Samsung NX300M vs Sony A550
86 Imaging
62 Features
73 Overall
66
63 Imaging
54 Features
65 Overall
58
Samsung NX300M vs Sony A550 Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 20MP - APS-C Sensor
- 3.3" Tilting Display
- ISO 100 - 25600
- 1/6000s Max Shutter
- 1920 x 1080 video
- Samsung NX Mount
- 331g - 122 x 64 x 41mm
- Announced January 2013
(Full Review)
- 14MP - APS-C Sensor
- 3" Tilting Screen
- ISO 200 - 12800
- Sensor based Image Stabilization
- No Video
- Sony/Minolta Alpha Mount
- 632g - 137 x 104 x 84mm
- Revealed December 2009
- Earlier Model is Sony A100
Samsung NX300M vs Sony A550 Overview
In this write-up, we will be contrasting the Samsung NX300M versus Sony A550, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by rivals Samsung and Sony. There exists a sizeable gap between the image resolutions of the NX300M (20MP) and A550 (14MP) but they possess the same exact sensor size (APS-C).
Photography GlossaryThe NX300M was unveiled 3 years later than the A550 and that is quite a large gap as far as technology is concerned. The two cameras offer different body type with the Samsung NX300M being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sony A550 being a Compact SLR camera.
Before diving in to a comprehensive comparison, below is a quick introduction of how the NX300M grades vs the A550 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.
Samsung NX300M vs Sony A550 Gallery
Below is a preview of the gallery images for Samsung NX300M and Sony Alpha DSLR-A550. The full galleries are viewable at Samsung NX300M Gallery and Sony A550 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Samsung NX300M over the Sony A550
NX300M | A550 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Revealed | January 2013 | December 2009 | More recent by 38 months | |
Screen sizing | 3.3" | 3" | Bigger screen (+0.3") | |
Touch screen | Quickly navigate |
Reasons to pick Sony A550 over the Samsung NX300M
A550 | NX300M | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Screen resolution | 922k | 768k | Clearer screen (+154k dot) |
Common features in the Samsung NX300M and Sony A550
NX300M | A550 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Manually focus | Dial precise focus | |||
Screen type | Tilting | Tilting | Tilting screen | |
Selfie screen | Neither provides selfie screen |
Samsung NX300M vs Sony A550 Physical Comparison
In case you're planning to lug around your camera regularly, you should think about its weight and volume. The Samsung NX300M provides physical dimensions of 122mm x 64mm x 41mm (4.8" x 2.5" x 1.6") and a weight of 331 grams (0.73 lbs) whilst the Sony A550 has sizing of 137mm x 104mm x 84mm (5.4" x 4.1" x 3.3") having a weight of 632 grams (1.39 lbs).
Compare the Samsung NX300M versus Sony A550 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you choose during that time. Underneath is the front view dimensions comparison of the NX300M versus the A550.
Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability score of the NX300M and A550 is 86 and 63 respectively.
Samsung NX300M vs Sony A550 Sensor Comparison
Typically, it is very difficult to picture the contrast between sensor measurements only by checking specifications. The photograph underneath will help provide you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the NX300M and A550.
Plainly, the two cameras enjoy the same exact sensor sizing albeit different resolution. You should expect the Samsung NX300M to resolve greater detail having an extra 6MP. Higher resolution will make it easier to crop shots far more aggressively. The more recent NX300M provides an advantage with regard to sensor technology.
Samsung NX300M vs Sony A550 Screen and ViewFinder
Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison
Street Comparison
Sports Comparison
Travel Comparison
Landscape Comparison
Vlogging Comparison
Samsung NX300M vs Sony A550 Specifications
Samsung NX300M | Sony Alpha DSLR-A550 | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Make | Samsung | Sony |
Model | Samsung NX300M | Sony Alpha DSLR-A550 |
Category | Entry-Level Mirrorless | Entry-Level DSLR |
Announced | 2013-01-03 | 2009-12-09 |
Physical type | Rangefinder-style mirrorless | Compact SLR |
Sensor Information | ||
Processor Chip | DRIMe IV | Bionz |
Sensor type | CMOS | CMOS |
Sensor size | APS-C | APS-C |
Sensor dimensions | 23.5 x 15.7mm | 23.4 x 15.6mm |
Sensor surface area | 369.0mm² | 365.0mm² |
Sensor resolution | 20MP | 14MP |
Anti aliasing filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 1:1, 3:2 and 16:9 | 3:2 and 16:9 |
Full resolution | 5472 x 3648 | 4592 x 3056 |
Max native ISO | 25600 | 12800 |
Lowest native ISO | 100 | 200 |
RAW support | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Focus manually | ||
Touch focus | ||
Continuous AF | ||
Single AF | ||
Tracking AF | ||
AF selectice | ||
Center weighted AF | ||
AF multi area | ||
Live view AF | ||
Face detect focusing | ||
Contract detect focusing | ||
Phase detect focusing | ||
Number of focus points | 247 | 9 |
Lens | ||
Lens mounting type | Samsung NX | Sony/Minolta Alpha |
Total lenses | 32 | 143 |
Crop factor | 1.5 | 1.5 |
Screen | ||
Display type | Tilting | Tilting |
Display sizing | 3.3 inches | 3 inches |
Display resolution | 768k dots | 922k dots |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch function | ||
Display technology | Active Matrix OLED screen | - |
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder | None | Optical (pentamirror) |
Viewfinder coverage | - | 95 percent |
Viewfinder magnification | - | 0.53x |
Features | ||
Lowest shutter speed | 30 seconds | 30 seconds |
Highest shutter speed | 1/6000 seconds | 1/4000 seconds |
Continuous shooting rate | 9.0fps | 7.0fps |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Expose Manually | ||
Exposure compensation | Yes | Yes |
Custom WB | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Inbuilt flash | ||
Flash range | no built-in flash | 12.00 m |
Flash modes | Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Fill-in, 1st/2nd Curtain, Smart Flash, Manual | Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Slow Sync, High Speed Sync, Rear Curtain, Fill-in, Wireless |
Hot shoe | ||
AEB | ||
White balance bracketing | ||
Highest flash synchronize | - | 1/160 seconds |
Exposure | ||
Multisegment metering | ||
Average metering | ||
Spot metering | ||
Partial metering | ||
AF area metering | ||
Center weighted metering | ||
Video features | ||
Video resolutions | 1920 x 1080, 1280 x 720, 640 x 480, 320 x 240 | - |
Max video resolution | 1920x1080 | None |
Video format | MPEG-4, H.264 | - |
Mic support | ||
Headphone support | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | Built-In | None |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
GPS | Optional | None |
Physical | ||
Environment sealing | ||
Water proof | ||
Dust proof | ||
Shock proof | ||
Crush proof | ||
Freeze proof | ||
Weight | 331 grams (0.73 pounds) | 632 grams (1.39 pounds) |
Dimensions | 122 x 64 x 41mm (4.8" x 2.5" x 1.6") | 137 x 104 x 84mm (5.4" x 4.1" x 3.3") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO All around score | not tested | 66 |
DXO Color Depth score | not tested | 21.9 |
DXO Dynamic range score | not tested | 11.8 |
DXO Low light score | not tested | 807 |
Other | ||
Battery life | 330 photos | 480 photos |
Type of battery | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
Battery model | BP1130 | NP-FM500H |
Self timer | Yes (2 sec to 30 sec) | Yes (2 or 10 sec) |
Time lapse shooting | ||
Type of storage | SD/SDHC/SDXC | SD/ SDHC, Memory Stick Pro Duo/ Pro-HG Duo |
Card slots | Single | Single |
Cost at launch | $699 | $749 |