• APS-C 369.7mm2
  • 16.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 12,800
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 16.2 megapixels
  • 27.00mm - 810.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Sony A55 advantages over Sony HX100V

  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs 1/2.3 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 4.82 vs 1.34 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • RAW file ability
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • External Mic Jack
    Jack vs No jack
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Hot shoe
    Hot shoe vs None
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    32 vs 10 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Higher extended ISO
    25600 vs 3200 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Sony HX100V advantages over Sony A55

  • Less expensive
    $450 vs $850 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Integrated ND filter
    Yes vs No
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    10.0 fps vs 9.0 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Rear display
    Both provide
    Review photos on the back of the camera
  • 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
  • Tiltable Screen
    Both provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Built-in GPS
    Both provide
    Geotag your photos
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Manual focus
    Both provide
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video

Common Weaknesses

  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Neither provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

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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 HX100V
Canon T2i
  • $312
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $692
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Panasonic DMC-FZ100

Sony A55
Panasonic DMC-FZ100
  • $734
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $500
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Longer stills battery life
Sony HX100V
Panasonic DMC-FZ100
  • $312
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • Built-in GPS
  • $500
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • RAW file ability
  • Hot shoe

Compared to Sony A33

Sony A55
Sony A33
  • $734
  • APS-C
  • Higher effective ISO
  • Built-in GPS
  • $540
  • APS-C
Sony HX100V
Sony A33
  • $312
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Built-in GPS
  • $540
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

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 HX100V
Sony A35
  • $312
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Tiltable Screen
  • $567
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Sony HX200V

Sony A55
Sony HX200V
  • $734
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $349
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Focus peaking
Sony HX100V
Sony HX200V
  • $312
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in GPS
  • $349
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Higher extended ISO
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