Olympus TG-6 vs Sony A550

Below is a detailed analysis of the Olympus TG-6 vs Sony A550, one being a Waterproof and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by brands Olympus and Sony. The sensor resolution of the TG-6 (12MP) and the A550 (14MP) is relatively close but the TG-6 (1/2.3") and A550 (APS-C) provide different sensor size.

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The TG-6 was introduced 9 years later than the A550 and that is a fairly big gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both the cameras feature different body design with the Olympus TG-6 being a Compact camera and the Sony A550 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before delving straight to a complete comparison, here is a simple summation of how the TG-6 scores vs the A550 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus Tough TG-6 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A550. The whole galleries are provided at Olympus TG-6 Gallery and Sony A550 Gallery.

In case you're going to lug around your camera, you will want to factor its weight and measurements. The Olympus TG-6 comes with exterior measurements of 113mm x 66mm x 32mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.3") and a weight of 253 grams (0.56 lbs) whilst the Sony A550 has proportions of 137mm x 104mm x 84mm (5.4" x 4.1" x 3.3") and a weight of 632 grams (1.39 lbs).

See the Olympus TG-6 vs Sony A550 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you are using at that time. Here is a front view proportions comparison of the TG-6 against the A550.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability rating of the TG-6 and A550 is 90 and 63 respectively.

Often, it is tough to imagine the contrast in sensor measurements only by researching technical specs. The visual here should provide you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the TG-6 and A550.

As you have seen, each of these cameras feature different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The TG-6 using its smaller sensor is going to make getting shallower depth of field trickier and the Sony A550 will provide you with greater detail using its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also let you crop photographs way more aggressively. The fresher TG-6 provides an edge with regard to sensor innovation.