Sony A500 vs Sony WX5

On this page, we will be analyzing the Sony A500 vs Sony WX5, one being a Entry-Level DSLR and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact and both of them are sold by Sony. The image resolution of the A500 (12MP) and the WX5 (12MP) is relatively comparable but the A500 (APS-C) and WX5 (1/2.3") provide different sensor size.

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The A500 was announced 10 months before the WX5 and they are both of a similar generation. The two cameras have different body design with the Sony A500 being a Compact SLR camera and the Sony WX5 being a Compact camera.

Before going straight to a thorough comparison, here is a simple summary of how the A500 scores against the WX5 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Sony Alpha DSLR-A500 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX5. The whole galleries are available at Sony A500 Gallery and Sony WX5 Gallery.

For those who are planning to lug around your camera frequently, you should think about its weight and measurements. The Sony A500 has outer measurements of 137mm x 104mm x 84mm (5.4" x 4.1" x 3.3") accompanied by a weight of 630 grams (1.39 lbs) while the Sony WX5 has proportions of 92mm x 52mm x 22mm (3.6" x 2.0" x 0.9") and a weight of 146 grams (0.32 lbs).

Examine the Sony A500 vs Sony WX5 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you have at that moment. Following is a front view measurements comparison of the A500 and the WX5.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the A500 and WX5 is 63 and 95 respectively.

Quite often, it is very hard to visualize the gap in sensor measurements only by seeing specs. The graphic below will give you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the A500 and WX5.

All in all, each of these cameras provide the same megapixels albeit different sensor measurements. The A500 comes with the bigger sensor which should make achieving bokeh easier. The older A500 will be disadvantaged in sensor tech.