Sony HX200V vs Sony S980

On this page, we are analyzing the Sony HX200V versus Sony S980, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Small Sensor Compact and both are manufactured by Sony. There exists a noticeable gap among the sensor resolutions of the HX200V (18MP) and S980 (12MP) but both cameras boast the same sensor sizing (1/2.3").

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The HX200V was released 3 years later than the S980 and that is a fairly sizable difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Each of the cameras have different body design with the Sony HX200V being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Sony S980 being a Compact camera.

Before diving straight to a more detailed comparison, here is a concise highlight of how the HX200V grades vs the S980 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX200V & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S980. The complete galleries are provided at Sony HX200V Gallery & Sony S980 Gallery.

For anyone who is going to lug around your camera often, you'll need to factor its weight and size. The Sony HX200V has external measurements of 122mm x 87mm x 93mm (4.8" x 3.4" x 3.7") along with a weight of 583 grams (1.29 lbs) whilst the Sony S980 has specifications of 93mm x 56mm x 24mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") having a weight of 167 grams (0.37 lbs).

Check out the Sony HX200V versus Sony S980 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you have attached at the time. Underneath is a front view scale comparison of the HX200V against the S980.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability score of the HX200V and S980 is 66 and 94 respectively.

Sometimes, it can be difficult to see the gap in sensor measurements simply by looking through specs. The graphic here will offer you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the HX200V and S980.

All in all, the two cameras provide the same sensor dimensions but not the same megapixels. You can expect to see the Sony HX200V to result in greater detail as a result of its extra 6 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also allow you to crop images more aggressively. The more recent HX200V is going to have an advantage with regard to sensor technology.