Canon XT vs Sony HX90V

The Canon EOS Rebel XT (called Canon 350D in some regions) and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX90V are two digital cameras that were announced, respectively, in February 2005 and April 2015. The XT is a DSLR, while the HX90V is a fixed lens compact. The cameras are based on an APS-C (XT) and a 1/2.3-inch (HX90V) sensor. The Canon has a resolution of 8 megapixels, whereas the Sony provides 18 MP.

As their names suggest, both the Canon EOS Rebel XT and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX90V belong to Canon's Rebel line of DSLR cameras. This range of APS-C cameras, which started out with the Canon EOS Digital Rebel in 2003, has been a big commercial success and the backbone of Canon's dominance in the digital camera market. The popularity of the Rebel cameras is the result of them inheriting much of the sensor and shooting technology from earlier released professional DSLRs, while being sold at a much more budget-friendly price point. The strong brand reputation of Canon and the comprehensive EOS system of compatible lenses and accessories further contributes to the appeal of the Rebel cams, including the Canon XT and Sony HX90V. Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.

Headline Specifications

Canon XT		Sony HX90V
Digital single lens reflex		Fixed lens compact camera
Canon EF mount lenses		24-720mm f/3.5-6.4
8 MP, APS-C Sensor		18 MP, 1/2.3" Sensor
no Video		1080/60p Video
ISO 100-1600		ISO 80-3200 (80-12800)
Optical viewfinder		Electronic viewfinder (638k dots)
1.8" LCD, 115k dots		3.0" LCD, 921k dots
Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)		Tilting screen (not touch-sensitive)
3 shutter flaps per second		10 shutter flaps per second
400 shots per battery charge		360 shots per battery charge
127 x 94 x 64 mm, 540 g		102 x 58 x 36 mm, 245 g

Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Canon EOS Rebel XT and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX90V? 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

An illustration of the physical size and weight of the Canon XT and the Sony HX90V is provided in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive perspectives from the front, the top, and the back are available. All size dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

The XT can be obtained in two different colors (black, silver), while the HX90V is only available in black.

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Sony HX90V is considerably smaller (50 percent) than the Canon XT. In this context, it is worth noting that neither the XT nor the HX90V are weather-sealed.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete and possibly misleading, as the HX90V has a lens built in, whereas the XT is an interchangeable lens camera that requires a separate lens. Attaching the latter will add extra weight and bulk to the setup. You can compare the optics available for the XT and their specifications in the Canon EF Lens Catalog.

Concerning battery life, the XT gets 400 shots out of its NB-2LH battery, while the HX90V can take 360 images on a single charge of its NP-BX1 power pack. The power pack in the HX90V can be charged via the USB port, which can be very convenient when travelling.

The following table provides a synthesis of the main physical specifications of the two cameras and other similar ones. If you want to switch the focus of the display and review another camera pair, just select a new right or left comparator from among the camera models in the table. Alternatively, you can also move across to the CAM-parator tool and choose from the broad selection of possible camera comparisons there.

Camera Body Specifications

	Camera Model	Camera Width	Camera Height	Camera Depth	Camera Weight	Battery Life (CIPA)	Weather Sealing (yes/no)	Camera Launch (announced)	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price (USD)	Used Price (USD)	Camera Model
	Canon XT»	5.0 in	3.7 in	2.5 in	19.0 oz	400	n	Feb 2005	899	-		Canon XT
	Sony HX90V«	4.0 in	2.3 in	1.4 in	8.6 oz	360	n	Apr 2015	429			Sony HX90V
	Canon 77D« »	5.2 in	3.9 in	3.0 in	19.0 oz	600	n	Feb 2017	899			Canon 77D
	Canon SX720« »	4.3 in	2.5 in	1.4 in	9.5 oz	250	n	Feb 2016	379	-		Canon SX720
	Canon T6i« »	5.2 in	4.0 in	3.1 in	19.6 oz	440	n	Feb 2015	749	-		Canon T6i
	Canon T6s« »	5.2 in	4.0 in	3.1 in	19.9 oz	440	n	Feb 2015	649	-		Canon T6s
	Canon T4i« »	5.2 in	3.9 in	3.1 in	20.3 oz	440	n	Jun 2012	849	-		Canon T4i
	Canon T1i« »	5.1 in	3.9 in	2.4 in	18.3 oz	400	n	Mar 2009	799	-		Canon T1i
	Canon XSi« »	5.1 in	3.9 in	2.4 in	18.5 oz	500	n	Jan 2008	799	-		Canon XSi
	Canon 30D« »	5.7 in	4.2 in	2.9 in	27.7 oz	750	n	Feb 2006	1,399	-		Canon 30D
	Canon XTi« »	5.0 in	3.3 in	2.6 in	19.6 oz	370	n	Aug 2006	799	-		Canon XTi
	Canon 20D« »	5.7 in	4.2 in	2.8 in	27.2 oz	700	n	Aug 2004	1,499	-		Canon 20D
	Canon Rebel« »	5.6 in	3.9 in	2.8 in	22.9 oz	400	n	Aug 2003	899	-		Canon Rebel
	Sony HX99« »	4.0 in	2.3 in	1.4 in	8.5 oz	370	n	Aug 2018	449			Sony HX99
	Sony HX95« »	4.0 in	2.3 in	1.4 in	8.5 oz	370	n	Aug 2018	429			Sony HX95
	Sony WX800« »	4.0 in	2.3 in	1.4 in	8.2 oz	370	n	Oct 2018	399			Sony WX800
	Sony HX400V« »	5.1 in	3.7 in	4.1 in	23.3 oz	300	n	Feb 2014	499			Sony HX400V
Convert to Metric
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.

Any camera decision will naturally be influenced heavily by the price. The manufacturer’s suggested retail prices give an idea on the placement of the camera in the maker’s lineup and the broader market. The HX90V was launched at a lower price than the XT, despite having a lens built in. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. 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. Then, after the new model is out, very good deals can frequently be found on the pre-owned market.

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 XT features an APS-C sensor and the Sony HX90V a 1/2.3-inch sensor. The sensor area in the HX90V is 91 percent smaller. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 1.6 and 5.6. The sensor in the XT has a native 3:2 aspect ratio, while the one in the HX90V offers a 4:3 aspect.

Despite having a smaller sensor, the HX90V offers a higher resolution of 18 megapixels, compared with 8 MP of the XT. This megapixels advantage comes at the cost of a higher pixel density and a smaller size of the individual pixel (with a pixel pitch of 1.25μm versus 6.41μm for the XT). However, it should be noted that the HX90V is much more recent (by 10 years and 1 month) than the XT, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that make it possible to gather light more efficiently. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that the HX90V has no anti-alias filter installed, so that it can capture all the detail its sensor resolves.

The resolution advantage of the Sony HX90V implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the HX90V for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 24.5 x 18.4 inch or 62.2 x 46.6 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 19.6 x 14.7 inch or 49.7 x 37.3 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 16.3 x 12.2 inch or 41.5 x 31.1 cm. The corresponding values for the Canon XT are 17.3 x 11.5 inch or 43.9 x 29.3 cm for good quality, 13.8 x 9.2 inch or 35.1 x 23.4 cm for very good quality, and 11.5 x 7.7 inch or 29.3 x 19.5 cm for excellent quality prints.

The Canon EOS Rebel XT has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 1600. The corresponding ISO settings for the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX90V are ISO 80 to ISO 3200, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 80-12800.

Consistent information on actual sensor performance is available from DXO Mark for many cameras. This service is based on lab testing and assigns an overall score to each camera sensor, as well as ratings for dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), color depth ("DXO Portrait"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"). The following table provides an overview of the physical sensor characteristics, as well as the sensor quality measurements for a selection of comparators.

Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but also of capturing video footage. The HX90V indeed provides for movie recording, while the XT does not. The highest resolution format that the HX90V can use is 1080/60p.

Feature comparison

Beyond body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. For example, the HX90V has an electronic viewfinder (638k dots), while the XT has an optical one. Both systems have their advantages, with the electronic viewfinder making it possible to project supplementary shooting information into the framing view, whereas the optical viewfinder offers lag-free viewing and a very clear framing image. The table below summarizes some of the other core capabilities of the Canon XT and Sony HX90V in connection with corresponding information for a sample of similar cameras.

The XT writes its imaging data to Compact Flash cards, while the HX90V 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 EOS Rebel XT and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX90V and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

It is notable that the XT has a hotshoe, while the HX90V does not. This socket makes it possible to easily attach optional accessories, such as an external flash gun.

Travel and landscape photographers will find it useful that the HX90V has an internal geolocalization sensor and can record GPS coordinates in its EXIF data.

The HX90V is a recent model that features in the current product line-up of Sony. In contrast, the XT has been discontinued (but it can be found pre-owned on eBay). As a replacement in the same line of cameras, the XT was succeeded by the Canon Xti. Further information on the two cameras (e.g. user guides, manuals), as well as related accessories, can be found on the official Canon and Sony websites.

Review summary

So what conclusions can be drawn? Which of the two cameras – the Canon XT or the Sony HX90V – has the upper hand? Is one clearly better than the other? The listing below highlights the relative strengths of the two models.

Reasons to prefer the Canon EOS Rebel XT:

• Better moiré control: Has an anti-alias filter to avoid artificial patterns to appear in images.
• Better image quality: Features bigger pixels on a larger sensor for higher quality imaging.
• Richer colors: The pixel size advantage translates into images with better, more accurate colors.
• More dynamic range: Larger pixels capture a wider spectrum of light and dark details.
• Better low-light sensitivity: Larger pixels means good image quality even under poor lighting.
• Brighter framing: Features an optical viewfinder for clear, lag-free composition.
• Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/4000s vs 1/2000s) to freeze action.
• More flexible: Can take a variety of interchangeable lenses, including specialty optics.
• Longer lasting: Can take more shots (400 versus 360) on a single battery charge.
• Better lighting: Features a hotshoe and can thus hold and trigger an external flash gun.
• More heavily discounted: Has been available for much longer (launched in February 2005).

Advantages of the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX90V:

• More detail: Has more megapixels (18 vs 8MP), which boosts linear resolution by 47%.
• Maximized detail: Lacks an anti-alias filter to exploit the sensor's full resolution potential.
• Broader imaging potential: Can capture not only stills but also 1080/60p video.
• More framing info: Has an electronic viewfinder that displays shooting data.
• Larger screen: Has a bigger rear LCD (3.0" vs 1.8") for image review and settings control.
• More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (921k vs 115k dots).
• More flexible LCD: Has a tilting screen for odd-angle shots in landscape orientation.
• More selfie-friendly: Has an articulated screen that can be turned to be front-facing.
• Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (10 vs 3 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
• Ready to shoot: Comes with an integrated lens, while the XT requires a separate lens.
• More compact: Is smaller (102x58mm vs 127x94mm) and will fit more readily into a bag.
• Less heavy: Has a lower weight even though it has a lens built in (unlike the XT).
• Easier travel charging: Can be conveniently charged via its USB port.
• Sharper images: Has stabilization technology built-in to reduce the impact of hand-shake.
• Easier geotagging: Features an internal GPS sensor to log localization data.
• Easier file upload: Has wifi built in for automatic backup or image transfer to the web.
• Easier device pairing: Supports NFC for fast wireless image transfer over short distances.
• More affordable: Was introduced at a lower price, despite coming with a built-in lens.
• More modern: Reflects 10 years and 1 month of technical progress since the XT launch.

If the count of individual advantages (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the HX90V is the clear winner of the contest (18 : 11 points). However, the relative importance of the various individual camera aspects will vary according to personal preferences and needs, so that you might like to apply corresponding weights to the particular features before making a decision on a new camera. 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 XT and the Sony HX90V place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best DSLR Camera and Best Superzoom Camera listings whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the comparison of the spec-sheets of cameras can offer a general idea of their imaging potential, it says little about, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance of the XT and the HX90V 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 following table reports the overall ratings of the cameras as published by some of the major camera review sites (cameralabs, dpreview, ephotozine, imaging-resource, and photographyblog). 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.

Review Scores

	Camera Model						Camera Launch (announced)	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price (USD)	Used Price (USD)	Camera Model
	Canon XT»	80/100	+ +	o	o	-	Feb 2005	899	-		Canon XT
	Sony HX90V«	+ +	-	4/5	-	4.5/5	Apr 2015	429			Sony HX90V
	Canon 77D« »	-	82/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	4/5	Feb 2017	899			Canon 77D
	Canon SX720« »	+	-	4/5	-	4.5/5	Feb 2016	379	-		Canon SX720
	Canon T6i« »	-	75/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Feb 2015	749	-		Canon T6i
	Canon T6s« »	+	77/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Feb 2015	649	-		Canon T6s
	Canon T4i« »	+ +	77/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Jun 2012	849	-		Canon T4i
	Canon T1i« »	+ +	74/100	4.5/5	5/5	4.5/5	Mar 2009	799	-		Canon T1i
	Canon XSi« »	+ +	+ +	4/5	5/5	4.5/5	Jan 2008	799	-		Canon XSi
	Canon 30D« »	+ +	+ +	o	o	-	Feb 2006	1,399	-		Canon 30D
	Canon XTi« »	+ +	+ +	o	4.5/5	4/5	Aug 2006	799	-		Canon XTi
	Canon 20D« »	-	+ +	-	o	-	Aug 2004	1,499	-		Canon 20D
	Canon Rebel« »	-	+ +	-	o	-	Aug 2003	899	-		Canon Rebel
	Sony HX99« »	-	-	4/5	-	4.5/5	Aug 2018	449			Sony HX99
	Sony HX95« »	-	-	-	-	-	Aug 2018	429			Sony HX95
	Sony WX800« »	-	-	-	-	-	Oct 2018	399			Sony WX800
	Sony HX400V« »	+ +	-	4/5	-	4/5	Feb 2014	499			Sony HX400V
Notes: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (-) not available.

Care should be taken when interpreting the review scores above, though. The ratings are only valid when referring to cameras in the same category and of the same age. 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.

Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? If you would like to see a different side-by-side camera review, just make a corresponding selection in the search boxes below. As an alternative, you can also directly jump to any one of the listed comparisons that were previously generated by the CAM-parator tool.

Specifications: Canon XT vs Sony HX90V

Below is a side-by-side comparison of the specs of the two cameras to facilitate a quick review of their differences and common features.

Did you notice an error on this page? If so, please get in touch, so that we can correct the information.