Samsung SL102 vs Sony A550

Here, we are analyzing the Samsung SL102 versus Sony A550, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by competitors Samsung and Sony. There is a big difference among the resolutions of the SL102 (10MP) and A550 (14MP) and the SL102 (1/2.3") and A550 (APS-C) have different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The SL102 was announced 11 months earlier than the A550 so they are of a similar generation. Both of these cameras feature different body design with the Samsung SL102 being a Compact camera and the Sony A550 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before going straight to a complete comparison, here is a short summary of how the SL102 scores versus the A550 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Samsung SL102 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A550. The whole galleries are available at Samsung SL102 Gallery and Sony A550 Gallery.

If you are looking to carry around your camera regularly, you are going to need to think about its weight and proportions. The Samsung SL102 comes with exterior dimensions of 90mm x 59mm x 22mm (3.5" x 2.3" x 0.9") having a weight of 116 grams (0.26 lbs) and the Sony A550 has measurements of 137mm x 104mm x 84mm (5.4" x 4.1" x 3.3") and a weight of 632 grams (1.39 lbs).

Contrast the Samsung SL102 versus Sony A550 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you are utilising at that moment. Here is a front view overall size comparison of the SL102 vs the A550.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability rating of the SL102 and A550 is 96 and 63 respectively.

In many cases, it's tough to visualize the gap in sensor sizes merely by seeing technical specs. The picture underneath will provide you a far better sense of the sensor dimensions in the SL102 and A550.

As you have seen, each of these cameras feature different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The SL102 having a smaller sensor is going to make shooting shallower DOF trickier and the Sony A550 will produce greater detail with its extra 4MP. Greater resolution will also let you crop pics way more aggressively. The more aged SL102 will be behind when it comes to sensor tech.