Sony HX1 vs Sony WX5

In this article, we are reviewing the Sony HX1 and Sony WX5, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Small Sensor Compact and both of them are built by Sony. There is a considerable difference among the resolutions of the HX1 (9MP) and WX5 (12MP) and the HX1 (1/2.4") and WX5 (1/2.3") possess different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The HX1 was revealed 14 months prior to the WX5 making the cameras a generation apart from each other. The two cameras offer different body type with the Sony HX1 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Sony WX5 being a Compact camera.

Before going through a more detailed comparison, below is a short introduction of how the HX1 grades against the WX5 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX1 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX5. The full galleries are provided at Sony HX1 Gallery & Sony WX5 Gallery.

For those who are aiming to lug around your camera often, you will need to factor its weight and proportions. The Sony HX1 offers exterior 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 WX5 has measurements of 92mm x 52mm x 22mm (3.6" x 2.0" x 0.9") with a weight of 146 grams (0.32 lbs).

Check out the Sony HX1 and Sony WX5 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you select at the time. Below is the front view scale comparison of the HX1 compared to the WX5.

Using size and weight, the portability grade of the HX1 and WX5 is 67 and 95 respectively.

Generally, it's difficult to imagine the gap in sensor measurements just by checking out specs. The graphic underneath might give you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the HX1 and WX5.

As you can plainly see, the two cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The HX1 using its larger sensor is going to make achieving bokeh easier and the Sony WX5 will produce greater detail because of its extra 3 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also help you crop pics a little more aggressively. The older HX1 will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor technology.