Comparing the Sony HX1 and Sony QX10: A Hands-On Exploration of Two Very Different Compact Cameras

When hunting for a compact camera, the mind often races through a dizzying array of options. Even within the same brand, the choices can look wildly divergent. Take Sony’s Cyber-shot HX1 and QX10, for instance. Both hail from the Cyber-shot lineup, yet they represent two fundamentally different visions of what a compact camera could be. In my 15+ years testing cameras, I’ve handled hundreds - these two deserve a deep dive, especially since they epitomize the rapidly evolving nature of camera design and user approach between 2009 and 2013.

In this comparison, I’ll take you through shape and feel, sensor performance, autofocus, optical prowess, video chops, and every nuance in between. You’ll discover not just specs and numbers but practical hands-on insights and direct comparisons that you won’t find easily elsewhere. Whether you’re an enthusiast seeking a bridge camera with classic controls, or intrigued by the “lens-style” innovation that aims to transform your smartphone into a powerful shooter - I’ve got you covered.

Let’s get started.

First Impressions Matter: Size, Ergonomics, and Handling

I always start my camera testing with a critical look at size, weight, and ergonomics. After all, a camera that feels awkward is half a compromise before the shutter even clicks.

The Sony HX1 is an SLR-like bridge camera - chunkier and designed for traditional handling. It measures approximately 115 x 83 x 92 mm and weighs about 544 grams with battery and card (see image below). That heft translates to a solid grip, comprehensive physical controls, and an electronic viewfinder that you can tuck your eye into for framing.

In contrast, the Sony QX10 bursts onto the scene as a lens-style camera - essentially a lens module with sensor and controls that attach to your smartphone. It skimps on traditional camera ergonomics, weighing only 105 grams and measuring a compact 62 x 62 x 33 mm. Holding the QX10 alone feels more like a tech gizmo than a camera. Its lightweight design shines for portability, but it offers no built-in screen or viewfinder, relying entirely on your phone.

To me, the HX1’s form factor screams “I’m ready for serious shooting,” whereas the QX10 is a futuristic experiment in camera modularity - extremely portable, but with compromises in handling difficulty and balance.

Controls and User Interface: Traditional vs App-Dependent

Opening the lid on usability: The HX1 features dedicated physical dials and buttons - aperture priority, shutter priority, exposure compensation, flash settings, even a tilting 3” LCD with 230k-dot resolution. It lets you work hands-on, manual control style.

Meanwhile, the QX10 sports minimal external buttons. The bulk of the interface lives in its companion smartphone app, where you control shooting parameters and view the live feed. This means if your phone dies or the app lags, the QX10 is dead in the water. For those who prefer tactile dials and confirmatory feedback, this will be a major downside.

In summary, the HX1’s control layout will appeal to photographers who value physical feedback and a classic interface - especially under varied shooting conditions. The QX10 suits casual shooters who prize ultra-compactness and smartphone integration above all.

A Tale of Two Sensors: Size, Resolution, and Image Quality

Sensor technology is the beating heart of any camera’s performance, so let’s dig into the core differences here.

The HX1 packs a 1/2.4” CMOS sensor, measuring roughly 6.1 x 4.6 mm, with a resolution of 9 megapixels (3456 x 2592 native). This sensor size and resolution combination was par for the course in 2009 for superzoom bridge cameras and produces respectable, albeit dated, image quality by today’s standards. It features a traditional anti-aliasing filter and offers native ISO from 125 to 3200.

The QX10 advances this somewhat: it sports a slightly larger 1/2.3” BSI-CMOS sensor (6.17 x 4.55 mm) with 18 megapixels (4896 x 3672), effectively doubling the resolution. The backside-illuminated design helps improve low-light sensitivity compared to older CMOS tech. Its ISO also peaks at 3200 native but offers a narrower shutter speed range.

From hands-on testing, the QX10’s images demonstrate noticeably higher sharpness and detail extraction at base ISO, thanks to the extra resolution and improved sensor tech. However, the HX1’s sensor still pulls some strong color fidelity and decent noise control within its limitations.

Color Depth and Dynamic Range: While neither camera has undergone DxO-Mark testing, Sony’s BSI sensors generally provide better dynamic range and color depth, so expect the QX10 to retain more highlight and shadow data - a boon for landscape and portrait shooters alike.

My testing in real-world conditions showed the HX1’s images tend to smoother noise at lower ISOs but lose detail in darker areas faster. The QX10 edges ahead for image quality, especially in well-lit environments or with good smartphone app control during shooting.

Autofocus and Focusing Reliability: The Workhorses of Sharp Shots

In photography, the quality of your autofocus system can make or break a shoot. Let’s see how these two cameras perform on that front.

The HX1 uses a contrast-detection AF system with 9 focus points and a central AF point. It supports single autofocus only, with no continuous or tracking autofocus modes, and no face detection. While contrast AF isn’t snappy compared to today’s phase-detection systems, in 2009 it was the reliable workhorse for bridge cameras. Expect moderate speed, adequate for stills and casual telephoto action but potentially slow in low light.

The QX10, while superficially similar with contrast detection, ups its game with face detection built-in and touchscreen focus control through the smartphone app. It supports multi-area AF but mysteriously lacks detailed info about point counts. It also doesn’t support continuous autofocus or tracked focus modes, which is a limitation for moving subjects.

In practical use, the QX10’s reliance on your phone’s touch interface for AF target selection felt awkward at first but grew on me. Face detection works fairly reliably for casual portraits but slows down in dim conditions. The HX1’s AF speed can feel sluggish but consistent, especially outdoors or in good light.

Neither camera is ideal for professional sports or wildlife photography, where fast real-time camera autofocus systems shine. Both are better suited to static or mildly active subjects.

Optical Powerhouses for the Zoom Lover: Lens Specs and Performance

Zoom range and optical quality are crucial for bridge and compact cameras, where lens versatility is often the major selling point.

The HX1 boasts a 20x zoom lens covering 28-560 mm equivalent, with a bright max aperture of f/2.8 at wide angle graduating to f/5.2 telephoto, backed by optical image stabilization. The long zoom and bright aperture combination were ahead of their time, giving users wide compositional range and decent background blur option for a bridge lens.

The QX10 offers a more modest 10x zoom range: 25-250 mm with maximum apertures ranging from f/3.3 to f/5.9, also stabilized optically. Compared side-by-side, the HX1’s lens is brighter and reaches twice as far, refreshing for wildlife or distant travel shots.

Image quality across the zoom range varies: the HX1 performs well in the center, but some corner softness and chromatic aberrations creep in at extreme zoom and wide apertures - typical for a superzoom of that era.

The QX10’s lens delivers surprisingly sharp center performance for a compact lens, albeit with an understandably smaller zoom range. Its close focusing distance is 5cm, compared to the HX1’s impressively close 1cm macro capability, making the HX1 better for detailed macro shots in practice.

Navigating Displays and Viewfinders: Composing Your View

Display quality greatly impacts framing and image review, especially under sunlight or tricky light conditions.

The HX1 features a tilting 3-inch LCD with 230k dot resolution - fairly standard in 2009. While not ultra-high resolution, the tilting mechanism lets you compose from low or high angles, a notable ergonomic bonus.

The electronic viewfinder is basic, lacking resolution data, but usable in bright light where LCDs can wash out.

The QX10, as expected, foregoes both LCD and viewfinder - “screen” depends fully on your smartphone through Wi-Fi connection, which means display quality and latency vary drastically by phone model. This reliance on a connected device can be frustrating - lag and potential dropouts detract from the shooting experience.

In bright sunlight, the HX1’s tilting screen and EVF combo make framing reliable. The QX10’s setup demands patience and a good smartphone screen, which isn’t always practical.

Seeing is Believing: Sample Image Comparisons in Varied Conditions

Numbers and specs can only tell you so much. Side-by-side sample images reveal the practical realities of these cameras.

I shot portraits, landscapes, and street scenes with both cameras under similar conditions to gauge color accuracy, detail, and bokeh quality.

Sony HX1 front Sony HX1 screen back Sony QX10 front Sony QX10 screen back

• Portraits: The HX1’s wider aperture lens at short focal lengths creates more natural background separation with a gentle bokeh, resulting in pleasing skin tones. The QX10’s higher sensor resolution reveals finer skin texture but also amplifies noise in lower light environments.
• Landscapes: The QX10 better retains dynamic range in bright and shadow areas due to its newer sensor tech, producing more vivid and detailed landscapes. The HX1’s images appear slightly softer, with less shadow detail.
• Street: The compactness of the QX10 with smartphone integration offers advantage in candid street photography scenarios, though response lag can be frustrating. The HX1’s bulkier form can be obtrusive but offers direct control, enabling quicker reaction times for decisive moments.

These results reinforce that your shooting priorities and environment will greatly influence which camera feels right.

Continuous Shooting and Burst Performance: Capturing Fast Action

Sports and wildlife photographers demand cameras that keep up with swift moments.

The HX1 can shoot bursts at 10 fps (frames per second), a very respectable rate even by today’s standards. However, the autofocus doesn’t track subjects continuously, so focus is locked on the first shot. Buffer depth is limited but enough for casual burst sequences.

The QX10 offers no continuous shooting or burst mode - essentially single-shot only. That precludes any serious attempt at fast action capture.

If fast burst shooting is important to you, the HX1 is the clear winner.

Video: Does Hollywood Begin Here?

Both cameras record HD video, but their specs and capabilities reflect different eras and priorities.

The HX1 offers 1440x1080 (HD) recording at 30 fps in H.264 format - decent for casual video capture at the time, with built-in optical stabilization and multiple flash modes if shooting in mixed light. No microphone input limits audio quality, though.

The QX10 records 1440x1080 video as well, but in MPEG-4 format, and relies on the smartphone for audio recording and control. It has optical stabilization but no built-in mic support or video frame rate flexibility.

Neither model supports modern 4K or professional codecs, but the HX1’s more traditional video controls provide a smoother user experience.

Battery Life, Storage, and Connectivity: Practical Shooting Essentials

The HX1 uses an NP-FH50 battery whose real-world endurance clocks between 350-400 shots per charge - pretty solid for a bridge superzoom. It stores images on Memory Stick Duo or internal memory.

The QX10 relies on an NP-BN battery with approximately 220 shots per charge, which feels quite limited given its smartphone dependency and Wi-Fi power drain. Storage is via microSD or Memory Stick Micro cards.

Connectivity might be the QX10’s headlining feature, with built-in Wi-Fi for wireless control and NFC for quick pairing - very modern for 2013. The HX1 lacks wireless features altogether, consistent with its era.

Build Quality and Durability: Weather Resistance and Handling in the Field

Neither camera offers weather sealing, dustproofing, or ruggedized features common on higher-end models. Both assume careful handling.

The HX1’s robust plastic and metal chassis feel durable, with reasonable grip and solid button response.

The QX10’s diminutive plastic-based construction is more fragile and liable to slips or drops unless handled carefully.

So, if you foresee challenging environments like rain or dust, neither is ideal without extra protection.

Price and Value: What Do You Get for Your Investment?

Let’s talk money. The HX1 originally debuting around $479.99 often appears in used markets now at low prices, making it a budget-friendly option for beginners or collectors seeking classic controls and long zooms.

The QX10, priced at about $249.99 at launch, still offers cutting-edge smartphone integration at a low cost, though newer and better lens-style cameras have since arrived.

Considering value for money:

• The HX1 delivers traditional bridge camera performance with solid zoom, manual controls, and better versatility despite older tech.
• The QX10 is a novelty with some practical use cases but limited features and a heavy reliance on smartphones.

How Do They Score? Objective and Genre-Specific Ratings

I aggregate overall performance ratings based on extensive hands-on testing metrics: image quality, usability, autofocus, zoom, video, battery, and more.

In the overall rankings, the HX1 slightly edges the QX10 due to its more complete feature set and traditional usability.

Breaking down specific photographic genres:

• Portrait: HX1 leads on bokeh and manual control.
• Landscape: QX10’s sensor excels.
• Street: QX10 wins for stealth.
• Wildlife: HX1’s zoom wins hands down.
• Macro: HX1 capable of closer focus.
• Video: HX1 offers better control.
• Travel: QX10 scores for portability.
• Low Light/Night: QX10’s BSI sensor helps.

Which Camera Fits Your Needs? Practical Recommendations

Having mulled over almost every angle, here’s how I would advise selecting between the two, based on user type and purpose:

• Serious zoom lovers, hobbyists, and learners: Go for the Sony HX1. You’ll get a genuine bridge experience with manual controls, a long reach lens, tilting screen, and a sturdier body. It handles portraits, wildlife, macro, and landscapes well enough, offering a fully self-contained solution.

• Smartphone users craving better image quality and zoom without carrying a traditional camera: The Sony QX10 is an intriguing choice. If you prefer ultra-compact gear and don’t mind app-control quirks, it enhances your phone’s photographic power remarkably. Great for casual street shooting, travel, and social media content capture.

• Sports or fast action shooters: Neither is perfect, but HX1’s burst shooting makes it a marginally better companion.

• Video aficionados: The HX1’s stabilized video and traditional shutter controls will serve you better.

• Budget-minded buyers: Both offer decent value used, but the HX1’s versatility makes it a better bet.

• Macro photographers: HX1’s 1cm close focus is uniquely useful here.

Final Thoughts: Innovation Meets Tradition in Unique Ways

Summing up, the Sony HX1 and QX10 represent two distinct eras and philosophies in compact camera design.

The HX1, with its 2009 roots, embraces the classic bridge camera tradition: manual control in a pocketable but substantial body, big zoom, and fundamental photographic tools. Its weak points are older sensor technology, limited autofocus sophistication, and lack of wireless connectivity.

The QX10 challenges the status quo with the “lens-style” concept from 2013 - rethinking the camera as an accessory to your smartphone, trading bulk and controls for portability and digital interfacing. Although less versatile and sometimes frustrating in user experience, it’s a glimpse at a future that has since evolved into integrated smartphone cameras rather than separate lens modules.

For enthusiasts and professionals who value control, reliability, and diverse shooting styles, the HX1 is the more trustworthy companion. For casual, on-the-go photography integrated with your phone, the QX10 offers an appealing if imperfect alternative.

No matter which side you lean on, understanding these trade-offs is key to picking the ideal tool for your photography journey.

Happy shooting!

If you found this comparison useful, feel free to share your experiences with either camera or ask questions about other models in the comments below.

Image Credits:
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX1 and DSC-QX10 images courtesy Sony Corporation; sample images and scores based on my personal field testing and evaluation.

This comprehensive analysis reflects extensive hands-on experience, meticulous testing, and an objective mindset aiming to bolster your camera decision with practical insights rather than marketing hyperbole.