Sony HX300 vs Sony RX100 IV

On this page, we are matching up the Sony HX300 vs Sony RX100 IV, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Large Sensor Compact and both are sold by Sony. The sensor resolution of the HX300 (20MP) and the RX100 IV (20MP) is fairly similar but the HX300 (1/2.3") and RX100 IV (1") offer totally different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The HX300 was brought out 3 years earlier than the RX100 IV and that is quite a big difference as far as technology is concerned. The two cameras have different body design with the Sony HX300 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Sony RX100 IV being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before getting into a in depth comparison, here is a simple synopsis of how the HX300 scores vs the RX100 IV in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX300 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 IV. The entire galleries are viewable at Sony HX300 Gallery & Sony RX100 IV Gallery.

In case you're aiming to carry your camera, you'll need to think about its weight and proportions. The Sony HX300 has got external measurements of 130mm x 103mm x 93mm (5.1" x 4.1" x 3.7") along with a weight of 623 grams (1.37 lbs) while the Sony RX100 IV has measurements of 102mm x 58mm x 41mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.6") accompanied by a weight of 298 grams (0.66 lbs).

Compare the Sony HX300 vs Sony RX100 IV in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you are utilising at that time. Here is a front view dimensions comparison of the HX300 versus the RX100 IV.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the HX300 and RX100 IV is 63 and 89 respectively.

More often than not, it's difficult to see the contrast between sensor sizing merely by reading specifications. The visual below will help provide you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the HX300 and RX100 IV.

To sum up, each of these cameras provide the same megapixels but not the same sensor sizing. The HX300 provides the tinier sensor which is going to make achieving shallower DOF more challenging. The older HX300 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor innovation.