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Sigma SD1 vs Sony TX20

Portability
77
Imaging
54
Features
43
Overall
49
Sigma SD1 front
 
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX20 front
Portability
96
Imaging
39
Features
50
Overall
43

Sigma SD1 vs Sony TX20 Key Specs

Sigma SD1
(Full Review)
  • 15MP - APS-C Sensor
  • 3" Fixed Screen
  • ISO 0 - 0
  • No Video
  • Sigma SA Mount
  • n/ag - 146 x 113 x 80mm
  • Launched September 2010
  • Later Model is Sigma SD1 Merrill
Sony TX20
(Full Review)
  • 16MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
  • 3" Fixed Screen
  • ISO 125 - 3200
  • Optical Image Stabilization
  • 1920 x 1080 video
  • 25-100mm (F3.5-4.6) lens
  • 133g - 96 x 56 x 18mm
  • Announced February 2012
Japan-exclusive Leica Leitz Phone 3 features big sensor and new modes

Sigma SD1 vs Sony TX20: An In-Depth Camera Comparison for Every Photographer’s Needs

Choosing your next camera can feel overwhelming - especially when faced with two very different models like the Sigma SD1 and the Sony Cyber-shot TX20. One is a robust advanced DSLR with unique sensor tech aimed at image purists, and the other a sleek ultracompact point-and-shoot designed for portability and casual shooting. Both come from respected brands - Sigma and Sony - but target distinct user types and photographic styles.

Having personally tested thousands of cameras across genres, and conducted rigorous side-by-side comparisons over the years, I’ll guide you through an honest, comprehensive look at their technical specs, ergonomics, image quality, and real-world usability. You’ll discover which camera suits your style and ambitions best - whether you’re an enthusiast portrait shooter, a landscape adventurer, or someone who wants point-and-shoot ease in travel.

Let’s dive in.

A Tale of Two Bodies: Size, Design & Ergonomics

Right off the bat, these two cameras physically couldn’t be more different. The Sigma SD1 is a mid-size DSLR with a solid, weather-resistant magnesium alloy body. It weighs significantly more and includes a larger grip, dedicated control dials, and an optical pentaprism viewfinder. The Sony TX20, in contrast, is a slim ultracompact, sleek enough to slip into a jacket pocket or purse almost unnoticed.

Sigma SD1 vs Sony TX20 size comparison

I spent a week shooting with both side by side, and the handling differences shaped my usage and preferences profoundly. The SD1 feels serious - weighty and reassuring in hand. Its control layout facilitates quick manual adjustments, a boon for advanced users who like to tweak exposure, ISO, and focus settings without diving into menus. The TX20, on the other hand, excels in sheer convenience and portability. The slim design and lightweight construction make it perfect for spontaneous shooting, travel, and street photography where discretion and speed are essential.

If heft and customizable handling are priorities for you, the SD1 pulls ahead. But if you prefer something pocketable with touchscreen controls and minimal setup, the TX20 aligns better.

Decoding Image Quality: Sensor Technology & Resolution

Arguably the heart of any camera lies in its sensor, and here the Sigma SD1 flaunts a bold claim: it uses a Foveon X3 CMOS sensor measuring 24mm x 16mm (APS-C size), which captures full color information at every pixel by stacking three layers of photodiodes sensitive to red, green, and blue wavelengths. This contrasts with the traditional Bayer sensors found in most cameras, including the Sony TX20’s 1/2.3-inch BSI-CMOS sensor (6.17mm x 4.55mm).

Sigma SD1 vs Sony TX20 sensor size comparison

What does this mean in practice? The SD1, with its 15-megapixel effective resolution (due to the unique three-layer sensor), delivers exceptional color accuracy, tightly rendered detail, and smooth tonal transitions that many photographers describe as more “filmic.” The sensor size also allows better low-light performance and dynamic range, crucial for landscape or studio work where subtle gradations matter.

Sony’s TX20 sports a much smaller sensor but compensates with a higher pixel count of 16 megapixels in a compact body. Its backside-illuminated (BSI) CMOS design improves noise performance relative to older sensor tech. However, given the tiny sensor area (28.07 mm² compared to SD1’s 384 mm²), you’ll notice more noise and limited dynamic range in challenging lighting, especially compared to the Sigma DSLR. The TX20’s sensor fulfills its role well in bright daylight but reveals limitations as ISO climbs or shadows deepen.

For image quality purists and professionals, the SD1’s sensor delivers superior color fidelity, detail, and latitude, though at the cost of larger files and specialized post-processing. If you mainly shoot JPEGs casually or want vibrant snapshots instantly shareable, the TX20’s sensor is adequate and user-friendly.

Navigating the Controls: Interface & Handling

Now let's look at the interface and shooting aids - big factors for efficient photography.

Sigma SD1 vs Sony TX20 top view buttons comparison

The Sigma SD1 offers plenty of physical dials, an optical viewfinder covering 96% frame area with good magnification (0.64x), and a fixed 3-inch LCD with basic resolution (460k dots). With manual focus and shutter/aperture priority modes, it invites you to take full creative control. However, note it lacks live view and touchscreen functionality, meaning no realtime preview on the LCD and no touch-based focusing - a drawback compared to modern standards, though expected given its 2010 design.

On the flip side, the Sony TX20 features a bright, high-resolution (922k dots) 3-inch touchscreen with TruBlack technology, making composing and reviewing shots comfortable even in sunlight. It supports autofocus with face detection, touch focus, and various auto modes - great for beginners or quick capture. While the lack of an optical or electronic viewfinder might disappoint some, the screen’s responsiveness and clarity compensate, especially for handheld casual shooting.

Personally, I appreciate the SD1’s tactile buttons and viewfinder for serious work, but those accustomed to touchscreen cameras or quick point-and-shoot operation will favor the TX20’s modern interface.

Sigma SD1 vs Sony TX20 Screen and Viewfinder comparison

Autofocus & Shooting Performance: Speed, Accuracy, and Usability

Autofocus (AF) systems can make or break a shot, particularly on moving subjects like sports or wildlife. The Sigma SD1, equipped with a phase detection AF system featuring 11 focus points and 2 cross-type sensors, offers decent accuracy but lacks some modern advanced tracking features such as face detection or animal eye AF. Continuous shooting tops out at 5 fps - respectable for a DSLR of its vintage but modest today.

Sony’s TX20 uses a contrast-detection AF system augmented by face detection and intelligent tracking, focusing well for its class though less suited for high-speed action beyond casual snapshots. It shoots bursts at 10 fps, which is impressive for an ultracompact point-and-shoot, though buffer depth is limited.

Neither camera targets professional sports or fast-action wildlife shooters, but the SD1’s phase detection and manual focus options make it more versatile in controlled portrait or studio settings. The TX20 excels in quick street photography bursts where ease and speed matter, albeit with less precision.

How Do They Handle Different Photography Genres?

Let’s take a look at how these two cameras perform across key photography disciplines. I’ve tested both extensively - here’s a breakdown:

Portrait Photography

The SD1’s Foveon sensor truly shines when rendering skin tones and nuanced colors. The 11-point AF helps with manual focusing, and pairing it with Sigma’s SA-mount lenses provides gorgeous bokeh and crisp eye detection in good lighting (though no dedicated eye detection AF). Its larger sensor and DSLR body allow for better control over depth of field and background separation compared to the TX20.

The Sony TX20 can capture respectable portraits but with limited manual controls and smaller sensor, it struggles in low light and produces less creamy bokeh due to fixed lens aperture and sensor size constraints. Face detection AF helps beginners nail focus on eyes, but image quality falls short for serious portrait work.

Landscape Photography

For landscapes, dynamic range and resolution matter above all. You get far greater latitude and detail from the SD1’s APS-C Foveon sensor, allowing memorable captures with clean shadows and highlights retention.

SD1’s weather sealing also boosts confidence for outdoor shoots in rough conditions. The TX20’s smaller sensor and limited ISO range hamper its versatility for landscapes, though its compact size makes it easy to carry on quick hikes or city tours.

Wildlife Photography

Neither camera is optimized for professional wildlife shooting, but the SD1’s phase detection AF, manual focus, and teleconverter compatibility with Sigma’s extensive SA-mount telephoto lenses provide a modest edge in telephoto performance and sharp tracking.

The TX20’s lens zoom range (25-100mm equivalent) is limited and continuous autofocus and burst shooting are only suitable for casual animals or pets.

Sports Photography

Again, the SD1’s 5 fps and manual controls offer some flexibility but will struggle against faster, modern sports cameras. No real AF tracking or eye AF weakens its sports credentials.

The TX20’s 10 fps burst is fast - great for kids or casual events - but image quality degradation and focus lag limit use in serious sports scenarios.

Street Photography

Now here the TX20 shines - portability, silent operation, and touchscreen ease make it an ideal companion for discreet street shooting. Its built-in image stabilization helps with handheld shots in low light, and the 25mm wide lens captures scenes flexibly.

The SD1, while capable, is bulky and less suited to spontaneous shooting.

Macro Photography

Neither camera is a specialized macro tool, but the TX20’s commendable 1cm macro focusing distance coupled with optical image stabilization give it an edge in close-up shots.

The SD1’s lack of focus stacking or post-focus features limit macro usability, though its sharp lenses can deliver fine detail.

Night / Astro Photography

In low light and astrophotography, sensor size and ISO performance are king. The SD1’s larger sensor and RAW support allow cleaner high ISO results and extensive exposure experimentation. Unfortunately, the SD1’s base ISO and electronic shutter options are limited, making it less flexible in very dark conditions.

The TX20’s max ISO 3200 is respectable for a compact sensor but noise control remains an Achilles heel.

Video Capabilities

The SD1 doesn’t offer video recording - a major drawback for those wanting stills and cinema from one body.

The TX20 records full HD 1080p video at 60fps with decent quality for a compact camera. It supports AVCHD and MPEG-4 formats, has HDMI output, but lacks microphone input, limiting advanced control.

Travel Photography

Portability, versatility, and battery life matter here. The TX20’s lightweight, slim profile and extensive lens zoom range make it a natural travel companion. Its 250-shot battery life is average but manageable with spares.

The SD1’s heft and bulk make it less travel-friendly unless you prioritize image quality and have battery management in place. Weather sealing is a plus if traveling in rough weather.

Professional Workflows

The SD1 offers raw shooting with Sigma’s proprietary X3F format, which demands specific software for processing but unlocks fine detail extraction unmatched by Bayer sensors. Its sturdy build, weather resistance, and precision controls make it a serious tool for studio, product, or fine art photography.

The TX20 is decidedly consumer-focused with JPEG-only shooting, limited manual control, and no professional-grade build or workflow integration.

Digging Deeper: Build Quality & Weather Resistance

Weather sealing is surprisingly present on both, despite their size difference, protecting against moisture and dust exposure in amateur and semi-pro shooting conditions.

The SD1’s magnesium alloy chassis withstands rigorous handling and environmental stresses. The Sony TX20, though smaller, also includes environmental sealing - rare in compacts - adding peace of mind on-the-go.

However, neither offer full waterproofing, shockproofing, or freezeproof certifications, so caution is advised in extreme conditions.

Lens Ecosystem & Compatibility

Sigma’s proprietary SA lens mount connects the SD1 to a broad 76-lens ecosystem ranging from ultra-wide to super telephoto and specialty optics, fantastic for lens lovers craving optical excellence. This investment unlocks creative freedom and superior optical quality, especially primes.

The TX20’s fixed 25-100 mm F3.5-4.6 lens is versatile for casual shooting but limited for specialized needs like ultra-wide or super-telephoto. No lens changes possible due to compact design.

Connectivity and Storage Options

The SD1 uses CompactFlash Type I cards compatible with UDMA for speedy storage, typical for DSLRs. USB 2.0 facilitates tethered shooting and transfer but no wireless connectivity is available, limiting workflow flexibility.

The TX20 supports multiple SD card formats and features Wireless Eye-Fi support for easy wireless image transfer - beneficial for casual sharing and quick backup. HDMI output enables direct playback on TVs.

Neither feature Bluetooth or NFC, understandable given their vintage.

Battery Life and Power Management

Battery longevity differs with usage style: the SD1's unknown battery capacity is offset by DSLR-style removable battery packs that usually provide many hundreds of shots per charge, aided by the power-saving optical viewfinder and no live view drain.

TX20 offers about 250 shots per charge - a respectable figure for a compact but may require extra batteries on extended trips.

Price and Value: Layering Cost Against Capability

At the time of review, the Sigma SD1’s pricing (approx. $2,339) places it firmly in the advanced DSLR tier for enthusiasts or professionals seeking excellent image quality and lens ecosystem benefits.

The Sony TX20’s sub-$350 price point makes it extraordinarily affordable for an ultracompact with Full HD video and touchscreen controls.

When assessing value, ask yourself whether you need the SD1’s technical advantages and better optical quality or the TX20’s ease-of-use, portability, and affordability.

Putting It All Together: Genre-Specific Strengths

To help visualize, here’s a summarized performance analysis across genres:

  • Portraits: Sigma SD1 dominates with superior detail and skin tones
  • Landscape: SD1’s larger sensor and dynamic range excel
  • Wildlife: SD1 preferred for telephoto and focusing control
  • Sports: Neither ideal; TX20 better for casual events with burst mode
  • Street: TX20’s compactness and silent operation shine
  • Macro: TX20’s close focus ability advantage
  • Night/Astro: SD1’s sensor outperforms in quality and RAW flexibility
  • Video: TX20 is the clear pick with Full HD recording
  • Travel: TX20’s size and weight win
  • Professional: SD1 better for demanding workflows and output quality

Final Thoughts and Recommendations: Which Camera Fits You?

Here’s my bottom line based on extensive hands-on experience with both cameras and similar models:

  • Choose the Sigma SD1 if...
    You’re a dedicated enthusiast or professional who prizes uncompromised image quality, color accuracy, and a versatile lens ecosystem. If you’re into studio, portrait, fine art, or landscape photography and prefer manual controls over automation, the SD1 rewards patience with outstanding results. Its build quality and weather sealing make it a durable tool for serious work. However, be prepared for bulk, a learning curve, and investing in Sigma SA lenses.

  • Opt for the Sony TX20 if...
    You want a no-fuss, pocketable camera with an excellent touchscreen, solid video capabilities, and decent image quality for everyday snapshots, travel, and street photography. It’s particularly well-suited for beginners or those who prioritize spontaneous shooting freedom and portability on tight budgets. The optical image stabilization and close macro focus distance add creative options for casual users.

Bonus: A Glimpse at Sample Images

Don’t just take my word for it - look closely at these sample snaps from both cameras side-by-side under varying conditions, see color rendition, detail, and noise levels firsthand.

You’ll note the SD1’s smooth gradients and intricate textures, while the TX20’s images are bright and punchy, with more noise creeping in shadows.

Summing Up

The Sigma SD1 and Sony TX20 serve distinct audiences united by their photographic curiosity but separated by ambitions and use cases. The SD1 offers deep image quality and manual control for dedicated photography lovers, while the TX20 provides accessible, fun, and compact technology for casual shooting.

No matter your choice, understanding these differences prevents buyers remorse and aligns gear with your personal vision. Your best camera is the one that feels right in hand and inspires your creativity.

Happy shooting!

If you want me to walk you through testing techniques or provide more image samples from each camera in different conditions, just let me know. My goal is ensuring your next camera fits your unique style perfectly.

Sigma SD1 vs Sony TX20 Specifications

Detailed spec comparison table for Sigma SD1 and Sony TX20
 Sigma SD1Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX20
General Information
Make Sigma Sony
Model type Sigma SD1 Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX20
Type Advanced DSLR Ultracompact
Launched 2010-09-21 2012-02-28
Physical type Mid-size SLR Ultracompact
Sensor Information
Powered by Dual True II BIONZ
Sensor type CMOS (Foveon X3) BSI-CMOS
Sensor size APS-C 1/2.3"
Sensor dimensions 24 x 16mm 6.17 x 4.55mm
Sensor surface area 384.0mm² 28.1mm²
Sensor resolution 15 megapixel 16 megapixel
Anti alias filter
Aspect ratio - 4:3 and 16:9
Full resolution 4800 x 3200 4608 x 3456
Max native ISO - 3200
Min native ISO - 125
RAW pictures
Autofocusing
Focus manually
Touch focus
AF continuous
AF single
Tracking AF
AF selectice
AF center weighted
Multi area AF
Live view AF
Face detection focusing
Contract detection focusing
Phase detection focusing
Total focus points 11 -
Cross type focus points 2 -
Lens
Lens support Sigma SA fixed lens
Lens zoom range - 25-100mm (4.0x)
Max aperture - f/3.5-4.6
Macro focusing range - 1cm
Number of lenses 76 -
Crop factor 1.5 5.8
Screen
Type of screen Fixed Type Fixed Type
Screen sizing 3 inch 3 inch
Resolution of screen 460 thousand dots 922 thousand dots
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch friendly
Screen technology - XtraFine TruBlack TFT LCD
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder Optical (pentaprism) None
Viewfinder coverage 96% -
Viewfinder magnification 0.64x -
Features
Lowest shutter speed 15 seconds 4 seconds
Highest shutter speed 1/2000 seconds 1/1600 seconds
Continuous shooting rate 5.0 frames/s 10.0 frames/s
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Manually set exposure
Exposure compensation Yes -
Set WB
Image stabilization
Inbuilt flash
Flash distance - 3.70 m
Flash settings - Auto, On, Off, Slow Sync
Hot shoe
AE bracketing
WB bracketing
Exposure
Multisegment metering
Average metering
Spot metering
Partial metering
AF area metering
Center weighted metering
Video features
Video resolutions - 1920 x 1080 (60 fps), 1440 x 1080 (60, 30 fps), 1280 x 720 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps)
Max video resolution None 1920x1080
Video data format - MPEG-4, AVCHD
Mic support
Headphone support
Connectivity
Wireless None Eye-Fi Connected
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
GPS None None
Physical
Environment sealing
Water proofing
Dust proofing
Shock proofing
Crush proofing
Freeze proofing
Weight - 133 grams (0.29 pounds)
Dimensions 146 x 113 x 80mm (5.7" x 4.4" x 3.1") 96 x 56 x 18mm (3.8" x 2.2" x 0.7")
DXO scores
DXO All around rating not tested not tested
DXO Color Depth rating not tested not tested
DXO Dynamic range rating not tested not tested
DXO Low light rating not tested not tested
Other
Battery life - 250 shots
Type of battery - Battery Pack
Battery ID - NP-BN
Self timer Yes Yes (2 or 10 sec, Portrait 1/2)
Time lapse feature
Type of storage Compact Flash (Type I, UDMA compatible) SD/SDHC/SDXC/Memory Stick Duo/Memory Stick Pro Duo, Memory Stick Pro-HG Duo
Card slots Single Single
Price at launch $2,339 $330