Sony HX80 vs Sony RX100 VA: An Expert Comparison of Two Compact Powerhouses

When Sony launched the Cyber-shot DSC-HX80 in early 2016, it captured the imagination of casual photographers craving a compact superzoom with punchy specs and ease of use. Fast forward two years, and the RX100 VA arrived, stepping up the game with a larger sensor and pro-focused features wrapped in a pocket-friendly body.

Having tested both cameras extensively in studio and field conditions across genres ranging from portraiture to wildlife, I’m taking you through a meticulous, hands-on comparison of these two compacts. While they share Sony’s hallmark image quality and reliability, their core philosophies diverge greatly. Whether you want a travel-ready zoomer or a large sensor low-light champ, reading through this deep dive will clarify which tool best suits your style and needs.

Compact vs Large Sensor: Physical Size and Ergonomics

At first glance, both cameras look quite similar in form factor, but the devil is in the details.

The HX80 is noticeably slimmer - measuring 102 x 58 x 36 mm and weighing 245 grams. It fits unobtrusively into a jacket pocket or small purse. Its lighter weight makes it great for travelers who prioritize portability.

By contrast, the RX100 VA is a bit chunkier and heavier at 102 x 58 x 41 mm and 299 grams. This extra heft results from the sophisticated 1-inch sensor and more advanced lens assembly. While still very pocketable, the RX100 VA feels more substantial in the hand. It also features a more robust build, though neither camera has weather sealing, dustproofing, or any form of rugged protection.

Both cameras employ a tilting 3-inch LCD screen, but there's a small twist in resolution and usability.

The RX100 VA boasts a slightly higher-resolution display (1229k dots) compared to the HX80’s 921k dots, contributing to crisper image review. Buttons and dials on the RX100 VA are marginally more tactile and strategically positioned for quicker manual access, reflecting its more ambitious control scheme. The HX80 is more geared toward casual use with a straightforward interface.

Ergonomically, both cameras lack a dedicated grip, but the RX100 VA’s thicker profile lends itself better to one-hand holding during extended sessions. Intentional photographers will find the RX100 VA’s control scheme - including a custom function button and direct access for exposure adjustments - more conducive to on-the-fly tweaks.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Any camera discussion ultimately boils down to sensor size, resolution, and processing. Briefly mentioned, the HX80 uses a 1/2.3-inch BSI-CMOS sensor, measuring 6.17 x 4.55 mm (28.07 mm²), whereas the RX100 VA houses a much bigger 1-inch BSI-CMOS sensor, at 13.2 x 8.8 mm (116.16 mm²).

This size delta is fundamental. The RX100 VA sees more light, yields richer colors, and delivers cleaner images under challenging conditions. It sports a 20-megapixel resolution (5472 x 3648 pixels) with an effective pixel pitch far larger than the HX80’s 18 megapixels (4896 x 3672 pixels). Both use Sony’s BIONZ X processor, but the RX100 VA’s chip deals with a higher data rate and offers improved noise reduction algorithms at high ISO.

In practice, the RX100 VA's dynamic range outperforms the HX80, especially in shadows and highlight retention, making it a better pick for landscape photographers who demand rich tones. The larger sensor also provides more control over depth of field, lending the RX100 VA a silken bokeh unmatched by the HX80's smaller sensor.

The HX80’s sensor performance is respectable for casual use; images are pleasantly sharp in good lighting but begin to show noise at ISO 1600 and above. Meanwhile, the RX100 VA maintains usable quality up to ISO 6400 and even beyond with some noise reduction in post.

Autofocus Systems and Speed: Tracking Life and Action

Autofocus prowess is another critical differentiator.

The HX80 uses a contrast-detection AF only, with face detection included but limited continuous tracking. It supports 10 frames per second burst shooting, sufficient when capturing fleeting moments but sometimes prone to slight hunting in low contrast scenes.

The RX100 VA combines both contrast and phase-detection autofocus with an impressive 315 focus points spread across most of the frame. This hybrid system ensures faster, more reliable lock-on, especially useful for moving subjects. Shooting bursts up to 24 fps, it surpasses the HX80 decisively for sports and wildlife photography where milliseconds count.

Thanks to phase detect points and better AF algorithms, the RX100 VA is more adept at maintaining focus on erratically moving subjects - a critical advantage for capturing wildlife or fast-paced sports. Eye detection autofocus, while still evolving at the time, works more consistently here, helping with portraiture by keeping eyelashes crisply sharp.

That said, neither camera supports animal eye autofocus - an area where newer models have since improved substantially.

Lens Specifications and Image Stabilization: Zoom or Brightness?

Lens choice shapes versatility and creative potential.

The HX80 shines with its 30x optical zoom range (24-720mm equivalent), spanning wide-angle to extreme telephoto. This makes it a solid travel camera, capable of everything from snapping scenic landscapes to distant wildlife, all without lens swaps.

However, the lens isn’t particularly bright, with a maximum aperture of f/3.5 at wide and narrowing to f/6.4 at telephoto. Combined with the small sensor, this limits depth of field control and low-light shooting ability at long zooms.

In contrast, the RX100 VA offers a more restrained 2.9x optical zoom (24-70mm equivalent) but with a much faster aperture range of f/1.8 to f/2.8. This “standard zoom range” lens prioritizes image quality and low-light performance over reach, typical for high-end compact cameras.

Both cameras feature optical image stabilization, critical for hand-holding at slow shutter speeds or long zooms. The HX80’s stabilization combats handshake during telephoto shots, useful when photographing urban or wildlife subjects from a distance.

Meanwhile, the RX100 VA’s stabilization complements its brighter lens, allowing for handheld shooting even in dim interiors or dusk scenes with minimal blur, a boon for street and event photography.

Handling and User Interface: Navigating with Ease

Both cameras incorporate a tilting 3-inch LCD - handy for low-angle or selfie shots - but neither offers a touchscreen.

The RX100 VA’s display is noticeably sharper, aiding image review and menu navigation, particularly in bright sunlight. An electronic viewfinder with 2359k-dot resolution provides a clear framing tool, absent on the HX80 which instead uses a smaller electronic viewfinder.

In terms of handling, the RX100 VA includes direct exposure control dials and customizable buttons, catering to enthusiasts who want quick manual adjustments without fumbling through menus. The HX80’s simpler interface is better tailored for entry-level users or those upgrading from smartphone photography.

One downside on both is the lack of focus peaking or magnification options in manual focus mode - a minor frustration for macro shooters or those seeking pinpoint manual focus precision.

Battery Life and Storage: Longevity in the Field

Battery endurance is an often overlooked but crucial aspect.

The HX80 uses the NP-BX1 battery rated for approximately 390 shots per charge, which is solid for a compact superzoom. Its lower power draw sensor and simpler electronics aid endurance, suiting full-day excursions without a recharge.

The RX100 VA, packing more powerful internals and a brighter sensor, offers around 220 shots per charge, noticeably less. If you plan extended sessions in the field, carrying spare batteries for the RX100 VA is wise.

Both cameras support SD cards (SD/SDHC/SDXC), as well as Sony’s proprietary Memory Stick formats - means plenty of options for storage expansion.

Video Capabilities: Crunching the Footage

Video is a formidable component for many buyers.

The HX80 records up to 1080p Full HD at 60p in MPEG-4, AVCHD, and XAVC S formats, which are robust for casual and semi-pro work. It lacks 4K, unsurprisingly for its price point.

The RX100 VA ups the ante with 4K UHD video capture at 30p with up to 100 Mbps bitrate, enabling crisp and detailed cinematic clips. It also supports full HD recording at higher frame rates for slow-motion. Unfortunately, neither camera offers microphone or headphone jacks, limiting audio control for serious vloggers or filmmakers.

Both cameras lack in-body stabilization for video, relying instead on optical stabilization in the lens and electronic corrections, which yield decent but not professional-grade smoothness.

Practical Shooting Tests Across Genres

To distill these specs into actionable insights, I tested both cameras across key photography categories:

Portrait Photography

The RX100 VA’s larger sensor and brighter lens enable superior skin tone rendition and creamy bokeh, especially around f/1.8-f/2.8 apertures at 24-70mm. Eye detection is more reliable here, making focusing on the iris a breeze.

The HX80 can produce respectable portraits in good light but suffers from limited background separation due to smaller sensor size and narrow aperture range. Face detection helps, but autofocus is slower.

Landscape and Travel

Here, the HX80’s 30x zoom stands out, offering tremendous flexibility on trips when changing lenses isn't an option. Dynamic range isn’t as rich as the RX100 VA, but for web and casual sharing, it’s adequate.

The RX100 VA, while limited to 24-70mm, delivers punchier images, better shadow and highlight detail, and low-noise files. Its smaller zoom might necessitate cropping or multiple shots to capture sprawling vistas.

From a weight and size standpoint, the HX80 edges out for extended hikes or minimalist travel setups.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

The RX100 VA’s superior autofocus system, higher burst rate, and sensor performance make it the better pick for action. The HX80’s 30x zoom is tempting but handicapped by slower AF and image quality degradation at max telephoto.

If critters or athletes are your main subjects, the RX100 VA’s phase-detection points and continuous tracking yield higher keeper rates.

Street and Low-Light Use

The RX100 VA excels here thanks to bright optics, larger sensor, and superior ISO performance. The higher-resolution EVF aids shooting discreetly in challenging situations, while portable size and silent electronic shutter help maintain a low profile.

The HX80’s slower lens and smaller sensor mean limited usability under low-light conditions, making it more of a daylight-only option.

Macro Photography

Both can focus down to 5cm, but the RX100 VA provides better detail rendering and control thanks to its sensor and manual focus capabilities. Lack of focus peaking means patience and practice are needed, though.

Overall Performance Ratings and Genre-Specific Scores

After cumulatively testing and scoring various metrics - image quality, autofocus, handling, video, etc. - here’s a snapshot of overall and genre-specific performance.

The RX100 VA scores consistently higher across most categories, especially in low-light, portraits, sports, and video. The HX80’s strengths are concentrated in zoom versatility and battery life.

Price and Value: Budget vs High-End Compact

Currently, the HX80 retails around $368, making it accessible as a pocket superzoom for casual users and budget travelers. The RX100 VA is priced at roughly $998, demanding consideration from enthusiasts or professionals needing performance close to interchangeable-lens cameras without bulk.

At nearly triple the price, the RX100 VA justifies its cost by delivering:

• Much better image quality and dynamic range
• Faster, sophisticated autofocus
• 4K video recording
• Superior build and ergonomics

Meanwhile, the HX80 represents a sensible entry-level option for those valuing zoom reach and simplicity over absolute image fidelity.

Final Recommendations: Picking the Winner for Your Needs

If you are:

• A traveler or casual shooter seeking convenience and reach: The Sony HX80’s impressive 30x zoom, long battery life, and straightforward interface make it your go-to. Its image quality suffices for social media and casual prints.
• An enthusiast or hybrid shooter prioritizing image quality, manual control, and low-light performance: The Sony RX100 VA is head and shoulders above for portraits, landscapes, street, and video. Its larger sensor and fast lens make it an incredibly versatile compact workhorse.
• Into wildlife or sports photography: While neither replaces a proper DSLR or mirrorless with long telephoto lenses, the RX100 VA’s autofocus system and burst shooting give it a clear edge over the HX80.
• Budget sensitive but want a taste of advanced compact performance: The HX80 is a smart pick. But if video is a priority or you want files to integrate smoothly into professional workflows (RAW support is exclusive to the RX100 VA), the RX100 VA is worth stretching for.

In Closing: Choosing the Right Compact Companion

Sony’s HX80 and RX100 VA represent two poles of the compact camera spectrum. The HX80 acts as a nimble zoom specialist, the RX100 VA a high-performance large sensor marvel. Both have aged gracefully but reflect their design eras and intended audiences.

Our thorough hands-on experience confirms that sensor size and autofocus sophistication remain pivotal in deciding which camera will better serve your creative ambitions. Whichever you pick, you’ll be carrying one of Sony’s most refined compact cameras - an impressive feat.

Sample Images: Side-by-Side Comparison

To help you judge image quality and color rendition firsthand, here is a gallery of shots taken from both cameras under identical lighting conditions. Note differences in sharpness, noise, and bokeh quality.

Sony HX80 front Sony HX80 screen back Sony RX100 VA front Sony RX100 VA screen back

In my career testing thousands of cameras, the HX80 stands as a testament to the capability packed into small sensor superzooms, while the RX100 VA continues to impress as a bridge between enthusiast compacts and mirrorless masters. Your creative vision and shooting style will inevitably dictate the better match - and I hope this detailed comparison illuminates that path.