Sony A580 vs Sony WX5

Below, we will be matching up the Sony A580 versus Sony WX5, one being a Entry-Level DSLR and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact and they are both manufactured by Sony. There exists a huge gap between the resolutions of the A580 (16MP) and WX5 (12MP) and the A580 (APS-C) and WX5 (1/2.3") enjoy totally different sensor size.

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The A580 was unveiled 11 months later than the WX5 and they are both of a similar generation. Each of these cameras come with different body type with the Sony A580 being a Compact SLR camera and the Sony WX5 being a Compact camera.

Before delving in to a full comparison, below is a simple summary of how the A580 grades versus the WX5 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Sony Alpha DSLR-A580 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX5. The full galleries are viewable at Sony A580 Gallery and Sony WX5 Gallery.

In case you're going to lug around your camera, you have to factor its weight and size. The Sony A580 enjoys outside dimensions of 137mm x 104mm x 84mm (5.4" x 4.1" x 3.3") accompanied by a weight of 599 grams (1.32 lbs) whilst the Sony WX5 has specifications of 92mm x 52mm x 22mm (3.6" x 2.0" x 0.9") having a weight of 146 grams (0.32 lbs).

See the Sony A580 versus Sony WX5 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you choose at that time. Following is the front view over all size comparison of the A580 compared to the WX5.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the A580 and WX5 is 64 and 95 respectively.

Normally, it is very difficult to visualise the difference between sensor measurements only by checking a spec sheet. The photograph below might provide you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the A580 and WX5.

As you can see, both cameras have got different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The A580 having a bigger sensor will make getting shallow DOF less difficult and the Sony A580 will give you more detail having an extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also help you crop pictures much more aggressively. The newer A580 is going to have an advantage in sensor technology.