Olympus FE-4000 vs Sony A550

In this write-up, we will be analyzing the Olympus FE-4000 versus Sony A550, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by competitors Olympus and Sony. The sensor resolution of the FE-4000 (12MP) and the A550 (14MP) is pretty similar but the FE-4000 (1/2.3") and A550 (APS-C) come with different sensor sizes.

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The FE-4000 was unveiled 4 months prior to the A550 so they are both of a similar generation. Both the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus FE-4000 being a Compact camera and the Sony A550 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before delving in to a complete comparison, below is a quick introduction of how the FE-4000 grades vs the A550 for portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus FE-4000 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A550. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus FE-4000 Gallery and Sony A550 Gallery.

For anyone who is going to carry your camera frequently, you have to consider its weight and measurements. The Olympus FE-4000 comes with outer measurements of 95mm x 57mm x 22mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") and a weight of 136 grams (0.30 lbs) while the Sony A550 has proportions of 137mm x 104mm x 84mm (5.4" x 4.1" x 3.3") having a weight of 632 grams (1.39 lbs).

Examine the Olympus FE-4000 versus Sony A550 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you have chosen at that moment. The following is the front view proportions comparison of the FE-4000 versus the A550.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the FE-4000 and A550 is 95 and 63 respectively.

Typically, it is very tough to picture the contrast between sensor sizing merely by reading technical specs. The visual underneath will offer you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the FE-4000 and A550.

As you have seen, the 2 cameras enjoy different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The FE-4000 having a tinier sensor is going to make shooting shallower depth of field tougher and the Sony A550 will offer you greater detail having an extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop shots far more aggressively.