Samsung CL5 vs Sony WX500

On this page, we are matching up the Samsung CL5 and Sony WX500, former being a Ultracompact while the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by competitors Samsung and Sony. There exists a large gap among the image resolutions of the CL5 (9MP) and WX500 (18MP) and the CL5 (1/2.5") and WX500 (1/2.3") boast different sensor size.

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The CL5 was revealed 7 years prior to the WX500 and that is a fairly serious difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Each of the cameras have different body design with the Samsung CL5 being a Ultracompact camera and the Sony WX500 being a Compact camera.

Before we go straight to a comprehensive comparison, here is a brief highlight of how the CL5 grades versus the WX500 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Samsung CL5 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX500. The full galleries are provided at Samsung CL5 Gallery & Sony WX500 Gallery.

If you're planning to lug around your camera often, you're going to have to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Samsung CL5 has outside measurements of 93mm x 60mm x 19mm (3.7" x 2.4" x 0.7") with a weight of 141 grams (0.31 lbs) and the Sony WX500 has dimensions of 102mm x 58mm x 36mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.4") with a weight of 236 grams (0.52 lbs).

See the Samsung CL5 and Sony WX500 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you are utilizing during that time. Following is a front view overall size comparison of the CL5 and the WX500.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the CL5 and WX500 is 95 and 91 respectively.

Normally, it's hard to picture the contrast in sensor measurements just by researching a spec sheet. The photograph below may provide you a greater sense of the sensor sizing in the CL5 and WX500.

As you can see, each of the cameras have different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The CL5 using its smaller sensor is going to make getting shallower DOF more difficult and the Sony WX500 will provide you with extra detail because of its extra 9 Megapixels. Greater resolution will help you crop images a bit more aggressively. The older CL5 will be disadvantaged in sensor tech.