Sony A700 vs Sony HX20V

On this page, we are evaluating the Sony A700 versus Sony HX20V, one being a Advanced DSLR and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both are offered by Sony. There exists a significant gap between the resolutions of the A700 (12MP) and HX20V (18MP) and the A700 (APS-C) and HX20V (1/2.3") boast totally different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The A700 was introduced 5 years earlier than the HX20V and that is quite a sizable gap as far as technology is concerned. The two cameras have different body design with the Sony A700 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Sony HX20V being a Compact camera.

Before diving into a step-by-step comparison, here is a quick view of how the A700 grades against the HX20V when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Sony Alpha DSLR-A700 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX20V. The whole galleries are available at Sony A700 Gallery and Sony HX20V Gallery.

For those who are aiming to carry your camera often, you'll have to consider its weight and size. The Sony A700 enjoys outer measurements of 142mm x 105mm x 80mm (5.6" x 4.1" x 3.1") with a weight of 768 grams (1.69 lbs) and the Sony HX20V has specifications of 107mm x 62mm x 35mm (4.2" x 2.4" x 1.4") along with a weight of 254 grams (0.56 lbs).

Contrast the Sony A700 versus Sony HX20V in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you use at the time. Underneath is a front view physical size comparison of the A700 compared to the HX20V.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the A700 and HX20V is 58 and 90 respectively.

Quite often, it can be tough to visualise the difference between sensor sizing just by reading technical specs. The photograph here may offer you a greater sense of the sensor sizing in the A700 and HX20V.

As you have seen, both cameras provide different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The A700 using its larger sensor will make achieving shallower DOF simpler and the Sony HX20V will deliver extra detail using its extra 6 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also let you crop photos more aggressively. The older A700 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor technology.