Sony HX5 vs Sony RX1

In this article, we are reviewing the Sony HX5 and Sony RX1, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the other is a Large Sensor Compact and both are built by Sony. There is a noticeable difference among the image resolutions of the HX5 (10MP) and RX1 (24MP) and the HX5 (1/2.4") and RX1 (Full frame) enjoy totally different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The HX5 was announced 3 years earlier than the RX1 and that is a fairly sizable difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of the cameras offer different body type with the Sony HX5 being a Compact camera and the Sony RX1 being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before going straight into a complete comparison, below is a brief synopsis of how the HX5 scores against the RX1 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX5 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1. The whole galleries are viewable at Sony HX5 Gallery & Sony RX1 Gallery.

For anyone who is aiming to lug around your camera regularly, you'll have to think about its weight and measurements. The Sony HX5 comes with physical measurements of 102mm x 58mm x 29mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.1") with a weight of 200 grams (0.44 lbs) and the Sony RX1 has proportions of 113mm x 65mm x 70mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 2.8") and a weight of 482 grams (1.06 lbs).

See the Sony HX5 and Sony RX1 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you select during that time. Here is the front view size comparison of the HX5 compared to the RX1.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability grade of the HX5 and RX1 is 92 and 79 respectively.

Often, it can be hard to see the difference in sensor measurements just by going through specs. The visual below may give you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the HX5 and RX1.

All in all, both cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The HX5 with its smaller sensor will make achieving shallower DOF more challenging and the Sony RX1 will produce greater detail with its extra 14 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also help you crop pics a little more aggressively. The older HX5 will be behind when it comes to sensor tech.