Sony RX100 III vs Sony A99

In this write-up, we will be matching up the Sony RX100 III and Sony A99, former being a Large Sensor Compact while the latter is a Advanced DSLR and they are both built by Sony. The image resolution of the RX100 III (20MP) and the A99 (24MP) is relatively similar but the RX100 III (1") and A99 (Full frame) use totally different sensor sizing.

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The RX100 III was released 18 months later than the A99 which makes the cameras a generation apart from each other. The two cameras offer different body type with the Sony RX100 III being a Large Sensor Compact camera and the Sony A99 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before delving in to a more detailed comparison, below is a simple synopsis of how the RX100 III matches up vs the A99 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 III & Sony SLT-A99. The complete galleries are viewable at Sony RX100 III Gallery & Sony A99 Gallery.

In case you're going to lug around your camera frequently, you will want to take into account its weight and proportions. The Sony RX100 III offers external measurements of 102mm x 58mm x 41mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.6") with a weight of 290 grams (0.64 lbs) whilst the Sony A99 has measurements of 147mm x 111mm x 78mm (5.8" x 4.4" x 3.1") along with a weight of 812 grams (1.79 lbs).

Look at the Sony RX100 III and Sony A99 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you use during that time. The following is the front view dimensions comparison of the RX100 III compared to the A99.

Using size and weight, the portability score of the RX100 III and A99 is 89 and 57 respectively.

Usually, it is tough to see the gap between sensor measurements purely by reading technical specs. The graphic below will offer you a far better sense of the sensor measurements in the RX100 III and A99.

As you can tell, both of these cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The RX100 III featuring a tinier sensor will make achieving shallower depth of field harder and the Sony A99 will offer you more detail as a result of its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will let you crop shots a little more aggressively. The fresher RX100 III will have an edge with regard to sensor innovation.