Sony HX1 vs Sony HX100V

Following is a extended review of the Sony HX1 versus Sony HX100V, both Small Sensor Superzoom cameras and they are both built by Sony. There is a significant difference among the image resolutions of the HX1 (9MP) and HX100V (16MP) and the HX1 (1/2.4") and HX100V (1/2.3") use totally different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The HX1 was launched 3 years before the HX100V which is a fairly sizable gap as far as camera tech is concerned. The two cameras offer the identical body type (SLR-like (bridge)).

Before delving through a thorough comparison, below is a simple highlight of how the HX1 matches up versus the HX100V when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX1 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX100V. The complete galleries are available at Sony HX1 Gallery and Sony HX100V Gallery.

In case you're going to carry around your camera, you need to factor its weight and size. The Sony HX1 has outer measurements of 115mm x 83mm x 92mm (4.5" x 3.3" x 3.6") with a weight of 544 grams (1.20 lbs) and the Sony HX100V has specifications of 122mm x 87mm x 93mm (4.8" x 3.4" x 3.7") along with a weight of 577 grams (1.27 lbs).

Check the Sony HX1 versus Sony HX100V in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you have chosen at that moment. Here is the front view over all size comparison of the HX1 versus the HX100V.

Considering size and weight, the portability rating of the HX1 and HX100V is 67 and 66 respectively.

Generally, it can be tough to envision the contrast in sensor sizes simply by looking through technical specs. The picture below might provide you a much better sense of the sensor measurements in the HX1 and HX100V.

As you have seen, each of these cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The HX1 due to its larger sensor will make achieving shallow depth of field easier and the Sony HX100V will result in more detail utilizing its extra 7 Megapixels. Greater resolution will let you crop images a little more aggressively. The more aged HX1 will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor tech.