Sony W550 vs Sony A58

In this article, we are reviewing the Sony W550 versus Sony A58, one being a Ultracompact and the other is a Entry-Level DSLR and they are both built by Sony. There is a huge difference among the resolutions of the W550 (14MP) and A58 (20MP) and the W550 (1/2.3") and A58 (APS-C) come with totally different sensor size.

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The W550 was introduced 3 years earlier than the A58 and that is a fairly significant gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of the cameras offer different body type with the Sony W550 being a Ultracompact camera and the Sony A58 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before diving straight into a in-depth comparison, below is a quick highlight of how the W550 matches up vs the A58 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W550 and Sony SLT-A58. The whole galleries are viewable at Sony W550 Gallery and Sony A58 Gallery.

If you are planning to carry your camera regularly, you'll need to factor in its weight and measurements. The Sony W550 comes with exterior measurements of 94mm x 56mm x 19mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.7") and a weight of 110 grams (0.24 lbs) and the Sony A58 has proportions of 129mm x 95mm x 78mm (5.1" x 3.7" x 3.1") having a weight of 492 grams (1.08 lbs).

Take a look at the Sony W550 versus Sony A58 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you choose at that moment. The following is the front view physical size comparison of the W550 and the A58.

Using size and weight, the portability grade of the W550 and A58 is 96 and 68 respectively.

Generally, it is very difficult to see the contrast in sensor sizing merely by viewing technical specs. The graphic underneath will offer you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the W550 and A58.

As you can tell, both of the cameras enjoy different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The W550 with its smaller sensor will make shooting shallow DOF harder and the Sony A58 will result in more detail using its extra 6 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also make it easier to crop pics far more aggressively. The older W550 will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor technology.