Sony W320 vs Sony A35

In this write-up, we are reviewing the Sony W320 and Sony A35, one is a Ultracompact and the other is a Entry-Level DSLR and both of them are built by Sony. The image resolution of the W320 (14MP) and the A35 (16MP) is very well matched but the W320 (1/2.3") and A35 (APS-C) use different sensor dimensions.

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The W320 was unveiled 20 months prior to the A35 making the cameras a generation away from each other. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Sony W320 being a Ultracompact camera and the Sony A35 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before going through a step-by-step comparison, below is a simple introduction of how the W320 matches up vs the A35 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W320 and Sony SLT-A35. The full galleries are provided at Sony W320 Gallery and Sony A35 Gallery.

If you are intending to carry around your camera, you will have to take into account its weight and measurements. The Sony W320 offers outside measurements of 93mm x 52mm x 17mm (3.7" x 2.0" x 0.7") accompanied by a weight of 117 grams (0.26 lbs) whilst the Sony A35 has proportions of 124mm x 92mm x 85mm (4.9" x 3.6" x 3.3") with a weight of 415 grams (0.91 lbs).

Take a look at the Sony W320 and Sony A35 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you are working with during that time. Below is the front view overall size comparison of the W320 against the A35.

Considering size and weight, the portability grade of the W320 and A35 is 97 and 69 respectively.

Generally, it can be difficult to picture the contrast between sensor sizes purely by checking specifications. The picture here may give you a greater sense of the sensor sizing in the W320 and A35.

To sum up, both of those cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The W320 using its tinier sensor is going to make achieving shallow DOF more challenging and the Sony A35 will give more detail having an extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will let you crop images a little more aggressively. The more aged W320 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor tech.