Sony A500 vs Sony S980

On this page, we will be looking at the Sony A500 versus Sony S980, one is a Entry-Level DSLR and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact and both of them are designed by Sony. The resolution of the A500 (12MP) and the S980 (12MP) is pretty close but the A500 (APS-C) and S980 (1/2.3") posses different sensor dimensions.

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The A500 was introduced 7 months after the S980 and they are of a similar generation. Both cameras have different body design with the Sony A500 being a Compact SLR camera and the Sony S980 being a Compact camera.

Before diving into a in-depth comparison, here is a brief overview of how the A500 scores versus the S980 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Sony Alpha DSLR-A500 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S980. The whole galleries are viewable at Sony A500 Gallery and Sony S980 Gallery.

For those who are aiming to carry around your camera, you will need to think about its weight and size. The Sony A500 has outside measurements of 137mm x 104mm x 84mm (5.4" x 4.1" x 3.3") with a weight of 630 grams (1.39 lbs) whilst the Sony S980 has specifications of 93mm x 56mm x 24mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") and a weight of 167 grams (0.37 lbs).

Check the Sony A500 versus Sony S980 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you are employing at the time. Underneath is a front view proportions comparison of the A500 vs the S980.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability score of the A500 and S980 is 63 and 94 respectively.

Normally, its tough to visualize the difference in sensor sizes only by viewing specs. The picture below will help offer you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the A500 and S980.

All in all, both of those cameras provide the same megapixels albeit different sensor sizes. The A500 has got the bigger sensor which should make achieving shallower depth of field easier. The newer A500 provides a benefit when it comes to sensor technology.