Olympus 1 vs Sony A550

In this write-up, we will be analyzing the Olympus 1 and Sony A550, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by rivals Olympus and Sony. The image resolution of the 1 (12MP) and the A550 (14MP) is relatively well matched but the 1 (1/1.7") and A550 (APS-C) come with different sensor sizes.

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The 1 was revealed 4 years after the A550 which is quite a sizable gap as far as technology is concerned. Both the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus 1 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Sony A550 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before delving straight into a comprehensive comparison, below is a simple summation of how the 1 scores against the A550 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus Stylus 1 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A550. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus 1 Gallery and Sony A550 Gallery.

For anyone who is going to carry around your camera, you will have to think about its weight and size. The Olympus 1 has got outer measurements of 116mm x 87mm x 57mm (4.6" x 3.4" x 2.2") having a weight of 402 grams (0.89 lbs) whilst the Sony A550 has specifications of 137mm x 104mm x 84mm (5.4" x 4.1" x 3.3") along with a weight of 632 grams (1.39 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus 1 and Sony A550 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you have attached at the time. The following is the front view dimension comparison of the 1 compared to the A550.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the 1 and A550 is 79 and 63 respectively.

Normally, it can be difficult to picture the difference between sensor sizes merely by reading through a spec sheet. The pic below might provide you a more clear sense of the sensor sizing in the 1 and A550.

As you can see, each of the cameras enjoy different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The 1 having a tinier sensor is going to make shooting shallow DOF more challenging and the Sony A550 will give you more detail because of its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop photographs far more aggressively. The more recent 1 provides a benefit in sensor technology.