Sony A550 vs Sony S980

In this article, we will be contrasting the Sony A550 and Sony S980, one is a Entry-Level DSLR and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact and both are created by Sony. The sensor resolution of the A550 (14MP) and the S980 (12MP) is relatively close but the A550 (APS-C) and S980 (1/2.3") possess different sensor measurements.

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The A550 was brought out 10 months after the S980 so they are of a similar generation. Both of the cameras offer different body type with the Sony A550 being a Compact SLR camera and the Sony S980 being a Compact camera.

Before getting in to a in depth comparison, below is a brief summary of how the A550 grades against the S980 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Sony Alpha DSLR-A550 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S980. The entire galleries are viewable at Sony A550 Gallery and Sony S980 Gallery.

If you are going to carry around your camera, you'll have to factor in its weight and size. The Sony A550 offers physical measurements of 137mm x 104mm x 84mm (5.4" x 4.1" x 3.3") having a weight of 632 grams (1.39 lbs) whilst the Sony S980 has specifications of 93mm x 56mm x 24mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") with a weight of 167 grams (0.37 lbs).

Check out the Sony A550 and Sony S980 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you select at that time. Underneath is the front view over all size comparison of the A550 compared to the S980.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability score of the A550 and S980 is 63 and 94 respectively.

Generally, it can be difficult to imagine the difference in sensor sizes just by viewing a spec sheet. The picture here will help give you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the A550 and S980.

Clearly, both of these cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The A550 because of its bigger sensor is going to make getting shallow DOF less difficult and the Sony A550 will provide you with more detail having its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will help you crop shots a little more aggressively. The more recent A550 should have a benefit in sensor innovation.