Sony A390 vs Sony WX5

In this write-up, we are analyzing the Sony A390 vs Sony WX5, one is a Entry-Level DSLR and the other is a Small Sensor Compact and both of them are sold by Sony. The resolution of the A390 (14MP) and the WX5 (12MP) is fairly well matched but the A390 (APS-C) and WX5 (1/2.3") use totally different sensor sizing.

Pentax 17 Pre-Orders Outperform Expectations by a Landslide

The A390 was unveiled about the same time to the WX5 and they are of a similar generation. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Sony A390 being a Compact SLR camera and the Sony WX5 being a Compact camera.

Before diving through a more detailed comparison, below is a short summary of how the A390 scores versus the WX5 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Sony Alpha DSLR-A390 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX5. The full galleries are provided at Sony A390 Gallery and Sony WX5 Gallery.

If you are aiming to carry around your camera, you will have to take into account its weight and volume. The Sony A390 offers outside dimensions of 128mm x 97mm x 86mm (5.0" x 3.8" x 3.4") along with a weight of 549 grams (1.21 lbs) whilst the Sony WX5 has sizing of 92mm x 52mm x 22mm (3.6" x 2.0" x 0.9") accompanied by a weight of 146 grams (0.32 lbs).

Check the Sony A390 vs Sony WX5 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you have at the time. Here is the front view overall size comparison of the A390 against the WX5.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability score of the A390 and WX5 is 66 and 95 respectively.

Generally, it can be tough to visualise the gap between sensor sizes purely by looking at technical specs. The picture underneath will help offer you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the A390 and WX5.

As you have seen, both of those cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The A390 having a larger sensor will make achieving shallower DOF less difficult and the Sony A390 will resolve greater detail having an extra 2MP. Greater resolution will also enable you to crop pics a little more aggressively.