Sony A500 vs Sony QX30

In this write-up, we will be reviewing the Sony A500 and Sony QX30, one being a Entry-Level DSLR and the latter is a Lens-style and both are designed by Sony. There is a huge difference between the sensor resolutions of the A500 (12MP) and QX30 (20MP) and the A500 (APS-C) and QX30 (1/2.3") use totally different sensor measurements.

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The A500 was launched 6 years prior to the QX30 and that is quite a significant gap as far as tech is concerned. The two cameras offer different body type with the Sony A500 being a Compact SLR camera and the Sony QX30 being a Lens-style camera.

Before going through a in-depth comparison, below is a short highlight of how the A500 grades against the QX30 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Sony Alpha DSLR-A500 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-QX30. The complete galleries are available at Sony A500 Gallery and Sony QX30 Gallery.

If you're planning to carry your camera often, you need to take into account its weight and measurements. The Sony A500 offers external dimensions of 137mm x 104mm x 84mm (5.4" x 4.1" x 3.3") having a weight of 630 grams (1.39 lbs) while the Sony QX30 has proportions of 68mm x 65mm x 58mm (2.7" x 2.6" x 2.3") having a weight of 193 grams (0.43 lbs).

Contrast the Sony A500 and Sony QX30 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you are working with at that time. Below is the front view measurement comparison of the A500 vs the QX30.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability score of the A500 and QX30 is 63 and 91 respectively.

Often, its hard to envision the gap between sensor sizing only by looking at technical specs. The visual here will offer you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the A500 and QX30.

As you have seen, each of these cameras enjoy different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The A500 featuring a bigger sensor will make getting shallower depth of field less difficult and the Sony QX30 will give you more detail utilizing its extra 8 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also let you crop shots far more aggressively. The older A500 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor technology.