Nikon P510 vs Sony A550

In this article, we are contrasting the Nikon P510 versus Sony A550, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by manufacturers Nikon and Sony. The sensor resolution of the P510 (16MP) and the A550 (14MP) is very close but the P510 (1/2.3") and A550 (APS-C) possess totally different sensor dimensions.

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The P510 was released 2 years later than the A550 and that is a fairly serious difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of the cameras offer different body type with the Nikon P510 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Sony A550 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before getting through a complete comparison, below is a brief view of how the P510 matches up against the A550 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Nikon Coolpix P510 & Sony Alpha DSLR-A550. The complete galleries are viewable at Nikon P510 Gallery & Sony A550 Gallery.

In case you're intending to lug around your camera often, you'll need to consider its weight and measurements. The Nikon P510 features exterior measurements of 120mm x 83mm x 102mm (4.7" x 3.3" x 4.0") having a weight of 555 grams (1.22 lbs) and the Sony A550 has proportions of 137mm x 104mm x 84mm (5.4" x 4.1" x 3.3") with a weight of 632 grams (1.39 lbs).

See the Nikon P510 versus Sony A550 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you are using at that time. Below is the front view overall size comparison of the P510 against the A550.

Looking at size and weight, the portability score of the P510 and A550 is 66 and 63 respectively.

Generally, it is tough to envision the gap in sensor measurements just by looking through specs. The visual below should offer you a stronger sense of the sensor measurements in the P510 and A550.

All in all, both cameras enjoy different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The P510 due to its smaller sensor will make getting shallow DOF more difficult and the Nikon P510 will render greater detail as a result of its extra 2MP. Greater resolution can also enable you to crop photos far more aggressively. The younger P510 will have a benefit in sensor technology.