Sony HX1 vs Sony RX1

In this article, we are reviewing the Sony HX1 and Sony RX1, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Large Sensor Compact and both of them are designed by Sony. There is a crucial difference among the sensor resolutions of the HX1 (9MP) and RX1 (24MP) and the HX1 (1/2.4") and RX1 (Full frame) feature different sensor sizes.

Japan-exclusive Leica Leitz Phone 3 features big sensor and new modes

The HX1 was brought out 4 years before the RX1 and that is a fairly serious gap as far as camera tech is concerned. The two cameras offer different body type with the Sony HX1 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Sony RX1 being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before going through a detailed comparison, below is a simple highlight of how the HX1 scores versus the RX1 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX1 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1. The entire galleries are available at Sony HX1 Gallery and Sony RX1 Gallery.

When you are intending to lug around your camera, you'll need to think about its weight and size. The Sony HX1 enjoys outside dimensions of 115mm x 83mm x 92mm (4.5" x 3.3" x 3.6") accompanied by a weight of 544 grams (1.20 lbs) and the Sony RX1 has specifications of 113mm x 65mm x 70mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 2.8") with a weight of 482 grams (1.06 lbs).

See the Sony HX1 and Sony RX1 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you are utilizing at that moment. Following is the front view scale comparison of the HX1 and the RX1.

Looking at size and weight, the portability rating of the HX1 and RX1 is 67 and 79 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is difficult to visualize the gap in sensor measurements only by going through technical specs. The visual below should offer you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the HX1 and RX1.

As you can tell, both cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The HX1 because of its smaller sensor is going to make achieving shallower DOF more difficult and the Sony RX1 will produce greater detail having its extra 15MP. Greater resolution will let you crop pics a little more aggressively. The older HX1 will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor tech.