Sony A390 vs Sony WX50

Here, we will be contrasting the Sony A390 and Sony WX50, former being a Entry-Level DSLR while the latter is a Small Sensor Compact and both of them are manufactured by Sony. The sensor resolution of the A390 (14MP) and the WX50 (16MP) is relatively similar but the A390 (APS-C) and WX50 (1/2.3") have totally different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The A390 was brought out 18 months prior to the WX50 which makes them a generation apart from each other. Each of these cameras feature different body design with the Sony A390 being a Compact SLR camera and the Sony WX50 being a Compact camera.

Before getting into a complete comparison, here is a simple introduction of how the A390 matches up vs the WX50 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Sony Alpha DSLR-A390 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX50. The entire galleries are available at Sony A390 Gallery & Sony WX50 Gallery.

When you are intending to carry your camera regularly, you have to take into account its weight and measurements. The Sony A390 enjoys external measurements of 128mm x 97mm x 86mm (5.0" x 3.8" x 3.4") and a weight of 549 grams (1.21 lbs) whilst the Sony WX50 has proportions of 92mm x 52mm x 19mm (3.6" x 2.0" x 0.7") having a weight of 117 grams (0.26 lbs).

Look at the Sony A390 and Sony WX50 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you are working with at that time. Here is a front view dimensions comparison of the A390 against the WX50.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability rating of the A390 and WX50 is 66 and 96 respectively.

Generally, its tough to visualise the contrast between sensor sizing simply by going over technical specs. The visual here will help give you a far better sense of the sensor measurements in the A390 and WX50.

As you have seen, the 2 cameras come with different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The A390 featuring a bigger sensor will make achieving shallower depth of field simpler and the Sony WX50 will deliver greater detail having its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will make it easier to crop shots a good deal more aggressively. The older A390 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor tech.