Samsung SL820 vs Sony A55

In this article, we will be analyzing the Samsung SL820 versus Sony A55, former is a Small Sensor Compact while the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by manufacturers Samsung and Sony. There is a noticeable difference among the resolutions of the SL820 (12MP) and A55 (16MP) and the SL820 (1/2.3") and A55 (APS-C) feature different sensor sizing.

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The SL820 was released 18 months prior to the A55 which makes the cameras a generation away from each other. The two cameras offer different body type with the Samsung SL820 being a Compact camera and the Sony A55 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before going in to a in-depth comparison, below is a simple introduction of how the SL820 matches up against the A55 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Samsung SL820 & Sony SLT-A55. The complete galleries are available at Samsung SL820 Gallery & Sony A55 Gallery.

If you are going to carry around your camera, you will want to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Samsung SL820 has outer dimensions of 95mm x 59mm x 23mm (3.7" x 2.3" x 0.9") and a weight of 168 grams (0.37 lbs) and the Sony A55 has dimensions of 124mm x 92mm x 85mm (4.9" x 3.6" x 3.3") along with a weight of 500 grams (1.10 lbs).

Check the Samsung SL820 versus Sony A55 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you are employing during that time. Here is the front view scale comparison of the SL820 compared to the A55.

Looking at size and weight, the portability rating of the SL820 and A55 is 94 and 67 respectively.

Usually, it is tough to imagine the gap in sensor sizes simply by looking through technical specs. The image here will help provide you a far better sense of the sensor sizes in the SL820 and A55.

As you have seen, the two cameras enjoy different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The SL820 due to its smaller sensor is going to make achieving shallow DOF more challenging and the Sony A55 will render greater detail as a result of its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also make it easier to crop shots far more aggressively. The more aged SL820 will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor innovation.