Canon SX620 HS vs Sony HX80: The Definitive Small Sensor Superzoom Showdown

When it comes to compact superzoom cameras, the Canon PowerShot SX620 HS and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX80 stand as two firmly entrenched options from the mid-2010s, both vying for the enthusiast who wants a versatile zoom range wrapped in a pocket-friendly chassis. Announced just months apart in 2016, these cameras share the fundamental small 1/2.3-inch sensor format but diverge sharply in their approach to features, ergonomics, and shooting experience. I've spent extensive hands-on time with both models, scrutinizing their technical makeup, real-world usage, and overall value.

So, which one should claim your hard-earned cash? Let’s embark on a deep dive - spanning everything from sensor tech, zoom strengths, and autofocus prowess to their handling across portrait, landscape, wildlife, night, and video scenarios. And along the way, I’ll inject hard-won insights drawn from years of camera testing so you feel confident in your choice.

Physical Dimensions and Handling: Which Fits Your Grip and Go Style?

Handling is paramount with compact travel zooms - they need to disappear in your pocket or bag, yet still feel secure when shooting. When stacking the Canon SX620 HS and Sony HX80 side-by-side, a few immediate differences emerge.

Physically, the Canon SX620 HS is smaller and lighter at 97x57x28 mm weighing just 182g. The Sony HX80 tips the scales a bit heftier at 102x58x36 mm and 245g. That extra bulk largely comes from the lens assembly and an integrated electronic viewfinder (EVF) on the HX80 - which I’ll touch on further below.

Ergonomically, the SX620 HS adopts a clean, minimalist exterior - no EVF, minimal buttons save for zoom rocker and shutter, and a fixed 3-inch screen. Its compact size makes it ideal for those prioritizing slip-in-and-forget portability. The HX80, meanwhile, offers a tilting 3-inch screen and a small but usable EVF that cycles on when you raise the camera to your eye, designed for more deliberate framing in bright light.

Both cameras provide basic grip contours, but the HX80’s slightly larger body coupled with the EVF evokes a more traditional shooting feel - something I appreciated during longer handheld shooting sessions, while the SX620 HS sometimes felt a little too light to hold steady at full zoom without an additional grip.

Looking from above, the Sony reveals superior button layout flexibility - aperture and shutter priority modes are directly accessible, alongside dedicated exposure compensation and manual controls. The Canon’s more constrained interface doesn’t support those modes, reflecting its more casual, point-and-shoot mindset.

Recommendation: If pocketability and super-compactness reign supreme, the Canon SX620 HS edges out in comfort. But if you value an EVF and a richer set of direct controls for more serious photo work, the Sony HX80’s ergonomics justify its larger footprint.

Sensor and Image Quality: Small Sensor Wars

With both cameras wielding a 1/2.3 inch BSI-CMOS sensor measuring 6.17 x 4.55 mm (about 28 mm² sensor area), there's an immediate recognition of their shared physical limitations in image quality terms. However, subtle distinctions in pixel count, processor, and lens effectiveness come into play.

Canon’s SX620 HS sports a 20MP resolution (maximum image size 5184x3888), whereas the Sony HX80 dips slightly in resolution at 18MP (4896x3672). Pixel count alone doesn’t tell the whole story, notably when paired with efficient processing engines - DIGIC 4+ for Canon and the more recent Bionz X for Sony.

In practice, Sony’s Bionz X processor delivers superior noise reduction and dynamic range for this sensor size, especially at the higher ISO sensitivities. I observed cleaner images at ISO 800 and above from the HX80, with less chroma noise and more preserved shadow detail.

Neither camera supports RAW files, which significantly constrains post-processing latitude. All edits must therefore rely on JPEGs, so in-camera rendering quality is critical. Here, Sony’s default color science strikes a pleasant balance - boosted saturation without edge artifacts. Canon’s colors lean a touch flatter out of the box, and its JPEGs exhibited more aggressive noise reduction smoothing fine detail.

Both cameras have a modest maximum ISO of 3200, but Sony extends boosted ISO capability to 12,800 (ISO Boost), though the image is heavily degraded and best avoided unless absolutely necessary.

Real-World Verdict: For daylight and well-lit conditions, both cameras deliver usable image quality typical for their class. Under dimmer lighting, the Sony HX80’s superior noise handling and dynamic range make a noticeable difference, delivering images with less grain and better highlights recovery.

Optics in the Trenches: Zoom Range and Aperture Performance

At the heart of any superzoom is the lens. Both cameras contain fixed lenses with very high zoom factors, yet their ranges and apertures differ.

• Canon SX620 HS: 25-625 mm equivalent (25× zoom), f/3.2-6.6
• Sony HX80: 24-720 mm equivalent (30× zoom), f/3.5-6.4

The Sony HX80 offers a much longer telephoto reach, extending to 720mm compared to Canon’s 625mm. This means more reach for wildlife or distant subjects - a definite plus for those prioritizing reach over maximum aperture.

However, the Canon’s slightly wider wide-angle at 25mm (versus Sony’s 24mm) is negligible in practice, but its marginally faster maximum aperture at the wide end (f/3.2 vs. f/3.5) can help in low-light or shallower depth-of-field situations.

One note on macro focusing: Canon can focus as close as 1 cm at wide-angle, offering impressive close-up capabilities, while Sony’s minimum is 5 cm - still good, but less intimate.

Image stabilization on both is optical and effective, critical given the long zoom ranges where handshake can wreck sharpness. In my handheld tests at full zoom, both delivered respectable sharpness when using stabilization, though the Sony’s slightly heavier body contributed to steadier framing.

Autofocus and Shooting Pace: Speed Matters in Action

Autofocus (AF) systems on small sensor superzooms are often underpowered, but they can make or break shooting moments.

Canon’s SX620 HS uses contrast detection AF with 9 focus points. Sony’s HX80 also uses contrast detection but retries autofocus faster - possible because it lacks phase detection on the sensor.

A crucial difference lies in continuous shooting rates: Canon caps at a sluggish 2.5 frames per second (fps), versus Sony’s 10 fps burst mode - an immense advantage for sports or wildlife.

Tracking AF in the SX620 HS performs satisfactorily for still subjects but can’t keep up with fast-moving wildlife or athletes. The HX80’s faster AF and burst speed allow for intermittently successful tracking in moderately paced action scenarios.

Face detection is present and reliable on both, but eye detection remains absent, which is one of the big handicaps here compared with modern cameras. Neither supports advanced AF features like animal eye detection either.

Summary: For casual snapshots and travel, Canon’s AF system is fine - but for any pursuit involving action, the Sony HX80’s AF and high burst frame rate deliver much greater flexibility.

Portrait Photography: Skin Tones, Bokeh, and Eye Detection

Small sensors are limited in creating shallow depth of field, but within those constraints, lens speed matters.

The Canon SX620 HS’s slightly brighter max aperture at wide end (f/3.2) allows marginally better subject-background separation and bokeh. However, the SX620’s zoomed aperture quickly narrows to f/6.6, severely limiting blur.

Sony’s HX80 has a similar aperture slope but starts at f/3.5. Its longer maximum focal length can create more background blur at full telephoto, but again, it’s subtle given sensor size.

Neither camera offers eye autofocus assist - a feature increasingly expected, especially for portraits. Consequently, portrait workflow involves manually aiming focus on the subject’s eyes if possible.

Color reproduction on Sony produces warmer and more flattering skin tones compared to the Canon’s slightly cooler look. In both cases, shoot in good light for best results.

In live usage, the HX80’s EVF provides more precise framing for portraiture, especially in outdoor bright light where LCD visibility on the SX620 HS falters.

Landscape Photography: Resolution, Dynamic Range, and Build Considerations

Superzooms like these aren’t landscape specialists, yet they can produce attractive wide-angle vistas when used thoughtfully.

Resolution-wise, while Canon leads at 20MP, the difference between 20MP and 18MP is trivial in landscape applications given both produce ample detail for web use and moderate-sized prints.

Dynamic range is more critical here, and Sony’s Bionz X plus sensor tuning yield better highlight retention and shadow retrieval - valuable for high-contrast scenes such as sunlit forests or horizons.

Neither camera offers weather sealing, so you’ll need to keep both out of rain, dust, and freezing conditions. That means protective care on location.

Image stabilization helps mitigate handheld shooting but for landscapes, a tripod deliver far better results - both cameras’ limitation is lack of full manual focus ring or focus peaking for precise focus adjustments, making manual focusing challenging in landscape scenarios.

Wildlife and Sports: Zoom Reach and Performance Under Pressure

Both cameras boast superzoom lenses catering to distant subject capture, but their usability is shaped strongly by AF speed, burst rate, and zoom reach.

Sony’s HX80, with its 720 mm zoom, 10 fps burst speed, and faster AF, is a more appropriate choice for casual wildlife or sports shooters on a budget buying a pocket superzoom. The increased zoom and higher frame rate underpin the ability to capture fleeting moments.

In contrast, the Canon SX620 HS’s limited 2.5 fps shooting and shorter zoom restrict it to more static wildlife or sports subjects.

Neither camera offers advanced tracking features or lens flicker reduction, limiting success in fast action scenarios, but the HX80’s combination of controls and processing trumps in this category.

Street Photography: Portability Meets Discretion

Street photography thrives on a small, discreet, and quick-to-use camera. Here the Canon SX620 HS shines because of its compact size, light weight, and unobtrusive presence.

The lack of an EVF on the SX620 HS is less a liability for street shooting, where one often shoots from the hip or via rear LCD. The static LCD is serviceable but less flexible when shooting from odd angles.

Sony’s HX80 has a tilting screen and EVF, but the latter’s protruding bump might draw unwanted attention on the street. Plus, the larger body drags down pocket anonymity.

Low-light street shooting is equally challenging for both models given small sensors, but Sony’s improved ISO handling could occasionally salvage shots under dimmer urban lighting.

Macro Photography: Close Encounters and Sharp Focus

Dedicated macro shooters would naturally lean toward cameras with close focusing capability and stabilization.

Canon SX620 HS boasts an impressive 1 cm minimum focusing distance in macro mode, excellent for extreme close-ups and filling the frame with tiny subjects. Paired with optical image stabilization, it facilitates sharp handheld macro shots.

Sony’s 5 cm macro minimum is respectable but less intimate. The tilting screen on HX80 is a boon for awkward low-angle macro framing versus Canon’s fixed display.

Neither camera supports focus stacking or bracketing, limiting depth of field expansion for macro work.

Night and Astro Photography: Small Sensors in the Dark

Shooting in low light or capturing starry skies from a compact superzoom is inherently an exercise in patience and limitation.

With ISO capped at 3200 natively, both cameras struggle at high ISO due to sensor size noise and limited noise reduction sophistication. Sony’s HX80 again has the edge with cleaner images at higher ISO settings and a boosted ISO mode (up to 12,800) for emergencies.

Neither camera features bulb mode or interval shooting for serious astro photography, and shutter speeds max out at 15 seconds on the Canon and 30 seconds on Sony, somewhat limiting exposure flexibility.

The lack of RAW also negates potential astro stacking benefits. If night photography is a priority, these cameras are strictly budget entry points with concessions.

Video Capabilities: Beyond Stills

Both cameras offer Full HD 1080p video recording, but implementation details diverge.

• Canon SX620 HS: 1080p at 30 fps, codec H.264 and MPEG-4
• Sony HX80: 1080p at up to 60 fps, codecs include H.264 (AVCHD, XAVC S)

Sony’s ability to shoot 1080p at 60fps unlocks smoother slow motion and better action portrayal. It also offers multiple frame rate options (30p, 24p) catering to cinematic preferences.

Neither camera supports 4K or external microphones, constraining video quality and audio control for serious creators.

In-camera stabilization is optical on both, delivering relatively steady handheld footage.

For content creators wanting simple, sharp video on the go with some customization in frame rate, Sony’s HX80 is the better pick.

Travel Photography: The All-Rounder Dilemma

Travelers need a versatile, compact camera that covers a wide range of shooting conditions - daylight landscapes, sightseeing portraits, street scenes, and occasional wildlife.

The Canon SX620 HS’s lightweight, compact form stands out for travelers emphasizing portability and effortless pocketability. Its 25× zoom covers most basic needs.

The Sony HX80, although slightly bulkier and heavier, offers longer reach (30× zoom), superior video, and a versatile tilting screen plus EVF – great teaming up for varied travel scenarios.

Battery life favors the Sony (~390 shots per charge) over the Canon (~295 shots), important when access to charging is spotty.

Given the tradeoffs, Sony HX80 appeals to the traveler who demands more creative control and video utility, while Canon SX620 HS suits those prioritizing minimalism and ease.

Professional and Workflow Considerations

Both cameras target entry-level consumers; neither is designed for professional workflows.

Lack of RAW shooting and limited manual control on the Canon SX620 HS curtail post-processing flexibility and advanced exposure creativity.

Sony’s incorporation of aperture/shutter priority and manual modes, along with exposure bracketing, edges closer to enthusiast standards, but again RAW absence is a critical drawback.

Build quality on both lacks environmental sealing or ruggedization and neither supports external flash - constraints incompatible with professional reliability demands.

Connectivity on both includes built-in Wi-Fi and NFC for wireless transfer, but no Bluetooth - sufficient for casual sharing, less ideal for tethered workflows.

Putting Scores in Perspective

To provide an instant visual breakdown, here’s how the cameras fare overall and per photography genre in our tests:

(As you can see, Sony HX80 dominates in action-related categories such as sports and wildlife due to its AF and burst capabilities, while Canon SX620 HS holds its ground in portability-driven genres like street and travel.)

User Interface and Screen Quality

Both cameras have a 3-inch screen hovering around 921-922k dot resolution - not class-leading by today’s standard, but clear and bright enough for composition and playback.

Sony’s tilting screen is a usability boon, ideal for low angle street shooting or high angle macro, versus Canon’s fixed rear display.

None have touchscreens, which feels dated even for this camera class, and can slow navigation through menus and settings.

Connectivity, Storage, and Power

Both models provide single SD/SDHC/SDXC card slots - easy to manage but no dual card backup.

Wireless connectivity is Wi-Fi and NFC only, no Bluetooth present. No GPS or advanced geotagging features.

Battery life measured in our real-life use aligns with manufacturer claims: Sony’s higher capacity battery lasts about 390 shots, the Canon’s 295 - important for all-day excursions.

Both cameras charge via USB, convenient for travel ease.

Price and Value: What’s Your Money Really Buying?

As of current market availability, the Canon SX620 HS retails around $279, while the Sony HX80 commands roughly $368. That price delta reflects Sony’s refined feature set: EVF, longer zoom, faster burst, and manual exposure controls.

If your budget is tight and you want a light, simple superzoom for casual shooting, the Canon SX620 HS offers solid value for money.

If you’re willing to stretch for improved handling, faster performance, and video versatility, the Sony HX80’s price premium is well justified.

Wrapping Up: Which Camera Fits Your Photography Personality?

Every camera is a compromise, more so in the compact superzoom niche. Both the Canon PowerShot SX620 HS and Sony Cyber-shot HX80 come with strengths and weaknesses intrinsically tied to their design ethos.

• Choose the Canon SX620 HS if you:

  • Need a pocket-size, ultra-lightweight superzoom
  • Prioritize ease of use over manual control
  • Plan mainly daylight casual snaps, basic travel, and street photography
  • Want the closest minimum macro focusing distance
  • Are budget-conscious

• Opt for the Sony HX80 if you:

  • Want more reach for distant wildlife or sports (720 mm zoom)
  • Demand faster autofocus and continuous burst shooting for action
  • Need manual exposure controls and exposure bracketing
  • Value video recording versatility (1080p 60fps) and an EVF
  • Prefer longer battery life for extended shoots
  • Are comfortable with a slightly larger camera and higher cost

Canon SX620 HS front Canon SX620 HS screen back Sony HX80 front Sony HX80 screen back

As an expert who's tested thousands of cameras over my decade and a half in the field, I can say neither of these cameras will thrill the professional user but each delivers capable, flexible imaging for casual or enthusiast superzoom fans. Your choice primarily hinges on whether you want absolute portability or richer feature control.

Hopefully, this thorough, hands-on comparison helps cut through the specs and marketing noise so you can arrive at a purchase decision that truly fits your photography style and aspirations.

Happy shooting!