Samsung HZ35W vs Sony A55

Below is a comprehensive review of the Samsung HZ35W and Sony A55, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by competitors Samsung and Sony. There is a noticeable difference between the image resolutions of the HZ35W (12MP) and A55 (16MP) and the HZ35W (1/2.3") and A55 (APS-C) have different sensor dimensions.

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The HZ35W was unveiled 2 months before the A55 so they are both of a similar age. Each of the cameras feature different body design with the Samsung HZ35W being a Compact camera and the Sony A55 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before diving into a more detailed comparison, here is a simple overview of how the HZ35W grades against the A55 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Samsung HZ35W & Sony SLT-A55. The full galleries are provided at Samsung HZ35W Gallery & Sony A55 Gallery.

For anybody who is intending to lug around your camera regularly, you will need to factor its weight and measurements. The Samsung HZ35W has outside measurements of 107mm x 61mm x 28mm (4.2" x 2.4" x 1.1") and a weight of 245 grams (0.54 lbs) while the Sony A55 has proportions of 124mm x 92mm x 85mm (4.9" x 3.6" x 3.3") accompanied by a weight of 500 grams (1.10 lbs).

Take a look at the Samsung HZ35W and Sony A55 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you are using at that moment. Below is a front view proportions comparison of the HZ35W compared to the A55.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability rating of the HZ35W and A55 is 91 and 67 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is very difficult to picture the contrast between sensor measurements simply by reading through a spec sheet. The visual here may offer you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the HZ35W and A55.

Clearly, the 2 cameras feature different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The HZ35W having a tinier sensor is going to make achieving bokeh more challenging and the Sony A55 will give you greater detail having an extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also help you crop photographs way more aggressively.