Sony HX30V vs Sony RX1

Its time to look more closely at the Sony HX30V versus Sony RX1, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Large Sensor Compact and both of them are manufactured by Sony. There exists a large gap between the sensor resolutions of the HX30V (18MP) and RX1 (24MP) and the HX30V (1/2.3") and RX1 (Full frame) offer different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The HX30V was introduced 11 months prior to the RX1 and they are of a similar age. Each of these cameras feature different body design with the Sony HX30V being a Compact camera and the Sony RX1 being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before delving into a complete comparison, here is a simple summation of how the HX30V matches up versus the RX1 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX30V & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1. The whole galleries are viewable at Sony HX30V Gallery & Sony RX1 Gallery.

For anyone who is looking to travel with your camera, you are going to need to consider its weight and proportions. The Sony HX30V has physical dimensions of 107mm x 62mm x 35mm (4.2" x 2.4" x 1.4") accompanied by a weight of 254 grams (0.56 lbs) while the Sony RX1 has measurements of 113mm x 65mm x 70mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 2.8") having a weight of 482 grams (1.06 lbs).

Take a look at the Sony HX30V versus Sony RX1 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you select at that time. Following is a front view physical size comparison of the HX30V and the RX1.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the HX30V and RX1 is 90 and 79 respectively.

Normally, its difficult to imagine the difference between sensor dimensions only by going over specs. The image below might provide you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the HX30V and RX1.

As you can plainly see, the 2 cameras come with different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The HX30V having a tinier sensor is going to make achieving shallower DOF harder and the Sony RX1 will deliver more detail using its extra 6MP. Higher resolution will also help you crop pictures a good deal more aggressively. The more aged HX30V is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor technology.