Sony W310 vs Sony A55

In this article, we will be matching up the Sony W310 versus Sony A55, one is a Ultracompact and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR and both of them are manufactured by Sony. There is a crucial difference among the image resolutions of the W310 (12MP) and A55 (16MP) and the W310 (1/2.3") and A55 (APS-C) enjoy different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The W310 was manufactured 7 months earlier than the A55 and they are of a similar generation. The two cameras offer different body type with the Sony W310 being a Ultracompact camera and the Sony A55 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before we go straight into a step-by-step comparison, below is a simple synopsis of how the W310 matches up versus the A55 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W310 and Sony SLT-A55. The entire galleries are viewable at Sony W310 Gallery and Sony A55 Gallery.

For anybody who is intending to carry around your camera, you will want to take into account its weight and size. The Sony W310 features external dimensions of 95mm x 55mm x 19mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.7") with a weight of 137 grams (0.30 lbs) whilst the Sony A55 has specifications of 124mm x 92mm x 85mm (4.9" x 3.6" x 3.3") accompanied by a weight of 500 grams (1.10 lbs).

Compare the Sony W310 versus Sony A55 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you choose at the time. Underneath is the front view measurements comparison of the W310 vs the A55.

Considering size and weight, the portability score of the W310 and A55 is 96 and 67 respectively.

Often, it can be tough to imagine the gap in sensor sizes only by researching specifications. The picture below will help offer you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the W310 and A55.

Plainly, both the cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The W310 due to its smaller sensor is going to make achieving shallow DOF harder and the Sony A55 will result in extra detail due to its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also help you crop photographs a little more aggressively. The more aged W310 will be behind when it comes to sensor technology.