Olympus 550WP vs Sony A100

In this write-up, we will be evaluating the Olympus 550WP vs Sony A100, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by rivals Olympus and Sony. The resolution of the 550WP (10MP) and the A100 (10MP) is pretty similar but the 550WP (1/2.3") and A100 (APS-C) enjoy different sensor dimensions.

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The 550WP was launched 2 years later than the A100 and that is quite a significant difference as far as tech is concerned. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Olympus 550WP being a Compact camera and the Sony A100 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before we go through a in-depth comparison, below is a brief view of how the 550WP scores versus the A100 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus Stylus 550WP & Sony Alpha DSLR-A100. The complete galleries are available at Olympus 550WP Gallery & Sony A100 Gallery.

If you are intending to lug around your camera, you are going to need to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Olympus 550WP enjoys outer measurements of 94mm x 62mm x 22mm (3.7" x 2.4" x 0.9") with a weight of 167 grams (0.37 lbs) and the Sony A100 has dimensions of 133mm x 95mm x 71mm (5.2" x 3.7" x 2.8") having a weight of 638 grams (1.41 lbs).

See the Olympus 550WP vs Sony A100 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you are employing during that time. The following is the front view over all size comparison of the 550WP compared to the A100.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability score of the 550WP and A100 is 94 and 64 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is hard to picture the gap between sensor measurements purely by reading technical specs. The graphic underneath should give you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the 550WP and A100.

As you have seen, the two cameras enjoy the same exact resolution albeit different sensor measurements. The 550WP includes the tinier sensor which is going to make achieving bokeh trickier. The fresher 550WP provides an edge with regard to sensor innovation.