Sony HX1 vs Sony A37

In this write-up, we will be evaluating the Sony HX1 and Sony A37, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR and both are sold by Sony. There exists a substantial gap between the resolutions of the HX1 (9MP) and A37 (16MP) and the HX1 (1/2.4") and A37 (APS-C) come with different sensor measurements.

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The HX1 was announced 4 years earlier than the A37 and that is quite a big difference as far as technology is concerned. Each of the cameras offer different body type with the Sony HX1 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Sony A37 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before delving straight into a complete comparison, below is a short summary of how the HX1 scores against the A37 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX1 & Sony SLT-A37. The whole galleries are viewable at Sony HX1 Gallery & Sony A37 Gallery.

For those who are planning to carry your camera frequently, you need to factor in its weight and size. The Sony HX1 provides physical 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 A37 has specifications of 124mm x 92mm x 85mm (4.9" x 3.6" x 3.3") having a weight of 506 grams (1.12 lbs).

See the Sony HX1 and Sony A37 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you are working with at the time. Below is the front view measurements comparison of the HX1 and the A37.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the HX1 and A37 is 67 and 67 respectively.

Quite often, it is tough to picture the gap between sensor sizing just by checking specs. The visual below will help offer you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the HX1 and A37.

All in all, both cameras enjoy different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The HX1 having a tinier sensor is going to make getting shallow DOF more difficult and the Sony A37 will resolve extra detail with its extra 7 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also help you crop shots far more aggressively. The older HX1 is going to be behind in sensor tech.