Sony W550 vs Sony A57

In this write-up, we will be analyzing the Sony W550 vs Sony A57, one is a Ultracompact and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR and both are designed by Sony. The resolution of the W550 (14MP) and the A57 (16MP) is pretty well matched but the W550 (1/2.3") and A57 (APS-C) come with different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The W550 was released 13 months before the A57 which makes the cameras a generation away from each other. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Sony W550 being a Ultracompact camera and the Sony A57 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before delving through a step-by-step comparison, below is a short summation of how the W550 grades vs the A57 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W550 and Sony SLT-A57. The complete galleries are provided at Sony W550 Gallery and Sony A57 Gallery.

In case you're aiming to travel with your camera regularly, you'll have to consider its weight and volume. The Sony W550 enjoys physical measurements of 94mm x 56mm x 19mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.7") having a weight of 110 grams (0.24 lbs) whilst the Sony A57 has sizing of 132mm x 98mm x 81mm (5.2" x 3.9" x 3.2") and a weight of 618 grams (1.36 lbs).

Examine the Sony W550 vs Sony A57 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you have at that time. Underneath is the front view physical size comparison of the W550 against the A57.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability score of the W550 and A57 is 96 and 64 respectively.

Often, it is hard to visualize the contrast between sensor dimensions simply by looking at a spec sheet. The picture below should offer you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the W550 and A57.

As you can see, both the cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The W550 featuring a tinier sensor is going to make shooting bokeh more challenging and the Sony A57 will give you more detail as a result of its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will also let you crop shots a little more aggressively. The more aged W550 is going to be behind when it comes to sensor tech.