Sony HX50V vs Sony A57

Its time to look closer at the Sony HX50V versus Sony A57, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR and both of them are manufactured by Sony. There is a big difference between the resolutions of the HX50V (20MP) and A57 (16MP) and the HX50V (1/2.3") and A57 (APS-C) feature different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The HX50V was introduced 8 months after the A57 so they are of a similar generation. Both the cameras come with different body type with the Sony HX50V being a Compact camera and the Sony A57 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before we go through a full comparison, below is a concise highlight of how the HX50V grades against the A57 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX50V and Sony SLT-A57. The whole galleries are viewable at Sony HX50V Gallery and Sony A57 Gallery.

For anybody who is looking to carry around your camera frequently, you have to factor in its weight and measurements. The Sony HX50V enjoys external measurements of 108mm x 64mm x 38mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.5") along with a weight of 272 grams (0.60 lbs) and the Sony A57 has proportions of 132mm x 98mm x 81mm (5.2" x 3.9" x 3.2") accompanied by a weight of 618 grams (1.36 lbs).

Look at the Sony HX50V versus Sony A57 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you have chosen at the time. Here is the front view measurement comparison of the HX50V vs the A57.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability grade of the HX50V and A57 is 89 and 64 respectively.

Generally, it is very tough to visualize the gap between sensor sizes just by checking technical specs. The picture below will give you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the HX50V and A57.

As you can tell, both the cameras posses different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The HX50V with its tinier sensor is going to make achieving shallower DOF harder and the Sony HX50V will give more detail using its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also enable you to crop photographs somewhat more aggressively. The more recent HX50V should have an edge when it comes to sensor technology.