Sony HX5 vs Sony W800

On this page, we will be evaluating the Sony HX5 vs Sony W800, both Small Sensor Compact digital cameras and they are both manufactured by Sony. There is a substantial difference between the image resolutions of the HX5 (10MP) and W800 (20MP) and the HX5 (1/2.4") and W800 (1/2.3") boast different sensor dimensions.

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The HX5 was unveiled 4 years earlier than the W800 and that is quite a big difference as far as tech is concerned. The two cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before getting straight to a thorough comparison, here is a brief overview of how the HX5 matches up against the W800 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX5 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W800. The full galleries are available at Sony HX5 Gallery & Sony W800 Gallery.

For anyone who is planning to carry your camera, you are going to need to factor in its weight and size. The Sony HX5 has external dimensions of 102mm x 58mm x 29mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.1") having a weight of 200 grams (0.44 lbs) and the Sony W800 has specifications of 97mm x 55mm x 21mm (3.8" x 2.2" x 0.8") with a weight of 125 grams (0.28 lbs).

Compare the Sony HX5 vs Sony W800 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you are employing during that time. Underneath is a front view measurements comparison of the HX5 compared to the W800.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability score of the HX5 and W800 is 92 and 96 respectively.

Generally, it's difficult to imagine the contrast between sensor sizing simply by reading through technical specs. The photograph below should give you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the HX5 and W800.

As you can tell, each of the cameras provide different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The HX5 using its bigger sensor is going to make getting shallower depth of field less difficult and the Sony W800 will resolve greater detail having an extra 10MP. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop shots more aggressively. The older HX5 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor tech.