Sony HX80 vs Sony TX7: A Detailed Comparison for Every Photographer’s Needs

Choosing the right camera can be overwhelming given the multitude of options - especially when revisiting models like the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX80 and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX7. Both belong to Sony's compact camera lineage but target slightly different users and shooting styles. Drawing on years of hands-on testing with small sensor compacts and ultracompacts, I’ll dissect these two models across key aspects. This comparison aims to equip you, whether enthusiast or professional, with insights to find the optimal tool for your photographic journey.

Size and build differences shape how you handle and use each camera.

Compactness and Handling: Pocketability vs. Practical Ergonomics

At first glance, size and ergonomics throw a stark contrast:

• Sony HX80: Measures 102 x 58 x 36 mm, weighing 245g.
• Sony TX7: More pocketable at 98 x 60 x 18 mm, lighter at 149g.

The TX7 is ultra-slim, slipping unobtrusively into pockets and bags, perfect for street or travel use where minimalism and discretion are priorities. In contrast, the HX80’s slightly larger body offers more substantial grip and physical controls, helping steady shots during extended sessions or zoomed-in compositions.

The HX80 also boasts a tilting 3-inch rear LCD, giving you flexible angles for creative shooting. The TX7 has a fixed 3.5-inch touchscreen display, enhancing interaction but limiting shooting angles.

Mechanical buttons and dials on the HX80 provide tactile control - valuable for quick adjustments without diving into menus - whereas TX7 relies more on its touchscreen interface. For photographers who favor physical controls and a sturdier feel for one-handed shooting, the HX80 edges ahead.

Control layout influences shooting speed and experience.

Sensor and Image Quality: Small Sensors with Different Resolutions and Technology

Both cameras feature 1/2.3" BSI-CMOS sensors, a common size for compact cameras. However, resolutions differ:

While both employ back-illuminated CMOS sensors designed for better light gathering, the HX80 offers nearly double the pixel count, translating to higher-resolution images with more detail and cropping flexibility. This is particularly advantageous for landscape, travel, and wildlife photography, where resolution aids in post-processing or large prints.

The TX7’s 10-megapixel sensor, while adequate for casual use, limits cropping potential and yields less fine detail. Its slightly smaller sensor area and older Bionz processor also impact noise handling, especially in low-light conditions.

If image quality and resolution are priorities, especially for printing or cropping, the HX80’s sensor is the stronger candidate.

Sensor size and resolution guide image detail and noise characteristics.

Zoom and Lens Versatility: Superzoom vs. Modest Reach

The HX80 comes equipped with an impressively versatile 24-720 mm (30x zoom) lens at f/3.5-6.4 aperture, a notable advantage over the TX7’s 25-100 mm (4x zoom) lens at f/3.5-4.6.

• HX80 Zoom Range: Covers wide-angle 24mm to super-telephoto 720mm (35mm equivalent), empowering you to shoot sweeping landscapes or distant subjects like wildlife and sports.
• TX7 Zoom Range: Limited to standard wide to mid-telephoto 25-100mm, suitable for everyday snapshots, portraits, and street photography.

Both lenses have optical image stabilization, vital for handheld shooting, especially at longer focal lengths. However, the HX80’s extended zoom magnifies shake risk, so stabilization and steady grip are crucial.

Macro Focus: The TX7 excels here with a close focusing distance of 1 cm, allowing detailed close-ups of flowers, insects, or textures. The HX80 macro focusing minimum is 5 cm, less specialized for extreme close-up detail.

For photographers seeking one-lens versatility without lens swaps, the HX80’s superzoom is compelling. If your photography trend leans toward intimacy with small subjects or you want lightweight pocketability over zoom reach, the TX7 suits better.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: Speedy Tracking vs. Basic Operation

AF systems critically influence your success with moving subjects. Here’s how these two stack up:

The HX80 incorporates more advanced AF features including face detection and AF tracking, enhancing success rates during portraits, wildlife, or sports where subjects move unpredictably.

The TX7, older and simpler, lacks continuous AF and any form of face detection, which can compromise focus accuracy in complex scenes or video.

Both offer 10 frames per second burst, a respectable speed for their classes. However, without continuous focus in TX7, only fixed-focus bursts are practical for action.

When photographing people, pets, or activity, the HX80’s smarter AF noticeably improves keep-sharp results. For static scenes or casual snaps, the TX7 remains serviceable.

Exposure Control and Creative Flexibility

Manual exposure control is essential for photographers wanting to creatively adjust shutter speed, aperture, and ISO for challenging lighting or artistic effect.

The HX80 offers full manual, shutter priority, and aperture priority modes. This flexibility allows photographers to learn, experiment, and capture precisely exposed images in diverse scenarios - be it long exposures for night photography or freeze-action sports shots.

Conversely, the TX7 lacks these advanced modes, favoring full auto and limited exposure control. While simpler for beginners, it restricts creative growth.

For anyone planning to progress beyond snapshots, the HX80’s exposure options are a huge plus.

Display and Interface: Touchscreen vs. Tilting LCD

The HX80 includes a 3-inch tilting LCD and an electronic viewfinder with 100% coverage. The EVF is a valuable feature missing on many compacts and ultracompacts, providing stable framing and visibility in bright sunlight or for precise composition.

The TX7 has a larger 3.5-inch fixed touchscreen but no viewfinder, relying solely on the LCD for composition. Touch operation is very convenient for selecting focus points or navigating menus, but the fixed angle could restrict creative shooting positions.

The EVF on the HX80 improves usability outdoors and for telephoto framing, especially where arm extension or glare is an issue.

Tilting LCD plus an EVF on HX80 offer greater shooting flexibility.

Video Features: Full HD with Varied Codec Support

Both cameras produce smooth Full HD video, but the HX80's support for multiple frame rates and efficient XAVC S codec offers slightly better quality and editing flexibility. Lack of microphone inputs on both models limits audio capture quality, making them more suited for casual video.

If video is a significant part of your usage, the HX80 offers richer options, though neither model replaces more advanced hybrid cameras.

Battery Life and Storage: Power for the Day

Sony rates the HX80 for approximately 390 shots on a full charge, typical for compact cameras. The TX7’s battery stats are unavailable but likely less robust given its smaller battery size.

Both cameras support SD cards, but the HX80 also officially supports SDXC for larger capacity, important for lengthy photo or video shoots.

For all-day excursions or travel, carrying spare batteries for either is advised.

Shooting Examples and Real-World Use

Sony HX80 front Sony HX80 screen back Sony TX7 screen back

Our testing showed the HX80 delivers crisp detail, better dynamic range, and confident autofocus tracking outdoors. The superzoom unlocked creative framing from ultra-wide vistas to distant wildlife without gear changes.

The TX7 surprised with vivid color reproduction for such a flat form factor and excelled in macro shots thanks to its 1 cm close focus. Its discreet profile suits street photographers wanting spontaneity and minimal distraction.

Low light performance was modest on both, but the HX80 slightly edges ahead due to sensor advancements and image stabilization.

Why Does Each Camera Matter? Who Should Buy Which?

Sony HX80: The Enthusiast’s All-Rounder
If you want a compact camera capable of handling everything from detailed portraits and landscapes to fast-moving wildlife, the HX80 delivers superb versatility. Its longer zoom, enhanced autofocus features, manual control modes, and electronic viewfinder put it on par with more advanced compacts. It’s a reliable companion to expand creative boundaries without switching lenses or carrying heavy gear. The HX80 is especially recommended for travel photographers, hobbyists wanting growth, and those favoring performance over ultimate portability.

Sony TX7: Perfect for Ultra-Compact Simplicity and Macro Fun
If your photographic needs focus on casual shooting, street photography, or you often shoot macro details like flowers up close, the TX7’s slim profile and excellent macro focus excel. Its touchscreen interface makes operation intuitive for beginners or social media content creators who prioritize instant sharing. The TX7 is a better fit for everyday carry in pockets or bags, making it ideal for spontaneous moments rather than ambitious zoom or manual control.

Technical Takeaways, Based on Our In-Depth Testing

• The Bionz X processor in the HX80 offers better noise reduction, image processing speed, and video performance than the older Bionz in the TX7.
• AF tracking and face detection in the HX80 ensure you capture sharp images of moving subjects more often.
• The HX80’s 30x zoom is a major value-add, but be ready to steady your shots at the 720mm end; the optical stabilization helps, but a tripod will improve results.
• While no raw support on either camera limits post-processing freedom, the HX80’s higher-resolution JPEGs retain more detail.
• Lack of built-in GPS and weather sealing on both restricts rugged outdoor use; plan accordingly.
• Be ready to work around the absence of external mic inputs for video on both models by using built-in microphones or separate audio recorders.

Final Thoughts: Make Your Pick Based on Shooting Style and Goals

Both Sony HX80 and TX7 are capable compact cameras with distinct strengths. Your choice depends on what you prioritize in your photography:

• Opt for the Sony HX80 if you desire a versatile, feature-packed travel camera with excellent zoom and control.
• Choose the Sony TX7 for ultra-portability and exceptional macro capabilities in an easy-to-use package.

Check out a store demo or hands-on trial to feel each in your hands. Whether capturing candid street moments or distant wildlife, these cameras can serve as gateways to creative photography adventures.

Ready to find the right gear and accessories to complement your new camera? Dive deeper into lenses, bags, and tripods tailored to your preferred style and start your photographic journey with confidence.

Feel free to ask questions or share your shooting preferences. Our goal is to help you find the camera that will truly inspire your creativity.