Sony A850 vs Sony TX55

Here is a extended review of the Sony A850 versus Sony TX55, one being a Advanced DSLR and the other is a Ultracompact and both of them are produced by Sony. There is a significant difference among the image resolutions of the A850 (25MP) and TX55 (16MP) and the A850 (Full frame) and TX55 (1/2.3") posses totally different sensor sizing.

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The A850 was unveiled 15 months prior to the TX55 making them a generation apart from each other. Both of the cameras feature different body design with the Sony A850 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Sony TX55 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before delving right into a step-by-step comparison, here is a simple summary of how the A850 scores against the TX55 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Sony Alpha DSLR-A850 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX55. The full galleries are provided at Sony A850 Gallery and Sony TX55 Gallery.

When you are aiming to carry your camera often, you'll have to consider its weight and measurements. The Sony A850 provides physical dimensions of 156mm x 117mm x 82mm (6.1" x 4.6" x 3.2") along with a weight of 895 grams (1.97 lbs) and the Sony TX55 has proportions of 93mm x 54mm x 13mm (3.7" x 2.1" x 0.5") and a weight of 109 grams (0.24 lbs).

Take a look at the Sony A850 versus Sony TX55 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you use at that time. Here is a front view scale comparison of the A850 compared to the TX55.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability rating of the A850 and TX55 is 54 and 97 respectively.

Generally, it's difficult to envision the difference in sensor sizing purely by viewing a spec sheet. The photograph below should give you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the A850 and TX55.

Clearly, each of the cameras feature different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The A850 with its larger sensor will make achieving shallower depth of field easier and the Sony A850 will provide you with more detail having an extra 9 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also let you crop images way more aggressively. The older A850 will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor tech.