Sony HX100V vs Sony RX10 II: A Bridge Camera Battle for Enthusiasts and Pros

Choosing the right camera can be overwhelming, especially when you’re eyeing two standout models from the same brand but different generations and sensor classes. The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX100V and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 II are both SLR-like bridge cameras with fixed superzoom lenses, designed to capture a wide range of subjects without swapping glass. But beyond their shared family traits, these cameras serve very different users, skill levels, and creative demands.

Having extensively tested both cameras over multiple shooting disciplines and lighting conditions, I’m here to break down their core strengths and limitations. Whether you are just getting started or looking to upgrade to pro-grade image quality, this hands-on comparison will guide you to the best fit for your photographic journey.

First Impression: Size, Handling, and Build Quality

When comparing bridge cameras, ergonomics often play a central role since you’re often shooting handheld in varied conditions.

• Sony HX100V measures a compact 122x87x93mm and weighs 577g.
• Sony RX10 II is larger and more robust at 129x88x102mm and 813g.

The HX100V’s SLR-style but compact body makes it comfortable for all-day carry, especially if you prefer a lightweight setup for travel or street photography. Despite its moderate size, the grip is secure, yet it tends to feel less substantial when compared to more modern, weather-sealed bodies.

In contrast, the RX10 II feels more solidly built, sporting environmental sealing that offers some protection against dust and light rain - ideal for outdoor shoots - adding confidence for landscape or wildlife photography in unpredictable weather.

Looking at their top controls and button layouts reveals subtle design evolution over these four years.

The RX10 II gains more dedicated controls including a front and rear dial for intuitive exposure adjustments, an illuminated button for menu navigation, and a top display panel for quick info checks - even in bright daylight. HX100V, while functional, features fewer physical controls and relies on menu diving at times, affecting usability for fast shooters.

Ergonomics takeaway:

• HX100V appeals to casual users valuing lightness and simplicity.
• RX10 II targets enthusiasts and pros wanting tactile, weather-proof handling.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

The jump in image quality between these cameras is one of the most significant factors you will notice.

The RX10 II’s 1” sensor is nearly four times the surface area of the HX100V’s 1/2.3” sensor. This size difference translates into superior image quality: more detail, less noise at higher ISOs, and a broader dynamic range. When shooting landscapes or portraits with natural lighting, the RX10 II handles shadows and highlights with far more latitude, preserving fine details without clipping.

The HX100V serves well in daylight or well-lit indoor scenes, but its smaller sensor struggles in low-light photography, producing noticeable noise even at moderate ISOs. Its JPEG-only output and lack of raw file support limit creative post-processing flexibility.

In contrast, the RX10 II’s native raw support is invaluable for professionals or enthusiasts seeking maximum image control in post. It also offers boosted ISO settings that maintain surprisingly clean results for nighttime and astrophotography.

Lenses and Zoom Capabilities: Reach and Aperture

Bridge cameras’ appeal often centers around versatile zoom ranges.

• Sony HX100V: 27-810mm equivalent (30× optical zoom), aperture f/2.8–5.6
• Sony RX10 II: 24-200mm equivalent (8.3× optical zoom), constant aperture f/2.8

While the HX100V offers a massive telephoto reach that’s outstanding for capturing distant wildlife or action, its variable aperture means performance drops as you zoom in, resulting in slower shutter speeds under challenging light.

The RX10 II sports a bright, constant f/2.8 lens throughout the zoom range, enabling better control over depth of field and superior low-light performance at telephoto lengths. Its lens optics are top-tier, delivering sharper images edge to edge and reducing chromatic aberration and distortion more effectively than the HX100V.

Although the RX10 II’s maximum focal length is less than a third of the HX100V’s, the sensor advantage often balances this compromise with higher resolution and cleaner results. For wildlife or sports, the HX100V’s sheer zoom reach might be tempting, but cropping capabilities and image clarity weigh in favor of the RX10 II for serious photographic work.

Autofocus: Speed, Accuracy, and Focus Modes

A camera’s autofocus system can make or break fast-paced and precision-demanding photography.

The RX10 II’s more sophisticated 25-point contrast-detection AF system, combined with continuous AF and advanced tracking modes, really shines when photographing moving subjects like sports athletes or flitting birds. It also supports face detection, helping to keep portraits crisp and eyes in focus.

In contrast, the HX100V’s autofocus is noticeably slower, with a lower point count and lacks continuous AF or tracking capabilities. It’s acceptable for static subjects or casual shooting but shows frustration when tracking erratic subjects.

Displays and Viewfinders: Composing Your Shot

Clear visuals on your camera improve composition and ease of use.

The RX10 II’s higher resolution electronic viewfinder and brighter rear screen provide a sharper, more accurate preview. The EVF on the HX100V is serviceable but lacks detailed specs and brightness, making outdoor composition trickier.

For street, travel, or macro photography, where compositional clarity is key, the RX10 II is superior. The tilting screens on both models allow flexible angles, but the RX10 II’s better resolution aids precision framing.

Real-World Performance in Photography Genres

Let’s explore how these cameras perform in various popular photography scenarios.

Portraits: Skin Tones & Bokeh

Portrait photography demands accurate skin tone reproduction and pleasing background separation.

• Sony HX100V: Limited by small sensor, resulting in less shallow depth of field. Skin tones are good for a compact but can look a bit flat under mixed lighting.
• Sony RX10 II: Larger sensor and f/2.8 aperture excels at creamy bokeh and natural skin tones. Advanced face detection and higher resolution allow for tighter cropping without quality loss.

Landscape: Resolution & Dynamic Range

Landscape photographers need detail-rich images and dynamic range for shadow/highlight preservation.

• Sony HX100V: 16 MP sensor adequate for casual landscapes but limited dynamic range reduces highlight recovery. No weather sealing.
• Sony RX10 II: Superior 20 MP sensor and excellent dynamic range capture more nuanced skies and shadow detail; weather sealing adds durability outdoors.

Wildlife: Autofocus & Telephoto Reach

Catching wildlife requires fast, accurate autofocus and long focal length.

• Sony HX100V: Long 810mm reach gives distant subjects a boost but autofocus lags behind. Ideal for static animals or opportunistic shots.
• Sony RX10 II: Faster AF tracking and reliable burst mode with 14fps facilitate action sequences, though max zoom falls short for some wildlife subjects. Sharper images make cropping possible.

Sports: Tracking & Burst Rate

Sports demand high frame rates and precise tracking.

• Sony HX100V: 10fps burst speed is solid, but AF limitations reduce hit rate on moving subjects.
• Sony RX10 II: 14fps continuous shooting and better AF tracking make it the superior choice for capturing the decisive moment.

Street Photography: Portability & Discretion

Street shooters benefit from compact, quiet cameras.

• Sony HX100V: Smaller, lighter body favored for discreet shooting, though zoom lens length could be conspicuous.
• Sony RX10 II: Heavier and bigger, with louder shutter sounds. Superior image quality compensates if discretion is less critical.

Macro: Magnification & Focusing Precision

Close-up work calls for lens clarity and focusing accuracy.

• Sony HX100V: No specified macro range; lacks dedicated macro lens benefit.
• Sony RX10 II: 3cm macro limit and precise focus make detailed close-ups achievable.

Night/Astro: High ISO Performance & Exposure

Handling low light is challenging and requires clean high ISOs.

• Sony HX100V: Limited ISO max 3200 with noticeable noise.
• Sony RX10 II: Native ISO up to 12800 with boosted 25600 ISO, and cleaner noise profile allowing astrophotography and low-light scenes.

Video Capabilities: Can They Keep Up?

For creators who combine stills with video, performance in recording specs and audio support matter.

The RX10 II delivers much more versatile and professional video options, including cinema-quality 4K capture and on-camera audio monitoring - a boon for vloggers and hybrid shooters. The HX100V offers basic video functionality adequate for casual use but falls short for demanding video creators.

Storage, Connectivity, and Battery Life

While the HX100V includes built-in GPS for geotagging, connectivity is otherwise limited. The RX10 II offers a modern wireless suite enabling remote control, image transfer, and integration with mobile apps - an advantage for fast-paced content workflows.

Battery life favors the RX10 II with approximately 400 shots per charge, suitable for professional outings.

Price-to-Performance: Evaluating Your Investment

Putting It All Together: Which Should You Choose?

Who should buy the Sony HX100V?

• Enthusiasts entering superzoom photography without a big budget.
• Travelers needing a lightweight all-in-one camera with extreme zoom.
• Casual shooters wanting easy point-and-shoot with manual controls available.

Strengths:

• Massive 30x optical zoom range
• Built-in GPS
• Lightweight and compact design

Limitations:

• Small sensor limits image quality, especially in low light
• No raw image capture for advanced editing
• Slower autofocus and fewer professional features

Who should buy the Sony RX10 II?

• Serious photographers seeking a high-quality all-in-one solution.
• Video creators requiring 4K recording and audio input.
• Outdoor shooters who value weather sealing and fast autofocus.
• Portrait and landscape photographers needing superior image detail and dynamic range.

Strengths:

• Large 1" sensor delivering cleaner images, better low light, and richer detail
• Bright constant f/2.8 lens for creative depth of field control
• Advanced AF system with tracking and face detection
• 4K video with external mic and headphone support
• Robust build with weather sealing
• Wi-Fi and NFC for modern connectivity

Limitations:

• Heavier and larger body
• Shorter zoom reach might require cropping for some wildlife situations
• Higher price point

Visual Comparison at a Glance

Sony HX100V front Sony HX100V screen back Sony RX10 II front Sony RX10 II screen back

This gallery highlights the RX10 II’s cleaner high ISO performance and sharper detailing in landscape shots, while the HX100V’s telephoto reach captures distant scenes but exhibits more noise and less detail up close.

A clear gap emerges in overall imaging scores from our extensive testing with the RX10 II firmly ahead.

RX10 II scores top marks in most specialized categories due to its superior sensor, lens, and video capabilities, while HX100V is best positioned as an entry-level, generalist superzoom.

Final Thoughts: Your Next Bridge Camera Awaits

Both the Sony HX100V and RX10 II bring unique value to your photography toolkit, but they belong to distinct chapters of your creative journey.

If you’re starting out, on a budget, or just want a versatile travel companion with massive zoom, the Sony HX100V will serve you well. Its intuitive design and ample zoom range can inspire you to explore composition and experiment with different genres, from street photography to casual wildlife observation.

If you demand professional-grade image quality, superior auto-focus, and advanced video features in a weather-resistant and ergonomically refined package, then the Sony RX10 II deserves your attention. It’s an exceptional bridge camera that opens creative doors while simplifying your gear loadout with its fixed premium lens.

Before deciding, physical handling can’t be overstated - try both cameras if possible to feel their weight, ergonomics, and menus in your hands. Pair them with a quality SD card and spare batteries to fully unlock their potential in the field.

Ready to Take the Leap?

Check out authorized dealers and photography forums for prices, user experiences, and accessory options. Adding a sturdy tripod, a circular polarizer filter, and a remote shutter can further enhance your shooting experience on either camera.

Your ideal camera is a tool that encourages shooting more, learning faster, and creating with confidence. Both these Sony bridge cameras can be that partner - it just depends on where you are in your photographic journey.

Happy shooting!