Canon SX30 vs Sony RX1

The Canon PowerShot SX30 IS and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1 are two digital cameras that were officially introduced, respectively, in September 2010 and September 2012. Both the SX30 and the RX1 are fixed lens compact cameras that are based on a 1/2.3-inch (SX30) and a full frame (RX1) sensor. The Canon has a resolution of 14 megapixels, whereas the Sony provides 24 MP.

Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.

Headline Specifications

Canon SX30		Sony RX1
Fixed lens compact camera		Fixed lens compact camera
24-840mm f/2.7-5.8		35mm f/2.0
14 MP – 1/2.3" sensor		24 MP – Full Frame sensor
720/30p Video		1080/60p Video
ISO 100-1,600 (100 - 6,400)		ISO 100-25,600 (50 - 102,400)
Electronic viewfinder (202k dots)		Viewfinder optional
2.7" LCD – 230k dots		3.0" LCD – 1229k dots
Swivel screen (not touch-sensitive)		Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)
0.6 shutter flaps per second		5 shutter flaps per second
370 shots per battery charge		270 shots per battery charge
123 x 92 x 108 mm, 601 g		113 x 65 x 70 mm, 482 g

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Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Canon PowerShot SX30 IS and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1? Which one should you buy? Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their body size, their imaging sensors, their shooting features, their input-output connections, and their reception by expert reviewers.

Body comparison

The side-by-side display below illustrates the physical size and weight of the Canon SX30 and the Sony RX1. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive views from the front, the top, and the rear side are shown. All width, height and depth dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Sony RX1 is considerably smaller (35 percent) than the Canon SX30. Moreover, the RX1 is markedly lighter (20 percent) than the SX30. In this context, it is worth noting that neither the SX30 nor the RX1 are weather-sealed.

Concerning battery life, the SX30 gets 370 shots out of its Canon NB-7L battery, while the RX1 can take 270 images on a single charge of its Sony NP-BX1 power pack. The power pack in the RX1 can be charged via the USB port, which can be very convenient when travelling.

The adjacent table lists the principal physical characteristics of the two cameras alongside a wider set of alternatives. If you would like to visualize and compare a different camera combination, you can navigate to the CAM-parator app and make your selection from a broad list of cameras there.

Body Specifications

		Camera Model	Camera Width	Camera Height	Camera Depth	Camera Weight	Battery Life	Weather Sealing	Camera Launch	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price
1.		Canon SX30	123 mm	92 mm	108 mm	601 g	370	n	Sep 2010	429	ebay.com
2.		Sony RX1	113 mm	65 mm	70 mm	482 g	270	n	Sep 2012	2,799	ebay.com
3.		Canon SX20	123 mm	88 mm	87 mm	600 g	..	n	Aug 2009	399	ebay.com
4.		Canon SX40	123 mm	92 mm	108 mm	600 g	380	n	Sep 2011	429	ebay.com
5.		Canon SX50	123 mm	87 mm	106 mm	595 g	315	n	Sep 2012	429	ebay.com
6.		Canon SX60	128 mm	93 mm	114 mm	650 g	340	n	Sep 2014	549	ebay.com
7.		Canon SX530	120 mm	82 mm	92 mm	442 g	210	n	Jan 2015	429	ebay.com
8.		Canon T3	130 mm	100 mm	78 mm	495 g	700	n	Feb 2011	449	ebay.com
9.		Leica V-LUX 2	124 mm	80 mm	95 mm	520 g	410	n	Sep 2010	849	ebay.com
10.		Leica V-LUX 3	124 mm	81 mm	95 mm	540 g	410	n	Dec 2011	949	ebay.com
11.		Nikon D5300	125 mm	98 mm	76 mm	480 g	600	n	Oct 2013	799	ebay.com
12.		Panasonic FZ100	124 mm	82 mm	92 mm	540 g	410	n	Jul 2010	499	ebay.com
13.		Panasonic FZ150	124 mm	82 mm	92 mm	528 g	410	n	Aug 2011	499	ebay.com
14.		Sony A3000	128 mm	91 mm	85 mm	411 g	470	n	Aug 2013	329	ebay.com
15.		Sony NEX-7	120 mm	67 mm	43 mm	400 g	430	n	Aug 2011	1,349	ebay.com
16.		Sony RX1R	113 mm	65 mm	70 mm	482 g	270	n	Jun 2013	2,799	ebay.com
17.		Sony RX1R II	113 mm	65 mm	72 mm	507 g	220	n	Oct 2015	3,299	ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
Convert to Imperial

The price is, of course, an important factor in any camera decision. The retail prices at the time of the camera’s release place the model in the market relative to other models in the producer’s line-up and the competition. The SX30 was launched at a markedly lower price (by 85 percent) than the RX1, which puts it into a different market segment. Normally, street prices remain initially close to the MSRP, but after a couple of months, the first discounts appear. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down.

Sensor comparison

The size of the imaging sensor is a crucial determinant of image quality. All other things equal, a large sensor will have larger individual pixel-units that offer better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixels in a sensor of the same technological generation. Moreover, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more control over depth-of-field in the image and, thus, the ability to better isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be associated with larger, more expensive camera bodies and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Canon SX30 features a 1/2.3-inch sensor and the Sony RX1 a full frame sensor. The sensor area in the RX1 is 2943 percent bigger. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 5.6 and 1.0. The sensor in the SX30 has a native 4:3 aspect ratio, while the one in the RX1 offers a 3:2 aspect.

With 24MP, the RX1 offers a higher resolution than the SX30 (14MP), but the RX1 nevertheless has larger individual pixels (pixel pitch of 5.96μm versus 1.41μm for the SX30) due to its larger sensor. Moreover, the RX1 is a somewhat more recent model (by 1 year and 11 months) than the SX30, and its sensor might have benefitted from technological advances during this time that further enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixel-units. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that the SX30 has no anti-alias filter installed, so that it can capture all the detail its sensor resolves.

The resolution advantage of the Sony RX1 implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the RX1 for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 30 x 20 inches or 76.2 x 50.8 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 24 x 16 inches or 61 x 40.6 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 20 x 13.3 inches or 50.8 x 33.9 cm. The corresponding values for the Canon SX30 are 21.6 x 16.2 inches or 54.9 x 41.1 cm for good quality, 17.3 x 13 inches or 43.9 x 32.9 cm for very good quality, and 14.4 x 10.8 inches or 36.6 x 27.4 cm for excellent quality prints.

The Canon PowerShot SX30 IS has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 1600, which can be extended to ISO 100-6400. The corresponding ISO settings for the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1 are ISO 100 to ISO 25600, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 50-102400.

In terms of underlying technology, the SX30 is build around a CCD sensor, while the RX1 uses a CMOS imager. Both cameras use a Bayer filter for capturing RGB colors on a square grid of photosensors. This arrangement is found in most digital cameras.

For many cameras, data on sensor performance has been reported by DXO Mark. This service determines an overall sensor rating, as well as sub-scores for low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and color depth ("DXO Portrait"). The table below summarizes the physical sensor characteristics and sensor quality findings and compares them across a set of similar cameras.

Sensor Characteristics

		Camera Model	Sensor Class	Resolution (MP)	Horiz. Pixels	Vert. Pixels	Video Format	DXO Portrait	DXO Landscape	DXO Sports	DXO Overall
1.		Canon SX30	1/2.3	14.0	4320	3240	720/30p	19.4	10.7	320	39
2.		Sony RX1	Full Frame	24.0	6000	4000	1080/60p	25.1	14.3	2534	93
3.		Canon SX20	1/2.3	12.0	4000	3000	720/30p	19.2	10.5	225	37
4.		Canon SX40	1/2.3	12.0	4000	3000	1080/24p	19.6	10.9	409	41
5.		Canon SX50	1/2.3	12.0	4000	3000	1080/24p	20.3	11.2	179	47
6.		Canon SX60	1/2.3	14.2	4608	3072	1080/60p	19.2	10.8	127	39
7.		Canon SX530	1/2.3	15.9	4608	3456	1080/30p	20.2	11.6	712	47
8.		Canon T3	APS-C	12.2	4272	2848	720/30p	21.9	11.0	755	62
9.		Leica V-LUX 2	1/2.3	14.0	4320	3240	1080/60i	19.4	10.7	321	39
10.		Leica V-LUX 3	1/2.3	12.0	4000	3000	1080/60p	19.7	11.0	430	42
11.		Nikon D5300	APS-C	24.0	6000	4000	1080/60p	24.0	13.9	1338	83
12.		Panasonic FZ100	1/2.3	14.0	4320	3240	1080/60i	19.4	10.7	306	39
13.		Panasonic FZ150	1/2.3	12.0	4000	3000	1080/60p	19.4	10.9	132	40
14.		Sony A3000	APS-C	19.8	5456	3632	1080/60i	23.7	12.8	1068	78
15.		Sony NEX-7	APS-C	24.0	6000	4000	1080/60i	24.1	13.4	1016	81
16.		Sony RX1R	Full Frame	24.0	6000	4000	1080/60p	25.0	13.6	2537	91
17.		Sony RX1R II	Full Frame	42.2	7952	5304	1080/60p	25.8	13.9	3204	97
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.

Many modern cameras cannot only take still pictures, but also record videos. Both cameras under consideration have a sensor with sufficiently fast read-out times for moving pictures, but the RX1 provides a better video resolution than the SX30. It can shoot movie footage at 1080/60p, while the Canon is limited to 720/30p.

Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. For example, the SX30 has an electronic viewfinder (202k dots), which can be very helpful when shooting in bright sunlight. In contrast, the RX1 relies on live view and the rear LCD for framing. That said, the RX1 can be equipped with an optional viewfinder – the FDA-EV1MK. The adjacent table lists some of the other core features of the Canon SX30 and Sony RX1 along with similar information for a selection of comparators.

Core Features

		Camera Model	Viewfinder (Type or 000 dots)	Control Panel (yes/no)	LCD Specifications (inch/000 dots)	LCD Attach- ment	Touch Screen (yes/no)	Max Shutter Speed *	Max Shutter Flaps *	Built-in Flash (yes/no)	Built-in Image Stab
1.		Canon SX30	202	n	2.7 / 230	swivel	n	1/3200s	0.6/s	Y	Y
2.		Sony RX1	optional	n	3.0 / 1229	fixed	n	1/4000s	5.0/s	Y	n
3.		Canon SX20	202	n	2.5 / 230	swivel	n	1/3200s	0.7/s	Y	Y
4.		Canon SX40	202	n	2.7 / 230	swivel	n	1/3200s	10.3/s	Y	Y
5.		Canon SX50	202	n	3.0 / 461	swivel	n	1/2000s	2.2/s	Y	Y
6.		Canon SX60	922	n	3.0 / 922	swivel	n	1/2000s	6.4/s	Y	Y
7.		Canon SX530	none	n	3.0 / 461	fixed	n	1/2000s	1.6/s	Y	Y
8.		Canon T3	optical	n	2.7 / 230	fixed	n	1/4000s	3.0/s	Y	n
9.		Leica V-LUX 2	202	n	3.0 / 460	swivel	n	1/2000s	11.0/s	Y	Y
10.		Leica V-LUX 3	202	n	3.0 / 460	swivel	n	1/2000s	12.0/s	Y	Y
11.		Nikon D5300	optical	n	3.2 / 1037	swivel	n	1/4000s	5.0/s	Y	n
12.		Panasonic FZ100	202	n	3.0 / 460	swivel	n	1/2000s	11.0/s	Y	Y
13.		Panasonic FZ150	202	n	3.0 / 460	swivel	n	1/2000s	12.0/s	Y	Y
14.		Sony A3000	202	n	3.0 / 230	fixed	n	1/4000s	2.5/s	Y	n
15.		Sony NEX-7	2359	n	3.0 / 921	tilting	n	1/4000s	10.0/s	Y	n
16.		Sony RX1R	optional	n	3.0 / 1229	fixed	n	1/4000s	5.0/s	Y	n
17.		Sony RX1R II	2360	n	3.0 / 1229	tilting	n	1/4000s	5.0/s	n	n
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.

The SX30 is equipped with a zoom lens, while the RX1 comes with a built-in prime. The SX30 has a 24-840mm f/2.7-5.8 optic and the RX1 offers a 35mm f/2.0 (focal lengths in full frame equivalent terms). Hence, the Canon provides a wider angle of view at the short end, as well as more tele-photo reach at the long end than the Sony. The RX1 offers the faster maximum aperture.

The SX30 writes its imaging data to SDXC cards, while the RX1 uses SDXC or Memory Stick PRO Duo cards.

Connectivity comparison

For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Canon PowerShot SX30 IS and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

Input-Output Connections

		Camera Model	Hotshoe Port	Internal Mic / Speaker	Microphone Port	Headphone Port	HDMI Port	USB Port	WiFi Support	NFC Support	Bluetooth Support
1.		Canon SX30	Y	stereo / mono	-	-	YES	2.0	-	-	-
2.		Sony RX1	Y	stereo / mono	Y	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
3.		Canon SX20	Y	stereo / mono	-	-	YES	2.0	-	-	-
4.		Canon SX40	Y	stereo / mono	-	-	YES	2.0	-	-	-
5.		Canon SX50	Y	stereo / mono	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
6.		Canon SX60	Y	stereo / mono	Y	-	mini	2.0	Y	Y	-
7.		Canon SX530	-	stereo / mono	-	-	mini	2.0	Y	Y	-
8.		Canon T3	Y	stereo / mono	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
9.		Leica V-LUX 2	Y	stereo / mono	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
10.		Leica V-LUX 3	Y	stereo / -	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
11.		Nikon D5300	Y	stereo / mono	Y	-	mini	2.0	Y	-	-
12.		Panasonic FZ100	Y	stereo / mono	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
13.		Panasonic FZ150	Y	stereo / -	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
14.		Sony A3000	Y	stereo / mono	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
15.		Sony NEX-7	Y	stereo / mono	Y	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
16.		Sony RX1R	Y	stereo / mono	Y	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
17.		Sony RX1R II	Y	stereo / mono	Y	-	micro	2.0	Y	Y	-

It is notable that the RX1 has a microphone port, which can help to improve the quality of audio recordings by attaching an external microphone. The SX30 does not feature such a mic input.

Both the SX30 and the RX1 have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. The SX30 was replaced by the Canon SX40, while the RX1 was followed by the Sony RX1R. Further information on the features and operation of the SX30 and RX1 can be found, respectively, in the Canon SX30 Manual (free pdf) or the online Sony RX1 Manual.

Review summary

So how do things add up? Is there a clear favorite between the Canon SX30 and the Sony RX1? Which camera is better? A synthesis of the relative strong points of each of the models is listed below.

Advantages of the Canon PowerShot SX30 IS:

• Maximized detail: Lacks an anti-alias filter to exploit the sensor's full resolution potential.
• Easier framing: Has an electronic viewfinder for image composition and settings control.
• More flexible LCD: Has a swivel screen for odd-angle shots in portrait or landscape orientation.
• Wider view: Has a wider-angle lens that facilitates landscape or interior shots.
• Longer lasting: Can take more shots (370 versus 270) on a single battery charge.
• Sharper images: Has hand-shake reducing image stabilization built-in.
• More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (85 percent cheaper at launch).
• More heavily discounted: Has been on the market for longer (launched in September 2010).

Arguments in favor of the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1:

• More detail: Has more megapixels (24 vs 14MP), which boosts linear resolution by 34%.
• Better moiré control: Has an anti-alias filter to avoid artificial patterns to appear in images.
• Better image quality: Is equipped with a larger and more technologically advanced sensor.
• Richer colors: The sensor size advantage translates into images with better, more accurate colors.
• More dynamic range: Larger sensor captures a wider spectrum of light and dark details.
• Better low-light sensitivity: Larger sensor produces good images even in poorly lit environments.
• Better video: Provides higher definition movie capture (1080/60p vs 720/30p).
• Better sound: Can connect to an external microphone for higher quality sound recording.
• Larger screen: Has a bigger rear LCD (3.0" vs 2.7") for image review and settings control.
• More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (1229k vs 230k dots).
• Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/4000s vs 1/3200s) to freeze action.
• Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (5 vs 0.6 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
• Better light gathering: Has a lens with a wider maximum aperture (f/2.0 vs f/2.7).
• More compact: Is smaller (113x65mm vs 123x92mm) and will fit more readily into a bag.
• Less heavy: Has a lower weight (by 119g or 20 percent) and is thus easier to take along.
• Easier travel charging: Can be conveniently charged via its USB port.
• More modern: Was introduced somewhat (1 year and 11 months) more recently.

If the count of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a measure, the RX1 is the clear winner of the contest (17 : 8 points). However, the pertinence of the various camera strengths will differ across photographers, so that you might want to weigh individual camera traits according to their importance for your own imaging needs before making a camera decision. A professional wildlife photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a family photog, and a person interested in architecture has distinct needs from a sports shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Canon SX30 and the Sony RX1 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best Superzoom Camera and Best Prime Lens Compact Camera listings whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the comparison of technical specifications can provide a useful overview of the capabilities of different cameras, it says little about, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance of the SX30 and the RX1 in practical situations. User reviews that are available, for instance, at amazon can sometimes shed light on these issues, but such feedback is all too often partial, inconsistent, and inaccurate.

Expert reviews

This is where reviews by experts come in. The table below provides a synthesis of the camera assessments of some of the best known photo-gear review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]). As can be seen, the professional reviewers agree in many cases on the quality of different cameras, but sometimes their assessments diverge, reinforcing the earlier point that a camera decision is often a very personal choice.

Expert Camera Reviews

		Camera   Model	AP   score	CL   score	DCW   score	DPR   score	EPZ   score	PB   score	Camera Launch	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price
1.		Canon SX30	3/5	+ +	..	..	3.5/5	4/5	Sep 2010	429	ebay.com
2.		Sony RX1	5/5	..	..	79/100	4/5	4.5/5	Sep 2012	2,799	ebay.com
3.		Canon SX20	..	+ +	..	73/100	..	4/5	Aug 2009	399	ebay.com
4.		Canon SX40	..	+	..	..	4.5/5	4/5	Sep 2011	429	ebay.com
5.		Canon SX50	3/5	+ +	..	72/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Sep 2012	429	ebay.com
6.		Canon SX60	3/5	+ +	..	75/100	4/5	4.5/5	Sep 2014	549	ebay.com
7.		Canon SX530	..	+ +	..	..	4/5	4/5	Jan 2015	429	ebay.com
8.		Canon T3	..	80/100	..	69/100	4/5	4.5/5	Feb 2011	449	ebay.com
9.		Leica V-LUX 2	..	..	..	..	..	..	Sep 2010	849	ebay.com
10.		Leica V-LUX 3	..	..	..	..	..	..	Dec 2011	949	ebay.com
11.		Nikon D5300	4/5	+ +	..	79/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Oct 2013	799	ebay.com
12.		Panasonic FZ100	..	+	..	..	4.5/5	4.5/5	Jul 2010	499	ebay.com
13.		Panasonic FZ150	3/5	+ +	..	76/100	4/5	4.5/5	Aug 2011	499	ebay.com
14.		Sony A3000	3/5	+	..	..	4/5	4/5	Aug 2013	329	ebay.com
15.		Sony NEX-7	5/5	+ +	..	81/100	4.5/5	5/5	Aug 2011	1,349	ebay.com
16.		Sony RX1R	5/5	..	..	..	4/5	4.5/5	Jun 2013	2,799	ebay.com
17.		Sony RX1R II	5/5	..	..	82/100	..	4.5/5	Oct 2015	3,299	ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.

The review scores listed above should be treated with care, though. The ratings were established in reference to similarly priced cameras that were available in the market at the time of the review. A score, therefore, has to be seen in close connection to the price and market introduction time of the camera, and comparing ratings of very distinct cameras or ones that are far apart in terms of their release date have little meaning. Also, please note that some of the review sites have changed their methodology and reporting over time.

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Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? In case you would like to check on the differences and similarities of other camera models, just make your choice using the following search menu. There is also a set of direct links to comparison reviews that other users of the CAM-parator app explored.

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