Sony HX5 vs Sony RX100

In this article, we will be looking at the Sony HX5 versus Sony RX100, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the latter is a Large Sensor Compact and both are created by Sony. There is a large difference among the resolutions of the HX5 (10MP) and RX100 (20MP) and the HX5 (1/2.4") and RX100 (1") feature different sensor sizes.

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The HX5 was manufactured 3 years prior to the RX100 and that is a fairly serious difference as far as camera tech is concerned. The two cameras offer different body type with the Sony HX5 being a Compact camera and the Sony RX100 being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before delving straight into a complete comparison, below is a short introduction of how the HX5 matches up against the RX100 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX5 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100. The entire galleries are provided at Sony HX5 Gallery & Sony RX100 Gallery.

When you are going to carry your camera frequently, you will want to factor its weight and measurements. The Sony HX5 comes with external measurements of 102mm x 58mm x 29mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.1") and a weight of 200 grams (0.44 lbs) whilst the Sony RX100 has proportions of 102mm x 58mm x 36mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.4") and a weight of 240 grams (0.53 lbs).

See the Sony HX5 versus Sony RX100 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you have at that moment. Below is the front view dimension comparison of the HX5 vs the RX100.

Using size and weight, the portability rating of the HX5 and RX100 is 92 and 91 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is hard to picture the contrast in sensor sizing just by researching a spec sheet. The visual below will help give you a greater sense of the sensor measurements in the HX5 and RX100.

Clearly, both of those cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The HX5 because of its smaller sensor is going to make getting bokeh trickier and the Sony RX100 will result in more detail due to its extra 10 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also enable you to crop pictures a little more aggressively. The older HX5 will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor innovation.