Sony HX5 vs Sony W710

Here, we are contrasting the Sony HX5 and Sony W710, both Small Sensor Compact digital cameras and they are both designed by Sony. There is a substantial difference between the resolutions of the HX5 (10MP) and W710 (16MP) and the HX5 (1/2.4") and W710 (1/2.3") provide different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The HX5 was announced 3 years before the W710 which is quite a big difference as far as tech is concerned. Both of the cameras feature the same body design (Compact).

Before diving right into a complete comparison, here is a simple summary of how the HX5 matches up versus the W710 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX5 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W710. The whole galleries are viewable at Sony HX5 Gallery & Sony W710 Gallery.

If you're aiming to carry around your camera, you need to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Sony HX5 comes with 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) whilst the Sony W710 has dimensions of 97mm x 55mm x 20mm (3.8" x 2.2" x 0.8") and a weight of 114 grams (0.25 lbs).

Look at the Sony HX5 and Sony W710 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you have chosen at the time. Here is a front view dimension comparison of the HX5 against the W710.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability rating of the HX5 and W710 is 92 and 96 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is very difficult to visualize the difference between sensor sizes simply by looking at specs. The picture below will help give you a greater sense of the sensor sizes in the HX5 and W710.

All in all, both of these cameras feature different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The HX5 using its larger sensor is going to make shooting shallow DOF less difficult and the Sony W710 will resolve extra detail with its extra 6 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also make it easier to crop photos way more aggressively. The more aged HX5 is going to be behind in sensor technology.