Sony S2100 vs Sony A33

Here, we are contrasting the Sony S2100 and Sony A33, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Entry-Level DSLR and both are sold by Sony. The image resolution of the S2100 (12MP) and the A33 (14MP) is very comparable but the S2100 (1/2.3") and A33 (APS-C) have different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The S2100 was announced 7 months prior to the A33 so they are of a similar generation. Both of the cameras feature different body design with the Sony S2100 being a Compact camera and the Sony A33 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before diving right into a complete comparison, here is a simple summary of how the S2100 matches up versus the A33 for portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S2100 and Sony SLT-A33. The whole galleries are viewable at Sony S2100 Gallery and Sony A33 Gallery.

If you are intending to carry around your camera frequently, you have to think about its weight and measurements. The Sony S2100 provides outside measurements of 98mm x 61mm x 27mm (3.9" x 2.4" x 1.1") accompanied by a weight of 167 grams (0.37 lbs) while the Sony A33 has proportions of 124mm x 92mm x 85mm (4.9" x 3.6" x 3.3") having a weight of 500 grams (1.10 lbs).

Check the Sony S2100 and Sony A33 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you use at the time. Following is a front view size comparison of the S2100 compared to the A33.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the S2100 and A33 is 93 and 67 respectively.

More often than not, its hard to imagine the difference in sensor sizes simply by checking out a spec sheet. The picture here will help give you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the S2100 and A33.

As you can see, both cameras come with different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The S2100 having a smaller sensor is going to make shooting shallower DOF more difficult and the Sony A33 will produce extra detail with its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will also let you crop images a good deal more aggressively. The more aged S2100 will be behind when it comes to sensor innovation.