Pentax W80 vs Sony A100

On this page, we will be matching up the Pentax W80 versus Sony A100, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by manufacturers Pentax and Sony. The image resolution of the W80 (12MP) and the A100 (10MP) is pretty similar but the W80 (1/2.3") and A100 (APS-C) boast different sensor measurements.

Japan-exclusive Leica Leitz Phone 3 features big sensor and new modes

The W80 was introduced 2 years after the A100 which is quite a sizable gap as far as tech is concerned. Each of these cameras have different body design with the Pentax W80 being a Compact camera and the Sony A100 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before going right into a step-by-step comparison, here is a quick synopsis of how the W80 scores vs the A100 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Pentax Optio W80 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A100. The whole galleries are available at Pentax W80 Gallery and Sony A100 Gallery.

When you are aiming to carry around your camera frequently, you will want to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Pentax W80 has got exterior measurements of 100mm x 56mm x 25mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.0") with a weight of 156 grams (0.34 lbs) while the Sony A100 has dimensions of 133mm x 95mm x 71mm (5.2" x 3.7" x 2.8") having a weight of 638 grams (1.41 lbs).

Look at the Pentax W80 versus Sony A100 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you have chosen at that moment. Underneath is a front view scale comparison of the W80 vs the A100.

Looking at size and weight, the portability grade of the W80 and A100 is 94 and 64 respectively.

Often, it is very difficult to imagine the difference between sensor sizes only by going over specifications. The picture below will help provide you a more clear sense of the sensor sizing in the W80 and A100.

Plainly, each of the cameras provide different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The W80 having a tinier sensor is going to make achieving shallower depth of field harder and the Pentax W80 will offer more detail using its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also help you crop pictures more aggressively. The newer W80 should have a benefit when it comes to sensor innovation.