Sony QX1 vs. Sony HX90V: An Insider’s Take on These Unique Sony Cameras

When Sony rolled out the QX1 and the HX90V, they catered to two quite different kinds of users, despite both being compact and travel-friendly at heart. But as I’ve handled hundreds of Sony cameras over the years, I can tell you firsthand: these two don’t just differ in specs - they embody contrasting philosophies about what a compact camera can be. So if you’re scratching your head wondering which one suits your photographic style, stick with me - I’ll break down what works, what falls flat, and how these two gear up in the trenches of real-world shooting.

First Impressions: Size, Design & Handling

We’ll start by getting a feel for these cameras in the hand - because no matter how stellar a sensor is, a camera that feels awkward won’t stick around in your kit.

The Sony QX1 is what I’d call an experimental "lens-style" camera. Essentially, it's lens-shaped with sensor and processor inside, designed to be attached to a smartphone or controlled remotely. Without a body, no traditional grip, no viewfinder, and minimal on-board controls, the QX1 weighs in light at 216 grams, and measures a small 74x70x53mm. It’s designed for those who want DSLR-quality images but prefer to shoot from their phone’s interface.

The HX90V, on the other hand, is a pocketable fixed-lens compact camera with a classic form factor (albeit a bit chunky by pocket camera standards), weighing 245g and sized 102x58x36mm. Its small but comfortable grip and built-in viewfinder add to usability - a traditional compact shooter’s dream.

Between these two, the HX90V feels more conventional and user-friendly for handheld shooting, while the QX1 calls for a different workflow altogether - pairing with a smartphone for control and image transfer.

Let’s Talk Controls - Where Does Your Thumb Belong?

A huge factor in shooting enjoyment is how intuitively you can change settings on the fly.

The HX90V sports a proper mode dial with aperture and shutter priority modes, full manual exposure, and customizable buttons. Its tactile dials and a 3-inch tilting LCD make changing settings familiar and convenient. The electronic viewfinder (EVF) with 638k dot resolution is a nice plus for composing in bright sunlight.

In contrast, the QX1 cuts almost all physical controls. Its top houses only a shutter button and power switch; the rest are managed on the connected smartphone screen. For photographers who miss the clubs for their thumbs (i.e., dedicated dials), this might feel limiting. However, it does offer aperture and shutter priority, though manual exposure mode is absent.

Bottom line: The QX1 trades tactile control for compact flexibility; the HX90V embraces traditional ergonomics to please those who need quick, reliable adjustments - especially in dynamic shooting.

Sensor Technology & Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

No matter your shooting style, image quality often reigns supreme. How do these two compare in this arena?

The QX1 is sporting a proper APS-C sized CMOS sensor, massively larger than the HX90V’s tiny 1/2.3” BSI-CMOS sensor. Physically, the QX1’s sensor area is about 357 mm², compared to just 28 mm² on the HX90V. This sensor size gap generally means better image quality, noise performance, and depth-of-field control for the QX1. The QX1's sensor boasts 20 megapixels, while the HX90V’s is slightly lower at 18MP.

In practice, this huge sensor advantage lets the QX1 capture more detail, perform better at high ISOs (up to 16,000 native), and produce more pleasing bokeh in portraits. Meanwhile, the HX90V compensates with its 30x zoom lens versatility (24-720mm equivalent) and optical image stabilization - a lifesaver at telephoto lengths, where the QX1 depends on lens optics (no in-body stabilization).

I conducted side-by-side tests in various light conditions: daylight landscapes, dim interiors, and night scenes. The QX1 consistently delivered cleaner images with richer colors and wider dynamic range. The HX90V’s images were surprisingly sharp for its sensor size but displayed more noise at ISO 3200 and above.

The LCD & Viewfinder Experience

Intelligent interface design can make or break usability.

The HX90V offers a 3” tilting LCD with 921k dots resolution, paired with a small EVF that covers 100% of the frame. The tilt function comes in handy for low-angle and overhead shots, while the EVF shines under bright daylight or when you want to conserve battery life.

The QX1 suspends logic a bit here - it’s lens-style, remember? It has no viewfinder and no built-in screen to speak of, instead depending fully on your smartphone’s display via WiFi and NFC. This creates some lag and occasional connection dropouts, plus the UI isn’t as snappy as on a dedicated camera.

So, for those who prefer an all-in-one camera experience without relying on another device, the HX90V nails it. But if you love tethered shooting and smartphone control, the QX1 provides a novel approach - albeit at a cost in direct usability.

Autofocus and Burst Shooting: Catch or Miss in Action?

Speed and accuracy are paramount for subjects that won’t hold still.

The QX1 relies on contrast-detection autofocus with 25 focus points and face detection but no phase detection or continuous tracking autofocus. Its max burst rate is limited to about 4fps, which is pedestrian for anything fast-moving like sports or wildlife.

Meanwhile, the HX90V uses enhanced AF algorithms with face and tracking focus, achieving bursts of 10fps. The HX90V’s autofocus is snappier and more reliable across focal lengths, essential for superzoom versatility and street or travel shooters capturing fleeting moments.

If your main interest is wildlife or sports, the QX1’s limited AF system and slow burst will frustrate. HX90V's modest but effective AF and higher frame rates make it better suited for action, though its small sensor curbs image quality at these focal lengths and lower light.

Portfolios in the Wild: Photography Genres Broken Down

Let's go deep with the nitty-gritty across the most popular photography types.

Portraits: When Skin and Eyes Matter

The QX1’s large APS-C sensor shines for portraits. Its shallow depth of field capability produces creamy bokeh to isolate subjects beautifully, and the face detection helps maintain focus on eyes. The HX90V can manage portraits well in bright light at wide angles but its tiny sensor and variable aperture lens limit background blur and low-light capacity.

Landscapes: Detail and Dynamic Range

Here the QX1 shines again with more resolution and superior dynamic range, ideal for lush landscapes. Its RAW support means serious post-processing flexibility. The HX90V cannot shoot RAW and suffers in dynamic range, especially in shadows and highlights.

But the HX90V scores points with its ultra-wide 24mm equivalent focal length and weather-sealed-ish body (voiced in user forums but not officially rated), making it a convenient choice for casual outdoor outings.

Wildlife and Sports: Speed Versus Reach

The HX90V’s 30x zoom lens (focal length equivalent up to 720mm!) is a major edge for distant wildlife, but image quality dips noticeably at full zoom. Autofocus speed and burst rate favor the HX90V, making it more capable for fast subjects.

The QX1 can work with Sony E-mount telephoto lenses that deliver better image quality but at higher cost and weight. Its slower AF and limited continuous shooting make it less suitable for high-speed sports.

Street and Travel Photography: Discretion and Versatility

The HX90V is compact and quiet, with a pop-up EVF, making it a solid stealth choice for street snaps. Its zoom range covers wide to telephoto without lens changes - a travel photographer’s Swiss Army knife.

In contrast, the QX1’s bulkier setup, dependence on smartphone control, and absence of an integrated viewfinder mean more setup time and less spontaneity - pretty much at odds with quick street capture.

Macro and Close-ups: Focus Precision

The HX90V focuses down to 5cm, letting you get close for small subjects, bolstered by image stabilization to reduce blur. The QX1 can exploit dedicated Sony macro lenses for exquisite detail, but lacks built-in stabilization, requiring a tripod.

Night and Astro: Noise and Exposure Control

In low light, the QX1 with its larger sensor and higher ISO range dominates. Tests revealed cleaner images up to ISO 6400 versus the HX90V’s noisy ISO 800-1600 shots. The QX1 supports manual control over exposure settings to nail long exposures critical for star photography.

The HX90V does good video-night shots but noise and sensor limitations affect still image quality.

Video Performance: Specs and Practicalities

The HX90V records Full HD video at up to 60i/60p in AVCHD and XAVC S formats, with optical stabilization smoothing handheld footage. It includes a built-in stereo mic, but no microphone input jack limits external audio options.

The QX1 maxes out at 1080p 30fps in MPEG-4 format, again via smartphone connection. With no built-in stabilization or audio inputs, it’s modest for videographers. It suits casual clips rather than professional use.

Build Quality, Weather Resistance, and Battery Life

Neither camera boasts professional-grade environmental sealing, so cautious use in moisture and dust is advisable.

Battery life favors the QX1 slightly with 440 shots per charge (NP-FW50 battery), thanks to simpler hardware and lack of EVF. The HX90V hovers around 360 shots (NP-BX1 battery), but its EVF and tilting screen consume more juice.

Storage-wise, QX1 uses microSD or Memory Stick Micro cards, somewhat niche; HX90V supports regular SD/SDHC/SDXC cards, more universally accepted.

Wireless Connectivity and Extras

Both models include built-in WiFi and NFC for convenient pairing. The HX90V adds a built-in GPS sensor, useful for travel photographers eager to geotag images automatically. Neither supports Bluetooth.

USB 2.0 connectivity is standard for both, sufficient for basic tethering and transfers.

Putting Numbers to Judgment: Overall and Genre-Specific Scores

Having rigorously tested these cameras across multiple scenarios, I compiled an overall evaluation score and broke down performance by photography type.

The QX1 scores highest for image quality, portraiture, and low-light shooting, but scores lower in autofocus speed, burst shooting, and portability. The HX90V fares strongly in zoom reach, burst shooting, video, and compact usability, but imagines sacrifice image quality at high ISOs and limited bokeh control.

Sample Gallery: See It For Yourself

Here are sample comparison images from both cams in natural light, indoor, and telephoto scenarios I shot during evaluation.

Sony QX1 front Sony QX1 screen back Sony HX90V front Sony HX90V screen back

Notice the crisper detail and cleaner shadows from the QX1 samples, against the HX90V’s more contrasty but pixel-smoothed images.

Who Should Choose Which?

• Photography Enthusiast or Budget-Conscious Hobbyist Wanting APS-C Quality: QX1 is your friend. Affordable compared to full-size Sony APS-C cameras, it delivers serious image quality for portraits, landscapes, and low-light scenes. Good for those who already have a compatible phone and value large sensors.

• Traveler, Street Shooter, or Zoom Fan Who Wants All-in-One Convenience: Go HX90V. Its extensive zoom, built-in EVF, and easy controls make it a compact powerhouse when carrying multiple lenses isn't practical. Ideal for vacation photography, everyday snapshots, and occasional video.

• Sports and Wildlife Over Zoom Quality: Lean toward HX90V for better autofocus and burst rate. The QX1’s lens options can compensate, but at greater cost and bulk.

• Video Pipeline: HX90V’s stabilized Full HD video and higher frame rates edge out the QX1, though neither are robust enough for serious videography.

Pros and Cons at a Glance

Wrapping Up: Which Camera Wins Your Wallet?

If you want to maximize image quality in a budget-friendly APS-C sensor compact - the QX1 delivers unbeatable value, so long as you’re amenable to its lens-style form and smartphone tethering workflow. It’s less a camera, more a modular imaging device and a great choice for portraits, landscapes, and low light shooters who don’t mind a bit of quirkiness.

Conversely, the HX90V appeals to those who want an all-in-one, compact, easy-to-use camera with an insane zoom range and respectable autofocus performance, perfect for travel, street, and casual wildlife or sports shooting. Its image quality won’t blow away a DSLR or mirrorless with an APS-C sensor like the QX1, but its versatility and convenience can’t be overstated.

Whether you pick the QX1 or HX90V boils down to your photography priorities: uncompromising image quality from a smartphone-centered, modular approach, or a no-fuss all-in-one superzoom compact with traditional camera controls.

Hope this inside look helps you weigh your options with confidence - happy shooting!

End of Comparison Review