Sony A550 vs Sony NEX-5

Lets take a closer look at the Sony A550 versus Sony NEX-5, former being a Entry-Level DSLR while the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and both of them are offered by Sony. The sensor resolution of the A550 (14MP) and the NEX-5 (14MP) is relatively well matched and they possess the same exact sensor dimensions (APS-C).

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The A550 was brought out 6 months before the NEX-5 which means that they are both of a similar age. The two cameras offer different body type with the Sony A550 being a Compact SLR camera and the Sony NEX-5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before diving straight into a thorough comparison, below is a brief synopsis of how the A550 scores against the NEX-5 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Sony Alpha DSLR-A550 & Sony Alpha NEX-5. The entire galleries are viewable at Sony A550 Gallery & Sony NEX-5 Gallery.

If you're going to carry your camera often, you have to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Sony A550 offers outside 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-5 has dimensions of 111mm x 59mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") accompanied by a weight of 287 grams (0.63 lbs).

Examine the Sony A550 versus Sony NEX-5 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you have at that time. Following is the front view over all size comparison of the A550 vs the NEX-5.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability score of the A550 and NEX-5 is 63 and 89 respectively.

Quite often, it is difficult to envision the contrast between sensor sizing merely by checking a spec sheet. The visual below might give you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the A550 and NEX-5.

Clearly, the two cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing and the same megapixels therefore you can expect similar quality of photos however you have to take the launch date of the products into consideration.