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Sony Alpha DSLR-A550 vs Sony Alpha DSLR-A100
Sony Alpha DSLR-A550
Camera summary
The Sony Alpha DSLR-A550, made by Sony, is a powerful Compact SLR camera. Announced on Dec. 9, 2009.
See full specifications| Feature | Score |
|---|---|
| Autofocus specs |
3.2 out of 5 stars
|
| Connectivity |
3.3 out of 5 stars
|
| Exposure mode |
2.5 out of 5 stars
|
| Photography features |
5.0 out of 5 stars
|
| Physical |
0.4 out of 5 stars
|
| Average Score |
2.9 out of 5 stars
|
Predecessor
This camera builds on the success of its predecessor, the Sony Alpha DSLR-A100, with advanced features and improved performance.
Compare this camera to the Sony Alpha DSLR-A100
Sensor
This camera has a CMOS sensor with a 14 Megapixels resolution.
Focus points
This camera has 9 focus points. AF Face detection available, ideal for portraits and selfies.
Connectivity
Built-in wireless connectivity. Support for HDMI, so you can connect it to screens, monitors or any compatible device. Support for USB, transfer files and upgrade your camera's software directly from your computer.
Battery life
The battery of this camera can last up to 480 shots per charge with the included NP-FM500H battery. Consider that this value can fluctuate and depends on the mAh of the battery (sometimes generic batteries have more mAh) and also on the usage, the amount of time you use the screen, the flash, etc.
Although this camera may have a decent battery life, its performance is not as great as the most powerful cameras. Always make sure to carry one extra battery, just in case.
Other features
This camera doesn't include a microphone port, which can be a major headache when recording video or interviews, consider it before buying it.
Sony Alpha DSLR-A100
Camera summary
The Sony Alpha DSLR-A100, made by Sony, is a powerful Compact SLR camera. Announced on July 31, 2006.
See full specifications| Feature | Score |
|---|---|
| Autofocus specs |
2.3 out of 5 stars
|
| Connectivity |
1.7 out of 5 stars
|
| Exposure mode |
0.0 out of 5 stars
|
| Photography features |
4.3 out of 5 stars
|
| Physical |
0.0 out of 5 stars
|
| Average Score |
1.7 out of 5 stars
|
Predecessor
This camera builds on the success of its predecessor, the Sony Alpha NEX-5, with advanced features and improved performance.
Compare this camera to the Sony Alpha NEX-5
Successor
This camera has now been superseeded by the Sony Alpha DSLR-A580, which has more advanced features and characteristics, it would also be easier to get, especially new. Take that into account.
Aside from that, consider that you may probably need to update your camera soon and finding accesories could be more difficult compared to its successor. Of course you can expect a lower price for this camera as a compensation.
Compare this camera to its successor Sony Alpha DSLR-A580
Sensor
This camera has a CCD sensor with a 10 Megapixels resolution.
Focus points
This camera has 9 focus points.
Connectivity
Support for USB, transfer files and upgrade your camera's software directly from your computer.
Other features
This camera doesn't include a microphone port, which can be a major headache when recording video or interviews, consider it before buying it.
Autofocus specs |
Sony Alpha DSLR-A550 | Sony Alpha DSLR-A100 |
|---|---|---|
| Af center | No |
No |
| Af continuous | Yes |
Yes |
| Af Contrast Detection | No |
No |
| Af Face detection | Yes |
No |
| Af live view | Yes |
No |
| Af multi area | Yes |
Yes |
| Af phase detection | Yes |
Yes |
| Af selective | Yes |
Yes |
| Af single | Yes |
Yes |
| Af touch | No |
No |
| Af tracking | No |
No |
| Number of cross focus points | - | - |
| Number of focus points | 9 | 9 |
Connectivity |
Sony Alpha DSLR-A550 | Sony Alpha DSLR-A100 |
| HDMI | Yes |
No |
| USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
| Wireless connectivity | - | - |
| DXO color depth | 21.9 | 22.0 |
| DXO dynamic range | 11.8 | 11.2 |
| DXO low light ISO | 807.0 | 476.0 |
| DXO overall score | 66.0 | 61.0 |
Exposure mode |
Sony Alpha DSLR-A550 | Sony Alpha DSLR-A100 |
| AF area | No |
No |
| average | No |
No |
| Center weighted | Yes |
No |
| Multi segment | Yes |
No |
| partial | No |
No |
| spot | Yes |
No |
General |
Sony Alpha DSLR-A550 | Sony Alpha DSLR-A100 |
| AKA | - | - |
| announced | Dec. 9, 2009 | July 31, 2006 |
| Body type | Compact SLR | Compact SLR |
| brand | Sony | Sony |
| msrp | $319.95 | $0.00 |
| model | Sony Alpha DSLR-A550 | Sony Alpha DSLR-A100 |
| Predecessor model | Sony Alpha DSLR-A100 | Sony Alpha NEX-5 |
| Successor model | Sony Alpha DSLR-A580 | |
Lense |
Sony Alpha DSLR-A550 | Sony Alpha DSLR-A100 |
| Focal length multiplier | 1.5× | 1.5× |
| Lens mount | Sony/Minolta Alpha | Sony/Minolta Alpha |
| Manual focus | Yes |
Yes |
| Macro focus range | - | - |
| Number of lenses | 143 | 143 |
Other features |
Sony Alpha DSLR-A550 | Sony Alpha DSLR-A100 |
| GPS | - | - |
| Self-timer | Yes (2 or 10 sec) | Yes (2 or 10 sec) |
| Storage slots | 1 | 1 |
| Storage type | SD/ SDHC, Memory Stick Pro Duo/ Pro-HG Duo | Compact Flash (Type I or II) |
| Timelapse recording | No |
No |
Photography features |
Sony Alpha DSLR-A550 | Sony Alpha DSLR-A100 |
| AE bracketing | Yes |
No |
| Aperture priority | Yes |
Yes |
| Built-in flash | Yes |
Yes |
| Custom white balance | Yes |
Yes |
| Exposure compensation | Yes |
Yes |
| External flash | Yes |
Yes |
| Flash modes | Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Slow Sync, High Speed Sync, Rear Curtain, Fill-in, Wireless | Auto, Fill-in, Red-Eye reduction, Slow Sync, Off |
| Flash range | 12.00 m | n/a |
| Image stabilization | Yes |
Yes |
| Manual exposure mode | Yes |
Yes |
| Max continuous shooting | 7.0 fps | 3.0 fps |
| Max mechanical shutter speed | 1/4000s | 1/4000s |
| Minimum shutter speed | 30 | 30 |
| Shutter priority | Yes |
Yes |
| WB bracketing | Yes |
No |
Physical |
Sony Alpha DSLR-A550 | Sony Alpha DSLR-A100 |
| Battery life | 480 shots | 0 shots |
| Battery model | NP-FM500H | NP-FM55H |
| Battery type | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
| Crush proof | No |
No |
| Dust proof | No |
No |
| Environmental sealing | No |
No |
| Freeze proof | No |
No |
| Physical dimensions | 137 x 104 x 84mm | 133 x 95 x 71mm |
| Shock proof | No |
No |
| Water proof | No |
No |
| Weight | 632 grs | 638 grs |
Screen |
Sony Alpha DSLR-A550 | Sony Alpha DSLR-A100 |
| Live view | Yes |
No |
| Screen resolution | 922 | 230 |
| Screen size | - | - |
| Screen type | Tilting | Fixed Type |
| Touch screen | No |
No |
Sensor |
Sony Alpha DSLR-A550 | Sony Alpha DSLR-A100 |
| Max boosted ISO | - | - |
| Max image resolution | 4592 x 3056 | 3872 x 2592 |
| Max native ISO | 12800 | 1600 |
| Min native ISO | 200 | 100 |
| RAW support | Yes |
Yes |
| Sensor area | - | - |
| Sensor dimensions | 23.4 x 15.6 mm | 23.6 x 15.8 mm |
| Sensor resolution | 14 | 10 |
| Sensor size | APS-C | APS-C |
| Sensor type | CMOS | CCD |
Headphone port |
Sony Alpha DSLR-A550 | Sony Alpha DSLR-A100 |
| Headphone port | No |
No |
| Max video resolution | - | - |
| Microphone port | No |
No |
| Video formats | - | - |
| Video resolutions | - | - |
Viewfinder |
Sony Alpha DSLR-A550 | Sony Alpha DSLR-A100 |
| viewfinder | Optical (pentamirror) | Optical (pentamirror) |
| viewfinder coverage | - | - |
| viewfinder magnification | - | - |
| viewfinder resolution | no electronic viewfinder | no electronic viewfinder |