Samsung MV800 vs Sony A290

Let's examine more closely at the Samsung MV800 versus Sony A290, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by manufacturers Samsung and Sony. The image resolution of the MV800 (16MP) and the A290 (14MP) is relatively similar but the MV800 (1/2.3") and A290 (APS-C) possess totally different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The MV800 was announced 15 months after the A290 which makes the cameras a generation away from one another. Each of the cameras come with different body type with the Samsung MV800 being a Compact camera and the Sony A290 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before diving through a in-depth comparison, below is a short introduction of how the MV800 matches up versus the A290 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Samsung MV800 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A290. The whole galleries are provided at Samsung MV800 Gallery and Sony A290 Gallery.

In case you're looking to travel with your camera often, you have to consider its weight and proportions. The Samsung MV800 comes with external measurements of 92mm x 56mm x 10mm (3.6" x 2.2" x 0.4") along with a weight of 121 grams (0.27 lbs) and the Sony A290 has measurements of 128mm x 97mm x 86mm (5.0" x 3.8" x 3.4") accompanied by a weight of 549 grams (1.21 lbs).

See the Samsung MV800 versus Sony A290 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you have at that moment. Here is the front view scale comparison of the MV800 versus the A290.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the MV800 and A290 is 97 and 66 respectively.

Quite often, it can be difficult to see the contrast between sensor dimensions just by reading specs. The picture below may provide you a more clear sense of the sensor sizing in the MV800 and A290.

As you can plainly see, the 2 cameras have got different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The MV800 with its tinier sensor will make shooting shallower depth of field harder and the Samsung MV800 will offer extra detail with its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also help you crop photographs much more aggressively. The fresher MV800 will have a benefit in sensor innovation.