Canon ELPH 180 vs Sony W550

In this write-up, we are reviewing the Canon ELPH 180 and Sony W550, both Ultracompact digital cameras by competitors Canon and Sony. There is a noticeable difference between the sensor resolutions of the ELPH 180 (20MP) and W550 (14MP) but they enjoy the same exact sensor sizes (1/2.3").

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The ELPH 180 was manufactured 4 years later than the W550 and that is quite a sizable difference as far as tech is concerned. Both the cameras offer the identical body type (Ultracompact).

Before delving through a more detailed comparison, below is a concise view of how the ELPH 180 scores versus the W550 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Canon PowerShot ELPH 180 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W550. The entire galleries are available at Canon ELPH 180 Gallery & Sony W550 Gallery.

For anyone who is intending to carry your camera regularly, you have to consider its weight and volume. The Canon ELPH 180 has outer measurements of 95mm x 54mm x 22mm (3.7" x 2.1" x 0.9") accompanied by a weight of 126 grams (0.28 lbs) while the Sony W550 has sizing of 94mm x 56mm x 19mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.7") accompanied by a weight of 110 grams (0.24 lbs).

Examine the Canon ELPH 180 and Sony W550 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you have attached at that time. Below is the front view dimensions comparison of the ELPH 180 vs the W550.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability score of the ELPH 180 and W550 is 96 and 96 respectively.

Oftentimes, it can be hard to envision the gap between sensor sizing just by reading a spec sheet. The graphic here will help provide you a much better sense of the sensor measurements in the ELPH 180 and W550.

Clearly, both of those cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing but not the same megapixels. You can anticipate the Canon ELPH 180 to offer you extra detail due to its extra 6 Megapixels. Greater resolution will allow you to crop images a little more aggressively. The fresher ELPH 180 will have an edge in sensor technology.