Canon SX30 IS vs Sony RX10

Here, we will be analyzing the Canon SX30 IS and Sony RX10, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Large Sensor Superzoom by companies Canon and Sony. There is a sizable difference among the sensor resolutions of the SX30 IS (14MP) and RX10 (20MP) and the SX30 IS (1/2.3") and RX10 (1") offer totally different sensor dimensions.

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The SX30 IS was unveiled 4 years prior to the RX10 and that is a fairly significant difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of these cameras feature the same body design (SLR-like (bridge)).

Before going into a thorough comparison, here is a brief view of how the SX30 IS matches up versus the RX10 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Canon PowerShot SX30 IS & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10. The full galleries are viewable at Canon SX30 IS Gallery & Sony RX10 Gallery.

For those who are going to lug around your camera frequently, you'll have to think about its weight and size. The Canon SX30 IS features exterior measurements of 123mm x 92mm x 108mm (4.8" x 3.6" x 4.3") along with a weight of 601 grams (1.32 lbs) and the Sony RX10 has specifications of 129mm x 88mm x 102mm (5.1" x 3.5" x 4.0") accompanied by a weight of 813 grams (1.79 lbs).

Contrast the Canon SX30 IS and Sony RX10 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you use at that time. Below is a front view dimensions comparison of the SX30 IS compared to the RX10.

Considering size and weight, the portability grade of the SX30 IS and RX10 is 64 and 58 respectively.

Often, it's hard to visualise the difference in sensor measurements just by checking out specs. The graphic underneath will give you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the SX30 IS and RX10.

All in all, each of these cameras feature different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The SX30 IS with its smaller sensor will make shooting shallower depth of field harder and the Sony RX10 will provide more detail having an extra 6MP. Higher resolution will also enable you to crop shots way more aggressively. The older SX30 IS will be behind in sensor technology.