Ricoh CX3 vs Sony A500

On this page, we will be contrasting the Ricoh CX3 and Sony A500, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by manufacturers Ricoh and Sony. The sensor resolution of the CX3 (10MP) and the A500 (12MP) is relatively comparable but the CX3 (1/2.3") and A500 (APS-C) posses totally different sensor measurements.

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The CX3 was brought out 10 months after the A500 which means that they are of a similar generation. Each of the cameras have different body design with the Ricoh CX3 being a Compact camera and the Sony A500 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before getting straight to a comprehensive comparison, here is a short view of how the CX3 scores vs the A500 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Ricoh CX3 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A500. The entire galleries are viewable at Ricoh CX3 Gallery and Sony A500 Gallery.

For anyone who is aiming to carry around your camera, you'll have to factor its weight and measurements. The Ricoh CX3 features exterior dimensions of 102mm x 58mm x 29mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.1") with a weight of 206 grams (0.45 lbs) whilst the Sony A500 has proportions of 137mm x 104mm x 84mm (5.4" x 4.1" x 3.3") having a weight of 630 grams (1.39 lbs).

Check the Ricoh CX3 and Sony A500 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you are using at that moment. The following is a front view measurements comparison of the CX3 against the A500.

Looking at size and weight, the portability score of the CX3 and A500 is 92 and 63 respectively.

Generally, it's difficult to see the gap in sensor sizes simply by going through a spec sheet. The pic below might give you a far better sense of the sensor dimensions in the CX3 and A500.

Clearly, both the cameras have different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The CX3 because of its smaller sensor will make shooting shallower depth of field tougher and the Sony A500 will provide greater detail having its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also help you crop photographs a bit more aggressively. The more recent CX3 will have a benefit with regard to sensor technology.