Sony A850 vs Sony HX5

Its time to examine more in depth at the Sony A850 versus Sony HX5, one being a Advanced DSLR and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact and both of them are produced by Sony. There is a huge difference among the sensor resolutions of the A850 (25MP) and HX5 (10MP) and the A850 (Full frame) and HX5 (1/2.4") feature totally different sensor size.

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The A850 was unveiled 2 months earlier than the HX5 and they are both of a similar generation. Both of these cameras come with different body type with the Sony A850 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Sony HX5 being a Compact camera.

Before we go through a complete comparison, below is a concise highlight of how the A850 matches up versus the HX5 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Sony Alpha DSLR-A850 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX5. The full galleries are provided at Sony A850 Gallery and Sony HX5 Gallery.

For anyone who is going to lug around your camera regularly, you will want to factor in its weight and measurements. The Sony A850 provides outer dimensions of 156mm x 117mm x 82mm (6.1" x 4.6" x 3.2") and a weight of 895 grams (1.97 lbs) and the Sony HX5 has proportions of 102mm x 58mm x 29mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.1") with a weight of 200 grams (0.44 lbs).

Check out the Sony A850 versus Sony HX5 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you have attached at the time. Following is the front view overall size comparison of the A850 against the HX5.

Looking at size and weight, the portability rating of the A850 and HX5 is 54 and 92 respectively.

Often, it is very difficult to envision the contrast in sensor measurements simply by checking out technical specs. The visual below should offer you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the A850 and HX5.

As you can tell, each of these cameras have got different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The A850 having a bigger sensor will make shooting shallower depth of field easier and the Sony A850 will show more detail having an extra 15MP. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop shots much more aggressively.