Ricoh CX5 vs Sony A100

On this page, we are evaluating the Ricoh CX5 vs Sony A100, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by competitors Ricoh and Sony. The sensor resolution of the CX5 (10MP) and the A100 (10MP) is fairly close but the CX5 (1/2.3") and A100 (APS-C) boast totally different sensor measurements.

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The CX5 was manufactured 5 years later than the A100 and that is a fairly significant gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both cameras have different body design with the Ricoh CX5 being a Compact camera and the Sony A100 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before diving into a more detailed comparison, here is a quick summary of how the CX5 scores vs the A100 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Ricoh CX5 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A100. The entire galleries are viewable at Ricoh CX5 Gallery and Sony A100 Gallery.

If you are going to lug around your camera, you will have to take into account its weight and volume. The Ricoh CX5 offers external dimensions of 102mm x 59mm x 29mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.1") with a weight of 205 grams (0.45 lbs) whilst the Sony A100 has sizing of 133mm x 95mm x 71mm (5.2" x 3.7" x 2.8") accompanied by a weight of 638 grams (1.41 lbs).

Compare the Ricoh CX5 vs Sony A100 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you are utilising at that moment. Below is a front view physical size comparison of the CX5 versus the A100.

Considering size and weight, the portability score of the CX5 and A100 is 92 and 64 respectively.

Usually, it's tough to see the contrast in sensor measurements just by looking through specs. The graphic below may offer you a far better sense of the sensor dimensions in the CX5 and A100.

As you can plainly see, both the cameras have the same MP but not the same sensor measurements. The CX5 comes with the smaller sensor which will make obtaining bokeh tougher. The fresher CX5 is going to have a benefit with regard to sensor technology.