Sony HX99 vs Sony S980

Below is a detailed analysis of the Sony HX99 and Sony S980, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Small Sensor Compact and both of them are designed by Sony. There exists a huge gap among the sensor resolutions of the HX99 (18MP) and S980 (12MP) and the HX99 (1/2.3-inch) and S980 (1/2.3") offer different sensor sizing.

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The HX99 was unveiled 9 years later than the S980 and that is a fairly significant gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Each of these cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before we go straight to a step-by-step comparison, here is a simple highlight of how the HX99 grades versus the S980 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX99 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S980. The full galleries are viewable at Sony HX99 Gallery and Sony S980 Gallery.

If you're looking to lug around your camera, you'll have to think about its weight and volume. The Sony HX99 has outer measurements of 102mm x 58mm x 36mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.4") and a weight of 242 grams (0.53 lbs) and the Sony S980 has sizing of 93mm x 56mm x 24mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") with a weight of 167 grams (0.37 lbs).

Contrast the Sony HX99 and Sony S980 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you are utilizing during that time. Underneath is a front view proportions comparison of the HX99 vs the S980.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the HX99 and S980 is 91 and 94 respectively.

Quite often, it is hard to imagine the contrast in sensor measurements purely by looking through specifications. The visual below may provide you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the HX99 and S980.

To sum up, both cameras provide different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The HX99 with its larger sensor is going to make achieving shallower DOF less difficult and the Sony HX99 will render extra detail having an extra 6 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also make it easier to crop images more aggressively. The younger HX99 provides an advantage with regard to sensor innovation.