Sony A550 vs Sony W230

Below is a extended analysis of the Sony A550 and Sony W230, former being a Entry-Level DSLR while the latter is a Small Sensor Compact and they are both produced by Sony. The resolution of the A550 (14MP) and the W230 (12MP) is relatively close but the A550 (APS-C) and W230 (1/2.3") have totally different sensor sizes.

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The A550 was unveiled 10 months later than the W230 and they are both of a similar age. Both of the cameras feature different body design with the Sony A550 being a Compact SLR camera and the Sony W230 being a Compact camera.

Before getting straight to a in depth comparison, here is a brief summation of how the A550 scores against the W230 for portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Sony Alpha DSLR-A550 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W230. The full galleries are available at Sony A550 Gallery & Sony W230 Gallery.

When you are intending to lug around your camera, you'll have to factor its weight and proportions. The Sony A550 enjoys external dimensions of 137mm x 104mm x 84mm (5.4" x 4.1" x 3.3") along with a weight of 632 grams (1.39 lbs) and the Sony W230 has measurements of 95mm x 57mm x 22mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") with a weight of 156 grams (0.34 lbs).

Compare the Sony A550 and Sony W230 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you are working with at that moment. Following is a front view over all size comparison of the A550 and the W230.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability score of the A550 and W230 is 63 and 95 respectively.

Generally, it is very difficult to envision the contrast in sensor measurements just by researching specs. The graphic underneath will help offer you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the A550 and W230.

As you can plainly see, both cameras feature different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The A550 using its bigger sensor will make shooting shallow DOF less difficult and the Sony A550 will render greater detail having an extra 2MP. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop pictures way more aggressively. The younger A550 will have an advantage in sensor tech.