams and is notably chunkier (113x65x72 mm). Its heft and build quality reflect its premium aspirations. The body feels solid, reassuringly weighty - something photographers who prioritize tactile confidence will appreciate.

Ergonomics wise, the Samsung’s compact body means fewer physical controls and a straightforward, user-friendly interface centered around its fixed zoom lens. Its fixed 24-360 mm (15x) lens is versatile but comes with compromises in aperture and image quality.

Sony’s RX1R II, featuring a 35 mm full-frame lens with a bright f/2 aperture, is designed for photographers who demand precision manual control and superior image quality. The control layout is mature and thoughtfully placed, matching its professional ambitions.

Side note: Anyone looking for extensive manual controls and customization will find the RX1R II far more satisfying. The Samsung aims to keep things simple, which is fine - if you value portability over granular control.

Sensor Technology and Imaging Performance

Here lies the heart of the divide: sensor size and technology.

Samsung HZ35W employs a 1/2.3" CCD sensor measuring 6.17x4.55 mm with a total surface area of just 28.07 mm². It pushes 12 megapixels at a max resolution of 4000x3000 pixels. The sensor’s small size inherently places limitations on its dynamic range, noise control, and depth-of-field flexibility.

Sony RX1R II, meanwhile, boasts a whopping full-frame 35.9x24 mm BSI-CMOS sensor, yielding a majestic 42.4 megapixels with 7952x5304 resolution. With over 861 mm² of imaging area, it’s no surprise this sensor dominates in resolution, dynamic range, color depth (25.8 bits per channel at DxO Mark tests), and low-light performance (native ISO of 50-25600 with expandable 102400 ISO).

In practical terms, Samsung’s small CCD struggles beyond ISO 400, with significant noise and detail loss starting at ISO 800. Color fidelity and dynamic range are modest, appropriate for snapshots, but insufficient for demanding editing.

Sony’s sensor is a powerhouse, delivering rich tonal gradations, crisp high ISO performance up to ISO 3200 (DxO low-light sensitivity rating of 3204), and impressive DR of nearly 14 stops - ideal for landscapes and studio portraits alike.

For photographers who crave pristine image quality, fine detail rendition, and strong editing latitude, the RX1R II is a clear winner. However, bear in mind the RX1R II lacks an anti-aliasing filter for maximum detail but might show slight moiré on some fabrics - a trade-off to consider.

Lens Quality and Optical Characteristics

The fixed lens on both cameras tells a lot about their target use.

Samsung’s 24-360mm (15x zoom) lens at f/3.2-5.8 is an all-in-one solution geared toward travelers and casual shooters who want flexibility. It covers wide-angle to super-telephoto, but optical compromises are evident: visible distortion at wide-angle, soft edges when zoomed fully, and limited low-light capability due to a relatively slow max aperture.

Sony RX1R II’s lens is a dream for those who appreciate photographic craft - a fixed 35 mm f/2.0 Zeiss Sonnar lens offering razor-sharp images with beautiful bokeh thanks to its wide aperture and 9-blade diaphragm. Macro capability starts at 14 cm, allowing close-up work with creamy background separation.

If you want to shoot portraits with creamy bokeh or street scenes with environmental charm, the RX1R II lens will serve you better. Samsung’s lens is more about versatility than optical excellence.

Autofocus Systems: Speed, Accuracy, and Usability

The Samsung HZ35W features a CCD with contrast-detection autofocus - functional but slow by today’s standards, offering single AF mode and basic face detection. It does not support continuous autofocus or subject tracking. Shooting fast-moving subjects or in low light can be frustrating.

Sony RX1R II boasts a hybrid AF system with 25 phase-detection points and contrast-detection, plus face detection and selective AF areas. This setup achieves accurate, swift focusing and tracking abilities comparable with dedicated mirrorless cameras, making it suitable for capturing dynamic scenes reliably.

While RX1R II autofocus isn’t the fastest in Sony’s lineup, it remains respectable and beats the Samsung hands down in speed and versatility.

Build Quality, Weather Sealing, and Handling

Neither camera offers weather sealing, dustproofing, or ruggedness certification. These are delicate compact cameras not intended for harsh conditions or shock resistance.

That said, the RX1R II’s magnesium alloy body and high-quality finishes feel premium and solid, giving confidence during longer professional shoots. Samsung’s plastic-centric compact is lightweight and easier to carry but feels less robust.

Battery life is a telling difference. Samsung’s battery spec isn’t clearly advertised; however, compact CCD compacts generally offer around 200-300 shots per charge. Sony RX1R II, with its high-res sensor and EVF, yields around 220 shots per CIPA rating, which is respectable but will necessitate spares for serious work.

User Interface - Screen, Viewfinder, and Control Layout

Samsung’s 3" fixed LCD screen packs a modest 614k pixels with no touchscreen. Given the lack of an EVF, composing in bright daylight can be tricky.

Sony RX1R II improves here with a higher-res 3" tilting LCD (1.23 million pixels) and a detailed electronic viewfinder (2.36 million pixels) with 100% coverage. The EVF magnification of 0.74x is pleasingly immersive.

The EVF lends itself to precise composition and manual focusing, invaluable in bright or complex lighting. For users who prefer a traditional finder experience in a compact body, RX1R II clearly shines.

Video Capabilities

Video is a secondary feature on both models but worth noting if you want hybrid functionality.

Samsung shoots modest HD video at 1280x720 (30fps) using Motion JPEG, a format less efficient than modern codecs, resulting in large files and limited editing flexibility.

Sony RX1R II records full HD 1080p at up to 60fps with advanced codecs (MPEG-4, AVCHD, XAVC S, H.264) and slow-motion 720p at 120fps, suitable for creative work. While it doesn’t support 4K, the video quality is excellent with manual exposure control and microphone input for better audio - features missing on Samsung’s model.

Connectivity and Storage Options

Samsung provides USB 2.0, HDMI out, and built-in GPS - handy for geotagging your travel snaps. Wireless connectivity is nonexistent, so transferring images requires cables or removing the memory card.

Sony RX1R II supports USB 2.0, HDMI, NFC (great for quick pairing), and memory card compatibility with SD and Memory Stick Pro Duo. Bluetooth isn’t available, which is a bit surprising for a 2015 camera in this price class.

Both cameras feature single card slots, limiting workflow redundancy.

Practical Performance Across Photography Genres

Let’s get hands-on and explore how these two fare in different shooting scenarios.

Portrait Photography

• Samsung HZ35W: The lens’s slow aperture and small sensor mean backgrounds lack creamy bokeh. Skin tones are often flat, and face detection is basic but functional for casual portraits.

• Sony RX1R II: Exceptional color rendition and shallow depth-of-field make portraits come alive. Eye detection AF (while not present) is partly compensated by accurate face detection. Skin tones are natural and detailed.

Landscape Photography

• Samsung: Limited dynamic range results in blown highlights and muddy shadows under challenging lighting. Moderate resolution limits large print cropping.

• Sony: Stunning detail and tonal latitude. The high resolution lets you crop aggressively or print wall-sized images without loss. The absence of weather sealing means be cautious outdoors.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

• Samsung: Slow autofocus and modest burst shooting limit ability to handle fast-moving subjects or wildlife at a distance.

• Sony: Moderate burst speed (5 fps) with accurate AF tracking can capture action but is no match for specialized sports cameras. The 35mm lens is limiting for wildlife telephoto needs.

Street Photography

• Samsung: Small size and zoom range are discreet but less versatile for creative framing.

• Sony: Larger and more noticeable, but the RX1R II’s compact full-frame design and prime lens offer excellent low-light capability and beautiful bokeh for street portraits.

Macro Photography

• Samsung: Close focusing at 3 cm, but image quality suffers toward the macro range.

• Sony: Minimum focus distance of 14 cm provides decent macro ability with excellent sharpness and background blur.

Night and Astro Photography

• Samsung: High ISO noise and limited manual controls restrict night shooting.

• Sony: Advanced manual capabilities and very clean high ISO make astrophotography viable, especially with external tripod and manual exposure.

Video for Creators

• Samsung’s HD video is very basic; often more of a novelty.

• Sony provides professional-level HD video with good control and external mic support, suitable for hybrid shooters.

Travel Photography

Both cameras serve travel shooters, but they cater to very different approaches:

• The Samsung HZ35W is lightweight, versatile with its zoom, and easy to carry.

• The Sony RX1R II offers unmatched image quality and controls but is heavier and costlier.

Samsung HZ35W screen back Sony RX1R II front Sony RX1R II screen back

Price to Performance: What Are You Really Paying For?

Samsung HZ35W enters as an affordable compact (~$300), catering mostly to casual users wanting an all-purpose camera with a long zoom and easy use.

Sony RX1R II is a $3,300 premium compact targeting professionals and serious enthusiasts who value top-tier image quality in a pocketable form factor.

If budget constrains you, the Samsung provides acceptable point-and-shoot performance for everyday snapshots. If you want exquisite image quality and plan to use the camera seriously, the RX1R II’s extensive features justify its cost for many.

Summing Up in Specific Use Cases

Closing Thoughts: Choosing Your Next Compact

The Samsung HZ35W and Sony RX1R II represent two poles of compact camera design: budget superzoom convenience vs concentrated imaging excellence.

I recommend the Samsung HZ35W if...

• You want a lightweight, affordable point-and-shoot for travel and casual use.
• Zoom versatility and ease of use trump image quality.
• You prefer something simple without fiddly controls.

Opt instead for the Sony RX1R II if...

• Outstanding image quality and full-frame sensor benefits are your top priorities.
• You shoot seriously in diverse conditions and need precise manual controls.
• You value build quality, an EVF, and professional features in a compact.

Both have their place, but the Sony RX1R II truly elevates what “compact camera” can mean in 2015 and beyond.

If you’d like to explore similar comparisons or need lens recommendations for the Sony RX1R II, or practical shooting tips with the Samsung HZ35W, I have detailed videos and tutorials ready to share. Just let me know!

Thanks for reading, and happy shooting.

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