Sony RX1 vs Sony WX500

Following is a in-depth analysis of the Sony RX1 and Sony WX500, one is a Large Sensor Compact and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both of them are offered by Sony. There exists a sizeable gap between the image resolutions of the RX1 (24MP) and WX500 (18MP) and the RX1 (Full frame) and WX500 (1/2.3") boast totally different sensor sizing.

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The RX1 was announced 3 years earlier than the WX500 which is quite a large gap as far as technology is concerned. Both cameras have different body design with the Sony RX1 being a Large Sensor Compact camera and the Sony WX500 being a Compact camera.

Before we go straight to a more detailed comparison, here is a short synopsis of how the RX1 scores versus the WX500 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX500. The whole galleries are provided at Sony RX1 Gallery and Sony WX500 Gallery.

When you are looking to carry around your camera regularly, you're going to have to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Sony RX1 comes with physical dimensions of 113mm x 65mm x 70mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 2.8") having a weight of 482 grams (1.06 lbs) while the Sony WX500 has dimensions of 102mm x 58mm x 36mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.4") and a weight of 236 grams (0.52 lbs).

See the Sony RX1 and Sony WX500 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you are utilising during that time. The following is a front view overall size comparison of the RX1 compared to the WX500.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability score of the RX1 and WX500 is 79 and 91 respectively.

Quite often, it can be hard to see the contrast between sensor sizes merely by checking a spec sheet. The image underneath will provide you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the RX1 and WX500.

As you can see, both cameras provide different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The RX1 using its larger sensor will make achieving shallower DOF less difficult and the Sony RX1 will give more detail with its extra 6MP. Greater resolution will allow you to crop photos more aggressively. The more aged RX1 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor technology.