Canon SX270 HS vs Sony A550

In this write-up, we are contrasting the Canon SX270 HS vs Sony A550, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by manufacturers Canon and Sony. The sensor resolution of the SX270 HS (12MP) and the A550 (14MP) is very similar but the SX270 HS (1/2.3") and A550 (APS-C) come with different sensor dimensions.

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The SX270 HS was introduced 3 years after the A550 which is quite a large gap as far as technology is concerned. Both of the cameras offer different body type with the Canon SX270 HS being a Compact camera and the Sony A550 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before getting straight into a more detailed comparison, below is a concise introduction of how the SX270 HS scores against the A550 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Canon PowerShot SX270 HS and Sony Alpha DSLR-A550. The whole galleries are available at Canon SX270 HS Gallery and Sony A550 Gallery.

In case you're intending to travel with your camera often, you have to factor its weight and proportions. The Canon SX270 HS offers physical measurements of 106mm x 63mm x 33mm (4.2" x 2.5" x 1.3") with a weight of 233 grams (0.51 lbs) and the Sony A550 has measurements of 137mm x 104mm x 84mm (5.4" x 4.1" x 3.3") and a weight of 632 grams (1.39 lbs).

See the Canon SX270 HS vs Sony A550 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you are utilizing at that moment. Following is the front view size comparison of the SX270 HS compared to the A550.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability score of the SX270 HS and A550 is 91 and 63 respectively.

Quite often, it is difficult to imagine the gap between sensor dimensions merely by reading a spec sheet. The image below might offer you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the SX270 HS and A550.

As you can see, both cameras enjoy different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The SX270 HS having a tinier sensor is going to make achieving shallower DOF harder and the Sony A550 will deliver greater detail using its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will make it easier to crop pics far more aggressively. The fresher SX270 HS should have a benefit when it comes to sensor technology.