Sony A290 vs Sony S2100

Following is a thorough comparison of the Sony A290 vs Sony S2100, one is a Entry-Level DSLR and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact and both of them are produced by Sony. The image resolution of the A290 (14MP) and the S2100 (12MP) is pretty well matched but the A290 (APS-C) and S2100 (1/2.3") use totally different sensor size.

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The A290 was unveiled 6 months after the S2100 and they are of a similar generation. Both cameras come with different body type with the Sony A290 being a Compact SLR camera and the Sony S2100 being a Compact camera.

Before we go through a full comparison, below is a quick highlight of how the A290 scores against the S2100 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Sony Alpha DSLR-A290 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S2100. The full galleries are viewable at Sony A290 Gallery and Sony S2100 Gallery.

For those who are planning to carry around your camera regularly, you should factor its weight and measurements. The Sony A290 features outside dimensions of 128mm x 97mm x 86mm (5.0" x 3.8" x 3.4") accompanied by a weight of 549 grams (1.21 lbs) while the Sony S2100 has proportions of 98mm x 61mm x 27mm (3.9" x 2.4" x 1.1") accompanied by a weight of 167 grams (0.37 lbs).

See the Sony A290 vs Sony S2100 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you are using at the time. Here is the front view sizing comparison of the A290 compared to the S2100.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the A290 and S2100 is 66 and 93 respectively.

More often than not, its difficult to visualise the contrast between sensor sizes purely by reading through technical specs. The image here should give you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the A290 and S2100.

As you have seen, the 2 cameras have got different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The A290 with its bigger sensor will make shooting shallow DOF easier and the Sony A290 will give you more detail having an extra 2MP. Higher resolution will also help you crop pictures much more aggressively.