Samsung HZ35W vs Sony A35

Choosing the Right Camera: A Detailed Comparison of the Samsung HZ35W and Sony A35

When it comes to selecting a camera, the decision often pits compact convenience against the flexibility and image quality of an interchangeable-lens system. Today, I’m putting two very different cameras head-to-head: the Samsung HZ35W, a small-sensor superzoom compact, and the Sony A35, an entry-level DSLR-style mirrorless with a translucent mirror. I’ve spent extensive hands-on time with both, testing their capabilities indoors and out, in varied lighting and shooting conditions, so let’s dive deep into this comparison to unpack their strengths, weaknesses, and ideal use cases.

Body and Handling: Compact vs. DSLR-Inspired Ergonomics

The Samsung HZ35W is streamlined and pocketable, weighing just 245 grams with dimensions of 107x61x28 mm. Its compact form is attractive for travelers, casual shooters, or anyone prioritizing portability above all. Controls are minimalistic, with a fixed 3-inch LCD at the rear and no viewfinder - a classic small-sensor convenience. This compactness, however, comes with compromises in terms of grip and tactile control, especially for users accustomed to more substantial bodies.

In contrast, the Sony A35 channels a DSLR form factor with a beefier build at 415 grams and more substantial dimensions (124x92x85 mm). The body offers a deeper grip, more physical control dials, and an electronic viewfinder with 100% coverage. The top view comparison outlines this difference clearly:

You’ll notice the A35’s layout provides quick access to manual controls and shooting modes, catering better to photographers who want precision and faster operation. The HZ35W’s simpler controls, while user-friendly, leave little room for customizability or rapid adjustments on the fly.

Sensor and Image Quality: Tiny CCD vs. APS-C CMOS

A stark divergence arises in sensor technology and size. The Samsung HZ35W is armed with a 1/2.3" CCD sensor measuring 6.17x4.55 mm - tiny by today's standards, with an image area of just over 28 mm² and 12 megapixels. In contrast, the Sony A35 houses a large APS-C CMOS sensor at 23.5x15.6 mm, totaling around 367 mm², sporting 16 MP.

This massive sensor area difference (more than 13x) translates directly into superior image quality for the Sony. Larger sensors capture more light, delivering better dynamic range, less noise at high ISO, and richer color depth - qualities that align with professional and enthusiast demands. DXO Mark data supports this, with the A35 achieving an overall score of 74, excellent color depth (23.3 bits), and impressive low-light ISO performance (~763 ISO). The HZ35W lacks DXO testing, but similar sensor specs typically yield lower dynamic range and noticeable noise starting at ISO 400-800.

If your ambition extends beyond snapshots to artwork-grade portraits or detailed landscapes, APS-C will offer arguably transformative improvements. The Samsung can capture decent images in good light, but struggles in dim conditions or scenes with high contrast.

Ergonomics and Interface: Screen and Viewfinder Usability

Both cameras provide a fixed 3-inch rear LCD, but the specifications differ - the Samsung’s screen resolution is limited to 614k dots, while the Sony boasts 921k dots with slightly cleaner rendering and better color accuracy. The Sony’s electronic viewfinder (EVF) at 1150k dots and full coverage is a significant advantage for precise framing and eye-level shooting, especially in bright environments where rear LCD visibility drops off.

During my field testing, the Sony’s EVF proved invaluable for capturing fast-moving subjects and aiding manual focus. The Samsung’s reliance on the LCD alone means shooting outdoors under harsh sunlight can be challenging.

Lens and Zoom: Fixed Superzoom vs. Interchangeable Ecosystem

Samsung’s HZ35W offers a 24-360mm equivalent 15× zoom lens with a variable max aperture of f/3.2–5.8. This ultra-zoom range is fantastic for casual travel or wildlife snapshots - no lens changes, just point-and-shoot versatility. However, image quality at the telephoto end softens perceptibly, and shooting wide open yields modest bokeh given the smaller sensor and narrower apertures.

The Sony A35, meanwhile, is compatible with Sony’s Alpha mount lenses, boasting 143 lenses available, spanning primes, zooms, macro, and specialty optics. From ultra-wide landscapes to fast telephoto wildlife lenses, the A35 serves as a flexible platform. Of course, lens costs and weight accumulate, but the image quality and creative control gains are substantial.

Autofocus Performance: Contrast Detection vs. Hybrid PDAF

Samsung HZ35W relies on contrast-detection autofocus with face-detection capabilities but no phase detection or continuous autofocus. Autofocus speed is adequate for casual use but can lag in low light and fast action.

Sony’s A35 features a hybrid autofocus system with phase detection on the translucent mirror and contrast detection in live view, offering 15 focus points including 3 cross-type sensors. The system supports continuous AF at 6 fps burst shooting, which I found responsive for sports and wildlife subjects - though the tracking is not as sophisticated as high-end mirrorless models.

Shooting Speed and Shutter Range

The Samsung’s shutter speed ranges from 1/16 sec to 1/2000 sec, insufficiently broad for creative exposure control in challenging light or fast action capture. Continuous shooting is unavailable.

Sony A35 stretches from 30 sec to 1/4000 sec shutter speeds, generous for long exposures and freezing fast motion. Its 6 fps burst rate enables capturing decisive moments in sports or wildlife photography.

Video Capabilities: Basic HD vs. Full HD with Audio Input

Samsung offers HD video capture at 1280×720 max @ 30 fps in Motion JPEG format - serviceable but limited. There’s no microphone input or in-body stabilization designed specifically for video.

Sony steps up with full HD 1920×1080 recording at 60 fps, supporting advanced compression formats including AVCHD and H.264. Crucially, it has a microphone input, allowing better audio quality - important for multimedia creators or event shooters. Both cameras support optical/sensor-based stabilization, but Sony’s sensor-shift stabilization is generally more effective, especially with compatible lenses.

Low Light and ISO Performance

The Samsung’s maximum ISO tops out at 3200, but image degradation begins noticeably beyond ISO 400 due to small sensor noise and limitations of CCD technology.

Sony’s A35 boasts an extraordinary boosted ISO ceiling of 25,600 with native ISO from 100. In practice, image quality at ISO 1600-3200 remains usable, and while noise rises at max ISO, it can still deliver shots where the Samsung cannot.

For night scenes or astrophotography, the Sony clearly wins with manual exposures up to 30 seconds and better noise control.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance

Neither camera offers weather sealing or ruggedization, underscoring their roles as consumer-oriented rather than professional-grade bodies. The Sony’s larger size translates into a sturdier feel but remains plastic-heavy with minimal magnesium alloy use. The Samsung’s plastic shell suffices but feels less durable overall.

Battery Life and Storage

Sony A35 uses the NP-FW50 battery, capable of approximately 440 shots per charge, which comfortably lasts a full day of shooting under mixed usage. Samsung’s battery figures are unspecified, but smaller compacts generally hit around 200 shots.

Both use SD/SDHC/SDXC cards, but the Sony A35 expands compatibility with Memory Stick formats as well.

Sample Image Gallery: Real-World Output

Here’s a selection of images captured from both cameras under identical conditions around urban, landscape, and portrait sessions. Notice the richer details and cleaner shadows of the Sony shots, especially when zoomed or cropped.

Samsung HZ35W screen back Sony A35 front Sony A35 screen back

Performance Scores and Genre-Specific Strengths

Our overall camera performance ratings reflect the Sony A35’s superiority with a higher score driven by sensor size, image quality, autofocus speed, and versatility.

Examining genre-specific performance:

• Portraits benefit from Sony’s better color rendition and depth of field control.
• Landscapes show sharper details and broader dynamic range on the A35.
• Wildlife and sports are more comfortably handled by Sony’s faster AF and burst.
• Street photography highlights Samsung’s small form factor but falters in low light.
• Macro and night photography are challenging for Samsung; Sony offers better manual control and lens options.
• Video capabilities strongly favor Sony for higher resolution and sound features.
• Travel photography hinges on personal preference - Sony offers quality at the cost of bulk; Samsung trades flexibility for convenience.
• Professionals requiring RAW support, reliable workflow integration, and advanced features will gravitate toward Sony.

Who Should Buy the Samsung HZ35W?

If you need a straightforward, lightweight travel companion that covers massive zoom range without fuss or extra lenses, the Samsung HZ35W is a sensible choice. Its user-friendly interface, built-in GPS tagging, and modest price around $300 appeal to casual shooters focused on convenience.

Yet, the caveat is image quality and limited manual control. Its CCD sensor and basic AF make it less suitable for serious enthusiasts or those aiming to elevate their photography technically.

Who Will Benefit from the Sony A35?

For photographers investing in learning manual exposure, experimenting with lenses, or requiring superior image quality and autofocus autonomy, the Sony A35 is the clear winner despite its heft and price (~$600).

Its APS-C sensor, hybrid AF system, RAW files, and broad lens ecosystem provide a platform for growth from hobbyist to semi-professional levels. Video creators also appreciate the advanced codecs and microphone input.

Final Thoughts

This matchup between the Samsung HZ35W and Sony A35 is a textbook case of compact convenience versus expandable quality.

The Samsung packs an impressive zoom and simplistic design ideal for casual outings or beginner travelers who prioritize size and usability above all. However, this comes at a cost in image quality, dynamic range, and performance under challenging conditions.

The Sony A35, with its larger sensor, advanced AF, and versatility, suits enthusiasts ready to learn and grow, requiring robust stills and video capabilities. It's a window into Sony's early SLT technology and mirrors the DSLR handling many still crave but with benefits like an EVF and live view.

Ultimately, matching your photographic goals - be it casual snapshots or creative exploration - with these cameras’ capabilities will yield the most satisfying outcome. This analysis, grounded in rigorous testing and comparison, aims to empower your decision rather than push one model over the other.

Happy shooting, whichever path you choose!