Canon SX70 HS vs Sony HX1

Below, we are analyzing the Canon SX70 HS and Sony HX1, both Small Sensor Superzoom digital cameras by brands Canon and Sony. There exists a sizeable gap between the sensor resolutions of the SX70 HS (20MP) and HX1 (9MP) and the SX70 HS (1/2.3") and HX1 (1/2.4") use different sensor dimensions.

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The SX70 HS was announced 9 years later than the HX1 and that is quite a large gap as far as technology is concerned. Each of the cameras come with the identical body type (SLR-like (bridge)).

Before delving in to a step-by-step comparison, below is a concise introduction of how the SX70 HS grades against the HX1 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Canon PowerShot SX70 HS and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX1. The whole galleries are viewable at Canon SX70 HS Gallery and Sony HX1 Gallery.

For anybody who is going to carry your camera frequently, you're going to have to factor its weight and size. The Canon SX70 HS has physical measurements of 127mm x 91mm x 117mm (5.0" x 3.6" x 4.6") accompanied by a weight of 608 grams (1.34 lbs) while the Sony HX1 has specifications of 115mm x 83mm x 92mm (4.5" x 3.3" x 3.6") with a weight of 544 grams (1.20 lbs).

Check the Canon SX70 HS and Sony HX1 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you choose at the time. Below is the front view sizing comparison of the SX70 HS versus the HX1.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the SX70 HS and HX1 is 63 and 67 respectively.

Normally, its hard to picture the contrast between sensor sizing purely by reading through a spec sheet. The graphic below may give you a much better sense of the sensor measurements in the SX70 HS and HX1.

Clearly, both the cameras posses different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The SX70 HS using its larger sensor is going to make achieving shallower DOF easier and the Canon SX70 HS will give extra detail with its extra 11MP. Greater resolution will also enable you to crop images somewhat more aggressively. The fresher SX70 HS should have a benefit with regard to sensor tech.