Sony A550 vs Sony NEX-F3

In this article, we are contrasting the Sony A550 and Sony NEX-F3, one is a Entry-Level DSLR and the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and they are both manufactured by Sony. The sensor resolution of the A550 (14MP) and the NEX-F3 (16MP) is fairly close and they possess the same exact sensor dimensions (APS-C).

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The A550 was revealed 3 years prior to the NEX-F3 which is a fairly large gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Sony A550 being a Compact SLR camera and the Sony NEX-F3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go through a comprehensive comparison, below is a concise view of how the A550 scores against the NEX-F3 for portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Sony Alpha DSLR-A550 and Sony Alpha NEX-F3. The full galleries are provided at Sony A550 Gallery and Sony NEX-F3 Gallery.

In case you're intending to carry around your camera regularly, you should take into account its weight and measurements. The Sony A550 features outside dimensions of 137mm x 104mm x 84mm (5.4" x 4.1" x 3.3") with a weight of 632 grams (1.39 lbs) and the Sony NEX-F3 has proportions of 117mm x 67mm x 42mm (4.6" x 2.6" x 1.7") and a weight of 314 grams (0.69 lbs).

Contrast the Sony A550 and Sony NEX-F3 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you have at that moment. Underneath is the front view size comparison of the A550 vs the NEX-F3.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability score of the A550 and NEX-F3 is 63 and 86 respectively.

Quite often, it is very hard to visualise the contrast in sensor sizes purely by researching specifications. The pic below will help offer you a far better sense of the sensor sizes in the A550 and NEX-F3.

To sum up, both of those cameras enjoy the same exact sensor sizing but not the same resolution. You should anticipate the Sony NEX-F3 to result in more detail because of its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will also enable you to crop images far more aggressively. The more aged A550 will be behind with regard to sensor tech.