Canon 550D vs Sony NEX-5

In this article, we will be evaluating the Canon 550D versus Sony NEX-5, one is a Entry-Level DSLR and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by rivals Canon and Sony. There exists a crucial gap among the image resolutions of the 550D (18MP) and NEX-5 (14MP) but they possess the same exact sensor size (APS-C).

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The 550D was introduced 2 months before the NEX-5 and they are of a similar generation. Both the cameras offer different body type with the Canon 550D being a Compact SLR camera and the Sony NEX-5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go through a in-depth comparison, below is a concise summary of how the 550D matches up vs the NEX-5 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Canon EOS 550D and Sony Alpha NEX-5. The whole galleries are provided at Canon 550D Gallery and Sony NEX-5 Gallery.

For those who are aiming to carry around your camera often, you have to factor its weight and measurements. The Canon 550D has external measurements of 129mm x 98mm x 62mm (5.1" x 3.9" x 2.4") accompanied by a weight of 530 grams (1.17 lbs) whilst the Sony NEX-5 has proportions of 111mm x 59mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") and a weight of 287 grams (0.63 lbs).

Contrast the Canon 550D versus Sony NEX-5 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you are utilising at that moment. The following is the front view dimension comparison of the 550D vs the NEX-5.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the 550D and NEX-5 is 70 and 89 respectively.

Sometimes, it is very hard to imagine the gap in sensor sizes merely by looking through a spec sheet. The image below should offer you a far better sense of the sensor measurements in the 550D and NEX-5.

Clearly, each of these cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing albeit different MP. You should count on the Canon 550D to result in more detail using its extra 4MP. Higher resolution can also let you crop photographs a little more aggressively.