Pentax W80 vs Sony HX30V

On this page, we will be reviewing the Pentax W80 vs Sony HX30V, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by manufacturers Pentax and Sony. There exists a big gap between the image resolutions of the W80 (12MP) and HX30V (18MP) but both cameras boast the same sensor sizing (1/2.3").

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The W80 was brought out 3 years prior to the HX30V and that is quite a big gap as far as technology is concerned. Each of these cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before we go straight to a more detailed comparison, here is a simple introduction of how the W80 grades vs the HX30V with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Pentax Optio W80 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX30V. The entire galleries are provided at Pentax W80 Gallery and Sony HX30V Gallery.

For those who are going to carry your camera regularly, you're going to have to take into account its weight and volume. The Pentax W80 features external dimensions of 100mm x 56mm x 25mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.0") having a weight of 156 grams (0.34 lbs) and the Sony HX30V has sizing of 107mm x 62mm x 35mm (4.2" x 2.4" x 1.4") accompanied by a weight of 254 grams (0.56 lbs).

Examine the Pentax W80 vs Sony HX30V in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you are utilizing at the time. Here is a front view measurements comparison of the W80 vs the HX30V.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the W80 and HX30V is 94 and 90 respectively.

Normally, it's difficult to envision the gap between sensor sizing purely by checking a spec sheet. The photograph below should provide you a far better sense of the sensor sizes in the W80 and HX30V.

As you can see, both the cameras have the same sensor dimensions albeit not the same resolution. You should expect the Sony HX30V to resolve more detail having its extra 6 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also make it easier to crop shots a bit more aggressively. The older W80 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor tech.