Sony A550 vs Sony NEX-5R

Here, we will be reviewing the Sony A550 versus Sony NEX-5R, one is a Entry-Level DSLR and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and both are produced by Sony. The image resolution of the A550 (14MP) and the NEX-5R (16MP) is relatively well matched and both cameras provide the identical sensor size (APS-C).

Photography Glossary

The A550 was introduced 3 years prior to the NEX-5R which is quite a sizable gap as far as tech is concerned. Both of these cameras feature different body design with the Sony A550 being a Compact SLR camera and the Sony NEX-5R being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving right into a full comparison, here is a short view of how the A550 scores vs the NEX-5R with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Sony Alpha DSLR-A550 and Sony Alpha NEX-5R. The whole galleries are viewable at Sony A550 Gallery and Sony NEX-5R Gallery.

When you are going to carry around your camera frequently, you'll have to think about its weight and dimensions. The Sony A550 has got physical dimensions of 137mm x 104mm x 84mm (5.4" x 4.1" x 3.3") having a weight of 632 grams (1.39 lbs) and the Sony NEX-5R has dimensions of 111mm x 59mm x 39mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") along with a weight of 276 grams (0.61 lbs).

Check out the Sony A550 versus Sony NEX-5R in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you use during that time. Below is a front view dimensions comparison of the A550 vs the NEX-5R.

Looking at size and weight, the portability grade of the A550 and NEX-5R is 63 and 89 respectively.

In many cases, its difficult to visualise the contrast between sensor sizes purely by checking technical specs. The picture underneath will give you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the A550 and NEX-5R.

As you have seen, the two cameras come with the identical sensor size albeit not the same megapixels. You should count on the Sony NEX-5R to resolve greater detail using its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will enable you to crop photographs a good deal more aggressively. The more aged A550 is going to be behind with regard to sensor technology.