Sony HX300 vs Sony A77

The following is a in-depth analysis of the Sony HX300 versus Sony A77, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Advanced DSLR and they are both produced by Sony. The resolution of the HX300 (20MP) and the A77 (24MP) is very comparable but the HX300 (1/2.3") and A77 (APS-C) boast totally different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The HX300 was announced 17 months after the A77 making them a generation away from one another. The two cameras have different body design with the Sony HX300 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Sony A77 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before diving straight to a complete comparison, here is a short overview of how the HX300 scores against the A77 for portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX300 and Sony SLT-A77. The whole galleries are available at Sony HX300 Gallery and Sony A77 Gallery.

If you're planning to travel with your camera, you should consider its weight and measurements. The Sony HX300 has got outside dimensions of 130mm x 103mm x 93mm (5.1" x 4.1" x 3.7") having a weight of 623 grams (1.37 lbs) whilst the Sony A77 has proportions of 143mm x 104mm x 81mm (5.6" x 4.1" x 3.2") with a weight of 732 grams (1.61 lbs).

Look at the Sony HX300 versus Sony A77 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you select at the time. Underneath is a front view overall size comparison of the HX300 compared to the A77.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the HX300 and A77 is 63 and 59 respectively.

Sometimes, it can be difficult to see the contrast in sensor dimensions just by going through technical specs. The picture below may provide you a far better sense of the sensor sizes in the HX300 and A77.

As you can tell, both of those cameras provide different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The HX300 with its smaller sensor will make shooting shallower DOF more challenging and the Sony A77 will show more detail with its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also enable you to crop images more aggressively. The newer HX300 is going to have an advantage with regard to sensor tech.