A potelyt.com – Photography & Imaging Resources
ad

When you use links on apotelyt.com to buy products,
the site may earn a commission.

PW

Sony HX95 vs Canon SX730

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX95 and the Canon PowerShot SX730 HS are two digital cameras that were announced, respectively, in August 2018 and April 2017. Both the HX95 and the SX730 are fixed lens compact cameras that are equipped with a 1/2.3-inch sensor. The Sony has a resolution of 18 megapixels, whereas the Canon provides 20.2 MP.

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

Headline Specifications
Sony HX95
versus
Canon SX730
Sony HX95   Canon SX730
Fixed lens compact camera Fixed lens compact camera
24-720mm f/3.5-6.4 24-960mm f/3.3-6.9
18 MP – 1/2.3" sensor 20.2 MP – 1/2.3" sensor
4K/30p Video 1080/60p Video
ISO 80-3,200 (80 - 6,400) ISO 80-3,200
Electronic viewfinder (638k dots) No viewfinder, LCD framing
3.0" LCD – 922k dots 3.0" LCD – 922k dots
Tilting screen (no touchscreen) Tilting screen (no touchscreen)
10 shutter flaps per second 5.9 shutter flaps per second
370 shots per battery charge250 shots per battery charge
102 x 58 x 36 mm, 242 g 110 x 64 x 40 mm, 300 g
logo
Check HX95 offers at
ebay.com
logo
Check SX730 offers at
ebay.com

Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX95 and the Canon PowerShot SX730 HS? 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.

ad

Body comparison

The side-by-side display below illustrates the physical size and weight of the Sony HX95 and the Canon SX730. 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 measures are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

The SX730 can be obtained in two different colors (black, silver), while the HX95 is only available in black.

Size Sony HX95 vs Canon SX730
Compare HX95 versus SX730 top
Comparison HX95 or SX730 rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Canon SX730 is notably larger (19 percent) than the Sony HX95. Moreover, the SX730 is markedly heavier (24 percent) than the HX95. In this context, it is worth noting that neither the HX95 nor the SX730 are weather-sealed.

Concerning battery life, the HX95 gets 370 shots out of its Sony NP-BX1 battery, while the SX730 can take 250 images on a single charge of its Canon NB-13L power pack. The battery packs of both cameras can be charged via USB, 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, you can move across to the CAM-parator tool and choose from the broad selection of possible camera comparisons there.

scroll hint
Body Specifications
# image Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Sony HX95 102 mm 58 mm 36 mm 242 g 370 n Aug 2018 429ebay.com
2.
 
Canon SX730 110 mm 64 mm 40 mm 300 g 250 n Apr 2017 399ebay.com
3.
 
Canon SX740 110 mm 64 mm 40 mm 299 g 265 n Jul 2018 399 amazon.com
4.
 
Canon SX70 127 mm 91 mm 117 mm 608 g 325 n Sep 2018 549 amazon.com
5.
 
Canon SX420 104 mm 69 mm 85 mm 325 g 195 n Jan 2016 299ebay.com
6.
 
Canon SX540 120 mm 82 mm 92 mm 442 g 205 n Jan 2016 399ebay.com
7.
 
Canon SX720 110 mm 64 mm 36 mm 270 g 250 n Feb 2016 379ebay.com
8.
 
Canon SX710 113 mm 66 mm 35 mm 269 g 230 n Jan 2015 349ebay.com
9.
 
Nikon A1000 114 mm 72 mm 41 mm 330 g 250 n Jan 2019 429ebay.com
10.
 
Nikon W300 112 mm 66 mm 29 mm 231 g 280 Y May 2017 389ebay.com
11.
 
Panasonic ZS70 112 mm 67 mm 41 mm 322 g 380 n Apr 2017 449ebay.com
12.
 
Sony HX99 102 mm 58 mm 36 mm 242 g 370 n Aug 2018 449ebay.com
13.
 
Sony WX800 102 mm 58 mm 36 mm 233 g 370 n Oct 2018 399ebay.com
14.
 
Sony HX90V 102 mm 58 mm 36 mm 245 g 360 n Apr 2015 429ebay.com
15.
 
Sony HX400V 130 mm 93 mm 103 mm 660 g 300 n Feb 2014 499ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
padding

Any camera decision will obviously take relative prices into account. The listed launch prices provide an indication of the market segment that the manufacturer of the cameras have been targeting. The SX730 was somewhat cheaper (by 7 percent) than the HX95 at launch, but both cameras fall into the same price category. 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.

Sensor comparison

The imaging sensor is at the core of digital cameras and its size is one of the main determining factors 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.

Both cameras under consideration feature a 1/2.3-inch sensor and have a format factor (sometimes also referred to as "crop factor") of 5.6. Within the spectrum of camera sensors, this places the review cameras among the smaller-sensor digicams that favor affordability and compact design. Both cameras feature a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 4:3.

Sony HX95 and Canon SX730 sensor measures

While the two cameras under review share the same sensor size, the SX730 offers a higher resolution of 20.2 megapixels, compared with 18 MP of the HX95. This megapixels advantage translates into a 6 percent gain in linear resolution. On the other hand, these sensor specs imply that the SX730 has a higher pixel density and a smaller size of the individual pixel (with a pixel pitch of 1.18μm versus 1.25μm for the HX95). Moreover, it should be noted, that the HX95 is a somewhat more recent model (by 1 year and 4 months) than the SX730, and its sensor might have benefitted from technological advances during this time that further enhance the light gathering capacity of individual pixels. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that neither of the two cameras has an anti-alias filter installed, so they are able to capture all the detail the sensor resolves.

The resolution advantage of the Canon SX730 implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the SX730 for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 25.9 x 19.4 inches or 65.8 x 49.4 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 20.7 x 15.6 inches or 52.7 x 39.5 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 17.3 x 13 inches or 43.9 x 32.9 cm. The corresponding values for the Sony HX95 are 24.5 x 18.4 inches or 62.2 x 46.6 cm for good quality, 19.6 x 14.7 inches or 49.7 x 37.3 cm for very good quality, and 16.3 x 12.2 inches or 41.5 x 31.1 cm for excellent quality prints.

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX95 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 80 to ISO 3200, which can be extended to ISO 80-6400. The corresponding ISO settings for the Canon PowerShot SX730 HS are ISO 80 to ISO 3200 (no boost).

In terms of underlying technology, the HX95 is build around a CMOS sensor, while the SX730 uses a BSI-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.

HX95 versus SX730 MP

Since 2007, DXO Mark has published sensor performance measurements that have been derived using a consistent methodology. This service assesses and scores the color depth ("DXO Portrait"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports") of camera sensors, and also publishes an overall camera score. The following table provides an overview of the physical sensor characteristics, as well as the sensor quality measurements for a selection of comparators.

scroll hint
Sensor Characteristics
# image Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Sony HX95 1/2.3 18.0 4896 36724K/30p20.612.1105751
2.
 
Canon SX730 1/2.3 20.2 5184 38881080/60p20.511.992450
3.
 
Canon SX740 1/2.3 20.2 5184 38884K/30p20.612.1105051
4.
 
Canon SX70 1/2.3 20.2 5184 38884K/30p20.612.1106351
5.
 
Canon SX420 1/2.3 19.9 5152 3864720/25p20.311.780648
6.
 
Canon SX540 1/2.3 20.2 5184 38881080/60p20.311.780648
7.
 
Canon SX720 1/2.3 20.2 5184 38881080/60p20.311.881748
8.
 
Canon SX710 1/2.3 20.2 5184 38881080/60p20.211.671247
9.
 
Nikon A1000 1/2.3 15.9 4608 34564K/30p20.712.2109552
10.
 
Nikon W300 1/2.3 15.9 4608 34564K/30p20.512.093850
11.
 
Panasonic ZS70 1/2.3 20.2 5184 38884K/30p19.110.610636
12.
 
Sony HX99 1/2.3 18.0 4896 36724K/30p20.612.1105851
13.
 
Sony WX800 1/2.3 18.0 4896 36724K/30p20.612.2107051
14.
 
Sony HX90V 1/2.3 18.0 4896 36721080/60p20.211.673847
15.
 
Sony HX400V 1/2.3 20.2 5184 38881080/60p20.111.462945
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.
padding

Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but can also record movies. Both cameras under consideration are equipped with sensors that have a sufficiently high read-out speed for moving images, but the HX95 provides a higher video resolution than the SX730. It can shoot video footage at 4K/30p, while the Canon is limited to 1080/60p.

ad

Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. For example, the HX95 has an electronic viewfinder (638k dots), which can be very helpful when shooting in bright sunlight. In contrast, the SX730 relies on live view and the rear LCD for framing. The table below summarizes some of the other core capabilities of the Sony HX95 and Canon SX730 in connection with corresponding information for a sample of similar cameras.

scroll hint
Core Features
# image 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.
 
Sony HX95638 n3.0 / 922 tilting n 1/2000s 10.0/s Y Y
2.
 
Canon SX730none n3.0 / 922 tilting n 1/3200s 5.9/s Y Y
3.
 
Canon SX740none n3.0 / 922 tilting n 1/3200s 10.0/s Y Y
4.
 
Canon SX702360 n3.0 / 922 swivel n 1/2000s 10.0/s Y Y
5.
 
Canon SX420none n3.0 / 230 fixed n 1/4000s 0.5/s Y Y
6.
 
Canon SX540none n3.0 / 461 fixed n 1/2000s 5.9/s Y Y
7.
 
Canon SX720none n3.0 / 922 fixed n 1/3200s 5.9/s Y Y
8.
 
Canon SX710none n3.0 / 922 fixed n 1/3200s 6.0/s Y Y
9.
 
Nikon A10001166 n3.0 / 1036 tilting Y 1/4000s 7.0/s Y Y
10.
 
Nikon W300none n3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/4000s 7.0/s Y Y
11.
 
Panasonic ZS701166 n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/2000s 10.0/s Y Y
12.
 
Sony HX99638 n3.0 / 922 tilting Y 1/2000s 10.0/s Y Y
13.
 
Sony WX800none n3.0 / 922 tilting Y 1/2000s 10.0/s Y Y
14.
 
Sony HX90V638 n3.0 / 921 tilting n 1/2000s 10.0/s Y Y
15.
 
Sony HX400V210 n3.0 / 921 tilting n 1/4000s 10.0/s Y Y
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.
padding
Both cameras have an articulated rear screen that can be turned to be front-facing. This feature will be particularly appreciated by vloggers and photographers who are interested in taking selfies.

Both the HX95 and the SX730 have zoom lenses built in. The HX95 has a 24-720mm f/3.5-6.4 optic and the SX730 offers a 24-960mm f/3.3-6.9 (focal lengths in full frame equivalent terms). Hence, the Sony and Canon provide the same view at the wide-angle end, but the Canon has more tele-photo reach at the long end. The SX730 offers the faster maximum aperture.

The HX95 writes its imaging data to SDXC or Memory Stick PRO Duo cards, while the SX730 uses SDXC cards.

ad

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 Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX95 and Canon PowerShot SX730 HS and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

scroll hint
Input-Output Connections
# image Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Sony HX95-stereo / mono--micro2.0YYY
2.
 
Canon SX730-stereo / mono--micro2.0YYY
3.
 
Canon SX740-stereo / mono--micro2.0Y-Y
4.
 
Canon SX70-stereo / monoY-micro2.0Y-Y
5.
 
Canon SX420-mono / mono---2.0YY-
6.
 
Canon SX540-stereo / mono--mini2.0YY-
7.
 
Canon SX720-stereo / mono--micro2.0YY-
8.
 
Canon SX710-stereo / mono--micro2.0YY-
9.
 
Nikon A1000-stereo / mono--micro2.0Y-Y
10.
 
Nikon W300-stereo / mono--micro2.0Y-Y
11.
 
Panasonic ZS70-stereo / mono--micro2.0Y--
12.
 
Sony HX99-stereo / mono--micro2.0YYY
13.
 
Sony WX800-stereo / mono--micro2.0YY-
14.
 
Sony HX90V-stereo / mono--micro2.0YY-
15.
 
Sony HX400VYstereo / mono--micro2.0YY-
padding

Both the HX95 and the SX730 have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. The SX730 was replaced by the Canon SX730 HS, while the HX95 does not have a direct successor. Further information on the features and operation of the HX95 and SX730 can be found, respectively, in the Sony HX95 Manual (free pdf) or the online Canon SX730 Manual.

ad

Review summary

So what is the bottom line? Which of the two cameras – the Sony HX95 or the Canon SX730 – has the upper hand? Is one clearly better than the other? A synthesis of the relative strong points of each of the models is listed below.

ilogo

Advantages of the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX95:

  • Better video: Provides higher definition movie capture (4K/30p vs 1080/60p).
  • Easier framing: Has an electronic viewfinder for image composition and settings control.
  • Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (10 vs 5.9 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
  • More compact: Is smaller (102x58mm vs 110x64mm) and thus needs less room in the bag.
  • Less heavy: Is lighter (by 58g or 19 percent) and hence easier to carry around.
  • Longer lasting: Can take more shots (370 versus 250) on a single battery charge.
  • More modern: Is somewhat more recent (announced 1 year and 4 months after the SX730).

ilogo

Arguments in favor of the Canon PowerShot SX730 HS:

  • More detail: Has more megapixels (20.2 vs 18MP), which boosts linear resolution by 6%.
  • Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/3200s vs 1/2000s) to freeze action.
  • Better light gathering: Has a lens with a wider maximum aperture (f/3.3 vs f/3.5).
  • More tele-reach: Has a longer tele-lens for perspective compression and subject magnification.
  • More heavily discounted: Has been on the market for longer (launched in April 2017).

If the count of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a measure, the HX95 emerges as the winner of the contest (7 : 5 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 sports photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a street photog, and a person interested in family portraits has distinct needs from a landscape shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

HX95 07:05 SX730

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Sony HX95 and the Canon SX730 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best Superzoom Camera listing whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the specs-based evaluation of cameras can be instructive in revealing their potential as photographic tools, it remains incomplete and does no justice, for example, to the way the HX95 or the SX730 perform in practice. User reviews, such as those found at amazon, can sometimes inform about these issues, but such feedback is often incomplete, inconsistent, and biased.

Expert reviews

This is why expert reviews are important. 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.

scroll hint
Expert Camera Reviews
# image  Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Sony HX95............ Aug 2018 429ebay.com
2.
 
Canon SX730..+....4/54/5 Apr 2017 399ebay.com
3.
 
Canon SX740..+3.5/5..4/54/5 Jul 2018 399 amazon.com
4.
 
Canon SX70..+ +3.5/5..3.5/53.5/5 Sep 2018 549 amazon.com
5.
 
Canon SX420..........3/5 Jan 2016 299ebay.com
6.
 
Canon SX540............ Jan 2016 399ebay.com
7.
 
Canon SX720..+....4/54.5/5 Feb 2016 379ebay.com
8.
 
Canon SX710..+....4/53.5/5 Jan 2015 349ebay.com
9.
 
Nikon A1000..+ +3.5/5..3.5/53/5 Jan 2019 429ebay.com
10.
 
Nikon W300..+....4/54/5 May 2017 389ebay.com
11.
 
Panasonic ZS70..+ +....4/54/5 Apr 2017 449ebay.com
12.
 
Sony HX99........4/54.5/5 Aug 2018 449ebay.com
13.
 
Sony WX800............ Oct 2018 399ebay.com
14.
 
Sony HX90V4/5+ +....4/54.5/5 Apr 2015 429ebay.com
15.
 
Sony HX400V4/5+ +....4/54/5 Feb 2014 499ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.
padding

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.

logo
Check HX95 offers at
ebay.com
logo
Check SX730 offers at
ebay.com

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.

~
    loader
    ad

    Specifications: Sony HX95 vs Canon SX730

    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.

    Camera Specifications
    Camera Model Sony HX95 Canon SX730
    Camera Type Fixed lens compact camera Fixed lens compact camera
    Camera Lens 24-720mm f/3.5-6.4 24-960mm f/3.3-6.9
    Launch Date August 2018 April 2017
    Launch Price USD 429 USD 399
    Sensor Specs Sony HX95 Canon SX730
    Sensor Technology CMOS BSI-CMOS
    Sensor Format 1/2.3" Sensor 1/2.3" Sensor
    Sensor Size 6.17 x 4.55 mm 6.17 x 4.55 mm
    Sensor Area 28.0735 mm2 28.0735 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 7.7 mm 7.7 mm
    Crop Factor 5.6x 5.6x
    Sensor Resolution 18 Megapixels 20.2 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 4896 x 3672 pixels 5184 x 3888 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 1.25 μm 1.18 μm
    Pixel Density 64.04 MP/cm2 71.80 MP/cm2
    Moiré control no AA filter no AA filter
    Movie Capability 4K/30p Video 1080/60p Video
    ISO Setting 80 - 3,200 ISO 80 - 3,200 ISO
    ISO Boost 80 - 6,400 ISO no Enhancement
    Image Processor BIONZ X DIGIC 6
    Screen Specs Sony HX95 Canon SX730
    Viewfinder Type Electronic viewfinder no viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 100%
    Viewfinder Resolution 638k dots
    LCD Framing Live View Live View
    Rear LCD Size 3.0inch 3.0inch
    LCD Resolution 922k dots 922k dots
    LCD Attachment Tilting screen Tilting screen
    Shooting Specs Sony HX95 Canon SX730
    Focus System Contrast-detect AF Contrast-detect AF
    Continuous Shooting 10 shutter flaps/s 5.9 shutter flaps/s
    Fill Flash Built-in Flash Built-in Flash
    Storage Medium MS or SDXC cards SDXC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Single card slot Single card slot
    UHS card support no no
    Connectivity Specs Sony HX95 Canon SX730
    External Flash no Hotshoe no Hotshoe
    USB Connector USB 2.0 USB 2.0
    HDMI Port micro HDMI micro HDMI
    Wifi Support Wifi built-in Wifi built-in
    Near-Field Communication NFC built-in NFC built-in
    Bluetooth Support Bluetooth built-in Bluetooth built-in
    Body Specs Sony HX95 Canon SX730
    Battery Type Sony NP-BX1 Canon NB-13L
    Battery Life (CIPA)370 shots per charge250 shots per charge
    In-Camera Charging USB charging USB charging
    Body Dimensions 102 x 58 x 36 mm
    (4.0 x 2.3 x 1.4 in)
    110 x 64 x 40 mm
    (4.3 x 2.5 x 1.6 in)
    Camera Weight 242 g (8.5 oz) 300 g (10.6 oz)
    logo
    Check HX95 offers at
    ebay.com
    logo
    Check SX730 offers at
    ebay.com

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

    You are here Home  »  CAM-parator  »  Sony HX95 vs Canon SX730