Pentax RS1500 vs Sony HX1

Here, we will be contrasting the Pentax RS1500 and Sony HX1, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by rivals Pentax and Sony. There is a crucial difference between the sensor resolutions of the RS1500 (14MP) and HX1 (9MP) and the RS1500 (1/2.3") and HX1 (1/2.4") have different sensor dimensions.

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The RS1500 was introduced 24 months after the HX1 which makes them a generation away from each other. The two cameras feature different body design with the Pentax RS1500 being a Compact camera and the Sony HX1 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before delving right into a full comparison, here is a short highlight of how the RS1500 grades against the HX1 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Pentax Optio RS1500 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX1. The whole galleries are provided at Pentax RS1500 Gallery and Sony HX1 Gallery.

If you're planning to travel with your camera often, you need to factor in its weight and measurements. The Pentax RS1500 provides outside measurements of 114mm x 58mm x 28mm (4.5" x 2.3" x 1.1") having a weight of 157 grams (0.35 lbs) and the Sony HX1 has proportions of 115mm x 83mm x 92mm (4.5" x 3.3" x 3.6") having a weight of 544 grams (1.20 lbs).

Compare the Pentax RS1500 and Sony HX1 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you are utilizing at that moment. Following is a front view physical size comparison of the RS1500 and the HX1.

Using size and weight, the portability score of the RS1500 and HX1 is 93 and 67 respectively.

Usually, it's hard to imagine the gap between sensor dimensions purely by reading through technical specs. The image underneath may provide you a greater sense of the sensor sizing in the RS1500 and HX1.

As you can tell, both of these cameras feature different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The RS1500 having a bigger sensor is going to make achieving shallow DOF easier and the Pentax RS1500 will resolve greater detail using its extra 5MP. Higher resolution will also let you crop shots way more aggressively. The newer RS1500 provides an edge when it comes to sensor tech.