Olympus 550WP vs Sony A380

In this article, we are matching up the Olympus 550WP and Sony A380, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by brands Olympus and Sony. There is a sizable difference among the image resolutions of the 550WP (10MP) and A380 (14MP) and the 550WP (1/2.3") and A380 (APS-C) feature totally different sensor sizing.

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The 550WP was brought out 7 months prior to the A380 which means that they are both of a similar age. The two cameras offer different body type with the Olympus 550WP being a Compact camera and the Sony A380 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before we go straight into a complete comparison, below is a brief synopsis of how the 550WP matches up against the A380 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus Stylus 550WP & Sony Alpha DSLR-A380. The entire galleries are available at Olympus 550WP Gallery & Sony A380 Gallery.

When you are planning to carry your camera regularly, you should take into account its weight and dimensions. The Olympus 550WP enjoys outer dimensions of 94mm x 62mm x 22mm (3.7" x 2.4" x 0.9") along with a weight of 167 grams (0.37 lbs) and the Sony A380 has dimensions of 128mm x 97mm x 71mm (5.0" x 3.8" x 2.8") with a weight of 519 grams (1.14 lbs).

Analyze the Olympus 550WP and Sony A380 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you have attached at that time. Here is the front view physical size comparison of the 550WP and the A380.

Considering size and weight, the portability grade of the 550WP and A380 is 94 and 68 respectively.

Usually, it is very difficult to envision the difference in sensor sizing simply by seeing technical specs. The graphic below will give you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the 550WP and A380.

As you can tell, both the cameras enjoy different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The 550WP due to its smaller sensor will make getting shallower depth of field more challenging and the Sony A380 will produce extra detail having its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also let you crop pics far more aggressively. The older 550WP will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor tech.