Sony HX20V vs Sony RX10 III

Below, we will be evaluating the Sony HX20V vs Sony RX10 III, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Large Sensor Superzoom and both are created by Sony. The image resolution of the HX20V (18MP) and the RX10 III (20MP) is pretty similar but the HX20V (1/2.3") and RX10 III (1") feature different sensor size.

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The HX20V was announced 4 years prior to the RX10 III and that is quite a big gap as far as technology is concerned. The two cameras come with different body type with the Sony HX20V being a Compact camera and the Sony RX10 III being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before diving through a in depth comparison, below is a quick overview of how the HX20V grades versus the RX10 III with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX20V and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 III. The whole galleries are available at Sony HX20V Gallery and Sony RX10 III Gallery.

For those who are intending to carry your camera, you need to take into account its weight and size. The Sony HX20V offers external dimensions of 107mm x 62mm x 35mm (4.2" x 2.4" x 1.4") and a weight of 254 grams (0.56 lbs) while the Sony RX10 III has specifications of 133mm x 94mm x 127mm (5.2" x 3.7" x 5.0") having a weight of 1051 grams (2.32 lbs).

See the Sony HX20V vs Sony RX10 III in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you are using at that moment. Following is the front view measurement comparison of the HX20V and the RX10 III.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the HX20V and RX10 III is 90 and 53 respectively.

Quite often, its hard to picture the difference between sensor sizing simply by reviewing a spec sheet. The photograph underneath may give you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the HX20V and RX10 III.

As you can see, both the cameras have got different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The HX20V with its tinier sensor is going to make achieving shallower DOF tougher and the Sony RX10 III will offer you greater detail with its extra 2MP. Higher resolution can also enable you to crop photographs much more aggressively. The older HX20V is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor technology.