Sony NEX-7 vs Sony A55

Following is a in-depth analysis of the Sony NEX-7 versus Sony A55, former is a Advanced Mirrorless while the other is a Entry-Level DSLR and both are sold by Sony. There exists a considerable gap among the image resolutions of the NEX-7 (24MP) and A55 (16MP) but both cameras have the same sensor dimensions (APS-C).

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The NEX-7 was introduced 16 months after the A55 making them a generation away from one another. The two cameras have different body design with the Sony NEX-7 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sony A55 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before we go into a in-depth comparison, here is a simple introduction of how the NEX-7 matches up versus the A55 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Sony Alpha NEX-7 & Sony SLT-A55. The whole galleries are provided at Sony NEX-7 Gallery & Sony A55 Gallery.

If you're going to carry around your camera often, you have to consider its weight and dimensions. The Sony NEX-7 provides physical dimensions of 120mm x 67mm x 43mm (4.7" x 2.6" x 1.7") accompanied by a weight of 400 grams (0.88 lbs) whilst the Sony A55 has dimensions of 124mm x 92mm x 85mm (4.9" x 3.6" x 3.3") having a weight of 500 grams (1.10 lbs).

Compare the Sony NEX-7 versus Sony A55 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you choose at that moment. Underneath is a front view sizing comparison of the NEX-7 compared to the A55.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the NEX-7 and A55 is 84 and 67 respectively.

Typically, it is very tough to see the difference in sensor sizes purely by researching specifications. The pic underneath will help give you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the NEX-7 and A55.

Plainly, both cameras have the same sensor dimensions but not the same MP. You can expect to see the Sony NEX-7 to render extra detail using its extra 8MP. Greater resolution will also make it easier to crop images a bit more aggressively. The more recent NEX-7 is going to have a benefit when it comes to sensor technology.