Ricoh CX5 vs Sony A55

Here, we are matching up the Ricoh CX5 vs Sony A55, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by manufacturers Ricoh and Sony. There is a noticeable difference between the sensor resolutions of the CX5 (10MP) and A55 (16MP) and the CX5 (1/2.3") and A55 (APS-C) provide different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The CX5 was announced 11 months later than the A55 and they are both of a similar age. Each of the cameras feature different body design with the Ricoh CX5 being a Compact camera and the Sony A55 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before going right into a step-by-step comparison, here is a brief view of how the CX5 matches up versus the A55 for portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Ricoh CX5 & Sony SLT-A55. The whole galleries are provided at Ricoh CX5 Gallery & Sony A55 Gallery.

For those who are intending to carry your camera, you need to take into account its weight and volume. The Ricoh CX5 features exterior dimensions of 102mm x 59mm x 29mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.1") having a weight of 205 grams (0.45 lbs) while the Sony A55 has sizing of 124mm x 92mm x 85mm (4.9" x 3.6" x 3.3") and a weight of 500 grams (1.10 lbs).

Analyze the Ricoh CX5 vs Sony A55 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you are utilizing at the time. Below is a front view proportions comparison of the CX5 vs the A55.

Considering size and weight, the portability score of the CX5 and A55 is 92 and 67 respectively.

Usually, it's difficult to imagine the gap between sensor sizing purely by reading through specs. The graphic underneath will offer you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the CX5 and A55.

As you can plainly see, both of the cameras feature different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The CX5 with its tinier sensor is going to make shooting shallower depth of field more difficult and the Sony A55 will give more detail with its extra 6MP. Greater resolution will also make it easier to crop pics way more aggressively. The more modern CX5 provides an edge when it comes to sensor tech.