Sony HX20V vs Sony RX1R: A Detailed Comparison for the Decisive Photographer

When it comes to Sony compact cameras, the HX20V and RX1R sit at quite different ends of the spectrum - one is a versatile superzoom pocket camera designed for travel and everyday use, the other a full-frame compact crafted with serious photographers in mind. I've spent extensive hands-on time with both and tested them rigorously across disciplines, so let’s explore where each shines, where compromises are made, and which model suits your particular photographic ambitions.

Understanding the Fundamentals: Size, Build, and Handling

Physically, these two cameras tell part of the story right away.

The Sony HX20V is slim and light, weighing just 254 grams with dimensions compact enough to slip into most coat pockets comfortably. Its plastic-polymer body feels decent for the class, though not particularly rugged or weather-sealed.

Meanwhile, the RX1R nearly doubles that weight at 482 grams and has a chunkier (113x65x70mm) footprint despite also being classed as “compact.” Why? Because it houses a large full-frame sensor and a finely crafted Zeiss f/2 35mm lens in a mostly metal body. Its ergonomics favor a firm handgrip and functional control layout, clearly aimed at enthusiasts or professionals who demand durability and precision.

Sony’s design philosophy shines through when you compare the top view:

The RX1R sports traditional dials for shutter speed, exposure compensation, and an ISO control on the back, inviting more manual input. The HX20V offers fewer tactile controls and relies more on menu navigation - typical for a point-and-shoot superzoom that's geared towards simpler operation on the go. For those who favor tactile feedback, the RX1R feels like a proper camera; the HX20V, a convenient snap-and-go.

The Sensor War: Small Sensor Superzoom vs Large Sensor Compact

This is the heart of the difference.

The HX20V is fitted with a modest 1/2.3-inch BSI CMOS sensor, measuring 6.17x4.55mm with 18 megapixels. That’s typical for superzoom compacts, where sensor size is traded off to accommodate long lens focal ranges. The RX1R blows that out of the water with a 35.8x23.9mm full-frame CMOS sensor with 24 megapixels, no anti-aliasing filter for greater detail, and a low native ISO starting at 100.

In practical terms, this sensor size difference means the RX1R provides vastly superior image quality in nearly every metric: dynamic range, color fidelity, low light performance, and noise control.

In the lab and outdoors, I find the HX20V’s sensor adequate for well-lit scenes but struggles as light drops, with grain and color shifts appearing above ISO 800. The RX1R, benefiting from its full-frame sensor, delivers clean images with excellent shadow preservation even at ISO 3200.

This disparity cascades to image style - portrait skin tones and fine textures render much more naturally on the RX1R. Landscape photographs benefit from extended dynamic range, and night scenes maintain detail without harsh grain.

Shooting Experience: Autofocus Performance and Lens Versatility

Autofocus speed and precision can make or break critical shots, especially for fast-moving subjects.

The HX20V uses contrast-detect autofocus with 9 points and basic face-detection; there is no phase-detect or advanced tracking. Its continuous shooting capabilities max out at 10 fps, but only for very short bursts before buffer limits ensue. I notice some hunting in low light or when photographing moving subjects - an understandable limitation given its price and sensor size.

The RX1R keeps 25 focus points, still relying on contrast autofocus but with significantly more refinement and face detection that is quick and reliable. The manual focus ring on the full-frame Zeiss lens is also responsive for precise control. Continuous shooting is slower at 5 fps but produces RAW files of superior quality, with better tracking given the sensor and processor optimization.

Lens-wise, both cameras have fixed lenses: the HX20V offers a versatile 25–500mm (20x zoom, f/3.2–5.8), excellent for wildlife, sports, or travel photography demanding reach flexibility. The RX1R’s 35mm f/2 prime is perfect for street, documentary, and portrait photography prioritizing optical excellence and shallow depth of field.

Intuitive Interfaces: LCDs, Viewfinders, and Usability

Here's where usage comfort plays out day-to-day.

The HX20V sports a 3-inch 922k-dot XtraFine TruBlack TFT LCD. It performs well under moderate light but can be hard to see in bright sunlight. The fixed screen and lack of touchscreen limit framing flexibility and menu navigation.

The RX1R also features a 3-inch screen, but with a higher resolution of 1,229k dots, yielding a sharper, more vibrant preview. Moreover, it offers an optional electronic/optical viewfinder, adding compositional flexibility in tricky lighting or for steadier framing. Though no touchscreen, the control dials and buttons are logically laid out to speed up workflow once you’ve acclimated.

For practical use, I found the RX1R’s superior LCD and optional viewfinder a boon in demanding shooting scenarios, while the HX20V ranks as a serviceable but utilitarian interface for casual shooting.

Image Quality in Real World: Sample Shots from Both Cameras

Nothing speaks louder than images themselves.

Sony HX20V front Sony HX20V screen back Sony RX1R front Sony RX1R screen back

Looking at side-by-side portraits, the RX1R delivers creamy bokeh from its f/2 lens and renders skin tones naturally with minimal noise or artifacts. The HX20V’s portraits are sharp but lack that beautiful subject separation and have a bit more digital noise creeping in highlight and shadow zones.

Landscapes from the RX1R show richer tonal gradations and excellent shadow recovery. The wide-range zoom on the HX20V enables framing distant scenes but with less clarity - raw details appear softer and dynamic range compressed.

Sports and wildlife photography favors the HX20V’s zoom but its autofocus struggles to maintain lock on rapidly moving subjects, while the RX1R’s prime lens, though sharp, limits reach.

Nighttime and astro photography are challenging for the HX20V due to sensor noise and lack of RAW shooting; the RX1R can pull usable images in low light and preserve star detail thanks to larger sensor and RAW support.

Performance Summarized: Rankings and Ratings

A holistic measure of these factors is encapsulated in standardized testing.

Sony HX20V scores commendably in zoom versatility, portability, and affordability, but falls short in sensor-driven image quality metrics. The RX1R ranks highly for image fidelity, build quality, and professional controls but at a substantially higher price.

Genre-specific performance shows:

• Portrait: RX1R excels with superior bokeh and tone; HX20V adequate but less nuanced.
• Landscape: RX1R’s dynamic range outperforms; HX20V limited but versatile framing.
• Wildlife/Sports: HX20V zoom is handy, but autofocus lag affects final image sharpness; RX1R limited reach but better focus precision.
• Macro: Neither specialized, but HX20V’s 1cm macro focus range edges out due to zoom versatility.
• Night/Astro: RX1R’s low noise and RAW support dominate.
• Video: Both record 1080p HD video; RX1R includes microphone input, improving sound capture quality.
• Travel: HX20V’s compactness and zoom range offer all-in-one convenience; RX1R heavier but ultimate image quality is a tradeoff.
• Professional Work: RX1R designed for this segment with RAW files, manual controls; HX20V more casual.

Build Quality and Weather Sealing

Neither camera offers environmental sealing - a notable drawback for professionals or travelers shooting in adverse conditions.

The RX1R’s metal build feels robust and more reliable over extended use. The HX20V’s lightweight construction suits short trips or leisurely shooting but is more vulnerable to rough handling.

Battery Life and Storage Options

The HX20V, fitted with the NP-BG1 battery, offers about 320 shots per charge under testing conditions, slightly better than RX1R's 270 shots with NP-BX1 battery.

Storage-wise, both use SD/SDHC/SDXC and Sony Memory Stick Duo formats with single card slots. Practical but falls short of dual card redundancy popular in professional models.

Connectivity and Extras

Wireless connectivity is limited to Eye-Fi card support on both - an older technology, now somewhat dated. There is no Bluetooth or NFC.

Both provide HDMI output and USB 2.0 ports for tethering and file transfer. The RX1R stands apart with a microphone port, supporting improved video audio input.

Price and Value: Choosing the Right Camera for Your Budget

Speaking frankly: The HX20V retails around $400 new or less in used markets, making it an excellent superzoom compact for casual photographers or travelers seeking range and convenience without breaking the bank.

The RX1R commands approximately $2,800 - a serious investment justified by its pro-level sensor, Zeiss optics, and build quality. It targets professionals or enthusiasts aiming for ultimate image quality in a pocketable form factor.

Recommendations: Who Should Buy Which?

Sony HX20V is best suited for:

• Travel photographers wanting a lightweight, all-in-one camera
• Enthusiasts needing a versatile zoom for casual wildlife, sports, and landscapes
• Budget-conscious buyers requiring decent 18 MP image quality in a pocket-friendly body
• Those prioritizing ease of use over deep manual controls or RAW workflows

Sony RX1R is ideal for:

• Professionals or advanced enthusiasts prioritizing image quality over zoom flexibility
• Portrait and landscape photographers demanding full-frame performance in a compact form
• Low-light and night shooters benefitting from large sensor capabilities and raw file output
• Photographers who prefer manual controls and optional viewfinder use
• Videographers seeking superior audio input options within 1080p capture

Final Thoughts: Two Cameras, Two Worlds of Photography

Testing these cameras side by side highlights the tradeoffs inherent in compact camera design. The HX20V is a versatile little machine - zoom-packed and quick, ready for grab-and-go snapshots across genres, but limited by sensor size and fewer manual controls.

The RX1R is a precision instrument - an uncompromising full-frame fixed-lens camera optimized for quality and control, with sacrifices in zoom versatility, size, and price. That f/2 Zeiss lens remains a standout performer and justifies many photographers’ investment.

Choosing between these boils down to your priorities: flexibility and convenience, or uncompromised image quality and control.

For many of us, this isn't just a camera comparison - it's a personal workflow and artistic intent decision. And having tested these meticulously, I encourage you to weigh where your photography passion lies and invest accordingly.

Appendix: Summary Table of Key Specs

In sum, the Sony HX20V and RX1R embody different philosophies: convenience packed into a superzoom compact versus uncompromising quality in a large sensor premium compact. With careful consideration of your genre preferences, budget, and desired controls, either camera could become a trusted tool on your photographic journey.

Thank you for joining me in this deep dive. Feel free to share your thoughts or questions - I’m always eager to discuss the nuances of great photography gear.