Sony A7R vs Sony HX300

Here, we will be evaluating the Sony A7R and Sony HX300, one being a Pro Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both of them are sold by Sony. There exists a crucial gap between the sensor resolutions of the A7R (36MP) and HX300 (20MP) and the A7R (Full frame) and HX300 (1/2.3") provide different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The A7R was announced 12 months later than the HX300 which means that they are both of a similar generation. Each of these cameras feature different body design with the Sony A7R being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Sony HX300 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before going straight to a detailed comparison, here is a quick overview of how the A7R matches up against the HX300 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Sony Alpha A7R and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX300. The whole galleries are viewable at Sony A7R Gallery and Sony HX300 Gallery.

For anyone who is intending to lug around your camera frequently, you're going to have to consider its weight and measurements. The Sony A7R features physical dimensions of 127mm x 94mm x 48mm (5.0" x 3.7" x 1.9") with a weight of 465 grams (1.03 lbs) and the Sony HX300 has proportions of 130mm x 103mm x 93mm (5.1" x 4.1" x 3.7") and a weight of 623 grams (1.37 lbs).

Check the Sony A7R and Sony HX300 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you are using at that time. The following is a front view over all size comparison of the A7R compared to the HX300.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the A7R and HX300 is 78 and 63 respectively.

Typically, it's difficult to visualize the gap between sensor measurements just by reviewing technical specs. The visual here may provide you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the A7R and HX300.

As you have seen, both of these cameras feature different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The A7R having a bigger sensor is going to make shooting shallow DOF easier and the Sony A7R will deliver extra detail with its extra 16 Megapixels. Higher resolution will help you crop pictures way more aggressively. The younger A7R provides a benefit when it comes to sensor innovation.