  The accuracy in determining the quantum state of a system depends on the type
of measurement performed. Homodyne and heterodyne detection are the two main
schemes in continuous-variable quantum information. The former leads to a
direct reconstruction of the Wigner function of the state, whereas the latter
samples its Husimi $Q$~function. We experimentally demonstrate that heterodyne
detection outperforms homodyne detection for almost all Gaussian states, the
details of which depend on the squeezing strength and thermal noise.
