Samsung SL30 vs Sony A550

In this write-up, we are analyzing the Samsung SL30 vs Sony A550, former is a Small Sensor Compact while the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by brands Samsung and Sony. There exists a noticeable gap between the sensor resolutions of the SL30 (10MP) and A550 (14MP) and the SL30 (1/2.3") and A550 (APS-C) come with different sensor size.

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The SL30 was launched 9 months prior to the A550 and they are of a similar age. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Samsung SL30 being a Compact camera and the Sony A550 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before delving straight into a full comparison, below is a concise highlight of how the SL30 matches up against the A550 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Samsung SL30 & Sony Alpha DSLR-A550. The complete galleries are provided at Samsung SL30 Gallery & Sony A550 Gallery.

If you're going to travel with your camera frequently, you need to factor in its weight and volume. The Samsung SL30 has physical measurements of 94mm x 61mm x 23mm (3.7" x 2.4" x 0.9") with a weight of 140 grams (0.31 lbs) and the Sony A550 has sizing of 137mm x 104mm x 84mm (5.4" x 4.1" x 3.3") and a weight of 632 grams (1.39 lbs).

Check the Samsung SL30 vs Sony A550 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you select at the time. Following is the front view size comparison of the SL30 versus the A550.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability score of the SL30 and A550 is 95 and 63 respectively.

Sometimes, it is very difficult to imagine the gap between sensor dimensions purely by looking at a spec sheet. The picture below might give you a greater sense of the sensor measurements in the SL30 and A550.

As you can see, both of the cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The SL30 due to its tinier sensor is going to make getting shallow DOF more challenging and the Sony A550 will resolve extra detail utilizing its extra 4MP. Greater resolution can also make it easier to crop images a little more aggressively. The more aged SL30 is going to be behind when it comes to sensor tech.