Sony HX1 vs Sony W230

Below, we will be analyzing the Sony HX1 and Sony W230, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact and they are both created by Sony. There exists a significant gap among the resolutions of the HX1 (9MP) and W230 (12MP) and the HX1 (1/2.4") and W230 (1/2.3") possess different sensor measurements.

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The HX1 was launched 3 months after the W230 and they are of a similar generation. Both cameras come with different body type with the Sony HX1 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Sony W230 being a Compact camera.

Before going straight into a detailed comparison, below is a brief overview of how the HX1 scores against the W230 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX1 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W230. The complete galleries are viewable at Sony HX1 Gallery and Sony W230 Gallery.

When you are intending to carry around your camera, you'll have to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Sony HX1 has got external dimensions of 115mm x 83mm x 92mm (4.5" x 3.3" x 3.6") with a weight of 544 grams (1.20 lbs) whilst the Sony W230 has dimensions of 95mm x 57mm x 22mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") and a weight of 156 grams (0.34 lbs).

Analyze the Sony HX1 and Sony W230 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you have at the time. Underneath is the front view measurement comparison of the HX1 versus the W230.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability score of the HX1 and W230 is 67 and 95 respectively.

More often than not, it's hard to picture the contrast in sensor sizes just by seeing a spec sheet. The pic below will offer you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the HX1 and W230.

Clearly, the 2 cameras posses different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The HX1 due to its bigger sensor is going to make getting shallow depth of field less difficult and the Sony W230 will produce more detail utilizing its extra 3 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also enable you to crop pictures somewhat more aggressively.