Sony HX5 vs Sony W310

In this write-up, we are reviewing the Sony HX5 and Sony W310, former is a Small Sensor Compact while the other is a Ultracompact and both are designed by Sony. The image resolution of the HX5 (10MP) and the W310 (12MP) is fairly similar but the HX5 (1/2.4") and W310 (1/2.3") enjoy different sensor size.

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The HX5 was introduced 6 months after the W310 which means that they are of a similar age. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Sony HX5 being a Compact camera and the Sony W310 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before getting in to a detailed comparison, below is a concise overview of how the HX5 matches up vs the W310 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX5 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W310. The whole galleries are available at Sony HX5 Gallery & Sony W310 Gallery.

In case you're intending to carry around your camera regularly, you're going to have to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Sony HX5 has exterior measurements of 102mm x 58mm x 29mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.1") and a weight of 200 grams (0.44 lbs) and the Sony W310 has dimensions of 95mm x 55mm x 19mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.7") accompanied by a weight of 137 grams (0.30 lbs).

Take a look at the Sony HX5 and Sony W310 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you have attached during that time. Here is the front view sizing comparison of the HX5 versus the W310.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability rating of the HX5 and W310 is 92 and 96 respectively.

In many cases, it is hard to picture the gap between sensor sizes purely by going over specifications. The pic underneath may offer you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the HX5 and W310.

To sum up, the 2 cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The HX5 using its larger sensor is going to make achieving shallow DOF easier and the Sony W310 will offer more detail using its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will let you crop pics a little more aggressively.