Sony W320 vs Sony A55

Here is a extensive assessment of the Sony W320 versus Sony A55, former being a Ultracompact while the other is a Entry-Level DSLR and they are both designed by Sony. The sensor resolution of the W320 (14MP) and the A55 (16MP) is very similar but the W320 (1/2.3") and A55 (APS-C) enjoy different sensor dimensions.

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The W320 was brought out 7 months before the A55 and they are both of a similar age. The two cameras come with different body type with the Sony W320 being a Ultracompact camera and the Sony A55 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before we go in to a detailed comparison, below is a brief summary of how the W320 scores versus the A55 for portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W320 & Sony SLT-A55. The entire galleries are provided at Sony W320 Gallery & Sony A55 Gallery.

When you are going to carry your camera, you're going to have to consider its weight and size. The Sony W320 comes with exterior 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) and the Sony A55 has specifications of 124mm x 92mm x 85mm (4.9" x 3.6" x 3.3") with a weight of 500 grams (1.10 lbs).

Look at the Sony W320 versus Sony A55 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you have attached at the time. Underneath is the front view scale comparison of the W320 versus the A55.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability rating of the W320 and A55 is 97 and 67 respectively.

In many cases, it's tough to picture the gap between sensor sizing only by reviewing technical specs. The visual here might offer you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the W320 and A55.

As you have seen, each of the cameras posses different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The W320 due to its tinier sensor is going to make achieving shallower DOF trickier and the Sony A55 will deliver greater detail having its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will let you crop photos somewhat more aggressively. The older W320 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor tech.