Canon ELPH 530 HS vs Sony HX1

The following is a in depth review of the Canon ELPH 530 HS versus Sony HX1, both Small Sensor Superzoom digital cameras by manufacturers Canon and Sony. The resolution of the ELPH 530 HS (10MP) and the HX1 (9MP) is relatively well matched but the ELPH 530 HS (1/2.3") and HX1 (1/2.4") boast totally different sensor sizing.

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The ELPH 530 HS was unveiled 2 years after the HX1 which is quite a large difference as far as tech is concerned. Both cameras have different body design with the Canon ELPH 530 HS being a Compact camera and the Sony HX1 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before diving into a thorough comparison, here is a quick overview of how the ELPH 530 HS grades against the HX1 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Canon PowerShot ELPH 530 HS & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX1. The full galleries are provided at Canon ELPH 530 HS Gallery & Sony HX1 Gallery.

When you are planning to travel with your camera frequently, you will need to factor its weight and dimensions. The Canon ELPH 530 HS provides external measurements of 86mm x 54mm x 20mm (3.4" x 2.1" x 0.8") along with a weight of 163 grams (0.36 lbs) while the Sony HX1 has dimensions of 115mm x 83mm x 92mm (4.5" x 3.3" x 3.6") and a weight of 544 grams (1.20 lbs).

Take a look at the Canon ELPH 530 HS versus Sony HX1 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you are utilising at that time. Here is a front view scale comparison of the ELPH 530 HS versus the HX1.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability score of the ELPH 530 HS and HX1 is 95 and 67 respectively.

Often, it's difficult to visualise the difference between sensor dimensions purely by checking technical specs. The pic here may offer you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the ELPH 530 HS and HX1.

As you can tell, the two cameras have different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The ELPH 530 HS having a bigger sensor will make getting shallower depth of field easier and the Canon ELPH 530 HS will give greater detail having an extra 1 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also help you crop shots a bit more aggressively. The fresher ELPH 530 HS will have a benefit in sensor tech.