Sony HX1 vs Sony W800

On this page, we will be reviewing the Sony HX1 and Sony W800, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Small Sensor Compact and they are both built by Sony. There exists a large gap among the resolutions of the HX1 (9MP) and W800 (20MP) and the HX1 (1/2.4") and W800 (1/2.3") have different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The HX1 was launched 5 years prior to the W800 and that is a fairly serious difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Both cameras have different body design with the Sony HX1 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Sony W800 being a Compact camera.

Before delving right into a in-depth comparison, here is a concise introduction of how the HX1 matches up versus the W800 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX1 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W800. The complete galleries are provided at Sony HX1 Gallery & Sony W800 Gallery.

For anyone who is looking to carry your camera often, you will need to consider its weight and size. The Sony HX1 comes with external measurements of 115mm x 83mm x 92mm (4.5" x 3.3" x 3.6") along with a weight of 544 grams (1.20 lbs) while the Sony W800 has specifications of 97mm x 55mm x 21mm (3.8" x 2.2" x 0.8") having a weight of 125 grams (0.28 lbs).

Look at the Sony HX1 and Sony W800 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you use at the time. Following is a front view scale comparison of the HX1 and the W800.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the HX1 and W800 is 67 and 96 respectively.

Sometimes, it is difficult to picture the gap in sensor sizing only by researching specs. The visual here will help offer you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the HX1 and W800.

As you can plainly see, the two cameras provide different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The HX1 because of its bigger sensor is going to make getting shallow DOF less difficult and the Sony W800 will provide you with extra detail utilizing its extra 11 Megapixels. Higher resolution will enable you to crop pictures more aggressively. The older HX1 will be behind with regard to sensor technology.