• APS-C 369.7mm2
  • 16.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 12,800
  • 35mm 858.0mm2
  • 33.0 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 51,200

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Differences

Sony A55 advantages over Sony A7 IV

  • Built-in GPS
    GPS vs None
    Geotag your photos
  • More telephoto lens reach
    83 mm vs 70 mm
    Capture objects farther away with the kit lens
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
    Filter vs No Filter
    Reduces unsightly moiré in photos

Sony A7 IV advantages over Sony A55

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Tilt-swivel vs tilt-only
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Larger sensor
    35mm vs APS-C
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Shoot 4K video
    4K (UHD) vs 1080p
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • Touchscreen
    Touch vs No touch
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Yes vs No
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Higher max flash sync
    1/250 vs 1/160 sec
    Reduce the effect of ambient light in flash shots
  • Newer
    2 years vs 14 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • Shoots 24p video
    Yes vs No
    Gives your movies a big-screen feel
  • More dots on screen
    3680k vs 922k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • More pixels
    33.0 vs 16.2 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Dual card slots
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Yes vs No
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
    No Filter vs Filter
    Enjoy sharper photos
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    10.0 fps vs 9.0 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    828 vs 32 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Faster shutter
    1/8000 vs 1/4000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light
  • Higher extended ISO
    204800 vs 25600 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Both provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Both provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • In-camera panoramas
    Both provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • External Mic Jack
    Both provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Common Weaknesses

  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Top deck display
    Neither provide
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera

User reviews

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Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Canon T2i

Sony A55
Canon T2i
  • $734
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $692
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Fast startup
Sony A7 IV
Canon T2i
  • $2365
  • 35mm
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Focus peaking
  • $692
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • More telephoto lens reach

Compared to Sony A33

Sony A55
Sony A33
  • $734
  • APS-C
  • Higher effective ISO
  • Built-in GPS
  • $540
  • APS-C
Sony A7 IV
Sony A33
  • $2365
  • 35mm
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Focus peaking
  • $540
  • APS-C
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • Internal flash

Compared to Sony A35

Sony A55
Sony A35
  • $734
  • APS-C
  • Tiltable Screen
  • Built-in GPS
  • $567
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Longer stills battery life
Sony A7 IV
Sony A35
  • $2365
  • 35mm
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Focus peaking
  • $567
  • APS-C
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • Internal flash

Compared to Nikon Z7 II

Sony A55
Nikon Z7 II
  • $734
  • APS-C
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Built-in GPS
  • $2730
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
Sony A7 IV
Nikon Z7 II
  • $2365
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $2730
  • 35mm
  • On-sensor phase detect
  • Top deck display

Compared to Nikon Z6 II

Sony A55
Nikon Z6 II
  • $734
  • APS-C
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Built-in GPS
  • $1797
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
Sony A7 IV
Nikon Z6 II
  • $2365
  • 35mm
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $1797
  • 35mm
  • Bigger pixels
  • On-sensor phase detect
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