Sony HX30V vs Sony RX100

Here, we will be analyzing the Sony HX30V vs Sony RX100, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Large Sensor Compact and they are both built by Sony. The resolution of the HX30V (18MP) and the RX100 (20MP) is relatively similar but the HX30V (1/2.3") and RX100 (1") posses different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The HX30V was unveiled 6 months earlier than the RX100 so they are of a similar generation. Both the cameras feature different body design with the Sony HX30V being a Compact camera and the Sony RX100 being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before going straight to a in depth comparison, here is a quick overview of how the HX30V scores versus the RX100 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX30V and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100. The full galleries are provided at Sony HX30V Gallery and Sony RX100 Gallery.

If you're looking to carry around your camera often, you will have to factor in its weight and volume. The Sony HX30V provides outside measurements of 107mm x 62mm x 35mm (4.2" x 2.4" x 1.4") accompanied by a weight of 254 grams (0.56 lbs) whilst the Sony RX100 has sizing of 102mm x 58mm x 36mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.4") along with a weight of 240 grams (0.53 lbs).

Compare the Sony HX30V vs Sony RX100 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you are using during that time. Here is a front view proportions comparison of the HX30V compared to the RX100.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability score of the HX30V and RX100 is 90 and 91 respectively.

Quite often, it is very hard to imagine the contrast between sensor sizes merely by reading specs. The picture underneath will give you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the HX30V and RX100.

As you can plainly see, each of the cameras feature different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The HX30V with its tinier sensor is going to make achieving shallower depth of field harder and the Sony RX100 will deliver more detail having an extra 2MP. Higher resolution will help you crop photographs way more aggressively.