Sony RX100 VA vs Sony A65

In this write-up, we will be reviewing the Sony RX100 VA vs Sony A65, former being a Large Sensor Compact while the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR and both are sold by Sony. The resolution of the RX100 VA (20MP) and the A65 (24MP) is pretty well matched but the RX100 VA (1") and A65 (APS-C) come with different sensor measurements.

Japan-exclusive Leica Leitz Phone 3 features big sensor and new modes

The RX100 VA was manufactured 6 years later than the A65 and that is quite a significant difference as far as tech is concerned. Both cameras offer different body type with the Sony RX100 VA being a Large Sensor Compact camera and the Sony A65 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before getting through a thorough comparison, below is a simple view of how the RX100 VA scores versus the A65 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 V(A) & Sony SLT-A65. The entire galleries are available at Sony RX100 VA Gallery & Sony A65 Gallery.

If you're aiming to lug around your camera regularly, you will want to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Sony RX100 VA enjoys physical dimensions of 102mm x 58mm x 41mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.6") having a weight of 299 grams (0.66 lbs) whilst the Sony A65 has dimensions of 132mm x 97mm x 81mm (5.2" x 3.8" x 3.2") and a weight of 622 grams (1.37 lbs).

See the Sony RX100 VA vs Sony A65 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you are using at the time. The following is the front view over all size comparison of the RX100 VA against the A65.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability rating of the RX100 VA and A65 is 89 and 64 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is very hard to visualize the gap between sensor measurements purely by reading through technical specs. The graphic underneath should provide you a far better sense of the sensor dimensions in the RX100 VA and A65.

As you have seen, both cameras enjoy different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The RX100 VA featuring a tinier sensor is going to make getting bokeh more difficult and the Sony A65 will resolve greater detail due to its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will help you crop shots far more aggressively. The newer RX100 VA should have an advantage in sensor tech.