Sony W290 vs Sony A57

The following is a detailed comparison of the Sony W290 vs Sony A57, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Entry-Level DSLR and both are sold by Sony. There exists a big gap among the image resolutions of the W290 (12MP) and A57 (16MP) and the W290 (1/2.3") and A57 (APS-C) boast different sensor size.

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The W290 was manufactured 4 years prior to the A57 which is a fairly big gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Each of the cameras have different body design with the Sony W290 being a Compact camera and the Sony A57 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before we go straight to a step-by-step comparison, here is a simple overview of how the W290 grades versus the A57 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W290 and Sony SLT-A57. The entire galleries are available at Sony W290 Gallery and Sony A57 Gallery.

In case you're intending to travel with your camera regularly, you should take into account its weight and dimensions. The Sony W290 provides outside dimensions of 98mm x 57mm x 23mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.9") accompanied by a weight of 167 grams (0.37 lbs) and the Sony A57 has dimensions of 132mm x 98mm x 81mm (5.2" x 3.9" x 3.2") having a weight of 618 grams (1.36 lbs).

Analyze the Sony W290 vs Sony A57 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you are working with at the time. Underneath is a front view sizing comparison of the W290 against the A57.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the W290 and A57 is 94 and 64 respectively.

Normally, it is hard to visualize the contrast in sensor dimensions simply by going through a spec sheet. The picture here may give you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the W290 and A57.

As you can see, the two cameras have different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The W290 featuring a smaller sensor is going to make getting bokeh more challenging and the Sony A57 will provide greater detail due to its extra 4MP. Greater resolution will allow you to crop images a bit more aggressively. The more aged W290 will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor tech.