Sony A580 vs Sony HX30V

Here, we are evaluating the Sony A580 and Sony HX30V, former is a Entry-Level DSLR while the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both of them are created by Sony. The image resolution of the A580 (16MP) and the HX30V (18MP) is fairly comparable but the A580 (APS-C) and HX30V (1/2.3") provide different sensor sizes.

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The A580 was introduced 9 months before the HX30V and they are of a similar age. Both the cameras feature different body design with the Sony A580 being a Compact SLR camera and the Sony HX30V being a Compact camera.

Before we go straight to a step-by-step comparison, here is a brief highlight of how the A580 scores versus the HX30V for portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Sony Alpha DSLR-A580 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX30V. The whole galleries are viewable at Sony A580 Gallery & Sony HX30V Gallery.

In case you're intending to carry around your camera often, you have to consider its weight and size. The Sony A580 offers outer dimensions of 137mm x 104mm x 84mm (5.4" x 4.1" x 3.3") having a weight of 599 grams (1.32 lbs) whilst the Sony HX30V has specifications of 107mm x 62mm x 35mm (4.2" x 2.4" x 1.4") with a weight of 254 grams (0.56 lbs).

Check out the Sony A580 and Sony HX30V in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you are utilising at that moment. Here is a front view overall size comparison of the A580 compared to the HX30V.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the A580 and HX30V is 64 and 90 respectively.

More often than not, it is very hard to visualize the gap in sensor sizes just by seeing specs. The picture below will help offer you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the A580 and HX30V.

All in all, both of these cameras feature different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The A580 with its larger sensor is going to make shooting shallower depth of field simpler and the Sony HX30V will provide extra detail using its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also make it easier to crop pics way more aggressively. The more aged A580 will be disadvantaged in sensor technology.