Sony HX300 vs Sony S950

In this article, we are contrasting the Sony HX300 and Sony S950, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Small Sensor Compact and they are both sold by Sony. There is a crucial difference among the image resolutions of the HX300 (20MP) and S950 (10MP) but they feature the same exact sensor sizes (1/2.3").

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The HX300 was released 4 years later than the S950 and that is a fairly serious gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Sony HX300 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Sony S950 being a Compact camera.

Before getting straight into a thorough comparison, below is a short view of how the HX300 scores versus the S950 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a sample of the gallery pics for Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX300 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S950. The complete galleries are viewable at Sony HX300 Gallery and Sony S950 Gallery.

In case you're planning to carry your camera frequently, you should think about its weight and measurements. The Sony HX300 enjoys external dimensions of 130mm x 103mm x 93mm (5.1" x 4.1" x 3.7") accompanied by a weight of 623 grams (1.37 lbs) and the Sony S950 has proportions of 93mm x 56mm x 24mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") with a weight of 167 grams (0.37 lbs).

Check the Sony HX300 and Sony S950 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you are using at that moment. Following is the front view proportions comparison of the HX300 vs the S950.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability grade of the HX300 and S950 is 63 and 94 respectively.

Often, it can be tough to visualise the gap in sensor sizing simply by viewing technical specs. The photograph here may offer you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the HX300 and S950.

As you have seen, each of these cameras enjoy the same exact sensor sizing but not the same megapixels. You should expect to see the Sony HX300 to provide you with greater detail as a result of its extra 10 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also allow you to crop photos far more aggressively. The newer HX300 is going to have an edge when it comes to sensor technology.