Sony W610 vs Sony A37

On this page, we will be reviewing the Sony W610 versus Sony A37, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR and both of them are offered by Sony. The image resolution of the W610 (14MP) and the A37 (16MP) is relatively comparable but the W610 (1/2.3") and A37 (APS-C) offer totally different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The W610 was announced 4 months prior to the A37 so they are both of a similar generation. The two cameras have different body design with the Sony W610 being a Compact camera and the Sony A37 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before getting straight to a thorough comparison, here is a simple summation of how the W610 grades vs the A37 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W610 and Sony SLT-A37. The whole galleries are available at Sony W610 Gallery and Sony A37 Gallery.

In case you're planning to carry your camera often, you will want to take into account its weight and size. The Sony W610 has outside measurements of 93mm x 52mm x 19mm (3.7" x 2.0" x 0.7") accompanied by a weight of 113 grams (0.25 lbs) and the Sony A37 has specifications of 124mm x 92mm x 85mm (4.9" x 3.6" x 3.3") accompanied by a weight of 506 grams (1.12 lbs).

See the Sony W610 versus Sony A37 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you are working with during that time. Following is a front view physical size comparison of the W610 versus the A37.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the W610 and A37 is 97 and 67 respectively.

Normally, it's difficult to visualise the difference in sensor sizing only by seeing specs. The visual below might provide you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the W610 and A37.

All in all, both of these cameras provide different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The W610 with its smaller sensor will make achieving bokeh trickier and the Sony A37 will show greater detail with its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop shots more aggressively.