Sony RX100 IV vs Sony A55

Its time to look more in depth at the Sony RX100 IV vs Sony A55, one being a Large Sensor Compact and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR and both are designed by Sony. There exists a significant gap among the sensor resolutions of the RX100 IV (20MP) and A55 (16MP) and the RX100 IV (1") and A55 (APS-C) offer different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The RX100 IV was brought out 4 years later than the A55 and that is a fairly sizable gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both of the cameras feature different body design with the Sony RX100 IV being a Large Sensor Compact camera and the Sony A55 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before getting right into a complete comparison, here is a simple synopsis of how the RX100 IV scores vs the A55 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 IV and Sony SLT-A55. The entire galleries are viewable at Sony RX100 IV Gallery and Sony A55 Gallery.

If you are intending to carry your camera often, you should take into account its weight and proportions. The Sony RX100 IV features physical measurements of 102mm x 58mm x 41mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.6") with a weight of 298 grams (0.66 lbs) while the Sony A55 has measurements of 124mm x 92mm x 85mm (4.9" x 3.6" x 3.3") having a weight of 500 grams (1.10 lbs).

Look at the Sony RX100 IV vs Sony A55 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you choose at that time. Following is a front view measurement comparison of the RX100 IV versus the A55.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the RX100 IV and A55 is 89 and 67 respectively.

Normally, it is very tough to picture the contrast in sensor sizing purely by checking out technical specs. The visual below may give you a more clear sense of the sensor sizing in the RX100 IV and A55.

As you can tell, both cameras feature different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The RX100 IV due to its smaller sensor is going to make achieving shallow DOF trickier and the Sony RX100 IV will provide more detail having its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will help you crop shots way more aggressively. The more modern RX100 IV should have an advantage with regard to sensor technology.