Ricoh CX5 vs Sony A560

The following is a in depth assessment of the Ricoh CX5 vs Sony A560, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by rivals Ricoh and Sony. There is a considerable difference among the sensor resolutions of the CX5 (10MP) and A560 (14MP) and the CX5 (1/2.3") and A560 (APS-C) feature totally different sensor sizes.

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The CX5 was unveiled 11 months after the A560 and they are of a similar age. Both the cameras offer different body type with the Ricoh CX5 being a Compact camera and the Sony A560 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before we go straight into a comprehensive comparison, below is a brief introduction of how the CX5 grades vs the A560 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Ricoh CX5 & Sony Alpha DSLR-A560. The full galleries are provided at Ricoh CX5 Gallery & Sony A560 Gallery.

For those who are looking to travel with your camera regularly, you need to consider its weight and volume. The Ricoh CX5 has external measurements of 102mm x 59mm x 29mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.1") having a weight of 205 grams (0.45 lbs) and the Sony A560 has sizing of 137mm x 104mm x 84mm (5.4" x 4.1" x 3.3") accompanied by a weight of 599 grams (1.32 lbs).

Examine the Ricoh CX5 vs Sony A560 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you have attached at that moment. Following is the front view sizing comparison of the CX5 compared to the A560.

Looking at size and weight, the portability rating of the CX5 and A560 is 92 and 64 respectively.

In many cases, it is very hard to envision the difference in sensor dimensions merely by researching technical specs. The picture below may offer you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the CX5 and A560.

As you can tell, both the cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The CX5 having a smaller sensor will make achieving shallow depth of field harder and the Sony A560 will render extra detail having an extra 4MP. Greater resolution can also enable you to crop pics a little more aggressively. The newer CX5 will have an edge with regard to sensor tech.