Sony QX100 vs Sony A99

The following is a detailed analysis of the Sony QX100 and Sony A99, former is a Lens-style while the other is a Advanced DSLR and they are both designed by Sony. The image resolution of the QX100 (20MP) and the A99 (24MP) is very similar but the QX100 (1") and A99 (Full frame) posses different sensor dimensions.

Japan-exclusive Leica Leitz Phone 3 features big sensor and new modes

The QX100 was launched 9 months after the A99 so they are of a similar age. Both of the cameras have different body design with the Sony QX100 being a Lens-style camera and the Sony A99 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before delving straight to a detailed comparison, here is a short introduction of how the QX100 matches up vs the A99 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Sony Cyber-shot DSC-QX100 & Sony SLT-A99. The complete galleries are viewable at Sony QX100 Gallery & Sony A99 Gallery.

In case you're planning to travel with your camera regularly, you'll need to factor in its weight and measurements. The Sony QX100 comes with physical dimensions of 63mm x 63mm x 56mm (2.5" x 2.5" x 2.2") having a weight of 179 grams (0.39 lbs) whilst the Sony A99 has proportions of 147mm x 111mm x 78mm (5.8" x 4.4" x 3.1") with a weight of 812 grams (1.79 lbs).

Take a look at the Sony QX100 and Sony A99 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you are using during that time. Underneath is a front view dimension comparison of the QX100 compared to the A99.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the QX100 and A99 is 92 and 57 respectively.

Typically, it is very tough to picture the gap between sensor dimensions just by going over specs. The pic below will help provide you a greater sense of the sensor sizes in the QX100 and A99.

As you can plainly see, the two cameras provide different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The QX100 due to its tinier sensor is going to make achieving shallow DOF trickier and the Sony A99 will deliver greater detail utilizing its extra 4MP. Greater resolution will also make it easier to crop images more aggressively. The more recent QX100 provides an advantage in sensor innovation.