Samsung SL820 vs Sony A500

Lets examine more in depth at the Samsung SL820 versus Sony A500, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by competitors Samsung and Sony. The image resolution of the SL820 (12MP) and the A500 (12MP) is relatively close but the SL820 (1/2.3") and A500 (APS-C) feature totally different sensor dimensions.

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The SL820 was unveiled 6 months prior to the A500 so they are both of a similar age. Both the cameras come with different body type with the Samsung SL820 being a Compact camera and the Sony A500 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before diving in to a comprehensive comparison, below is a quick introduction of how the SL820 grades versus the A500 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Samsung SL820 & Sony Alpha DSLR-A500. The full galleries are viewable at Samsung SL820 Gallery & Sony A500 Gallery.

For anybody who is planning to lug around your camera, you will need to think about its weight and proportions. The Samsung SL820 enjoys physical dimensions of 95mm x 59mm x 23mm (3.7" x 2.3" x 0.9") accompanied by a weight of 168 grams (0.37 lbs) while the Sony A500 has measurements of 137mm x 104mm x 84mm (5.4" x 4.1" x 3.3") along with a weight of 630 grams (1.39 lbs).

Contrast the Samsung SL820 versus Sony A500 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you have chosen at that moment. Underneath is the front view measurements comparison of the SL820 compared to the A500.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the SL820 and A500 is 94 and 63 respectively.

Normally, it can be hard to envision the contrast in sensor measurements merely by viewing a spec sheet. The photograph underneath might give you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the SL820 and A500.

Clearly, both cameras posses the exact same megapixel count albeit not the same sensor measurements. The SL820 has the smaller sensor which is going to make achieving bokeh more difficult.