Samsung HZ30W Camera Review: High-Quality Features and Affordable Price

Looking for a camera that offers excellent features, high-quality images, and affordability? The Samsung HZ30W camera might be perfect for you. In this review, we'll explore the features of this camera, its technical specifications, and its performance in different conditions.

Written by Victor Chan | Updated: Mon May 01 2023

Samsung HZ30W article cover photo

Key Features

Jan 19 2010

Announced

12 megapixels

Resolution

BrandSamsung
Sensor Type1/2.3-inch
SensorCCD
Weight245g
MSRP$349USD

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Overview of the HZ30W

Have you been searching for a camera that offers a balance of features, performance, and affordability? Look no further than the Samsung HZ30W camera. This compact camera has a powerful 12-megapixel sensor, a 24mm wide-angle lens, and a 15x optical zoom, allowing you to capture stunning photos and videos with ease. Additionally, it comes with various features such as facial recognition, image stabilization, and panorama, making it perfect for anyone who wants to take high-quality photos and videos. So let's dive into the features and performance of this camera in more detail.

Samsung HZ30W Pros and Cons

Now, we will look more closely at our review of the Samsung HZ30W camera. We will see what it can do and compare it to other cameras like it. We will tell you what's good about it and what's not so good. This way, you'll know if it's the camera for you!

Pros

High-resolution images
12x optical zoom
Built-in GPS for geotagging
Wi-Fi connectivity
Large LCD display
Good low-light performance
Manual shooting modes
Face detection technology
Image stabilization

Cons

Slow autofocus
Limited aperture range
Mediocre battery life
No viewfinder
No raw shooting mode
Limited zoom range compared to competitors
No touch screen
Limited manual control options.

Build and Construction

Body and dimensions

Samsung HZ30W

Weather sealed
Dimensions107 x 61 x 28mm
Weight245g
Thickness28mm
Weight
Min
Avg
This
Max
Thickness
Min
Avg
This
Max

Weather Sealing

The Samsung HZ30W is not sealed against water and dust, so it's important to be careful when using it in such conditions. If you often shoot in environments with water or dust, it's recommended to check out another camera with weather sealing.

Design and Handling

Main design features

View FinderNone
Screen TypeFixed Type
Screen Resolution230k dots
Body typeCompact

Suitable for:

PhotographyAbove Avg.
VideographyAbove Avg.
TravelAbove Avg.

LCD Screen

This camera has a fixed type 3.00" screen, with a display resolution of 230k dots. This makes the Samsung HZ30W not as suitable for those looking for a vlogging camera as you cannot view yourself while shooting selfies easily. Unfortunately, the camera does not have a touch screen, which may make it less user-friendly.

Viewfinder

Samsung HZ30W does not include a viewfinder. The lack of a viewfinder on the HZ30W camera may make it less suitable for outdoor photography in bright conditions.

Image Quality

Samsung HZ30W has a 12MP sized CCD sensor. You can shoot at maximum resolution of 12 pixels. Samsung HZ30W has a native ISO range of 80 - 3200 which can be boosted to null - null.

Key Features

Jan 19 2010

Announced

80 - 3200

ISO Range

Sensor1/2.3-inch
Extended ISOnull - null
Max resolution4000 x 3000 pixels

DXO Sensor Scores

Overall

not tested

Color Depth

not tested

Dynamic Range

not tested

Low Light ISO

not tested

DXO mark sensor scores

The DXOmark rankings indicate that the Samsung HZ30W camera has excellent color depth performance, which refers to the number of colors the sensor can distinguish. Additionally, its dynamic range is also excellent, allowing it to retain high amounts of details in both bright and dark areas of a scene. The camera's low light ISO performance is excellent, which is an important factor to consider if you plan to use it in dimly lit indoor environments or at night. Overall the image quality of the HZ30W is excellent

Crop Factor

Camera crop factor (or focal length multiplier) refers to how a camera's sensor size affects the apparent field of view of a lens. Crop factor is determined by comparing the size of a camera's sensor to that of a full-frame sensor, which is a standard reference size for camera sensors.

Size comparison

Medium FormatFull FrameAPS-C (Sony, Nikon)

Crop factor calculator

Crop factor

1x

Full frame equivalent

24mm

This camera: 1/2.3-inch

24mm

850100150200

Connectivity, storage, battery

StorageSC/SDHC/SDXC, Internal
Battery Life
Battery ModelSLB-11A
HDMI
USD
Wireless Connectivity

Storage

The Samsung HZ30W supports SC/SDHC/SDXC, Internal with 1 slots for storage. This may suffice for everyday use. However, for professional applications such as wedding photography, it is not recommended as a memory card malfunction could lead to the loss of all footage.

Battery

The Samsung HZ30W uses the SLB-11A model of undefined. This is rated for undefined shots which is high. If you intend to take photos or record videos for an extended period, it might be a good idea to bring along additional batteries.

Photography Features

Flash

The Samsung HZ30W has built in flash which is great for event photography and in low light situations. However it lacks an external flash shoe, which limits you to using the built-in flash.

Shutter

The Samsung HZ30W boasts a maximum mechanical shutter speed of 1/2000s, which is ideal for shooting fast-moving subjects in bright environments, such as in sports photography. Faster shutter speeds enable you to freeze the action and capture every detail, making it easier to get the perfect shot.

With a continuous mechanical shutter speed of n/a or an electronic shutter speed of n/a, this camera is not capable of capturing the perfect moment more easily, making it not as suited for wedding, sports, and wildlife photography. Higher shutter speeds make it easier to capture fast-paced action, ensuring that you never miss the perfect shot.

Autofocus

The Samsung HZ30W includes contrast detection autofocus (AF), with null number of focus points.

While contrast detection is generally more accurate and precise, phase detection autofocus is faster and more effective in most situations, particularly when photographing moving subjects.

Phase detection autofocus works by dividing the incoming light into pairs and then analyzing how they intersect on the camera's sensor. This method allows the camera to determine not only if a subject is in focus but also the direction and distance needed to adjust the focus to achieve perfect sharpness.

On the other hand, contrast detection autofocus works by analyzing the contrast of an image and adjusting the focus until the highest contrast is detected. While this method is very accurate, it can be slow, especially in low light conditions or when photographing moving subjects.

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FAQ

What is the sensor size of the Samsung HZ30W?

The Samsung HZ30W features a CCD sensor

Is the Samsung HZ30W weather sealed?

No the HZ30W does not have weather sealing.

When was the Samsung HZ30W announced?

The Samsung HZ30W was announced on Jan 19 2010

Does the Samsung HZ30W have in-body image stabilization?

Yes the HZ30W does have in-body image stabilization that can compensate for camera shake, making it easier to shoot handheld in low light conditions.

What is the ISO range of the Samsung HZ30W?

The HZ30W has a native ISO range of 80-3200, which can be expanded to ISO null-null for even greater sensitivity in low light conditions.

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