Sony HX5 vs Sony HX80

In this write-up, we will be comparing the Sony HX5 and Sony HX80, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom and they are both offered by Sony. There exists a considerable gap between the resolutions of the HX5 (10MP) and HX80 (18MP) and the HX5 (1/2.4") and HX80 (1/2.3") enjoy different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The HX5 was manufactured 6 years earlier than the HX80 and that is quite a large difference as far as technology is concerned. Each of the cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before diving in to a step-by-step comparison, below is a short synopsis of how the HX5 grades against the HX80 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX5 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX80. The entire galleries are provided at Sony HX5 Gallery & Sony HX80 Gallery.

If you are aiming to carry your camera frequently, you need to factor in its weight and size. The Sony HX5 comes with exterior dimensions of 102mm x 58mm x 29mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.1") accompanied by a weight of 200 grams (0.44 lbs) and the Sony HX80 has specifications of 102mm x 58mm x 36mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.4") having a weight of 245 grams (0.54 lbs).

Look at the Sony HX5 and Sony HX80 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you use at that time. Underneath is the front view over all size comparison of the HX5 against the HX80.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the HX5 and HX80 is 92 and 91 respectively.

Typically, it is tough to imagine the difference between sensor sizing simply by looking at technical specs. The graphic here should offer you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the HX5 and HX80.

As you have seen, both the cameras enjoy different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The HX5 because of its bigger sensor is going to make getting shallow depth of field easier and the Sony HX80 will give you greater detail due to its extra 8MP. Higher resolution will also make it easier to crop pictures far more aggressively. The older HX5 is going to be behind in sensor tech.