Sony RX100 V vs Sony S980

In this article, we are reviewing the Sony RX100 V versus Sony S980, one is a Large Sensor Compact and the other is a Small Sensor Compact and they are both manufactured by Sony. There exists a significant gap among the sensor resolutions of the RX100 V (20MP) and S980 (12MP) and the RX100 V (1") and S980 (1/2.3") enjoy totally different sensor size.

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The RX100 V was released 7 years after the S980 which is a fairly sizable gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Sony RX100 V being a Large Sensor Compact camera and the Sony S980 being a Compact camera.

Before diving through a complete comparison, below is a brief overview of how the RX100 V scores versus the S980 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 V and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S980. The complete galleries are provided at Sony RX100 V Gallery and Sony S980 Gallery.

When you are planning to carry around your camera, you will need to think about its weight and proportions. The Sony RX100 V has outside dimensions of 102mm x 58mm x 41mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.6") having a weight of 299 grams (0.66 lbs) and the Sony S980 has measurements of 93mm x 56mm x 24mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") accompanied by a weight of 167 grams (0.37 lbs).

Take a look at the Sony RX100 V versus Sony S980 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you are using during that time. Following is the front view physical size comparison of the RX100 V versus the S980.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability score of the RX100 V and S980 is 89 and 94 respectively.

More often than not, it is very tough to visualise the gap in sensor sizes only by researching technical specs. The picture here may provide you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the RX100 V and S980.

As you have seen, each of the cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The RX100 V because of its larger sensor will make getting shallow depth of field easier and the Sony RX100 V will result in more detail as a result of its extra 8MP. Greater resolution can also make it easier to crop pics a little more aggressively. The more recent RX100 V will have an advantage in sensor tech.