Sony H55 vs Sony A57

Following is a extensive overview of the Sony H55 vs Sony A57, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Entry-Level DSLR and both are manufactured by Sony. The image resolution of the H55 (14MP) and the A57 (16MP) is fairly comparable but the H55 (1/2.3") and A57 (APS-C) boast different sensor measurements.

Pentax 17 Pre-Orders Outperform Expectations by a Landslide

The H55 was unveiled 3 years prior to the A57 which is a fairly big gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of these cameras feature different body design with the Sony H55 being a Compact camera and the Sony A57 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before going right into a comprehensive comparison, here is a brief overview of how the H55 matches up against the A57 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H55 and Sony SLT-A57. The full galleries are viewable at Sony H55 Gallery and Sony A57 Gallery.

If you are planning to carry around your camera, you'll have to consider its weight and size. The Sony H55 provides physical dimensions of 103mm x 58mm x 29mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.1") with a weight of 200 grams (0.44 lbs) and the Sony A57 has specifications of 132mm x 98mm x 81mm (5.2" x 3.9" x 3.2") with a weight of 618 grams (1.36 lbs).

Check the Sony H55 vs Sony A57 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you select at that moment. Below is a front view dimension comparison of the H55 against the A57.

Looking at size and weight, the portability grade of the H55 and A57 is 92 and 64 respectively.

Often, it's tough to imagine the contrast in sensor sizes just by checking out specifications. The image underneath will help offer you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the H55 and A57.

To sum up, each of the cameras come with different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The H55 with its smaller sensor is going to make getting shallower depth of field tougher and the Sony A57 will produce greater detail having an extra 2MP. Greater resolution will also let you crop pics a good deal more aggressively. The more aged H55 will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor tech.