Ricoh CX5 vs Sony A550

The following is a extensive review of the Ricoh CX5 vs Sony A550, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by manufacturers Ricoh and Sony. There is a sizeable difference between the image resolutions of the CX5 (10MP) and A550 (14MP) and the CX5 (1/2.3") and A550 (APS-C) posses different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The CX5 was brought out 20 months after the A550 making them a generation away from each other. The two cameras have different body design with the Ricoh CX5 being a Compact camera and the Sony A550 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before we go into a in-depth comparison, here is a quick summation of how the CX5 grades versus the A550 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Ricoh CX5 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A550. The entire galleries are provided at Ricoh CX5 Gallery and Sony A550 Gallery.

If you are looking to travel with your camera regularly, you need to take into account its weight and size. The Ricoh CX5 features outer measurements of 102mm x 59mm x 29mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.1") with a weight of 205 grams (0.45 lbs) while the Sony A550 has specifications of 137mm x 104mm x 84mm (5.4" x 4.1" x 3.3") with a weight of 632 grams (1.39 lbs).

Analyze the Ricoh CX5 vs Sony A550 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you use during that time. Below is a front view dimension comparison of the CX5 against the A550.

Considering size and weight, the portability grade of the CX5 and A550 is 92 and 63 respectively.

Generally, it is very hard to picture the contrast between sensor dimensions merely by going over specs. The pic underneath will give you a more clear sense of the sensor sizing in the CX5 and A550.

All in all, both cameras have different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The CX5 because of its tinier sensor is going to make shooting bokeh more challenging and the Sony A550 will deliver greater detail having its extra 4MP. Greater resolution will also enable you to crop images a bit more aggressively. The younger CX5 should have a benefit when it comes to sensor technology.