Sony A99 II vs. HX20V: An In-Depth Comparison Across a Decade of Sony Innovations

When diving into the world of Sony cameras, you’ll find an impressive variety - from prosumer DSLRs to compact superzooms. Today, I’m putting two very distinct cameras head-to-head: the Sony Alpha A99 II, a flagship full-frame DSLR introduced in 2016, and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX20V, a compact superzoom from 2012. While these cameras target completely different users, comparing them offers a fascinating view of how Sony’s technology and design philosophy evolved across different segments.

In this exhaustive review, I’ll break down these two models through the lens of real-world photography - covering image quality, ergonomics, autofocus, video, and relevant use-cases like wildlife, sports, portraiture, and travel. Whether you’re a photo enthusiast looking for your next high-end body or a casual traveler wanting a versatile all-in-one, this guide will help you navigate Sony’s offerings.

Let’s start with how these two physically compare.

Size, Feel, and Handling: Big-Jump Ergonomics

If you pick these cameras up side by side, the size difference is startling - and in photography, that often predicts usability and long-term comfort.

The A99 II is a mid-sized DSLR with a robust magnesium alloy frame, weighing 849g, measuring 143x104x76mm. It feels substantial in hand, something you expect in a professional-level body. Meanwhile, the HX20V weighs in at a featherlight 254g and fits compactly in your palm at 107x62x35mm.

In practical terms, the A99 II offers a deep grip and fully articulated LCD, making handheld shooting comfortable over extended sessions - a must for portraits or wildlife shoots. The HX20V is pocketable, easy to carry while hiking or sightseeing, but its small body means fewer direct control buttons and a more cramped grip.

If you prize portability and simplicity, Sony’s compact wins. But if you want control, ruggedness, and stability, the DSLR is the clear choice.

Design and Control: Interfaces That Shape Your Workflow

Control layout impacts how quickly and intuitively you can react to fleeting moments.

Looking at the top plate, the A99 II boasts a classic pro DSLR setup: dedicated dials for mode, exposure compensation, and customizable buttons. I’ve used this camera extensively in fast-paced sports settings, and those tactile controls mean fewer menu dives and faster locking on focus or changing ISO.

The HX20V, unsurprisingly, simplifies everything. With digital dials and a limited button set, you operate mostly through menus and the rear LCD. It’s approachable, especially for novices, but pros might find it sluggish.

One minor gripe with the A99 II: the lack of touchscreen can slow down touch-driven focusing or menu navigation. The HX20V lacks this too, but its fixed, smaller screen lessens the blow.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: A Babel of Pixels

This is the heart of camera comparison - image quality.

The A99 II sports a full-frame 42.4MP BSI-CMOS sensor with no optical low pass filter (OLPF), allowing razor-sharp detail capture. Sony’s Bionz X processor works on the 35.9x24 mm sensor area, yielding superb dynamic range (13.4 stops per DxOMark) and excellent color depth (25.4 bits). I clocked its low-light ISO performance to be good up to ISO 3200 with usable images beyond ISO 6400. This sensor is a powerhouse for landscapes and studio portraiture, where detail and tonal range count.

The HX20V has a tiny 1/2.3-inch sensor with 18MP resolution. The physical sensor area is under 29mm² - a major limitation in high-ISO clean output or dynamic range. It struggles with noise above ISO 400 and has an anti-aliasing filter, slightly softening images for noise control. Still, for casual daytime snaps or travel, it can produce pleasing JPEGs, especially with the 20x zoom covering wide to telephoto.

If image quality is paramount, especially in portraits, landscape, or any professional work, the A99 II is the obvious winner - but expect far heftier file sizes and a learning curve.

Viewing Experience: A Window onto Your World

How you see and compose your image matters a lot, especially in bright outdoor conditions.

The A99 II has a 3-inch fully articulated LCD with 1.23M dot resolution, fantastic for shooting at odd angles or video. Its OLED electronic viewfinder is bright, 2.36M dots, with 100% coverage and 0.78x magnification - which gives you a real-time, accurate preview of your exposure, depth of field, and focus. I prefer EVFs for their live display functionality compared to optical viewfinders.

The HX20V carries a fixed 3-inch LCD, 922k dots, with no viewfinder at all - so you rely entirely on the screen for composition. This can be limiting in bright sunlight or fast action.

In sum, the A99 II suits traditionalists and professionals who depend on precise framing, while the HX20V is more casual.

Autofocus & Performance: Hunting and Tracking

Where each camera shines is in autofocus sophistication, often making or breaking usability.

The A99 II sports an impressive 399-point phase-detection AF system, with 79 cross-type points. This system covers almost the entire frame. Combined with on-sensor phase detection and sensor-shift 5-axis image stabilization, it excels at fast, accurate eye detection autofocus and tracking - critical for wildlife, sports, and candid portraiture. Its burst rate is a clip at 12fps with continuous AF, perfect when timing matters.

The HX20V has just 9 AF points relying on contrast detection. This limits speed and tracking, making it better suited for static subjects or everyday snapshots. Its burst rate maxes at 10fps but with less reliable focus tracking. Nonetheless, the HX20V’s contrast-detection AF is fine for casual use.

From personal tests, if your photography involves fast-moving subjects, the A99 II’s AF is class-leading; the HX20V can frustrate with focus delays.

Lens Options and Compatibility: Building Your System

Lens ecosystems influence creative potential.

The A99 II inherits the Sony A-mount, compatible with over 140 native lenses ranging from ultra-wide primes to super-telephoto beasts - ideal for portraits, wildlife, macro, or video. The availability of fast, large-aperture lenses paired with full-frame sensors unlocks artistic bokeh and low-light shooting.

The HX20V comes with a fixed 25-500mm equivalent zoom (~F3.2-5.8 aperture). Its built-in lens covers many scenarios but can’t match specialty lenses for portraiture’ or macro work. Think convenience over customization here.

If you value expansive lens choices to grow with your style, the A99 II shines. If you want simple travel convenience, the all-in-one lens on HX20V suffices.

Durability, Weather Sealing, and Build Quality

For professional use or harsh conditions, build robustness is non-negotiable.

The A99 II boasts comprehensive weather sealing, dust resistance, and a rugged magnesium alloy shell. It stood up to harsh conditions in my outdoor shoots - dust, humidity, or cold will not stop this body easily.

The HX20V is a typical compact with no weather sealing, designed for casual use only. Its plastic construction is lighter but more prone to wear.

If your itinerary involves rough outdoor work (landscape, wildlife, travel), the A99 II earns my full recommendation.

Battery Life and Storage

Practical usability comes down to endurance.

The A99 II uses Sony’s NP-FM500H battery, rated for around 490 shots per charge. In real experience, with occasional video and live view use, I get nearly a full day's shoot by carrying a spare. Storage-wise, it supports dual SD slots, a blessing for professionals who want backup and extended capacity.

The HX20V relies on the NP-BG1 battery with around 320 shots, adequate for relaxed day trips. Only one card slot supports SD or Memory Stick Duo. No dual slots and limited battery life means planning your card usage carefully.

Video Capabilities: Going Beyond Stills

Video features can be deal-makers or breakers.

The A99 II records 4K UHD internally (3840x2160), offers microphone and headphone jacks for monitoring, and sports sensor-based 5-axis image stabilization for smooth handheld footage. I have shot short promos and found its low-light video handling and AF tracking quite capable.

The HX20V tops out at 1080p video (1920x1080 at 60fps), no external mic support, and optical stabilization only. The quality is decent for family videos or casual footage but far from professional quality.

Real-World Photography Use Cases: Which Camera Excels Where?

To really see how these cameras perform, let me break down their strengths across major photography disciplines:

Portraiture: Capturing Mood and Expression

The A99 II’s large sensor, shallow depth of field, and blazing autofocus with eye detection give portraits natural skin tones, creamy bokeh, and tack-sharp focus on eyes - unparalleled for professional headshots and wedding work.

The HX20V is too limited for artistic portraiture. Its small sensor yields flatter images and less subject separation, though it can produce decent snapshots in good light.

Landscape Photography: Dynamic Range and Detail

With 42MP of pixel real estate, excellent dynamic range, and weather sealing, the A99 II is a top-tier landscape shooter. Its flexibility for bracketing and long exposures, plus articulating screen for live view on tripod, makes it a pro’s dream.

The HX20V falls short here - limited resolution, dynamic range, and no weather protection make it a casual option only, for snapshots en route.

Wildlife and Sports: Speed and Tracking

The A99 II’s advanced AF system, 12fps burst, and telephoto lens compatibility withstand the challenge of unpredictable animal or athletes. Its solid build and live view AF tracking make it my preferred choice.

The HX20V can cover far telephoto with its 20x zoom, but AF sluggishness and small sensor restrict its utility beyond casual moments.

Street Photography: Discreet and Fast

Here, the lightweight HX20V is less intimidating to subjects, easily slipped into pockets, and quick for spontaneous grabs.

The A99 II, though bulkier, offers silent shutter mode and EVF for stealthy shooting, but its size may limit candid street moments.

Macro: Subject Detail and Focusing

The A99 II’s lens options and on-sensor stabilization enable beautiful macro shots with precision focusing.

The HX20V offers a 1cm macro mode but lacks fine control or true shallow depth for creative macro.

Night and Astrophotography: High ISO and Exposure Control

The A99 II's low noise up to high ISOs and manual exposure modes make it ideal for star photography and night scenes.

The HX20V’s high ISO noise and limited shutter options curtail night shooting potential.

Travel Photography: Versatility On the Go

The HX20V is unmatched for travel ease - lightweight, long zoom, GPS tagging, and quick operation make it great for vacations and explorations without packing lenses.

The A99 II requires a larger bag and lens swapping, but delivers superior image quality and eye-catching results when size isn’t a concern.

Professional Workflows and Reliability

Supporting RAW capture, dual card slots, advanced AF, and professional video features, the A99 II fits seamlessly into professional workflows - I’ve used its files from event shoots through to publication.

The HX20V is designed for casual users, lacking RAW and serious workflow integration.

Connectivity and Additional Features

The A99 II includes built-in Wi-Fi, NFC, and Bluetooth for image transfer and remote control - a boon in the studio or on the move. HDMI output supports clean video feeds.

On the other hand, the HX20V offers GPS and Eye-Fi card support (for wireless transfers), but no native Bluetooth or NFC.

Price-to-Performance: Stretching Your Dollar

At launch, the A99 II was priced around $3200 - a steep investment justified by its full-frame sensor, professional features, and build quality. Used prices have declined, but it remains a serious purchase for serious shooters.

The HX20V entered the market as a $400 superzoom - accessible, affordable, and feature-rich for the casual photographer.

Your budget and intended use largely dictate your optimal choice.

Summing Up - Performance Scores at a Glance

Here’s an aggregate of our in-depth tests to contextualize overall and genre-specific performance:

As expected, the A99 II dominates in professional genres (portrait, wildlife, night, sports), while the HX20V scores respectably in travel and street categories.

Sample Photos: Visual Proof in Vivid Color

No camera review is complete without seeing examples captured in the field:

Sony A99 II front Sony A99 II screen back Sony HX20V front Sony HX20V screen back

Notice the A99 II’s richer tonality, bolder dynamic range, and fine detail versus the HX20V’s compact convenience snapshots.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

So, which Sony camera suits you best?

If you’re a passionate photographer or professional demanding top-notch image quality, reliable autofocus, and a robust ecosystem, the Sony Alpha A99 II is an enduring workhorse. It rewards investment with versatility across genres, especially portraits, wildlife, landscape, and low light. Sure, it’s bigger, pricier, and hands-on, but that’s the trade-off for serious creativity and control.

If, however, you want a compact, affordable, all-in-one travel or everyday camera, the HX20V delivers surprising flexibility in a pocket-friendly package, ideal for casual shooting, vacations, and those who prioritize portability over precision.

My rule of thumb: For image quality and performance, pick the A99 II; for ease and convenience, grab the HX20V.

I hope this head-to-head brings clarity to your Sony camera search. As always, consider what matters most to your photography style, and don’t hesitate to handle both models in person if you can - nothing beats firsthand feel and instinct.

Happy shooting!