Ricoh GR Digital IV vs Sony A550

Here is a thorough overview of the Ricoh GR Digital IV vs Sony A550, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by rivals Ricoh and Sony. There exists a sizable gap among the resolutions of the GR Digital IV (10MP) and A550 (14MP) and the GR Digital IV (1/1.7") and A550 (APS-C) offer totally different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The GR Digital IV was released 22 months later than the A550 making them a generation apart from one another. Both of the cameras feature different body design with the Ricoh GR Digital IV being a Compact camera and the Sony A550 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before getting right into a step-by-step comparison, here is a short overview of how the GR Digital IV grades versus the A550 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Ricoh GR Digital IV & Sony Alpha DSLR-A550. The complete galleries are provided at Ricoh GR Digital IV Gallery & Sony A550 Gallery.

For those who are intending to carry your camera frequently, you will have to think about its weight and measurements. The Ricoh GR Digital IV has got outer measurements of 109mm x 59mm x 33mm (4.3" x 2.3" x 1.3") and a weight of 190 grams (0.42 lbs) while the Sony A550 has proportions of 137mm x 104mm x 84mm (5.4" x 4.1" x 3.3") having a weight of 632 grams (1.39 lbs).

See the Ricoh GR Digital IV vs Sony A550 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you select at the time. Following is a front view physical size comparison of the GR Digital IV and the A550.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the GR Digital IV and A550 is 92 and 63 respectively.

Sometimes, it is tough to see the difference in sensor sizing merely by checking out specifications. The photograph here might provide you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the GR Digital IV and A550.

To sum up, each of these cameras come with different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The GR Digital IV because of its smaller sensor will make getting bokeh harder and the Sony A550 will show greater detail as a result of its extra 4MP. Greater resolution will let you crop photos a good deal more aggressively. The younger GR Digital IV is going to have an edge in sensor tech.