Sony HX5 vs Sony A99

Lets take a closer look at the Sony HX5 versus Sony A99, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the other is a Advanced DSLR and both of them are sold by Sony. There is a large difference between the resolutions of the HX5 (10MP) and A99 (24MP) and the HX5 (1/2.4") and A99 (Full frame) feature different sensor sizes.

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The HX5 was unveiled 3 years before the A99 and that is quite a serious difference as far as tech is concerned. Both cameras come with different body type with the Sony HX5 being a Compact camera and the Sony A99 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before delving in to a in depth comparison, below is a concise summary of how the HX5 grades vs the A99 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX5 & Sony SLT-A99. The full galleries are provided at Sony HX5 Gallery & Sony A99 Gallery.

If you are looking to carry your camera frequently, you will have to factor its weight and proportions. The Sony HX5 provides external measurements 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 A99 has measurements of 147mm x 111mm x 78mm (5.8" x 4.4" x 3.1") accompanied by a weight of 812 grams (1.79 lbs).

Check out the Sony HX5 versus Sony A99 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you are employing at that moment. Underneath is the front view scale comparison of the HX5 vs the A99.

Considering size and weight, the portability score of the HX5 and A99 is 92 and 57 respectively.

In many cases, it is difficult to visualize the gap between sensor sizing purely by going over specs. The visual underneath may give you a greater sense of the sensor measurements in the HX5 and A99.

All in all, both of these cameras posses different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The HX5 using its tinier sensor is going to make getting shallow depth of field tougher and the Sony A99 will deliver more detail having an extra 14 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also help you crop images somewhat more aggressively. The older HX5 is going to be behind when it comes to sensor technology.