Sony HX30V vs Sony RX100: A Hands-On Comparison from a Camera Enthusiast’s Lens

Having tested thousands of cameras over the last 15 years, I find it fascinating how two devices from the same brand and era can serve such different audiences. Today, we’re delving into an in-depth comparison between the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX30V and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 - both launched in 2012 but aimed at very distinct photography needs. Whether you’re a casual shooter seeking reach or a photo enthusiast craving image quality, this article is for you.

I’ll cover everything from sensor tech to ergonomics, autofocus chops, and real-world suitability across major genres like portraits, landscapes, wildlife, and more. Plus, I’ll sprinkle in personal testing insights and honest assessments to help you decide which fits your style best.

Let’s dig in.

First Impressions and Handling: Compact Reach vs. Pocketable Precision

Right off the bat, Sony HX30V and RX100 wear very different shapes.

The HX30V is a classic small sensor superzoom compact with a fixed 20x zoom lens covering an impressive 25-500 mm equivalent focal length. It’s chunkier and ergonomically designed to handle that long telephoto reach, measuring 107 x 62 x 35 mm and weighing 254g. The grip area is secure, and the button layout is straightforward, albeit basic. If you’re someone who wants a camera always ready to pull out and zoom way in without lugging more gear, HX30V has a natural appeal.

The RX100, on the other hand, embodies the large sensor compact ethos. Smaller and slightly lighter (102 x 58 x 36 mm, 240g), it feels incredibly pocketable, with a premium build and matte finish that’s more upscale. Its 3.6x zoom lens (28-100 mm equivalent) won’t rival the HX30V’s reach but compensates with a much faster aperture (F1.8-4.9) for low light and shallow depth of field.

Ergonomically, I prefer RX100’s taut feel and more refined control experience, even without a viewfinder or touchscreen in either camera. You can see the button positioning and top controls clearly here:

For travelers or street photographers craving discretion and speed, the RX100 wins on portability and handling. The HX30V is less stealthy but scores on zoom versatility.

Sensor and Image Quality: Big Sensor Brilliance vs. Superzoom Adaptation

Now, let’s get technical but friendly: sensor size and its implications.

HX30V uses a 1/2.3” BSI-CMOS sensor, measuring 6.17 x 4.55 mm with 18 megapixels. It’s a familiar small sensor size for superzoom compacts and smartphones alike. Smaller sensor area (28.07 mm²) means more depth-of-field but less light gathering ability and dynamic range.

The RX100, however, boasts a 1” CMOS sensor (13.2 x 8.8 mm, approx 116.16 mm²) with 20 megapixels - four times the surface area of HX30V’s sensor. This difference alone is a massive advantage in image quality terms, including noise handling and color fidelity.

DxOMark might not have tested HX30V, but RX100 scored impressively at its release: 66 overall, 22.6 bits color depth, 12.4 EV dynamic range, and impressive low light ISO (390). Subjectively, this translates to:

• Cleaner images at high ISOs (critical for night or indoor shooting)
• Better rendition of subtle tones and textures, especially in shadows/highlights
• Sharper details, attributable to the larger sensor’s enhanced resolution and lens quality

If ultimate image quality and editing flexibility matter, RX100’s sensor trumps the HX30V convincingly.

Shooting Performance: Autofocus, Burst Rates and Real-World Responsiveness

Despite the sensor gap, both cameras share some common performance traits:

• Continuous shooting tops out at 10 fps
• Both offer manual focus and exposure modes, though RX100 includes shutter priority and aperture priority, which HX30V lacks (only manual exposure)
• Autofocus systems rely on contrast detection only; neither has phase detection or hybrid AF, which limits speed and tracking in challenging situations

But there are differences worth highlighting:

• The HX30V’s AF is limited to 9 points total (with face detection), while RX100 offers 25 focus points, greatly improving compositional flexibility and precision
• RX100 supports live view autofocus, continuous AF during shooting, and face detection, offering a smoother focus experience, especially in video and moving subjects
• HX30V has single AF and tracking, but lacks continuous AF during video (and generally slower acquisition on moving subjects)

For wildlife or sports where AF speed and tracking are mission-critical, neither excels by modern standards - yet RX100’s higher AF point count and continuous modes give it a slight edge, especially indoors or in moderate action scenarios.

Build and Weather Resistance: Everyday Durability in Perspective

Neither Sony HX30V nor RX100 feature explicit environmental sealing or ruggedization. They are typical compact cameras, intended primarily for casual to enthusiast users who will treat them with care.

• HX30V’s plastic body and rubberized grips offer decent durability but no dust or splash resistance
• RX100 features a more solid metal alloy construction that feels reassuringly robust despite its petite size

If you’re shooting in adverse weather or dusty conditions, neither camera is ideal without additional protective gear.

Screen and Viewfinder: LCD Technology and User Interface

Neither model includes an electronic viewfinder (EVF), which may disappoint enthusiasts accustomed to framing with eye-level precision. Instead, both rely on rear LCDs:

• HX30V sports a 3” 922k-dot “XtraFine TruBlack TFT LCD” which offers good brightness and decent outdoor visibility
• RX100 also has a 3” screen but with 1229k-dot resolution and WhiteMagic technology, known for excellent daylight viewing and better color accuracy

The RX100’s screen is sharper and more flexible for evaluating image sharpness immediately. Neither has touchscreen functionality or tilting mechanisms, which limits compositional versatility somewhat.

From hands-on experience, I find RX100’s interface to navigate menus smoother, owing to better processor optimization, especially when toggling between creative modes or exposure adjustments.

Lens Performance and Versatility: Reach vs. Optical Quality

One of the biggest trade-offs here: HX30V’s 20x zoom versus RX100’s 3.6x zoom.

• HX30V: 25-500 mm equivalent (F3.2-5.8) from wide to telephoto, excellent for wildlife or travel where you want to capture distant subjects without changing lenses.
• RX100: 28-100 mm equivalent with a fast F1.8 aperture at the wide end, ideal for portraits and low light shooting, with decent short telephoto reach.

HX30V’s lens is versatile but optically constrained by the smaller sensor and slower aperture, which impacts low light usability and background blur (bokeh). Meanwhile, RX100’s lens is brighter and sharper, producing creamy bokeh and excellent corner-to-corner sharpness when shot wide open.

If bokeh and low-light performance matter - portrait photographers, for instance - RX100’s lens is a clear winner.

Portrait Photography: Skin Tones and Subject Isolation

Portraits demand nuanced rendering of skin tones and smooth, flattering bokeh to separate the subject from the background.

Sony HX30V: The small sensor means depth-of-field is deep by default; you’ll struggle to blur backgrounds significantly even at maximum zoom, due to the narrower apertures and sensor physics. Skin tones are decent but somewhat flat under low light, with noticeable noise creeping in beyond ISO 800.

Sony RX100: Thanks to its larger sensor and bright F1.8 aperture, you get more control over depth-of-field, creating pleasing subject separation and smooth bokeh. Facial skin tones appear richer and more natural due to the sensor’s superior color depth and dynamic range.

Both support face detection AF, but RX100 has more refined eye detection, improving sharpness precisely where it counts.

For portraits, I always recommend the RX100 over HX30V. The wider aperture and superior sensor make all the difference in aesthetic outcomes.

Landscape Photography: Dynamic Range and Resolution

Landscape shooters want high resolution, wide dynamic range, and environmental reliability.

• RX100’s 20 MP sensor yields high-resolution files (5472x3648), allowing impressive cropping and large prints.
• Its dynamic range of 12.4 EV readily captures shadow and highlight detail in challenging scenes.

The HX30V, packing 18 MP on a tiny sensor, produces images with limited tonal gradation and increased noise in shadows. Its zoom lens is not as sharp at the wide end, and colors are a bit muted comparatively.

Neither camera is weather sealed, so use caution outdoors.

In my field tests, landscapes from RX100 showed better detail retention, highlight recovery, and overall “pop” without heavy post-processing. HX30V is okay for casual snaps but won’t satisfy a dedicated landscape shooter.

Wildlife Photography: Focusing Speed and Reach

For wildlife, reach and rapid focus matter most.

Here’s the paradox:

• HX30V has a 20x zoom that can get you close from a distance.
• RX100 offers a fast lens and better autofocus.

Despite its slower autofocus and contrast-detection system, I found HX30V’s reach invaluable during a recent bird-watching trip. Yes, the images required careful stabilization and sometimes weren’t razor-sharp, but the focal length was key.

RX100’s autofocus was faster and more reliable for tracking moving subjects - great if you approach animals closer or shoot medium telephoto range.

Neither is a professional wildlife camera, but for serious zoom, HX30V leads; for AF responsiveness, RX100.

Sports Photography: AF Tracking and Frame Rates

Neither camera is tailored for fast-action sports photography:

• Both max at 10 fps burst rate, which is decent for compacts
• AF tracking is solid but sometimes hunts in low light or fast subject movement

RX100 edges ahead with continuous AF during burst, allowing sharper shots of moving subjects. HX30V’s AF can lag behind in these scenarios.

For casual sports snaps, either will satisfy. Serious sports shooters, however, should look elsewhere.

Street Photography: Discretion, Speed, and Low Light

Size is critical for street shooters who want to blend in.

The RX100’s compact, stealthy form factor, quieter operation, and excellent low-light capabilities make it the better street camera. Its faster aperture helps significantly under evening city lights, and the quick AF aids spontaneous captures.

The HX30V’s bulk and longer zoom can be obtrusive, making candid shots tougher. Plus, it struggles more in dim lighting.

Macro Photography: Magnification and Focus Precision

Macro shooters appreciate close focusing distances and sharp optics.

• HX30V claims macro focusing at 1 cm, while RX100 goes down to 5 cm.
• Despite closer macro capability on paper, HX30V’s smaller sensor and lens combo produces images with less detail and shallower depth control.

RX100, though focusing slightly farther, delivers crisper macro shots with better color rendition - bonus points for optical image stabilization reducing blur.

Night and Astro Photography: High ISO and Exposure Control

Here’s where RX100 absolutely shines:

• Its larger sensor delivers lower noise at ISOs up to 3200 and beyond, with cleaner blacks and smoother grain.
• HX30V, constrained by its sensor size, produces grainier night images and limited detail.

Neither offers bulb exposure natively, but RX100 integrates well with apps for time lapse and astro setups.

I repeatedly use RX100 for city nightscapes and occasional star fields with satisfying results.

Video Capabilities: Full HD at 60fps and Beyond

Both cameras shoot Full HD 1080p at 60 frames per second, with AVCHD and MPEG-4 options.

• Image stabilization on both makes handheld video smooth.
• Neither has microphone inputs, which limits audio quality upgrades.
• RX100 offers clean HDMI output, and with its better AF system, video focus tracking is noticeably smoother.
• HX30V video feels inconsistent, especially during zoom.

For casual video or travel documentaries without professional audio needs, both suffice. But video enthusiasts will prefer RX100’s quality and interface.

Travel Photography: Versatility, Battery, and Portability

A travel camera has to juggle zoom, weight, battery life, and convenience.

• HX30V gives you big zoom versatility with built-in GPS for geotagging - great for road trips or safari-style travel.
• RX100’s compactness, superior image quality, and slightly longer battery life (330 shots vs 320) make it a better overall daily carry.

In my experience, RX100 fits easily in jacket or jeans pockets and never feels like a burden. HX30V is better suited if your trip demands focal length flexibility over pocketability.

Professional Use and Workflow Integration

Neither camera is aimed squarely at pro work, but here's a quick take:

• RX100 supports RAW capture, essential for professional retouching and color grading.
• HX30V only shoots JPEG, limiting post-processing latitude.
• Both use SD cards and offer HDMI for external monitors.
• Wireless connectivity: RX100 supports NFC and Eye-Fi for streamlined transfer; HX30V includes built-in GPS and Wi-Fi.

If you want to integrate images smoothly into a professional workflow, RX100’s RAW support and better files tip the scales.

Storage, Battery, and Connectivity Summary

Both cameras use SD/SDHC/SDXC cards and Sony’s Memory Stick formats.

Battery-wise:

• HX30V runs on NP-BG1 battery, rated around 320 shots.
• RX100 uses NP-BX1 battery with a modestly longer life of 330 shots.

Not a huge difference, but since RX100 is more power-efficient, expect longer shooting days and less frequent charging.

Connectivity:

• HX30V has Wi-Fi and built-in GPS - a nice touch for travel - even if data speeds and interfaces feel dated.
• RX100 features NFC for fast pairing with compatible smartphones but lacks GPS.

Sony HX30V front Sony HX30V screen back Sony RX100 front Sony RX100 screen back

Image Quality Showdown: Side by Side Sample Images

Looking at images from both cameras side-by-side, you can clearly appreciate RX100’s advantage in sharpness, noise control, and color fidelity. HX30V shots show decent exposure but fall short in fine detail and low light performance.

Putting It All Together: Overall Ratings Based on Testing

Here’s a distilled rating summary based on extensive hands-on assessment:

Best Camera for Your Photography Style?

• Portraits: RX100 for creamy bokeh & skin tones
• Landscapes: RX100 for dynamic range & resolution
• Wildlife: HX30V for extreme zoom reach
• Sports: RX100 for better AF tracking
• Street: RX100 for stealth & low light
• Macro: RX100 for sharper detail
• Night/Astro: RX100 for superior high ISO
• Video: RX100 for better AF and HDMI output
• Travel: Depends on zoom vs compact preference
• Professional: RX100 for RAW, workflow integration

Final Thoughts: Which One Should You Choose?

If you crave a superzoom all-in-one for casual use, wildlife glimpses, or travel where reaching distant subjects matters more than ultimate pixel quality, the Sony HX30V remains a reliable choice with decent features and fair pricing.

However, if you prioritize image quality, low light performance, and a compact form factor that fits a real enthusiast’s workflow and creativity, the Sony RX100 is the clear winner. Its larger sensor and sharper lens open creative doors that the HX30V simply cannot.

I’ve recommended the RX100 countless times for photographers stepping up from smartphones or older compacts wanting true manual control and image fidelity but still valuing portability.

Either way, both cameras represent solid options for their niches in 2012’s compact camera lineup. But for well-rounded performance and future-proofing your photography, you’ll find more satisfaction in the RX100’s superior sensor and lens combination.

Happy shooting, and as always, test these cameras yourself when you can - nothing beats a personal hands-on to find what really clicks for you!

If you want to dive deeper with sample images or video reviews for these models, just let me know. My inbox is always open for fellow enthusiasts.