Olympus 8010 vs Sony A55

Here is a in depth review of the Olympus 8010 and Sony A55, one being a Waterproof and the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by manufacturers Olympus and Sony. The resolution of the 8010 (13MP) and the A55 (16MP) is fairly similar but the 8010 (1/2.3") and A55 (APS-C) provide totally different sensor sizes.

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The 8010 was unveiled 6 months before the A55 so they are both of a similar generation. Each of the cameras have different body design with the Olympus 8010 being a Compact camera and the Sony A55 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before delving straight to a in-depth comparison, here is a concise view of how the 8010 grades versus the A55 for portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus Stylus Tough 8010 and Sony SLT-A55. The full galleries are available at Olympus 8010 Gallery and Sony A55 Gallery.

For anybody who is going to carry your camera regularly, you will have to factor its weight and volume. The Olympus 8010 has outer dimensions of 98mm x 64mm x 24mm (3.9" x 2.5" x 0.9") and a weight of 245 grams (0.54 lbs) and the Sony A55 has sizing of 124mm x 92mm x 85mm (4.9" x 3.6" x 3.3") with a weight of 500 grams (1.10 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus 8010 and Sony A55 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you have at the time. The following is a front view proportions comparison of the 8010 versus the A55.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability score of the 8010 and A55 is 92 and 67 respectively.

Generally, its hard to see the difference between sensor sizing only by reading specs. The visual underneath might provide you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the 8010 and A55.

All in all, each of these cameras provide different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The 8010 having a tinier sensor will make getting shallower depth of field more difficult and the Sony A55 will offer greater detail having an extra 3MP. Greater resolution can also let you crop images more aggressively.