Samsung HZ35W vs Sony A57

On this page, we will be analyzing the Samsung HZ35W and Sony A57, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by companies Samsung and Sony. There is a significant difference between the resolutions of the HZ35W (12MP) and A57 (16MP) and the HZ35W (1/2.3") and A57 (APS-C) have totally different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The HZ35W was announced 3 years earlier than the A57 and that is quite a sizable gap as far as tech is concerned. Both of these cameras have different body design with the Samsung HZ35W being a Compact camera and the Sony A57 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before delving straight to a detailed comparison, here is a simple summation of how the HZ35W matches up versus the A57 for portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Samsung HZ35W and Sony SLT-A57. The whole galleries are available at Samsung HZ35W Gallery and Sony A57 Gallery.

If you are going to carry your camera often, you will need to think about its weight and dimensions. The Samsung HZ35W enjoys outer 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) and the Sony A57 has dimensions of 132mm x 98mm x 81mm (5.2" x 3.9" x 3.2") with a weight of 618 grams (1.36 lbs).

Take a look at the Samsung HZ35W and Sony A57 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you are utilizing at that moment. Underneath is a front view size comparison of the HZ35W vs the A57.

Considering size and weight, the portability rating of the HZ35W and A57 is 91 and 64 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is tough to visualise the contrast between sensor sizing just by looking at specifications. The graphic here may give you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the HZ35W and A57.

To sum up, each of the cameras provide different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The HZ35W with its tinier sensor will make achieving shallow depth of field more difficult and the Sony A57 will give more detail with its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will enable you to crop pictures more aggressively. The older HZ35W is going to be disadvantaged in sensor innovation.