Sony A7R III vs Sony HX20V: A Deep Dive into Two Cameras Worlds Apart

When it comes to choosing a camera, especially in the Sony line-up, the range spans from pro-grade full-frame mirrorless systems to compact superzooms. Today, I’m taking a detailed look at two Sony models from vastly different categories and eras: the Sony Alpha A7R III, a professional-level mirrorless powerhouse introduced in 2017, and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX20V, a compact superzoom from 2012 aimed at travel enthusiasts and casual shooters.

At first glance, these cameras couldn’t be more different - one is a high-resolution, full-frame beast; the other a pocket-friendly superzoom with a small sensor. But both have earned their places in Sony’s history and may still intrigue particular buyers. Over the course of this comparison, we’ll dissect their designs, core technologies, and how they hold up across popular photography disciplines.

Building for Purpose: Ergonomics and Handling

Sony’s A7R III exhibits a typical SLR-style mirrorless design, larger and heavier at 657g and measuring 127x96x74mm. This heft and pronounced grip contribute to stable, comfortable handling - essential when you’re lugging around high-quality lenses and shooting all day. The magnesium alloy body and weather sealing provide an assured feeling, even in challenging conditions.

Contrast this with the super-compact HX20V, weighing just 254g and only 107x62x35mm. Its fixed zoom lens and pocketable profile speak directly to convenience and mobility, catering to travelers who prioritize simplicity and minimal kit weight. The HX20V’s design is modest yet practical, with a fixed 3-inch XtraFine TruBlack LCD that lacks touch capability but offers decent visibility outdoors.

A quick glance at the top controls solidifies these philosophies.

The A7R III’s top panel is thoughtfully laid out with dedicated dials for ISO, shutter speed, drive mode, and exposure compensation - features that promote quick adjustments for pros. The HX20V’s minimalistic controls reflect its point-and-shoot ethos, with fewer physical buttons and no electronic viewfinder, meaning framing depends solely on the rear LCD.

Handling-wise, the A7R III is the tool for deliberate, crafted photography, while the HX20V favors instant grab-and-shoot readiness.

Sensor and Image Quality: Where Resolution Meets Sensor Realities

The beating heart of any camera is its sensor. The A7R III boasts a full-frame 42.4-megapixel back-illuminated CMOS sensor measuring 35.9 x 24 mm, offering an expansive 861.60 mm² area to capture light. The BSI (Back-Side Illuminated) architecture enhances low-light performance and detail retrieval, a crucial advantage for high-resolution photography. Sony opted out of an anti-aliasing filter to preserve image sharpness, though at a slight risk of moiré in fine patterns.

On the other hand, the HX20V has a much smaller 1/2.3-inch (6.17 x 4.55 mm) BSI CMOS sensor with an 18 MP resolution. While this sensor is commendable for a compact, small-sensor camera, its tiny physical size (roughly 28.07 mm²) limits dynamic range and noise handling, especially in subdued lighting. Dual ISO settings and 5-axis stabilization aren’t part of this equation.

Testing both side-by-side in various lighting conditions made it clear that the A7R III is in a league of its own when it comes to dynamic range, tonal gradation, and color fidelity. Smooth transitions in skin tones during portraits and enormous latitude for shadows and highlights make it a dream for professional workflows. The HX20V offers respectable performance in bright daylight but quickly reveals noise and detail loss as ISO climbs or shadows deepen.

Crystal Clear or Pocket Zoom? Lens Ecosystem and Focal Flexibility

Since the A7R III uses the Sony E-mount, it enjoys compatibility with a broad ecosystem of over 120 native lenses, from ultra-wide primes to super-telephoto telephotos and specialty optics like macro and tilt-shift lenses. This versatility is one of the strongest selling points for enthusiasts willing to invest in glass as well as body.

In sharp contrast, the HX20V sports a fixed 25-500mm equivalent zoom lens with a variable aperture of f/3.2 to f/5.8 - a handy 20x zoom range integrated into its compact shell. This makes it a true “travel zoom,” suitable for everything from landscapes to distant subjects without changing lenses because, well, you can’t.

Though the fixed lens limits optical performance compared to professional lenses, it incorporates optical image stabilization (OIS) to help with shake during long telephoto shots. However, the narrow apertures at longer focal lengths do cap low-light ability.

The A7R III relies on sensor-based 5-axis stabilization, affording excellent shake reduction even with non-stabilized lenses, a boon for handheld shooting across genres.

Autofocus and Speed: Tracking What Matters

The A7R III sets a high bar with a hybrid autofocus system featuring 425 phase-detection points complemented by contrast-detection autofocus. Features like Real-Time Eye AF, animal eye detection, and tracking ensure pinpoint focus reliability in dynamic shooting, whether portraits, sports, or wildlife.

Conversely, the HX20V features a basic 9-point contrast-detection AF system with face detection but no phase detection. While surprisingly responsive for a compact, it falls short in tracking moving subjects or operating in complex AF scenarios.

Both allow for continuous autofocus in different ways, but the A7R III supports tracking at up to 10 fps frame rates with full AF/AE - very handy for action sequences. The HX20V can manage 10 fps burst shooting, but focus is locked on the first frame in this mode, limiting usability for fast action.

In wildlife and sports photography, the Sony A7R III’s AF system shines as a professional-grade tool, while the HX20V is better suited for casual snapshots where tracking isn’t critical.

Display and Viewfinder: Framing, Reviewing, and Interface

The rear LCD screen and electronic viewfinder (EVF) form the framing and feedback interface crucial for composition and review. The A7R III offers a 3-inch tilting touchscreen with 1,440k dot resolution, enabling touch-to-focus and easy menu navigation - especially valuable in shooting at awkward angles.

The HX20V’s 3-inch fixed screen, while not touch-sensitive, offers decent resolution (922k dots) with XtraFine TruBlack tech for good contrast but less flexibility in positioning. No EVF is available, which might struggle in bright sunlight or for precise composition.

In the field, the A7R III’s high-resolution EVF (3.68M dots) with 100% coverage and 0.78x magnification provides a crystal-clear, lag-free electronic replacement for optical finders, ideal for rapid framing in diverse lighting. This advantage can’t be overstated for professionals who shoot in bright outdoor light or fast sequences.

The HX20V’s lack of viewfinder is common for its class but obviously limits traditional eye-level shooting comfort.

Image and Video Output: Quality, Formats, and Flexibility

When it comes to image resolution, the A7R III delivers full-fledged 42.4 MP RAW files, ideal for large prints, commercial work, and extensive cropping. Its dynamic range and color depth outperform nearly anything at its price point. Sony’s Bionz X image processor ensures efficient noise reduction and color rendition.

The HX20V maxes out at 18 MP JPEGs without RAW support. While fine for social sharing and general snapshots, it won’t satisfy professional post-processing workflows or large print output demands.

Both cameras record HD video but differ significantly. The A7R III supports 4K UHD (3840x2160) at up to 30p, incorporating high-bitrate XAVC S codec and advanced manual video controls, plus microphone and headphone jacks for monitoring and external audio inputs. Internal 5-axis stabilization also assists video smoothness.

The HX20V records Full HD 1080p at 60 fps using MPEG-4 or AVCHD encoding but lacks 4K capability and external audio inputs, reflecting its point-and-shoot orientation.

For multimedia creators, the A7R III clearly outpaces the HX20V in both flexibility and quality.

Battery, Storage, and Connectivity: Practical Considerations

Battery performance cannot be overlooked, especially for travel and extended shoots. The A7R III uses the newer NP-FZ100 battery offering about 650 shots per charge according to CIPA standards, which is respectable for a full-frame mirrorless system. Dual SD card slots, including one with UHS-II support, provide versatile storage and backup options essential for professionals.

The HX20V uses the NP-BG1 battery with around 320 shots per charge, adequate for day trips but limited for heavy use. It includes only one memory card slot and supports SD and Sony’s proprietary Memory Stick formats.

Connectivity on the A7R III incorporates built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, HDMI, and USB 3.1 Gen 1, facilitating fast transfers and remote control - a must-have for current shooters.

The HX20V features Eye-Fi compatibility for wireless transfers but lacks Bluetooth or NFC, making modern connectivity more cumbersome.

Durability and Weather Sealing: Ready for the Elements?

For professional and outdoor shooting, environmental resistance is a crucial factor. The A7R III offers robust weather sealing to resist dust and moisture, significantly increasing reliability for landscape or event shooters who venture into unpredictable conditions.

Notably, the HX20V does not provide weather sealing, reflecting its consumer-compact market niche. While lightweight and portable, users need to remain cautious in adverse weather or dusty environments.

Performance Scores and Genre-Targeted Strengths

Here’s where we synthesize performance ratings and genre suitability based on industry-standard testing protocols and real-world experience.

• Portraits: The A7R III’s precise Eye AF, expansive dynamic range, and shallow depth of field from full-frame glass make it the better choice for skin tone accuracy and creamy bokeh. The HX20V’s smaller sensor limits background blur and subtle tone gradation.

• Landscape: The A7R III offers superior resolution, weather sealing, and latitude for post-processing, ideal for detail-rich landscapes. The HX20V’s compact form and superzoom lens suit casual wide-to-telephoto shots but with limited image quality.

• Wildlife and Sports: High-speed AF, burst shooting with tracking, and lens versatility put the A7R III miles ahead. The HX20V is more for opportunistic fast action photos, lacking dependable tracking and reach.

• Street Photography: The HX20V’s small size and long zoom are assets here, while the A7R III, though capable, might feel bulky and draw attention.

• Macro: The A7R III accepts specialized macro lenses and leverages 5-axis stabilization for close-up work. The HX20V’s close-focus ability to 1 cm is convenient but optical compromises exist.

• Night and Astro: The A7R III’s high ISO performance and dynamic range handle low light with grace. The HX20V’s small sensor struggles with noise and detail retention in dark scenes.

• Video: The A7R III supports advanced 4K capture with manual controls; the HX20V remains basic HD without professional video features.

• Travel: The HX20V’s compactness and zoom onboard make it a ready travel companion. The A7R III demands more packing but offers better image quality for souvenirs and documentation.

• Professional Workflow: Dual card slots, RAW support, robust build, and connectivity give the A7R III the professional edge.

In the Field: Real-World Experience

During extended tests across cities and outdoor locations, the A7R III consistently delivered images brimming with detail and dynamic fidelity. Upright streets of Paris and sprawling desert landscapes were captured with confidence. The illuminated AF points and adjustable rear screen became invaluable for shooting at odd angles and in difficult light.

The HX20V thrived in moments demanding speed and portability. Its zoom lens handled everything from wide urban scenes to distant monuments without fuss. Changing settings was limited but straightforward, a boon for casual photographers.

Sony A7R III front Sony A7R III screen back Sony HX20V front Sony HX20V screen back

Price and Value: Which Should You Buy?

At launch, the Sony A7R III commanded a professional price of approximately $2800 body-only. While costly, the value proposition includes cutting-edge sensor tech, lens flexibility, and durable construction geared toward demanding creatives and pros.

The Sony HX20V, meanwhile, was priced under $400, a compelling choice for casual users wanting a versatile superzoom camera with decent image quality and convenience.

Choosing between them hinges primarily on your photography ambitions and workflow demands:

• If you prioritize image quality, creative control, and professional reliability, the A7R III is worth the investment.

• If you need an affordable, simple, and portable camera with a powerful zoom for everyday snaps and travel, the HX20V remains a practical option despite age.

Summing Up: Two Sony Cameras, Different Worlds

To borrow a phrase, the Sony Alpha A7R III and Cyber-shot HX20V are apples and oranges - both good in their own right but serving different photography missions.

The A7R III’s technical superiority across the board makes it a versatile tool for any genre, from high-res studio portraits to wildlife expeditions. It demands investment both in money and knowledge but rewards with images that stand up professionally.

The HX20V’s compact form and long-range lens deliver convenience and ease that still resonate with casual audiences or secondary-use cases, though the image quality and features show the typical trade-offs of a small-sensor, early-2010s compact.

For enthusiasts weighing these options, it boils down to purpose: uncompromising image quality and adaptability versus grab-and-go convenience at a fraction of the cost.

Final Verdict

Sony A7R III
Recommended for: Professionals, serious enthusiasts, and anyone committed to high-resolution imaging, creative lens use, and demanding shooting conditions. Excellent for portraits, landscape, wildlife, and video professionals.

Sony HX20V
Recommended for: Travelers, casual photographers, and users who want a convenient all-in-one superzoom camera without fuss. Great for everyday snapshots, vacations, and situations where size and zoom range trump image quality.

I hope this hands-on comparison helps you understand how these distinct Sony cameras fit into today’s photographic landscape. Each model tells a story of its era and user needs - and choosing between them should feel less like an either/or and more a matching of your creative journey to the right tool.

If you’re interested in seeing the cameras I’d recommend next, or want tips for specific genres, drop a note. Cameras are my passion, and helping you find your perfect match is what makes the craft so rewarding.