• 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 12.1 megapixels
  • 25.00mm - 500.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 18.2 megapixels
  • 25.00mm - 500.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Canon SX260 HS advantages over Sony HX30V

  • Less expensive
    $350 vs $420 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 1.54 vs 1.26 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Shoots 24p video
    Yes vs No
    Gives your movies a big-screen feel
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Faster shutter
    1/3200 vs 1/1600 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Sony HX30V advantages over Canon SX260 HS

  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Fast startup
    ~1.50 vs 1.9 sec
    Faster startup lets you catch the moment
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 320 vs 230 shots
    Capture more photos
  • More dots on screen
    922k vs 461k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • Less shutter lag
    0.11 vs 0.52 sec
    Focus and take a photo quickly (wide angle)
  • More pixels
    18.2 vs 12.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Longer exposure
    30 vs 15 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Higher extended ISO
    12800 vs 6400 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Both provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Built-in GPS
    Both provide
    Geotag your photos
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Manual focus
    Both provide
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video

Common Weaknesses

  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Neither provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Tiltable Screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • RAW file ability
    Neither provide
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Integrated ND filter
    Neither provide
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • External Mic Jack
    Neither provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Hot shoe
    Neither provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Bulb shutter
    Neither provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

User reviews

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Buy the Canon SX260 HS
Canon SX260 HS
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Your purchases support this site

Buy the Sony HX30V

Review Excerpt

  • 20x zoom ranges from very wide to ultra telephoto; Wide range of exposure settings, including Manual, plus many auto modes; Full HD video at 1080p; Video autofocus and zoom while shooting, HDMI interface; Very good image quality; Built-in GPS.

  • Tight control placement; Low battery life; Soft corners at wide angle; Small front fingergrip; No live histogram. No raw mode.

  • Read our Canon SX260 HS Express Review

  • Solid build; Fast autofocus; Excellent zoom range and functionality; Built-in Wi-Fi and GPS; Useful creative effects modes.

  • Image quality not as good as predecessor; No electronic viewfinder; Confusing menu system and user manual.

  • Read our Sony HX30V Express Review

The Competition

Compared to Nikon S9100

Canon SX260 HS
Nikon S9100
  • $480
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in GPS
  • Manual focus
  • $254
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Fast startup

Compare Canon SX260 HS vs Nikon S9100

Sony HX30V
Nikon S9100
  • $477
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • Built-in GPS
  • $254
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Sony HX30V vs Nikon S9100

Compared to Sony HX10V

Canon SX260 HS
Sony HX10V
  • $480
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $375
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Longer stills battery life
  • More dots on screen

Compare Canon SX260 HS vs Sony HX10V

Sony HX30V
Sony HX10V
  • $477
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • $375
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive

Compare Sony HX30V vs Sony HX10V

Compared to Sony HX20V

Canon SX260 HS
Sony HX20V
  • $480
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Shoots 24p video
  • $326
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Longer stills battery life
  • More dots on screen

Compare Canon SX260 HS vs Sony HX20V

Sony HX30V
Sony HX20V
  • $477
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • $326
  • 1/2.3 inch

Compare Sony HX30V vs Sony HX20V

Compared to Nikon S9500

Canon SX260 HS
Nikon S9500
  • $480
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Manual focus
  • $470
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Slower slow-motion
  • In-camera panoramas

Compare Canon SX260 HS vs Nikon S9500

Sony HX30V
Nikon S9500
  • $477
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Longer stills battery life
  • Manual focus
  • $470
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Slow-motion videos

Compare Sony HX30V vs Nikon S9500

Compared to Canon SX280 HS

Canon SX260 HS
Canon SX280 HS
  • $480
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Shoots 24p video
  • Slow-motion videos
  • $300
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • Shoots 60p video

Compare Canon SX260 HS vs Canon SX280 HS

Sony HX30V
Canon SX280 HS
  • $477
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $300
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Sony HX30V vs Canon SX280 HS

Compare Other Cameras?