Sony HX20V vs Sony A58

Its time to look a little more in depth at the Sony HX20V vs Sony A58, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Entry-Level DSLR and both are offered by Sony. The resolution of the HX20V (18MP) and the A58 (20MP) is very close but the HX20V (1/2.3") and A58 (APS-C) possess different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The HX20V was announced 16 months prior to the A58 making the cameras a generation apart from each other. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Sony HX20V being a Compact camera and the Sony A58 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before we go through a full comparison, below is a brief view of how the HX20V matches up versus the A58 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX20V and Sony SLT-A58. The whole galleries are provided at Sony HX20V Gallery and Sony A58 Gallery.

If you are planning to lug around your camera frequently, you're going to have to factor its weight and dimensions. The Sony HX20V offers outside measurements of 107mm x 62mm x 35mm (4.2" x 2.4" x 1.4") having a weight of 254 grams (0.56 lbs) whilst the Sony A58 has dimensions of 129mm x 95mm x 78mm (5.1" x 3.7" x 3.1") accompanied by a weight of 492 grams (1.08 lbs).

Contrast the Sony HX20V vs Sony A58 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you have chosen at that time. Following is the front view over all size comparison of the HX20V versus the A58.

Looking at size and weight, the portability score of the HX20V and A58 is 90 and 68 respectively.

Usually, it is hard to visualize the contrast in sensor measurements just by researching a spec sheet. The graphic here may offer you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the HX20V and A58.

As you can see, both cameras enjoy different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The HX20V with its smaller sensor is going to make shooting shallower depth of field tougher and the Sony A58 will provide you with greater detail with its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will also enable you to crop pics far more aggressively. The older HX20V will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor innovation.