Sony TX55 vs. Sony A37: A Hands-On Comparison for Every Photographer’s Toolbox

When I first got my hands on the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX55 and the Sony SLT-A37, I knew this would be an interesting matchup. Both hail from Sony’s stable but serve very different audiences and purposes. If you’re hunting for a camera that's either an Everyday Carry hero or a proper entry-level DSLR system, this deep dive will help you decide which fits your photographic groove best.

Having tested thousands of cameras over my 15+ years in photography - across genres from landscape to sports - I appreciate gear that delivers on the promises it makes, whether you’re a budding enthusiast or a working pro on a budget. So let’s roll up our sleeves and dismantle the performance, ergonomics, and real-world chops of the Sony TX55 and the Sony A37.

How These Cameras Stack Up at First Glance: Size and Feel Matter

Right off the bat, size is an obvious difference. The TX55 is an ultracompact pocketable camera, reminiscent of those go-anywhere shooters you can whip out without breaking stride; the A37, corded into the entry-level DSLR category (more accurately SLT – Sony’s translucent mirror tech), is a bit of a handful but still manageable for beginners stepping into interchangeable lenses.

The TX55 weighs just 109 grams and measures a slender 93 x 54 x 13 mm. This means throwing it in your pocket or handbag is effortless, and you’ll barely notice it’s there. In contrast, the A37 tips the scales at 506 grams and a chunkier 124 x 92 x 85 mm – that’s more club-like for your thumbs but feels sturdier, giving you the confidence of a proper grip when shooting.

Sony’s design language for the A37 follows traditional DSLR ergonomics, with a pronounced handgrip and buttons arranged to facilitate quick access. The TX55’s ultracompact body, by necessity, sacrifices some controls for simplicity and portability - a clear nod to casual shooting.

While portability is king for travel or street photographers (more on that later), the tactile heft and control layout of the A37 cater to those who want more deliberate manual control and stability.

Speaking of controls…

Buttons, Screens, and Usability: Whose Layout Works Best?

Diving deeper, the control scheme and user interface are pivotal to how fast and intuitive shooting becomes. Neither camera sports illuminated buttons (common in some higher-end models), but they each cater to their intended users in design.

The TX55’s minimalistic top view reflects its ultracompact stance, prioritizing simplicity with zoom toggles and a shutter release. Its true champion is the 3.3-inch XtraFine OLED touchscreen (1,230k dots resolution), providing crisp image review and menu navigation with a finger-friendly UI. Liveview operation here is by touch, which suits casual users perfectly.

Meanwhile, the A37 comes with a smaller 2.6-inch tilting LCD screen with only 230k dots - a shock to many who expect sharpness, but its tilt mechanism aids creative angles like low-level macro or overhead street shots. Given the A37 lacks touch sensitivity, it relies on physical dials and buttons for quick access to shutter priority, aperture priority, and manual exposure modes - a godsend for enthusiasts wanting creative control on the fly.

Another huge benefit: the A37 incorporates a 1,440k dot electronic viewfinder with 100% coverage and 0.73x magnification, something the TX55 lacks (no viewfinder at all). This means in bright daylight, when LCDs can be washed out, the A37 gives you reliable framing and manual focus precision - a deal-breaker if you shoot outdoors regularly.

The TX55’s touchscreen shines in quick snaps and casual handling, but for those used to clubs for thumbs and dials, the A37 offers more logical placement and traditional DSLR feel.

The Heart of Every Camera: Sensors and Image Quality

Let’s get technical - because ultimately, what ends in the pixels on your memory card matters most.

The TX55 employs a 1/2.3-inch BSI-CMOS sensor with 16 megapixels. Compact sensors like this are common in point-and-shoot cameras and ultracompacts. Its sensor size (about 28.07 mm²) is petite, so it struggles with noise at higher ISOs and has less dynamic range compared to larger sensors.

Contrast that with the A37’s APS-C sized CMOS sensor sporting the same 16-megapixel count but with an area of 366.60 mm² - over 13 times larger. Practically, this means the A37 gathers much more light per pixel, resulting in cleaner images, richer colors, and a more expansive dynamic range.

DxOMark scores back this up: while the TX55 hasn’t been officially tested, it’s in safe territory to assume an overall score below enthusiast compacts. The A37 boasts a very respectable 75 score overall, with a color depth of 23.3 bits and a dynamic range of 12.9 EV stops, besting the TX55’s type by miles.

This difference is crucial for photographers shooting in varied lighting - think landscapes at sunrise, shadowy interiors, or night shots. The larger sensor in the A37 handles these challenges far better, yielding better low-light performance and more editing latitude in RAW files (which the A37 supports; TX55 does not).

The Lens Situation: Flexibility vs. Convenience

If lenses make the camera, the conversation here is clear.

The TX55 sports a fixed 26-130 mm (35mm equivalent) zoom lens with a maximum aperture range of f/3.5-4.8, roughly a modest 5x zoom. Macro enthusiasts get macro focusing as close as 3cm, decent for casual detail shots.

The A37 uses the Sony/Minolta Alpha mount, which as of its heyday had a robust lineup of 143 native lenses - from nifty primes to massive telephotos - offering enormous creative freedom. This system also benefits from third-party lenses with adapters, often at bargain rates. Plus, the A37 supports sensor-based image stabilization, so many lenses without optical stabilization still deliver steady shots (a big win in telephoto use or slow shutter speeds).

For wildlife or sports shooters who need longer reach, the A37’s crop factor (1.5x) effectively increases telephoto capability, a practical advantage for such genres.

In practical terms: the TX55’s lens is great for vacations and snapshots but hits a hard ceiling quickly. The A37 grows with your skills, letting you upgrade glass over time, a plus for those serious about specific genres like portraits, macro, or wildlife.

Autofocus and Continuous Shooting: Speed and Accuracy in the Field

Autofocus performance is a tedious topic to master in reviews unless you put lenses and cameras through real field tests. I’ve tried both in various lighting and action scenarios.

The TX55’s autofocus relies on contrast detection with 9 focus points. It supports only single AF mode and liveview focusing - no continuous AF for moving subjects, no face or eye detection autofocus. This makes it better suited for still scenes, landscapes, or posed portraits but not fast-paced subjects.

The A37 employs a hybrid AF system combining phase detection and contrast AF, spreading 15 focus points (3 cross-type). Importantly, it supports continuous autofocus, face detection, and selective multi-area focusing - a boon in tracking moving subjects like children, pets, or sports action at moderate speeds.

In continuous shooting, the TX55 achieves 10fps but with fixed focus - meaning it locks focus beforehand and bursts somewhat blindly (more suited for close to stationary subjects). The A37 shoots 6fps with continuous AF, complex exposure tracking, and buffer depth that plays better for real action sequences.

So if you shoot wildlife, sports, or moving kids, the A37 wins hands down for autofocus reliability and speed.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance: Durability You Can Count On?

Neither model boasts weather sealing, dustproofing, or shockproofing features. The TX55’s ultracompact plastic body feels delicate, especially under rugged use. It’s a take-it-gently-and-don’t-drop-it camera.

The A37’s polycarbonate-over-metal chassis is more hefty and durable but still not weather sealed per professional standards. I’ve taken the A37 on hikes and outdoor shoots with no worries, but I’d avoid serious harsh environments without protective covers.

Neither is freeze-proof or crushproof.

For serious outdoor photographers, consider this a tradeoff - you’ll want to invest in weather-sealed lenses and a weather shield if shooting in inclement conditions.

Handling and Battery Life: How Long and Comfortable Are Your Shooting Sessions?

The TX55 uses the NP-BN battery delivering about 250 shots per full charge - a paltry endurance for marathon shooting days. If you’re out all day on travel or events, prepare to swap batteries or carry a charger.

The A37, powered by the NP-FW50 battery, doubles that with roughly 500 shots per charge under typical use. This is a solid figure for DSLRs of this class and allows longer sessions without constant battery juggling.

While the TX55’s touchscreen makes menu navigation a breeze, the A37’s physical controls minimize fumbling in low-light or gloved situations.

Connectivity and Storage: Staying Connected and Saving Shots

Both cameras are equipped with Eye-Fi compatibility, allowing for wireless image transfer via supported SD cards - a handy feature for social sharers or on-the-fly uploading.

They both use SD/SDHC cards, with the TX55 also supporting Sony’s proprietary Memory Stick Micro. The A37’s wider compatibility with SDXC and Memory Stick Pro Duo cards adds flexibility.

USB 2.0 serves as the connection standard for data offload. HDMI output exists on both, valuable for slide shows on big screens.

Neither offers Bluetooth or NFC for easier modern device pairing, nor GPS tags photos by default.

Video Capabilities: Will Your Cinematic Ambitions Be Fulfilled?

Video shooters often overlook photo-centric features, but both cameras offer respectable specs here.

The TX55 records Full HD 1080p at 60fps in MPEG-4 and AVCHD formats - a plus for smooth motion and broad compatibility. No external microphone input or headphone jack, though, which limits audio control and monitoring.

The A37 steps it up with 1080p at both 60 and 29.97fps, supporting MPEG-4, AVCHD, and H.264. Crucially, it sports a microphone input jack for external mics - important for vloggers or filmmakers wanting better sound quality. No headphone jack, alas, so audio monitoring isn’t straightforward.

Neither has 4K recording or advanced video features like focus peaking.

If video is critical, the A37's manual controls and inputs give it an edge, though both have limitations by today’s standards.

Performance Scores and Real-World Image Gallery: Seeing is Believing

Numbers only tell part of the story. In side-by-side comparison tests with carefully shot landscapes, portraits, and street photos, the larger sensor of the A37 translates into richer color fidelity, better shadow detail, and reduced noise at high ISO settings.

Sony TX55 front Sony TX55 screen back Sony A37 front Sony A37 screen back

In portraiture, skin tones rendered smoother and more natural on the A37. The TX55's limited depth-of-field control (due to smaller sensor and apertures) means flatter backgrounds and less creamy bokeh - fine for casual shots but less artistic.

For landscapes, the A37’s dynamic range really shines, retaining highlight information in bright skies without crushing shadows.

Breaking down camera strengths:

• TX55: Ultra-portable, great user interface, good zoom range for compact camera
• A37: Superior image quality, versatile autofocus, robust build, better manual control

How they fare by genre:

• Portraits: A37 excels (better bokeh, skin tones)
• Wildlife/Sports: A37 preferred (continuous AF, better telephoto use)
• Landscape: A37 handily wins (dynamic range)
• Street/Travel: TX55 wins on portability; A37 more versatile overall
• Macro: Slight edge to A37 for focusing flexibility despite TX55’s closer macro range
• Night/Astro: A37 better ISO performance; TX55 usable only at low ISO
• Video: A37 better for audio and control, TX55 simpler for quick casual clips

Who Should Buy Which? Clear Recommendations

Let's break this down based on user profiles and photography needs:

Get the Sony TX55 if…

• You want a super compact, pocketable companion that’s always ready.
• Casual travel or street photography with minimal fuss is your priority.
• You shoot mostly in good light and prefer touchscreen ease.
• You want an affordable, stylish camera without lens changes.
• Battery life and durability aren’t high on your list.
• You’re a cheapskate but want better specs than smartphone shooters (hey, it happens).

Opt for the Sony A37 if…

• You want a bridge into interchangeable lens photography with room to grow.
• You shoot portraits, sports, wildlife, or landscapes that require good image quality.
• Manual controls, exposure modes, and robust autofocus matter.
• You’ll benefit from the larger sensor for low-light and post-processing latitude.
• Video with external audio input is a consideration.
• You don’t mind a slightly bulkier camera in exchange for versatility.
• You want the camera to last for several years before upgrading.

Wrapping It Up: Final Verdict with My Personal Take

Having repeatedly tested and shot with both these cameras, I can attest that despite their similar sensor pixel counts, they cater to almost opposite ends of the spectrum.

The Sony TX55 is a splendid travel or casual camera that you can pocket-and-go with zero fuss - great for family snapshots, quick street moments, or as a backup to more serious gear. However, don’t expect DSLR-level image quality or fast autofocus chasing your kid or dog across the park.

In contrast, the Sony A37 is a more serious tool, packed with features and controls to nurture your photography skills. Its larger sensor, lens ecosystem, and manual modes put it on another level altogether for image quality and adaptability. At around $522 priced new (or lower used), it’s a fantastic value for those willing to climb the learning curve and lug a slightly heavier kit.

Ultimately, your choice boils down to what you shoot most and how much control you crave. Are you an urban explorer wanting a light, easy-to-use camera for spontaneous snaps? TX55. Or an enthusiast ready to learn exposure modes, swap lenses, and push image quality? A37 all the way.

Either way, both cameras have their charms but serve clearly different photographic philosophies. Choose your weapon wisely!

If you’re still on the fence, here’s a side-by-side quick comparison summary:

Pro Tips for Buyers

• Consider the lens ecosystem before buying the A37: good glass can be pricey but used lenses can save you hundreds.
• Don’t underestimate the TX55’s touchscreen if you’re mainly shooting stills fast and light.
• For wildlife or fast action, check how the AF performs with your lenses - SLTs like A37 have improved speed but aren’t pro sports beasts.
• Always check battery availability for legacy models - NP-FW50 batteries are popular and still widely available, while the TX55’s NP-BN is less common.

I hope this comparison sheds light on these two very different cameras from Sony. Whether ultra-compact convenience or DSLR versatility is your game, both cameras have something unique to offer. Happy shooting!