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Samsung HZ35W vs Sony S980

Portability
91
Imaging
35
Features
42
Overall
37
Samsung HZ35W front
 
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S980 front
Portability
94
Imaging
34
Features
17
Overall
27

Samsung HZ35W vs Sony S980 Key Specs

Samsung HZ35W
(Full Review)
  • 12MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
  • 3" Fixed Display
  • ISO 80 - 3200
  • Optical Image Stabilization
  • 1280 x 720 video
  • 24-360mm (F3.2-5.8) lens
  • 245g - 107 x 61 x 28mm
  • Released June 2010
  • Also referred to as WB650
Sony S980
(Full Review)
  • 12MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
  • 2.7" Fixed Screen
  • ISO 80 - 3200
  • 1280 x 720 video
  • 33-132mm (F3.3-5.2) lens
  • 167g - 93 x 56 x 24mm
  • Released February 2009
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Samsung HZ35W vs Sony S980 Overview

On this page, we will be evaluating the Samsung HZ35W versus Sony S980, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by rivals Samsung and Sony. The image resolution of the HZ35W (12MP) and the S980 (12MP) is relatively close and both cameras posses the same sensor dimensions (1/2.3").

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The HZ35W was revealed 17 months after the S980 which makes them a generation away from one another. Each of the cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before we go straight to a thorough comparison, here is a concise introduction of how the HZ35W scores vs the S980 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

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Reasons to pick Samsung HZ35W over the Sony S980

 HZ35W S980 
ReleasedJune 2010February 2009More modern by 17 months
Screen dimensions3"2.7"Bigger screen (+0.3")
Screen resolution614k230kSharper screen (+384k dot)

Reasons to pick Sony S980 over the Samsung HZ35W

 S980 HZ35W 

Common features in the Samsung HZ35W and Sony S980

 HZ35W S980 
Manual focus Very accurate focus
Screen typeFixed Fixed Fixed screen
Selfie screen Neither includes selfie screen
Touch friendly screen Neither includes Touch friendly screen

Samsung HZ35W vs Sony S980 Physical Comparison

For anybody who is looking to carry around your camera, you need to think about its weight and dimensions. The Samsung HZ35W features outside dimensions of 107mm x 61mm x 28mm (4.2" x 2.4" x 1.1") with a weight of 245 grams (0.54 lbs) while the Sony S980 has dimensions of 93mm x 56mm x 24mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") and a weight of 167 grams (0.37 lbs).

Examine the Samsung HZ35W versus Sony S980 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool. Camera Size Comparison with Lenses

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you have at that moment. Here is a front view overall size comparison of the HZ35W and the S980.

Samsung HZ35W vs Sony S980 size comparison

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the HZ35W and S980 is 91 and 94 respectively.

Samsung HZ35W vs Sony S980 top view buttons comparison

Samsung HZ35W vs Sony S980 Sensor Comparison

More often than not, it's tough to imagine the contrast in sensor sizes merely by viewing a spec sheet. The pic underneath will help give you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the HZ35W and S980.

As you can see, both of these cameras have the same sensor dimensions and the same MP so you should expect comparable quality of pictures although you have to factor the production date of the cameras into account. The fresher HZ35W should have a benefit when it comes to sensor tech.

Samsung HZ35W vs Sony S980 sensor size comparison

Samsung HZ35W vs Sony S980 Screen and ViewFinder

Samsung HZ35W vs Sony S980 Screen and Viewfinder comparison
Photography Glossary

Photography Type Scores

Portrait Comparison

Samsung HZ35W as a Portrait photography camera
Sony S980 as a Portrait photography camera
34
manual focus
supports face detect focusing
no external flash support
low resolution sensor (12 megapixels)
sensor size is tiny (1/2.3")
lack of RAW support
27
focusing manually
lack of manual exposure
no external flash support
low megapixels (12 megapixels)
sensor size is very small (1/2.3")
no RAW files
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Street Comparison

Street photography with Samsung HZ35W
Street photography with Sony S980
60
image stabilization (Optical)
lighter than others in class (245g)
fixed screen
sensor size is tiny (1/2.3")
lack of RAW support
47
fixed screen
does not have image stabilization
sensor size is very small (1/2.3")
no RAW files
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Sports Comparison

Sports photography with Samsung HZ35W
Sports photography with Sony S980
42
incredible zoom range (24-360mm 15.0 x zoom)
image stabilization (Optical)
supports tracking focus
low resolution sensor (12 megapixels)
sensor size is tiny (1/2.3")
lack of phase detect AF
17
max frames per second low (1.0 fps)
no shutter priority mode
does not have image stabilization
low megapixels (12MP)
sensor size is very small (1/2.3")
no phase detect auto focus
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Travel Comparison

Samsung HZ35W Travel photography information
Sony S980 Travel photography information
63
lighter than others in class (245 grams)
has built in flash
rather wide (24mm)
great zoom (360mm)
missing Timelapse recording
low resolution sensor (12 megapixels)
screen isn't selfie friendly
somewhat slow max aperture (f3.2)
51
built-in flash
lack of Timelapse mode
low megapixels (12 megapixels)
display isn't selfie friendly
wide angle not great (33mm)
somewhat slow max aperture (f3.3)
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Landscape Comparison

Samsung HZ35W Landscape photography highlights
Sony S980 Landscape photography highlights
43
manual focus
rather wide (24mm)
screen size is decent (3")
image stabilization (Optical)
cannot swap lenses (fixed lens mount)
somewhat slow max aperture (f3.2)
low resolution sensor (12 megapixels)
sensor size is tiny (1/2.3")
lack of RAW support
missing Timelapse recording
27
focusing manually
lens is fixed (fixed lens mount)
wide angle not great (33mm)
somewhat slow max aperture (f3.3)
small screen (2.7 inches)
lack of manual exposure
does not have image stabilization
low megapixels (12 megapixels)
sensor size is very small (1/2.3")
no RAW files
lack of Timelapse mode
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Vlogging Comparison

Samsung HZ35W as a Vlogging camera
Sony S980 as a Vlogging camera
31
rather wide (24mm)
image stabilization (Optical)
supports face detect focusing
lighter than others in class (245 grams)
somewhat slow max aperture (f3.2)
screen isn't selfie friendly
low video resolution (1280 x 720 pxls)
missing microphone port
22
wide angle not great (33mm)
somewhat slow max aperture (f3.3)
display isn't selfie friendly
does not have image stabilization
low res video (1280 x 720 pixels)
lack of microphone port
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Samsung HZ35W vs Sony S980 Specifications

Detailed spec comparison table for Samsung HZ35W and Sony S980
 Samsung HZ35WSony Cyber-shot DSC-S980
General Information
Brand Name Samsung Sony
Model Samsung HZ35W Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S980
Also Known as WB650 -
Class Small Sensor Superzoom Small Sensor Compact
Released 2010-06-16 2009-02-17
Body design Compact Compact
Sensor Information
Sensor type CCD CCD
Sensor size 1/2.3" 1/2.3"
Sensor measurements 6.17 x 4.55mm 6.17 x 4.55mm
Sensor surface area 28.1mm² 28.1mm²
Sensor resolution 12 megapixels 12 megapixels
Anti aliasing filter
Aspect ratio 4:3 and 16:9 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9
Peak resolution 4000 x 3000 4000 x 3000
Highest native ISO 3200 3200
Minimum native ISO 80 80
RAW format
Autofocusing
Focus manually
Autofocus touch
Continuous autofocus
Single autofocus
Tracking autofocus
Autofocus selectice
Center weighted autofocus
Autofocus multi area
Live view autofocus
Face detect autofocus
Contract detect autofocus
Phase detect autofocus
Number of focus points - 9
Lens
Lens mount fixed lens fixed lens
Lens focal range 24-360mm (15.0x) 33-132mm (4.0x)
Largest aperture f/3.2-5.8 f/3.3-5.2
Macro focus distance 3cm 10cm
Focal length multiplier 5.8 5.8
Screen
Range of display Fixed Type Fixed Type
Display diagonal 3 inches 2.7 inches
Display resolution 614 thousand dot 230 thousand dot
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch display
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder None None
Features
Min shutter speed 16s 2s
Max shutter speed 1/2000s 1/1600s
Continuous shutter speed - 1.0fps
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Expose Manually
Exposure compensation Yes -
Set white balance
Image stabilization
Built-in flash
Flash range 5.00 m 3.50 m
Flash modes Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Fill-in, Slow Sync Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye reduction, Slow Sync
Hot shoe
AE bracketing
WB bracketing
Exposure
Multisegment metering
Average metering
Spot metering
Partial metering
AF area metering
Center weighted metering
Video features
Supported video resolutions 1280 x 720 (30, 15 fps), 640 x 480 (30, 15 fps), 320 x 240 (60, 30 fps) 1280 x 720 (30 fps) 640 x 480 (30 fps)
Highest video resolution 1280x720 1280x720
Video data format Motion JPEG Motion JPEG
Microphone jack
Headphone jack
Connectivity
Wireless None None
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
GPS BuiltIn None
Physical
Environmental seal
Water proof
Dust proof
Shock proof
Crush proof
Freeze proof
Weight 245 grams (0.54 lbs) 167 grams (0.37 lbs)
Physical dimensions 107 x 61 x 28mm (4.2" x 2.4" x 1.1") 93 x 56 x 24mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9")
DXO scores
DXO Overall score not tested not tested
DXO Color Depth score not tested not tested
DXO Dynamic range score not tested not tested
DXO Low light score not tested not tested
Other
Battery model SLB-11A -
Self timer Yes (2 or 10 sec, Double, Motion) Yes (2 or 10 sec)
Time lapse feature
Storage media SD/SDHC/SDXC, Internal Memory Stick Duo / Pro Duo, Internal
Storage slots 1 1
Price at release $300 $300