Sony W690 vs Sony WX500

On this page, we will be contrasting the Sony W690 and Sony WX500, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both of them are sold by Sony. The resolution of the W690 (16MP) and the WX500 (18MP) is relatively well matched and both cameras have the same sensor dimensions (1/2.3").

Photography Glossary

The W690 was unveiled 4 years before the WX500 and that is quite a large gap as far as technology is concerned. The two cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before diving straight to a comprehensive comparison, here is a quick highlight of how the W690 matches up against the WX500 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W690 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX500. The full galleries are provided at Sony W690 Gallery and Sony WX500 Gallery.

For anyone who is looking to carry your camera often, you have to factor its weight and volume. The Sony W690 comes with exterior dimensions of 94mm x 56mm x 22mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") with a weight of 142 grams (0.31 lbs) while the Sony WX500 has sizing of 102mm x 58mm x 36mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.4") and a weight of 236 grams (0.52 lbs).

Look at the Sony W690 and Sony WX500 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you are utilizing at the time. The following is a front view sizing comparison of the W690 vs the WX500.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the W690 and WX500 is 95 and 91 respectively.

Typically, it's difficult to visualize the difference between sensor sizing just by reading through a spec sheet. The graphic here will provide you a far better sense of the sensor sizes in the W690 and WX500.

Clearly, both cameras provide the same sensor dimensions albeit different MP. You should count on the Sony WX500 to give greater detail having an extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also make it easier to crop shots more aggressively. The older W690 is going to be behind when it comes to sensor innovation.