Sony RX100 VA vs Sony A57

Its time to look a bit more in depth at the Sony RX100 VA and Sony A57, former being a Large Sensor Compact while the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR and both of them are offered by Sony. There is a large difference among the sensor resolutions of the RX100 VA (20MP) and A57 (16MP) and the RX100 VA (1") and A57 (APS-C) provide different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The RX100 VA was introduced 5 years later than the A57 and that is a fairly serious difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of these cameras feature different body design with the Sony RX100 VA being a Large Sensor Compact camera and the Sony A57 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before getting right into a step-by-step comparison, here is a brief view of how the RX100 VA scores versus the A57 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 V(A) & Sony SLT-A57. The whole galleries are available at Sony RX100 VA Gallery & Sony A57 Gallery.

For those who are looking to carry your camera often, you should think about its weight and dimensions. The Sony RX100 VA provides physical measurements of 102mm x 58mm x 41mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.6") with a weight of 299 grams (0.66 lbs) and the Sony A57 has dimensions of 132mm x 98mm x 81mm (5.2" x 3.9" x 3.2") accompanied by a weight of 618 grams (1.36 lbs).

Contrast the Sony RX100 VA and Sony A57 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you are working with at that time. Here is a front view measurements comparison of the RX100 VA and the A57.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability rating of the RX100 VA and A57 is 89 and 64 respectively.

In many cases, it is hard to visualize the contrast in sensor sizing merely by checking out technical specs. The graphic here should give you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the RX100 VA and A57.

As you have seen, the two cameras feature different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The RX100 VA having a smaller sensor is going to make getting bokeh harder and the Sony RX100 VA will provide extra detail using its extra 4MP. Higher resolution can also let you crop shots way more aggressively. The more recent RX100 VA should have an edge with regard to sensor tech.