Sony A390 vs Sony TX20

Below is a extended analysis of the Sony A390 versus Sony TX20, former being a Entry-Level DSLR while the other is a Ultracompact and they are both created by Sony. The image resolution of the A390 (14MP) and the TX20 (16MP) is fairly well matched but the A390 (APS-C) and TX20 (1/2.3") come with totally different sensor sizing.

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The A390 was unveiled 19 months before the TX20 making the cameras a generation apart from each other. Both of these cameras come with different body type with the Sony A390 being a Compact SLR camera and the Sony TX20 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before we go straight into a full comparison, below is a simple view of how the A390 matches up vs the TX20 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Sony Alpha DSLR-A390 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX20. The full galleries are provided at Sony A390 Gallery & Sony TX20 Gallery.

If you are going to lug around your camera, you should think about its weight and size. The Sony A390 has physical measurements of 128mm x 97mm x 86mm (5.0" x 3.8" x 3.4") with a weight of 549 grams (1.21 lbs) while the Sony TX20 has specifications of 96mm x 56mm x 18mm (3.8" x 2.2" x 0.7") with a weight of 133 grams (0.29 lbs).

Analyze the Sony A390 versus Sony TX20 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you have attached at that moment. Underneath is the front view overall size comparison of the A390 against the TX20.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability rating of the A390 and TX20 is 66 and 96 respectively.

Usually, its hard to envision the contrast between sensor measurements simply by checking technical specs. The photograph below should give you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the A390 and TX20.

As you can tell, each of the cameras posses different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The A390 with its larger sensor will make shooting shallower DOF simpler and the Sony TX20 will give extra detail having an extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will make it easier to crop pics somewhat more aggressively. The older A390 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor tech.