Sony HX30V vs Sony RX100 VA

On this page, we are analyzing the Sony HX30V and Sony RX100 VA, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Large Sensor Compact and both of them are manufactured by Sony. The sensor resolution of the HX30V (18MP) and the RX100 VA (20MP) is fairly well matched but the HX30V (1/2.3") and RX100 VA (1") provide different sensor dimensions.

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The HX30V was launched 7 years prior to the RX100 VA and that is quite a significant gap as far as tech is concerned. The two cameras have different body design with the Sony HX30V being a Compact camera and the Sony RX100 VA being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before delving into a more detailed comparison, here is a brief summary of how the HX30V matches up versus the RX100 VA in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX30V and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 V(A). The complete galleries are available at Sony HX30V Gallery and Sony RX100 VA Gallery.

If you're planning to lug around your camera often, you will need to consider its weight and size. The Sony HX30V comes with external dimensions of 107mm x 62mm x 35mm (4.2" x 2.4" x 1.4") and a weight of 254 grams (0.56 lbs) while the Sony RX100 VA has specifications of 102mm x 58mm x 41mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.6") and a weight of 299 grams (0.66 lbs).

Examine the Sony HX30V and Sony RX100 VA in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you have at the time. Following is a front view measurements comparison of the HX30V and the RX100 VA.

Looking at size and weight, the portability grade of the HX30V and RX100 VA is 90 and 89 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is hard to picture the difference between sensor measurements merely by reading through specs. The visual below may offer you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the HX30V and RX100 VA.

All in all, the two cameras provide different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The HX30V because of its tinier sensor is going to make shooting bokeh more difficult and the Sony RX100 VA will resolve greater detail utilizing its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also help you crop pics more aggressively. The older HX30V is going to be behind in sensor tech.