Sony A7S vs Sony HX80

In this write-up, we will be analyzing the Sony A7S and Sony HX80, one being a Pro Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both are built by Sony. There exists a crucial gap between the sensor resolutions of the A7S (12MP) and HX80 (18MP) and the A7S (Full frame) and HX80 (1/2.3") use totally different sensor sizes.

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The A7S was introduced 23 months before the HX80 which makes the cameras a generation apart from one another. Both of the cameras offer different body type with the Sony A7S being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Sony HX80 being a Compact camera.

Before going through a more detailed comparison, below is a quick introduction of how the A7S grades against the HX80 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Sony Alpha A7S and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX80. The whole galleries are available at Sony A7S Gallery and Sony HX80 Gallery.

If you are intending to carry your camera often, you should take into account its weight and volume. The Sony A7S offers external dimensions of 127mm x 94mm x 48mm (5.0" x 3.7" x 1.9") having a weight of 489 grams (1.08 lbs) whilst the Sony HX80 has sizing of 102mm x 58mm x 36mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.4") with a weight of 245 grams (0.54 lbs).

Examine the Sony A7S and Sony HX80 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you select at that time. Underneath is the front view overall size comparison of the A7S against the HX80.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the A7S and HX80 is 77 and 91 respectively.

Quite often, it is tough to envision the difference between sensor sizing simply by reading through a spec sheet. The graphic underneath might provide you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the A7S and HX80.

As you can see, both cameras enjoy different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The A7S using its bigger sensor will make shooting bokeh less difficult and the Sony HX80 will give extra detail using its extra 6MP. Higher resolution will make it easier to crop shots far more aggressively. The older A7S is going to be behind with regard to sensor technology.