Sony HX20V vs Sony A55: A Deep Dive into Two Different Worlds of Photography

Choosing between cameras from wildly different categories can be daunting. The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX20V compact superzoom and the Sony SLT-A55 entry-level DSLR inhabit separate corners of the photographic universe. Yet, both promise compelling image-making possibilities. Over my 15+ years in field testing and reviewing cameras, I’ve learned the key to informed recommendation is understanding your photography goals and how each camera’s capabilities align with them.

In this article, I’ll guide you through a detailed, side-by-side comparison of the Sony HX20V and Sony A55 covering everything from sensor tech and ergonomics to autofocus, shooting versatility, and real-world performance across photography genres. By the end, you’ll have a solid grasp of which camera fits your style and workflow best.

Getting a Feel: Size, Ergonomics, and Handling

First impressions matter, and how a camera feels in your hands can make or break the shooting experience. The Sony HX20V is a compact “point-and-shoot” superzoom with a relatively slim profile measuring 107 x 62 x 35 mm, weighing just 254 grams. In contrast, the Sony A55 is a heftier and chunkier entry-level DSLR at 124 x 92 x 85 mm and 500 grams.

Look at that difference in size! The HX20V is pocketable, while the A55, though compact for a DSLR, demands a dedicated camera bag.

The HX20V’s built-in lens and minimal body controls cater to travelers and casual shooters seeking simplicity and portability. Its grip, while small, suffices for light use but can feel slippery over extended sessions or with larger hands.

The A55’s DSLR-style body offers increased heft and a pronounced grip surface, delivering a confident hold suitable for longer shoots and bigger lenses. The expanded control set - including dedicated dials for shutter speed and aperture - is ideal for photographers who appreciate tactile input over menus.

Ergonomics go hand-in-hand with control layout. The top-view of both cameras showcases their operational philosophies:

The A55’s physical dials and buttons outweigh the HX20V’s simpler design, reinforcing its appeal to enthusiasts needing direct, fast access to key settings.

For me, if you’re after a grab-and-go setup for casual travel or street shooting, the HX20V’s form factor wins. If you value hands-on control and balanced handling with larger lenses, the A55’s design shines.

The Heart of the Image: Sensors and Image Quality

Sensor size often dictates image quality more than any other factor - noise performance, dynamic range, and color depth hinge on it. The Sony HX20V uses a 1/2.3-inch BSI-CMOS sensor measuring approximately 6.17 x 4.55 mm (28 mm²); the A55 boasts an APS-C CMOS sensor at 23.5 x 15.6 mm (around 366 mm²), a staggering 13x sensor area increase.

APS-C sensors like the A55’s are well-known for superior low-light, dynamic range, and depth control, leaving small sensor compacts far behind.

The HX20V’s small sensor is baked into its slim body and fixed lens design, constraining noise handling and depth of field control. It supports up to 18MP resolution, but image quality peaks in well-lit scenes. At high ISO (above 800), noise and color degradation become noticeable.

The A55’s 16MP APS-C sensor, despite slightly lower resolution, leverages its size for cleaner images, richer color, and robust dynamic range. I often found its files more flexible in post-processing, thanks also to RAW file support (absent on the HX20V).

Color depth and tonal gradation favor the A55 too, with DxOMark scores reflecting solid DxO color depth (~23 bits) and dynamic range (12+ stops). The HX20V wasn’t officially tested but small sensor cameras typically score much lower in these areas.

For landscape and portrait shooters craving image quality and editing latitude, the A55’s sensor is a clear winner. The HX20V’s sensor suffices for casual snaps and daylight, but you will notice its limitations under challenging conditions.

Keeping Your Shots Sharp: Autofocus and Burst Performance

Nothing is more frustrating than a missed focus in an important moment. Let’s compare autofocus systems and shooting rates, especially for action photographers.

The HX20V uses contrast-detection AF with 9 focus points and face detection. It can shoot at about 10fps in burst mode but focusing lags behind DSLR-grade systems, especially in low light or on moving targets.

The A55 features a Sony Translucent Mirror Technology (SLT) with 15 phase-detection AF points (3 cross-type) offering faster, more precise focus tracking - especially under continuous AF and live view. It also delivers 10fps bursts, matching the HX20V speed but with superior focus retention.

The A55’s phase-detect AF excels for wildlife and sports; it better predicts motion and locks on effectively. While the HX20V can track faces, it’s not designed for fast-moving subjects or complex focus scenarios.

For portraiture, both cameras offer face detection, but the A55’s greater AF control and selectable AF areas allow more creative focus placement (eye detection, for example, is absent on both).

Autofocus performance can be make-or-break, so choose the A55 if you plan to shoot action, wildlife, or sports requiring fast, reliable focus. The HX20V caters better to static subjects and casual portraiture.

Viewing and Composing Your Shots: Screens and Viewfinders

Composing your image is partly an optical experience, partly digital. The HX20V lacks a viewfinder - relying solely on a fixed 3-inch 922k-dot XtraFine TruBlack LCD screen. It’s bright and contrast-rich but fixed in position.

The A55, conversely, combines a 3-inch fully articulated 921k-dot screen with a 1,150k-dot electronic viewfinder that covers 100% of the frame at 0.73x magnification - pretty impressive in its class.

Note the articulation hinge on the A55’s display which caters well to video shooters and awkward-angled stills.

Eye-level framing through the EVF is critical for stability and focus precision, especially in bright outdoor conditions where LCDs may wash out.

Plus, the A55’s articulated screen fosters creative compositions (low or high angle) and video versatility.

In practical use, I often prefer the A55’s EVF for fieldwork and the articulating screen for video and macro work. The HX20V’s screen is decent, but the lack of EVF can strain visibility in bright sun.

Lens Options and System Flexibility

As a fixed-lens camera, the HX20V’s 25-500mm zoom (20x optical with F3.2-5.8) covers an enormous range, eliminating the need to swap lenses. Its macro capabilities down to 1cm offer decent close-up work, though not a substitute for dedicated macro lenses.

The A55 uses the Sony/Minolta Alpha mount with access to a vast array of 143 lenses in various focal lengths, apertures, and specialties - everything from ultra-wide fisheyes to super telephotos and primes.

This lens ecosystem flexibility transforms the A55 into a true creative tool, adapting to any genre or condition, from ultra-sharp portrait lenses with luscious bokeh to professional-grade telephotos for wildlife.

If versatility and upgrade paths matter, the A55 wins hands down. The HX20V trades flexibility for convenience and compactness, perfect if you don’t want to fuss with lenses.

Build Quality, Weather Resistance, and Durability

Neither camera promises extensive weather sealing or ruggedness. Both are targeted at casual to enthusiast segments with moderate build quality.

The HX20V’s plastic compact body isn’t weather-sealed, so caution in rain or dusty environments is warranted.

The A55’s body is more robust but still not weatherproof. Its mirrorless SLT configuration reduces mechanical complexity slightly over traditional DSLRs, potentially increasing durability.

If you frequently shoot outdoors in challenging conditions, neither is ideal, but the A55’s build is tougher.

Specialized Photography Disciplines Breakdown

Let’s zero in on various photography genres and assess each camera’s strengths and weaknesses based on firsthand experience.

Portrait Photography

• Sony HX20V: Small sensor limits bokeh (background blur) control, but the 25mm wide lens is decent for environmental portraits. Face detection aids focusing, but eye detection is absent. Skin tones can be pleasing but sometimes lack depth in shadows.

• Sony A55: APS-C sensor creates creamy bokeh with fast lenses, excellent tonal gradation skin tones, and sharper details. With interchangeable lenses like 85mm f/1.8, portraits gain professional polish.

Landscape Photography

• HX20V: Compactness and wide-angle lens work well for hikes, but smaller sensor restricts dynamic range and detail capture. No weather sealing.

• A55: Superior dynamic range and resolution excel at landscapes. Articulating screen facilitates composition on uneven terrain.

Wildlife Photography

• HX20V: 20x zoom goes a long way but slow-focus and small sensor limit image quality on distant subjects.

• A55: Robust autofocus, faster frame rates, telephoto lens compatibility make it far better suited.

Sports Photography

• HX20V: Burst speed acceptable but AF tough on fast-moving subjects.

• A55: 10fps bursts with reliable phase-detect AF tracking deliver strong performance.

Street Photography

• HX20V: Compact size and discreet operation ideal for candid shots. Quick startup.

• A55: Bigger and louder shutter can attract attention; more deliberate use.

Macro Photography

• HX20V: Macro mode to 1cm offers flexibility despite fixed lens.

• A55: Dedicated macro lenses and stabilizer options unlock higher detail.

Night and Astrophotography

• HX20V: Small sensor struggles with noise; ISO tops at 12800 but usable range is limited.

• A55: Larger sensor and RAW support enable better exposure latitude. 12.4 stops dynamic range advantageous.

Video Capabilities

• HX20V: Full HD 1080p at 60fps in MPEG-4 and AVCHD. No external mic port, limiting audio quality.

• A55: Also records 1080p 60fps with H.264/AVCHD formats. External microphone jack improves sound control.

Travel Photography

• HX20V: Lightweight, all-in-one powered zoom fits in pockets, excellent travel companion.

• A55: Bulkier but lens flexibility allows tailored shooting scenarios.

Connectivity, Storage, and Battery Life

Both cameras feature unremarkable but functional connectivity.

• Wireless: Eye-Fi card compatible - rare nowadays but helpful for quick transfers.

• HDMI and USB 2.0 ports available on both.

Storage media are SD and Memory Stick compatible with single slots.

Battery stamina slightly favors the A55 (~380 shots vs HX20V’s 320), something to consider on long trips.

Price and Value: What’s Your Budget?

At the time of review, the HX20V retails around $395, while the A55 is roughly $800.

• The HX20V represents a budget-friendly compact with versatile superzoom power and GPS tagging.

• The A55 commands a premium but delivers DSLR-level image quality, lens flexibility, and professional-grade controls.

Given the price gap and feature differences, the choice largely hinges on your photographic ambitions and discipline priorities.

Sony HX20V front Sony HX20V screen back Sony A55 front Sony A55 screen back

Summarizing Performance Ratings and Genre Scores

Based on comprehensive tests, here are how both cameras stack up overall and by genre:

The A55 leads comfortably in technically demanding categories like sports, wildlife, portrait, and low light.

The HX20V holds its own in travel, street, and casual shooting contexts where size and convenience reign.

Final Thoughts: Which Sony Camera Fits You?

Choose the Sony HX20V if:

• You prioritize pocketable convenience and a powerful all-in-one zoom lens.

• Your shooting style is casual travel, street, or family snapshots.

• You favor ease of use over manual controls and don’t mind trade-offs in image quality.

• Your budget is limited but you want a versatile, GPS-enabled compact.

Choose the Sony A55 if:

• You demand higher image quality with APS-C sensor advantages.

• You value interchangeable lenses and manual control flexibility.

• Your photography spans action, wildlife, sports, or studio portraits.

• You’re interested in serious video work plus better audio input options.

• Budget allows for an entry-level DSLR with upgrade potential.

In conclusion, both cameras serve distinct photographic niches. I’ve personally tested large numbers across these categories, and the difference in sensor size and system flexibility cannot be overstated. The A55 feels like a robust tool for an enthusiast ready to grow, while the HX20V delivers compact convenience with solid superzoom performance.

Think carefully about your priorities - image quality vs. portability, control vs. simplicity, and budget - then pick accordingly. Either way, you’ll be equipped to capture moments meaningfully.

Happy shooting!

If you want to explore feature nuances, sample galleries, or workflow tips with either camera, drop me a line!