Sony HX5 vs Sony RX10 IV

In this write-up, we are contrasting the Sony HX5 vs Sony RX10 IV, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Large Sensor Superzoom and both are built by Sony. There exists a huge gap between the sensor resolutions of the HX5 (10MP) and RX10 IV (20MP) and the HX5 (1/2.4") and RX10 IV (1") use totally different sensor sizes.

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The HX5 was brought out 8 years prior to the RX10 IV and that is quite a significant gap as far as technology is concerned. Both cameras offer different body type with the Sony HX5 being a Compact camera and the Sony RX10 IV being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before delving in to a in-depth comparison, below is a concise summary of how the HX5 grades against the RX10 IV when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX5 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 IV. The entire galleries are provided at Sony HX5 Gallery and Sony RX10 IV Gallery.

When you are planning to carry your camera, you have to think about its weight and dimensions. The Sony HX5 provides physical dimensions of 102mm x 58mm x 29mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.1") along with a weight of 200 grams (0.44 lbs) while the Sony RX10 IV has dimensions of 133mm x 94mm x 145mm (5.2" x 3.7" x 5.7") accompanied by a weight of 1095 grams (2.41 lbs).

Compare the Sony HX5 vs Sony RX10 IV in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you use at that moment. Here is the front view proportions comparison of the HX5 vs the RX10 IV.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the HX5 and RX10 IV is 92 and 52 respectively.

Normally, its difficult to see the gap between sensor sizing simply by reading through specifications. The graphic underneath may provide you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the HX5 and RX10 IV.

To sum up, both of those cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The HX5 because of its tinier sensor will make achieving shallow DOF more challenging and the Sony RX10 IV will give greater detail having its extra 10MP. Greater resolution can also allow you to crop photos a little more aggressively. The older HX5 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor innovation.