Ricoh CX5 vs Sony A290

Let's take a closer look at the Ricoh CX5 vs Sony A290, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by companies Ricoh and Sony. There is a sizeable difference among the image resolutions of the CX5 (10MP) and A290 (14MP) and the CX5 (1/2.3") and A290 (APS-C) enjoy totally different sensor size.

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The CX5 was unveiled 14 months later than the A290 making the cameras a generation apart from each other. Both of these cameras come with different body type with the Ricoh CX5 being a Compact camera and the Sony A290 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before we go straight into a detailed comparison, below is a short summary of how the CX5 matches up against the A290 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Ricoh CX5 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A290. The full galleries are viewable at Ricoh CX5 Gallery and Sony A290 Gallery.

If you are aiming to carry your camera often, you need to factor its weight and volume. The Ricoh CX5 provides outside measurements of 102mm x 59mm x 29mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.1") accompanied by a weight of 205 grams (0.45 lbs) while the Sony A290 has sizing of 128mm x 97mm x 86mm (5.0" x 3.8" x 3.4") accompanied by a weight of 549 grams (1.21 lbs).

Check the Ricoh CX5 vs Sony A290 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you are utilizing at that time. Following is the front view size comparison of the CX5 versus the A290.

Considering size and weight, the portability rating of the CX5 and A290 is 92 and 66 respectively.

Generally, it is tough to visualise the gap in sensor sizing just by checking out technical specs. The graphic underneath should give you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the CX5 and A290.

As you have seen, each of the cameras posses different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The CX5 having a smaller sensor will make shooting bokeh harder and the Sony A290 will show more detail having an extra 4MP. Greater resolution will also let you crop images somewhat more aggressively. The more recent CX5 is going to have an advantage with regard to sensor technology.