Sony RX100 vs Sony W290

Let's look a little more closely at the Sony RX100 versus Sony W290, one is a Large Sensor Compact and the other is a Small Sensor Compact and both are sold by Sony. There is a significant difference between the image resolutions of the RX100 (20MP) and W290 (12MP) and the RX100 (1") and W290 (1/2.3") have different sensor measurements.

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

The RX100 was released 3 years after the W290 which is quite a sizable gap as far as tech is concerned. Both the cameras have different body design with the Sony RX100 being a Large Sensor Compact camera and the Sony W290 being a Compact camera.

Before delving straight to a in-depth comparison, here is a concise synopsis of how the RX100 grades against the W290 for portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W290. The complete galleries are provided at Sony RX100 Gallery and Sony W290 Gallery.

For those who are looking to carry around your camera often, you'll have to factor its weight and size. The Sony RX100 has got external measurements of 102mm x 58mm x 36mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.4") with a weight of 240 grams (0.53 lbs) and the Sony W290 has specifications of 98mm x 57mm x 23mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.9") having a weight of 167 grams (0.37 lbs).

Look at the Sony RX100 versus Sony W290 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you are working with at that moment. Here is a front view measurement comparison of the RX100 versus the W290.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability score of the RX100 and W290 is 91 and 94 respectively.

Often, it can be hard to imagine the difference between sensor sizes only by reading through a spec sheet. The pic underneath will offer you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the RX100 and W290.

As you can see, both cameras provide different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The RX100 due to its larger sensor is going to make shooting shallower depth of field easier and the Sony RX100 will give greater detail as a result of its extra 8 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also let you crop images more aggressively. The fresher RX100 provides an edge with regard to sensor tech.