• 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 12.0 megapixels
  • 24.00mm - 360.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • APS-C 369.7mm2
  • 16.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 12,800

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Differences

Samsung HZ35W advantages over Sony A55

  • Less expensive
    $350 vs $850 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Thinner
    28 mm vs 84 mm
    Thinner
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options

Sony A55 advantages over Samsung HZ35W

  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs 1/2.3 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Eye-level vs Rear display only
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 4.82 vs 1.54 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Tiltable Screen
    Tiltable vs Fixed
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Fast startup
    ~0.90 vs 2.7 sec
    Faster startup lets you catch the moment
  • Built-in GPS
    GPS vs None
    Geotag your photos
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 330 vs 240 shots
    Capture more photos
  • External Mic Jack
    Jack vs No jack
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • More dots on screen
    922k vs 614k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • Hot shoe
    Hot shoe vs None
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Less shutter lag
    0.22 vs 0.82 sec
    Focus and take a photo quickly (wide angle)
  • More pixels
    16.2 vs 12.0 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Longer exposure
    30 vs 16 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Faster shutter
    1/4000 vs 1/2000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light
  • Higher extended ISO
    25600 vs 3200 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Rear display
    Both provide
    Review photos on the back of the camera
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Both provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Manual focus
    Both provide
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video

Common Weaknesses

  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Neither provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Integrated ND filter
    Neither provide
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

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Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Panasonic DMC-ZS7

Samsung HZ35W
Panasonic DMC-ZS7
  • $350
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • Manual focus
  • $400
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Longer stills battery life
  • Less shutter lag
Sony A55
Panasonic DMC-ZS7
  • $734
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $400
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Thinner

Compared to Canon SX210 IS

Samsung HZ35W
Canon SX210 IS
  • $350
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More dots on screen
  • Shoots 60p video
  • $262
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less shutter lag
  • More pixels
Sony A55
Canon SX210 IS
  • $734
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $262
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Thinner

Compared to Sony A33

Samsung HZ35W
Sony A33
  • $350
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Thinner
  • $540
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
Sony A55
Sony A33
  • $734
  • APS-C
  • Higher effective ISO
  • Built-in GPS
  • $540
  • APS-C

Compared to Panasonic ZS10

Samsung HZ35W
Panasonic ZS10
  • $350
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Manual focus
  • More dots on screen
  • $214
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Touchscreen
  • Fast startup
Sony A55
Panasonic ZS10
  • $734
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $214
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Touchscreen

Compared to Sony A35

Samsung HZ35W
Sony A35
  • $350
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Thinner
  • $567
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
Sony A55
Sony A35
  • $734
  • APS-C
  • Tiltable Screen
  • Built-in GPS
  • $567
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Longer stills battery life
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