Sony RX1R vs Sony A55

In this article, we will be evaluating the Sony RX1R and Sony A55, one is a Large Sensor Compact and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR and both are built by Sony. There is a crucial difference among the sensor resolutions of the RX1R (24MP) and A55 (16MP) and the RX1R (Full frame) and A55 (APS-C) use different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The RX1R was brought out 2 years after the A55 which is a fairly serious gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both the cameras offer different body type with the Sony RX1R being a Large Sensor Compact camera and the Sony A55 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before delving in to a step-by-step comparison, below is a concise highlight of how the RX1R grades versus the A55 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1R and Sony SLT-A55. The entire galleries are viewable at Sony RX1R Gallery and Sony A55 Gallery.

If you are going to carry around your camera, you'll have to consider its weight and size. The Sony RX1R offers outer dimensions of 113mm x 65mm x 70mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 2.8") and a weight of 482 grams (1.06 lbs) and the Sony A55 has specifications of 124mm x 92mm x 85mm (4.9" x 3.6" x 3.3") accompanied by a weight of 500 grams (1.10 lbs).

Look at the Sony RX1R and Sony A55 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you select at that moment. Below is the front view overall size comparison of the RX1R and the A55.

Using size and weight, the portability score of the RX1R and A55 is 79 and 67 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is very difficult to visualize the difference in sensor sizes merely by looking through specs. The image below will give you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the RX1R and A55.

All in all, both cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The RX1R because of its bigger sensor is going to make achieving shallow depth of field easier and the Sony RX1R will provide you with extra detail having its extra 8 Megapixels. Higher resolution will let you crop shots a little more aggressively. The more modern RX1R provides an advantage when it comes to sensor tech.