Sony HX20V vs Sony A55

Below, we will be contrasting the Sony HX20V and Sony A55, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR and both are sold by Sony. The sensor resolution of the HX20V (18MP) and the A55 (16MP) is pretty well matched but the HX20V (1/2.3") and A55 (APS-C) enjoy different sensor sizing.

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The HX20V was brought out 24 months after the A55 which makes the cameras a generation away from each other. The two cameras come with different body type with the Sony HX20V being a Compact camera and the Sony A55 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before delving through a step-by-step comparison, below is a brief highlight of how the HX20V scores versus the A55 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX20V & Sony SLT-A55. The entire galleries are viewable at Sony HX20V Gallery & Sony A55 Gallery.

If you are intending to travel with your camera, you will want to think about its weight and dimensions. The Sony HX20V comes with exterior dimensions of 107mm x 62mm x 35mm (4.2" x 2.4" x 1.4") with a weight of 254 grams (0.56 lbs) whilst the Sony A55 has dimensions of 124mm x 92mm x 85mm (4.9" x 3.6" x 3.3") along with a weight of 500 grams (1.10 lbs).

Examine the Sony HX20V and Sony A55 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you have chosen at that moment. Below is the front view over all size comparison of the HX20V vs the A55.

Looking at size and weight, the portability rating of the HX20V and A55 is 90 and 67 respectively.

Generally, its hard to imagine the difference between sensor dimensions just by checking specs. The pic underneath should offer you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the HX20V and A55.

All in all, each of these cameras have got different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The HX20V due to its tinier sensor is going to make achieving shallow DOF more difficult and the Sony HX20V will resolve greater detail having its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop shots much more aggressively. The more recent HX20V should have a benefit with regard to sensor innovation.