Sony HX400V vs Sony W230

Let's look closer at the Sony HX400V versus Sony W230, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact and both of them are built by Sony. There exists a significant gap between the resolutions of the HX400V (20MP) and W230 (12MP) but both cameras posses the identical sensor measurements (1/2.3").

Photography Glossary

The HX400V was revealed 5 years later than the W230 and that is quite a sizable gap as far as technology is concerned. Both cameras feature different body design with the Sony HX400V being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Sony W230 being a Compact camera.

Before we go into a complete comparison, here is a short overview of how the HX400V matches up versus the W230 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX400V and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W230. The full galleries are viewable at Sony HX400V Gallery and Sony W230 Gallery.

For those who are looking to lug around your camera often, you have to factor in its weight and size. The Sony HX400V has outside measurements of 130mm x 93mm x 103mm (5.1" x 3.7" x 4.1") accompanied by a weight of 660 grams (1.46 lbs) and the Sony W230 has specifications of 95mm x 57mm x 22mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") accompanied by a weight of 156 grams (0.34 lbs).

Contrast the Sony HX400V versus Sony W230 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you choose at that time. Following is a front view measurements comparison of the HX400V and the W230.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the HX400V and W230 is 62 and 95 respectively.

Normally, it is very difficult to envision the contrast between sensor measurements purely by reading technical specs. The photograph underneath will help provide you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the HX400V and W230.

As you have seen, both the cameras feature the identical sensor size albeit not the same megapixels. You should count on the Sony HX400V to deliver greater detail because of its extra 8MP. Higher resolution will make it easier to crop photographs way more aggressively. The more modern HX400V is going to have a benefit in sensor technology.