Sony G3 vs Sony HX1

On this page, we are contrasting the Sony G3 and Sony HX1, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both are built by Sony. The resolution of the G3 (10MP) and the HX1 (9MP) is fairly comparable but the G3 (1/2.3") and HX1 (1/2.4") offer totally different sensor sizes.

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The G3 was released 3 months earlier than the HX1 and they are both of a similar age. Both the cameras have different body design with the Sony G3 being a Compact camera and the Sony HX1 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before delving right into a detailed comparison, here is a concise introduction of how the G3 grades versus the HX1 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Sony Cyber-shot DSC-G3 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX1. The complete galleries are provided at Sony G3 Gallery & Sony HX1 Gallery.

For anybody who is going to lug around your camera regularly, you need to factor its weight and measurements. The Sony G3 offers exterior measurements of 97mm x 59mm x 22mm (3.8" x 2.3" x 0.9") with a weight of 185 grams (0.41 lbs) while the Sony HX1 has proportions of 115mm x 83mm x 92mm (4.5" x 3.3" x 3.6") along with a weight of 544 grams (1.20 lbs).

See the Sony G3 and Sony HX1 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you are employing at that time. Underneath is a front view dimension comparison of the G3 versus the HX1.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the G3 and HX1 is 94 and 67 respectively.

Typically, it's hard to see the gap in sensor measurements merely by seeing technical specs. The photograph below may give you a greater sense of the sensor sizing in the G3 and HX1.

As you have seen, each of these cameras provide different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The G3 because of its larger sensor will make getting shallow depth of field less difficult and the Sony G3 will provide greater detail as a result of its extra 1 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also let you crop images more aggressively.