Kodak Astro Zoom AZ651 vs Sony HX1

Following is a complete assessment of the Kodak Astro Zoom AZ651 vs Sony HX1, both Small Sensor Superzoom digital cameras by rivals Kodak and Sony. There exists a crucial gap between the sensor resolutions of the Astro Zoom AZ651 (21MP) and HX1 (9MP) and the Astro Zoom AZ651 (1/2.3") and HX1 (1/2.4") boast different sensor dimensions.

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The Astro Zoom AZ651 was introduced 4 years after the HX1 which is quite a serious gap as far as technology is concerned. Both of the cameras have the same body design (SLR-like (bridge)).

Before delving into a thorough comparison, here is a simple summary of how the Astro Zoom AZ651 scores against the HX1 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Kodak Pixpro Astro Zoom AZ651 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX1. The whole galleries are viewable at Kodak Astro Zoom AZ651 Gallery and Sony HX1 Gallery.

In case you're going to carry around your camera often, you'll need to think about its weight and dimensions. The Kodak Astro Zoom AZ651 has outer measurements of 125mm x 114mm x 89mm (4.9" x 4.5" x 3.5") having a weight of 567 grams (1.25 lbs) and the Sony HX1 has dimensions of 115mm x 83mm x 92mm (4.5" x 3.3" x 3.6") having a weight of 544 grams (1.20 lbs).

Examine the Kodak Astro Zoom AZ651 vs Sony HX1 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you are using at the time. Below is a front view dimensions comparison of the Astro Zoom AZ651 vs the HX1.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability score of the Astro Zoom AZ651 and HX1 is 65 and 67 respectively.

Normally, it is difficult to visualize the gap between sensor sizes only by looking at a spec sheet. The image underneath may give you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the Astro Zoom AZ651 and HX1.

As you can see, the two cameras have different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The Astro Zoom AZ651 using its bigger sensor is going to make getting bokeh simpler and the Kodak Astro Zoom AZ651 will resolve more detail using its extra 12 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also let you crop pictures a bit more aggressively. The more recent Astro Zoom AZ651 should have an advantage in sensor innovation.