• 1/2.4 inch 27.1mm2
  • 9.1 megapixels
  • 28.00mm - 560.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 12.1 megapixels
  • 28.00mm - 560.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Sony DSC-HX1 advantages over Canon SX20 IS

  • Manual focus
    Yes vs No
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • Lighter weight
    515g vs 676g
    Lighter weight
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • Less shutter lag
    0.31 vs 0.54 sec
    Focus and take a photo quickly (wide angle)
  • Longer exposure
    30 vs 15 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    10.0 fps vs 1.1 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)

Canon SX20 IS advantages over Sony DSC-HX1

  • Less expensive
    $400 vs $499 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 600 vs 390 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Hot shoe
    Hot shoe vs None
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • More pixels
    12.1 vs 9.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    Unlimited vs 10 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Both provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Both provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Tiltable Screen
    Both provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • 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
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • RAW file ability
    Neither provide
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Neither provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • 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
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Bulb shutter
    Neither provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

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Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Canon SX10 IS

Sony DSC-HX1
Canon SX10 IS
  • $499
  • 1/2.4 inch
  • Manual focus
  • HDMI out
  • $400
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Longer stills battery life

Compare Sony DSC-HX1 vs Canon SX10 IS

Canon SX20 IS
Canon SX10 IS
  • $400
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • HDMI out
  • More pixels
  • $400
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Faster JPEG shooting

Compare Canon SX20 IS vs Canon SX10 IS

Compared to Nikon P90

Sony DSC-HX1
Nikon P90
  • $499
  • 1/2.4 inch
  • Longer stills battery life
  • Manual focus
  • $400
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More pixels

Compare Sony DSC-HX1 vs Nikon P90

Canon SX20 IS
Nikon P90
  • $400
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Longer stills battery life
  • HDMI out
  • $400
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Lighter weight
  • Faster JPEG shooting

Compare Canon SX20 IS vs Nikon P90

Compared to Canon SX1 IS

Sony DSC-HX1
Canon SX1 IS
  • $499
  • 1/2.4 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Manual focus
  • $600
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • RAW file ability
  • Hot shoe

Compare Sony DSC-HX1 vs Canon SX1 IS

Canon SX20 IS
Canon SX1 IS
  • $400
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $600
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • RAW file ability
  • Shoots 1080p video

Compare Canon SX20 IS vs Canon SX1 IS

Compared to Nikon P100

Sony DSC-HX1
Nikon P100
  • $499
  • 1/2.4 inch
  • Longer stills battery life
  • Longer exposure
  • $400
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More telephoto lens reach

Compare Sony DSC-HX1 vs Nikon P100

Canon SX20 IS
Nikon P100
  • $400
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Longer stills battery life
  • Hot shoe
  • $400
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • Manual focus

Compare Canon SX20 IS vs Nikon P100

Compared to Panasonic DMC-FZ100

Sony DSC-HX1
Panasonic DMC-FZ100
  • $499
  • 1/2.4 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Shoots 1080p video
  • $500
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • RAW file ability
  • Fast startup

Compare Sony DSC-HX1 vs Panasonic DMC-FZ100

Canon SX20 IS
Panasonic DMC-FZ100
  • $400
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $500
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • RAW file ability
  • Fast startup

Compare Canon SX20 IS vs Panasonic DMC-FZ100

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