Sony S950 vs Sony A57

Here, we are reviewing the Sony S950 versus Sony A57, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Entry-Level DSLR and both are produced by Sony. There is a crucial difference between the resolutions of the S950 (10MP) and A57 (16MP) and the S950 (1/2.3") and A57 (APS-C) provide totally different sensor sizing.

Samsung Releases Faster Versions of EVO MicroSD Cards

The S950 was brought out 4 years prior to the A57 which is quite a serious gap as far as tech is concerned. Both of the cameras feature different body design with the Sony S950 being a Compact camera and the Sony A57 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before going straight to a detailed comparison, here is a simple highlight of how the S950 matches up against the A57 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S950 and Sony SLT-A57. The entire galleries are provided at Sony S950 Gallery and Sony A57 Gallery.

If you are planning to carry around your camera often, you need to consider its weight and measurements. The Sony S950 has outer dimensions of 93mm x 56mm x 24mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") accompanied by a weight of 167 grams (0.37 lbs) while the Sony A57 has proportions of 132mm x 98mm x 81mm (5.2" x 3.9" x 3.2") along with a weight of 618 grams (1.36 lbs).

Check out the Sony S950 versus Sony A57 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you have during that time. Here is a front view dimensions comparison of the S950 vs the A57.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability grade of the S950 and A57 is 94 and 64 respectively.

Usually, it can be difficult to visualise the gap between sensor sizes simply by reading technical specs. The picture here will provide you a stronger sense of the sensor sizes in the S950 and A57.

As you have seen, each of these cameras feature different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The S950 featuring a tinier sensor will make getting shallower DOF tougher and the Sony A57 will offer you extra detail having its extra 6MP. Greater resolution can also help you crop images way more aggressively. The more aged S950 is going to be behind in sensor innovation.