Sony RX10 vs Sony A55

In this article, we are analyzing the Sony RX10 vs Sony A55, former being a Large Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Entry-Level DSLR and both are built by Sony. There exists a sizable gap among the image resolutions of the RX10 (20MP) and A55 (16MP) and the RX10 (1") and A55 (APS-C) feature totally different sensor sizing.

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The RX10 was manufactured 3 years later than the A55 and that is a fairly significant difference as far as camera technology is concerned. The two cameras offer different body type with the Sony RX10 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Sony A55 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before we go in to a in-depth comparison, below is a simple synopsis of how the RX10 grades versus the A55 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 & Sony SLT-A55. The entire galleries are provided at Sony RX10 Gallery & Sony A55 Gallery.

If you are aiming to carry your camera often, you'll need to think about its weight and size. The Sony RX10 features physical measurements of 129mm x 88mm x 102mm (5.1" x 3.5" x 4.0") accompanied by a weight of 813 grams (1.79 lbs) while the Sony A55 has specifications of 124mm x 92mm x 85mm (4.9" x 3.6" x 3.3") and a weight of 500 grams (1.10 lbs).

Contrast the Sony RX10 vs Sony A55 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you are working with during that time. The following is the front view size comparison of the RX10 and the A55.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the RX10 and A55 is 58 and 67 respectively.

Normally, it is very hard to envision the difference in sensor sizing simply by looking through specs. The photograph below may give you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the RX10 and A55.

All in all, each of the cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The RX10 because of its smaller sensor will make getting shallower depth of field harder and the Sony RX10 will render greater detail due to its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also help you crop images a little more aggressively. The younger RX10 is going to have a benefit when it comes to sensor tech.