Sony HX5 vs Sony W550

Here, we are analyzing the Sony HX5 and Sony W550, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Ultracompact and both are sold by Sony. There exists a crucial gap among the resolutions of the HX5 (10MP) and W550 (14MP) and the HX5 (1/2.4") and W550 (1/2.3") provide different sensor measurements.

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The HX5 was introduced 13 months before the W550 making them a generation apart from one another. Both cameras feature different body design with the Sony HX5 being a Compact camera and the Sony W550 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before getting right into a in-depth comparison, here is a brief introduction of how the HX5 matches up against the W550 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX5 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W550. The whole galleries are provided at Sony HX5 Gallery and Sony W550 Gallery.

If you're looking to carry your camera often, you will need to factor its weight and proportions. The Sony HX5 has external dimensions of 102mm x 58mm x 29mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.1") along with a weight of 200 grams (0.44 lbs) and the Sony W550 has measurements of 94mm x 56mm x 19mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.7") along with a weight of 110 grams (0.24 lbs).

See the Sony HX5 and Sony W550 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you choose at that time. Underneath is a front view size comparison of the HX5 against the W550.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability score of the HX5 and W550 is 92 and 96 respectively.

Sometimes, it can be tough to picture the contrast in sensor sizing simply by researching specifications. The graphic below should provide you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the HX5 and W550.

Plainly, each of these cameras come with different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The HX5 using its larger sensor is going to make achieving bokeh simpler and the Sony W550 will provide you with more detail using its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also help you crop photos a good deal more aggressively. The older HX5 will be behind when it comes to sensor innovation.