Sony HX1 vs Sony A55

In this write-up, we will be matching up the Sony HX1 versus Sony A55, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR and both are offered by Sony. There exists a noticeable gap between the sensor resolutions of the HX1 (9MP) and A55 (16MP) and the HX1 (1/2.4") and A55 (APS-C) use totally different sensor size.

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The HX1 was brought out 16 months before the A55 which makes the cameras a generation away from one another. Both of the cameras offer different body type with the Sony HX1 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Sony A55 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before diving in to a full comparison, below is a short highlight of how the HX1 scores versus the A55 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX1 & Sony SLT-A55. The entire galleries are available at Sony HX1 Gallery & Sony A55 Gallery.

If you are aiming to travel with your camera, you'll need to think about its weight and size. The Sony HX1 has physical measurements of 115mm x 83mm x 92mm (4.5" x 3.3" x 3.6") with a weight of 544 grams (1.20 lbs) and the Sony A55 has specifications of 124mm x 92mm x 85mm (4.9" x 3.6" x 3.3") having a weight of 500 grams (1.10 lbs).

Check the Sony HX1 versus Sony A55 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you choose during that time. Below is the front view over all size comparison of the HX1 versus the A55.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the HX1 and A55 is 67 and 67 respectively.

Quite often, it is very difficult to visualise the gap between sensor dimensions only by going over specifications. The image here will give you a greater sense of the sensor measurements in the HX1 and A55.

Plainly, both of the cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The HX1 featuring a tinier sensor will make getting shallower DOF more difficult and the Sony A55 will deliver greater detail having its extra 7 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also help you crop photographs a little more aggressively. The more aged HX1 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor innovation.