Sony HX5 vs Sony A58

On this page, we will be analyzing the Sony HX5 and Sony A58, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR and both are created by Sony. There is a considerable difference between the image resolutions of the HX5 (10MP) and A58 (20MP) and the HX5 (1/2.4") and A58 (APS-C) provide totally different sensor dimensions.

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The HX5 was brought out 4 years earlier than the A58 and that is quite a large difference as far as tech is concerned. Each of these cameras have different body design with the Sony HX5 being a Compact camera and the Sony A58 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before getting into a detailed comparison, here is a quick highlight of how the HX5 grades versus the A58 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX5 & Sony SLT-A58. The entire galleries are provided at Sony HX5 Gallery & Sony A58 Gallery.

In case you're planning to lug around your camera, you should take into account its weight and dimensions. The Sony HX5 enjoys exterior dimensions of 102mm x 58mm x 29mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.1") with a weight of 200 grams (0.44 lbs) and the Sony A58 has dimensions of 129mm x 95mm x 78mm (5.1" x 3.7" x 3.1") along with a weight of 492 grams (1.08 lbs).

Look at the Sony HX5 and Sony A58 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you have chosen during that time. The following is a front view overall size comparison of the HX5 compared to the A58.

Using size and weight, the portability grade of the HX5 and A58 is 92 and 68 respectively.

Often, it is very tough to envision the contrast between sensor measurements just by going over a spec sheet. The graphic here may offer you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the HX5 and A58.

Clearly, both the cameras provide different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The HX5 due to its tinier sensor will make getting shallower depth of field tougher and the Sony A58 will deliver greater detail having its extra 10 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop shots more aggressively. The older HX5 is going to be behind in sensor tech.