Sony A550 vs Sony NEX-3N

Here is a comprehensive review of the Sony A550 and Sony NEX-3N, former being a Entry-Level DSLR while the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and both of them are created by Sony. The image resolution of the A550 (14MP) and the NEX-3N (16MP) is pretty close and both cameras boast the identical sensor sizes (APS-C).

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The A550 was launched 4 years before the NEX-3N and that is a fairly sizable difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Both the cameras feature different body design with the Sony A550 being a Compact SLR camera and the Sony NEX-3N being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go right into a more detailed comparison, here is a brief summation of how the A550 grades vs the NEX-3N in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Sony Alpha DSLR-A550 & Sony Alpha NEX-3N. The complete galleries are available at Sony A550 Gallery & Sony NEX-3N Gallery.

For anyone who is aiming to carry your camera, you'll have to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Sony A550 features external dimensions of 137mm x 104mm x 84mm (5.4" x 4.1" x 3.3") having a weight of 632 grams (1.39 lbs) while the Sony NEX-3N has dimensions of 110mm x 62mm x 35mm (4.3" x 2.4" x 1.4") having a weight of 269 grams (0.59 lbs).

Check the Sony A550 and Sony NEX-3N in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you select at that moment. Underneath is a front view sizing comparison of the A550 compared to the NEX-3N.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the A550 and NEX-3N is 63 and 89 respectively.

Quite often, it is very difficult to imagine the contrast in sensor sizing simply by researching specifications. The graphic below may offer you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the A550 and NEX-3N.

Plainly, both of the cameras feature the identical sensor size albeit different megapixels. You can expect the Sony NEX-3N to result in more detail utilizing its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will also help you crop photographs way more aggressively. The older A550 will be disadvantaged in sensor innovation.