Samsung HZ50W vs Sony A500

Following is a in depth assessment of the Samsung HZ50W and Sony A500, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by competitors Samsung and Sony. The resolution of the HZ50W (14MP) and the A500 (12MP) is fairly close but the HZ50W (1/2.3") and A500 (APS-C) come with totally different sensor size.

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The HZ50W was unveiled 9 months after the A500 and they are of a similar generation. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Samsung HZ50W being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Sony A500 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before going in to a in depth comparison, below is a brief overview of how the HZ50W grades versus the A500 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Samsung HZ50W and Sony Alpha DSLR-A500. The full galleries are viewable at Samsung HZ50W Gallery and Sony A500 Gallery.

If you are looking to carry around your camera frequently, you will have to take into account its weight and size. The Samsung HZ50W has physical dimensions of 116mm x 83mm x 91mm (4.6" x 3.3" x 3.6") accompanied by a weight of 426 grams (0.94 lbs) while the Sony A500 has specifications of 137mm x 104mm x 84mm (5.4" x 4.1" x 3.3") and a weight of 630 grams (1.39 lbs).

Compare the Samsung HZ50W and Sony A500 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you are employing during that time. Following is the front view proportions comparison of the HZ50W versus the A500.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability score of the HZ50W and A500 is 70 and 63 respectively.

More often than not, it is very difficult to see the gap in sensor sizes purely by researching a spec sheet. The pic below may offer you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the HZ50W and A500.

Clearly, both cameras enjoy different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The HZ50W with its smaller sensor will make getting shallow depth of field more difficult and the Samsung HZ50W will render extra detail having an extra 2MP. Greater resolution will enable you to crop photos far more aggressively. The more recent HZ50W will have an advantage in sensor tech.