Sony S950 vs Sony A65

In this article, we are matching up the Sony S950 and Sony A65, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Entry-Level DSLR and they are both produced by Sony. There is a big difference among the resolutions of the S950 (10MP) and A65 (24MP) and the S950 (1/2.3") and A65 (APS-C) feature totally different sensor sizes.

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The S950 was announced 3 years before the A65 which is a fairly big gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of the cameras offer different body type with the Sony S950 being a Compact camera and the Sony A65 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before delving straight into a more detailed comparison, below is a short summary of how the S950 scores vs the A65 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

This is a sample of the gallery pics for Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S950 and Sony SLT-A65. The whole galleries are available at Sony S950 Gallery and Sony A65 Gallery.

For anyone who is intending to travel with your camera regularly, you need to factor its weight and measurements. The Sony S950 comes with outer measurements of 93mm x 56mm x 24mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") along with a weight of 167 grams (0.37 lbs) while the Sony A65 has proportions of 132mm x 97mm x 81mm (5.2" x 3.8" x 3.2") and a weight of 622 grams (1.37 lbs).

Take a look at the Sony S950 and Sony A65 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you have attached at that moment. The following is the front view sizing comparison of the S950 and the A65.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability grade of the S950 and A65 is 94 and 64 respectively.

Usually, it's hard to see the difference in sensor dimensions just by viewing technical specs. The image underneath may offer you a more clear sense of the sensor sizing in the S950 and A65.

As you have seen, the 2 cameras enjoy different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The S950 using its smaller sensor will make shooting shallow depth of field tougher and the Sony A65 will render greater detail with its extra 14 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also let you crop pics far more aggressively. The more aged S950 will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor technology.