Samsung TL240 vs Sony A550
95 Imaging
36 Features
32 Overall
34


63 Imaging
53 Features
65 Overall
57
Samsung TL240 vs Sony A550 Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 14MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 3.5" Fixed Screen
- ISO 80 - 4800 (Increase to 6400)
- Optical Image Stabilization
- 1280 x 720 video
- 31-217mm (F3.3-5.5) lens
- 160g - 104 x 58 x 20mm
- Launched January 2010
- Alternative Name is ST5000
(Full Review)
- 14MP - APS-C Sensor
- 3" Tilting Display
- ISO 200 - 12800
- Sensor based Image Stabilization
- No Video
- Sony/Minolta Alpha Mount
- 632g - 137 x 104 x 84mm
- Introduced December 2009
- Superseded the Sony A100

Samsung TL240 vs Sony A550 Overview
In this write-up, we are contrasting the Samsung TL240 vs Sony A550, one is a Ultracompact and the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by companies Samsung and Sony. The resolution of the TL240 (14MP) and the A550 (14MP) is very similar but the TL240 (1/2.3") and A550 (APS-C) enjoy totally different sensor sizing.

The TL240 was revealed about the same time to the A550 and they are of a similar generation. The two cameras offer different body type with the Samsung TL240 being a Ultracompact camera and the Sony A550 being a Compact SLR camera.
Before going through a comprehensive comparison, below is a quick introduction of how the TL240 matches up vs the A550 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Samsung TL240 vs Sony A550 Gallery
Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Samsung TL240 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A550. The full galleries are available at Samsung TL240 Gallery and Sony A550 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Samsung TL240 over the Sony A550
TL240 | A550 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Display sizing | 3.5" | ![]() | 3" | Larger display (+0.5") |
Touch friendly display | ![]() | Easily navigate |
Reasons to pick Sony A550 over the Samsung TL240
A550 | TL240 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Focus manually | ![]() | Dial exact focus | ||
Display type | Tilting | ![]() | Fixed | Tilting display |
Display resolution | 922k | ![]() | 230k | Crisper display (+692k dot) |
Common features in the Samsung TL240 and Sony A550
TL240 | A550 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Introduced | January 2010 | ![]() | December 2009 | Similar generation |
Selfie screen | ![]() | Absent selfie screen |
Samsung TL240 vs Sony A550 Physical Comparison
In case you're aiming to carry around your camera regularly, you'll have to consider its weight and size. The Samsung TL240 has got outside dimensions of 104mm x 58mm x 20mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 0.8") accompanied by a weight of 160 grams (0.35 lbs) and the Sony A550 has specifications 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 TL240 vs Sony A550 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you are employing during that time. Here is the front view scale comparison of the TL240 versus the A550.

Considering size and weight, the portability grade of the TL240 and A550 is 95 and 63 respectively.

Samsung TL240 vs Sony A550 Sensor Comparison
Usually, it is very tough to see the gap between sensor sizes only by reviewing a spec sheet. The picture here will provide you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the TL240 and A550.
Clearly, the 2 cameras offer the same exact MP but not the same sensor sizes. The TL240 provides the tinier sensor which is going to make obtaining shallower depth of field more challenging.

Samsung TL240 vs Sony A550 Screen and ViewFinder


Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison

Street Comparison

Sports Comparison

Travel Comparison

Landscape Comparison

Vlogging Comparison

Samsung TL240 vs Sony A550 Specifications
Samsung TL240 | Sony Alpha DSLR-A550 | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Manufacturer | Samsung | Sony |
Model type | Samsung TL240 | Sony Alpha DSLR-A550 |
Also Known as | ST5000 | - |
Class | Ultracompact | Entry-Level DSLR |
Launched | 2010-01-06 | 2009-12-09 |
Body design | Ultracompact | Compact SLR |
Sensor Information | ||
Powered by | - | Bionz |
Sensor type | CCD | CMOS |
Sensor size | 1/2.3" | APS-C |
Sensor dimensions | 6.17 x 4.55mm | 23.4 x 15.6mm |
Sensor area | 28.1mm² | 365.0mm² |
Sensor resolution | 14MP | 14MP |
Anti alias filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 | 3:2 and 16:9 |
Maximum resolution | 4334 x 3256 | 4592 x 3056 |
Maximum native ISO | 4800 | 12800 |
Maximum boosted ISO | 6400 | - |
Lowest native ISO | 80 | 200 |
RAW photos | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Focus manually | ||
Autofocus touch | ||
Continuous autofocus | ||
Single autofocus | ||
Tracking autofocus | ||
Selective autofocus | ||
Autofocus center weighted | ||
Autofocus multi area | ||
Autofocus live view | ||
Face detection focus | ||
Contract detection focus | ||
Phase detection focus | ||
Total focus points | - | 9 |
Lens | ||
Lens mount type | fixed lens | Sony/Minolta Alpha |
Lens zoom range | 31-217mm (7.0x) | - |
Maximum aperture | f/3.3-5.5 | - |
Macro focusing distance | 1cm | - |
Number of lenses | - | 143 |
Crop factor | 5.8 | 1.5 |
Screen | ||
Screen type | Fixed Type | Tilting |
Screen size | 3.5 inches | 3 inches |
Screen resolution | 230k dot | 922k dot |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch display | ||
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder type | None | Optical (pentamirror) |
Viewfinder coverage | - | 95 percent |
Viewfinder magnification | - | 0.53x |
Features | ||
Slowest shutter speed | 8 seconds | 30 seconds |
Maximum shutter speed | 1/1500 seconds | 1/4000 seconds |
Continuous shooting speed | - | 7.0 frames per sec |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Manual exposure | ||
Exposure compensation | - | Yes |
Set white balance | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Built-in flash | ||
Flash distance | 5.00 m | 12.00 m |
Flash options | Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Fill-in, Slow Sync | Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Slow Sync, High Speed Sync, Rear Curtain, Fill-in, Wireless |
Hot shoe | ||
AEB | ||
WB bracketing | ||
Maximum flash sync | - | 1/160 seconds |
Exposure | ||
Multisegment metering | ||
Average metering | ||
Spot metering | ||
Partial metering | ||
AF area metering | ||
Center weighted metering | ||
Video features | ||
Video resolutions | 1280 x 720 (30, 15 fps), 640 x 480 (30, 15 fps), 320 x 240 (60, 30, 15 fps) | - |
Maximum video resolution | 1280x720 | None |
Video format | Motion JPEG | - |
Mic jack | ||
Headphone jack | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | None | None |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
GPS | None | None |
Physical | ||
Environment seal | ||
Water proofing | ||
Dust proofing | ||
Shock proofing | ||
Crush proofing | ||
Freeze proofing | ||
Weight | 160g (0.35 pounds) | 632g (1.39 pounds) |
Dimensions | 104 x 58 x 20mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 0.8") | 137 x 104 x 84mm (5.4" x 4.1" x 3.3") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO All around rating | not tested | 66 |
DXO Color Depth rating | not tested | 21.9 |
DXO Dynamic range rating | not tested | 11.8 |
DXO Low light rating | not tested | 807 |
Other | ||
Battery life | - | 480 photographs |
Battery form | - | Battery Pack |
Battery ID | SLB-11A | NP-FM500H |
Self timer | Yes (2 or 10 sec, Double, Motion) | Yes (2 or 10 sec) |
Time lapse shooting | ||
Type of storage | MicroSD/ MicroSDHC, Internal | SD/ SDHC, Memory Stick Pro Duo/ Pro-HG Duo |
Storage slots | 1 | 1 |
Launch price | $171 | $749 |