Sony HX30V vs Sony RX10 IV

Lets take a closer look at the Sony HX30V and Sony RX10 IV, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Large Sensor Superzoom and both of them are manufactured by Sony. The resolution of the HX30V (18MP) and the RX10 IV (20MP) is relatively similar but the HX30V (1/2.3") and RX10 IV (1") feature different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The HX30V was unveiled 6 years prior to the RX10 IV which is quite a significant difference as far as technology is concerned. The two cameras offer different body type with the Sony HX30V being a Compact camera and the Sony RX10 IV being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before we go straight into a more detailed comparison, below is a quick synopsis of how the HX30V matches up versus the RX10 IV when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX30V & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 IV. The full galleries are provided at Sony HX30V Gallery & Sony RX10 IV Gallery.

For those who are intending to travel with your camera frequently, you have to factor in its weight and proportions. The Sony HX30V comes with outside 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) and the Sony RX10 IV has measurements of 133mm x 94mm x 145mm (5.2" x 3.7" x 5.7") along with a weight of 1095 grams (2.41 lbs).

Compare the Sony HX30V and Sony RX10 IV in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you use at the time. Here is the front view dimension comparison of the HX30V versus the RX10 IV.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the HX30V and RX10 IV is 90 and 52 respectively.

Quite often, it's tough to imagine the difference between sensor dimensions purely by reading specs. The pic underneath will help offer you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the HX30V and RX10 IV.

As you can plainly see, each of these cameras enjoy different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The HX30V with its tinier sensor is going to make getting shallow DOF trickier and the Sony RX10 IV will deliver more detail having an extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will allow you to crop photographs far more aggressively. The more aged HX30V is going to be disadvantaged in sensor technology.