Sony HX20V vs Sony RX1R

Here is a thorough overview of the Sony HX20V vs Sony RX1R, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Large Sensor Compact and both of them are built by Sony. There is a sizeable difference between the sensor resolutions of the HX20V (18MP) and RX1R (24MP) and the HX20V (1/2.3") and RX1R (Full frame) enjoy totally different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The HX20V was introduced 11 months earlier than the RX1R and they are both of a similar generation. Each of the cameras come with different body type with the Sony HX20V being a Compact camera and the Sony RX1R being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before going straight into a step-by-step comparison, below is a short introduction of how the HX20V grades vs the RX1R when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX20V and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1R. The whole galleries are provided at Sony HX20V Gallery and Sony RX1R Gallery.

If you're going to carry your camera frequently, you'll need to consider its weight and size. The Sony HX20V features outside dimensions of 107mm x 62mm x 35mm (4.2" x 2.4" x 1.4") along with a weight of 254 grams (0.56 lbs) and the Sony RX1R has specifications of 113mm x 65mm x 70mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 2.8") having a weight of 482 grams (1.06 lbs).

Examine the Sony HX20V vs Sony RX1R in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you are employing at the time. Following is the front view proportions comparison of the HX20V and the RX1R.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability score of the HX20V and RX1R is 90 and 79 respectively.

In many cases, it's tough to envision the contrast between sensor sizing simply by reading technical specs. The graphic underneath may give you a far better sense of the sensor dimensions in the HX20V and RX1R.

As you have seen, both of the cameras have got different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The HX20V having a tinier sensor will make shooting shallow DOF tougher and the Sony RX1R will offer more detail using its extra 6 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also allow you to crop pics much more aggressively. The older HX20V is going to be disadvantaged in sensor tech.