Olympus VG-120 vs Sony A550

Here is a in depth overview of the Olympus VG-120 vs Sony A550, one being a Ultracompact and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by rivals Olympus and Sony. The image resolution of the VG-120 (14MP) and the A550 (14MP) is relatively comparable but the VG-120 (1/2.3") and A550 (APS-C) use totally different sensor measurements.

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The VG-120 was released 14 months later than the A550 which makes the cameras a generation apart from each other. Both the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus VG-120 being a Ultracompact camera and the Sony A550 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before diving straight into a complete comparison, below is a concise overview of how the VG-120 grades versus the A550 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus VG-120 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A550. The complete galleries are available at Olympus VG-120 Gallery and Sony A550 Gallery.

If you're intending to carry your camera, you have to take into account its weight and measurements. The Olympus VG-120 has outer dimensions of 96mm x 57mm x 19mm (3.8" x 2.2" x 0.7") along with a weight of 120 grams (0.26 lbs) whilst the Sony A550 has proportions of 137mm x 104mm x 84mm (5.4" x 4.1" x 3.3") accompanied by a weight of 632 grams (1.39 lbs).

Check out the Olympus VG-120 vs Sony A550 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you select at the time. Below is the front view size comparison of the VG-120 vs the A550.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability score of the VG-120 and A550 is 96 and 63 respectively.

Generally, it's difficult to visualise the contrast in sensor sizing simply by seeing specs. The photograph underneath should offer you a far better sense of the sensor sizes in the VG-120 and A550.

All in all, both of these cameras enjoy the same exact MP albeit not the same sensor sizing. The VG-120 features the smaller sensor which will make getting shallow DOF harder. The more modern VG-120 will have an advantage with regard to sensor tech.