Sony RX100 vs Sony W690

Following is a detailed overview of the Sony RX100 and Sony W690, one is a Large Sensor Compact and the other is a Small Sensor Compact and both of them are sold by Sony. There is a crucial difference between the sensor resolutions of the RX100 (20MP) and W690 (16MP) and the RX100 (1") and W690 (1/2.3") use different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The RX100 was launched 7 months after the W690 so they are of a similar generation. Each of these cameras come with different body type with the Sony RX100 being a Large Sensor Compact camera and the Sony W690 being a Compact camera.

Before delving straight into a step-by-step comparison, below is a short view of how the RX100 scores versus the W690 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W690. The complete galleries are viewable at Sony RX100 Gallery and Sony W690 Gallery.

For anybody who is intending to carry around your camera frequently, you are going to need to think about its weight and proportions. The Sony RX100 provides outside dimensions of 102mm x 58mm x 36mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.4") having a weight of 240 grams (0.53 lbs) while the Sony W690 has measurements of 94mm x 56mm x 22mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") with a weight of 142 grams (0.31 lbs).

Check the Sony RX100 and Sony W690 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you are working with at that time. Following is the front view scale comparison of the RX100 versus the W690.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability grade of the RX100 and W690 is 91 and 95 respectively.

Usually, it is very difficult to imagine the contrast between sensor sizes only by going over technical specs. The image here may provide you a far better sense of the sensor sizes in the RX100 and W690.

As you have seen, the 2 cameras have got different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The RX100 featuring a larger sensor is going to make getting shallower depth of field easier and the Sony RX100 will offer extra detail utilizing its extra 4MP. Greater resolution can also let you crop photos much more aggressively. The younger RX100 provides an edge with regard to sensor tech.