Sony HX30V vs Sony A58

In this article, we will be analyzing the Sony HX30V versus Sony A58, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR and both of them are built by Sony. The sensor resolution of the HX30V (18MP) and the A58 (20MP) is relatively close but the HX30V (1/2.3") and A58 (APS-C) come with totally different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The HX30V was released 21 months earlier than the A58 which makes the cameras a generation away from one another. Both of the cameras offer different body type with the Sony HX30V being a Compact camera and the Sony A58 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before we go through a in depth comparison, below is a short introduction of how the HX30V matches up against the A58 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX30V and Sony SLT-A58. The complete galleries are viewable at Sony HX30V Gallery and Sony A58 Gallery.

For anybody who is looking to carry around your camera, you will need to take into account its weight and measurements. The Sony HX30V enjoys exterior 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) whilst the Sony A58 has proportions of 129mm x 95mm x 78mm (5.1" x 3.7" x 3.1") along with a weight of 492 grams (1.08 lbs).

Check the Sony HX30V versus Sony A58 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you have chosen at the time. Below is the front view scale comparison of the HX30V and the A58.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability score of the HX30V and A58 is 90 and 68 respectively.

Typically, it's difficult to visualise the difference in sensor sizes just by looking through a spec sheet. The pic here will help offer you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the HX30V and A58.

As you can see, the 2 cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The HX30V featuring a smaller sensor will make achieving shallow DOF trickier and the Sony A58 will result in greater detail as a result of its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also help you crop shots a little more aggressively. The more aged HX30V will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor technology.