• APS-C 369.7mm2
  • 16.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 12,800
  • APS-C 366.6mm2
  • 16.1 megapixels
  •  

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Differences

Sony A55 advantages over Sony NEX-F3

  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Eye-level vs Rear display only
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Fast startup
    ~0.90 vs 1.5 sec
    Faster startup lets you catch the moment
  • Built-in GPS
    GPS vs None
    Geotag your photos
  • External Mic Jack
    Jack vs No jack
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Less shutter lag
    0.22 vs 0.31 sec
    Focus and take a photo quickly (wide angle)
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    9.0 fps vs 5.5 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    32 vs 12 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Higher extended ISO
    25600 vs 16000 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Sony NEX-F3 advantages over Sony A55

  • Less expensive
    $600 vs $850 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Higher effective ISO
    1,114 vs 818 iso
    Take photos in low light with less noise
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 470 vs 330 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Thinner
    41 mm vs 84 mm
    Thinner
  • Shoots 24p video
    Yes vs No
    Gives your movies a big-screen feel
  • Lighter weight
    526g vs 727g
    Lighter weight
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • In-camera panoramas
    Both provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Tiltable Screen
    Both provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • 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

  • 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
  • Top deck display
    Neither provide
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • 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

  • Great image quality; Above-average battery life for a mirrorless camera; Makes light work of shooting self-portraits; Very versatile video mode for a camera of this class.

  • Built-in flash is weak and uneven; Grip feels cramped due to low shutter button position; Bundled kit lens turns in a mediocre performance, and body isn't sold without the lens.

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 NEX-F3
Canon T2i
  • $600
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor
  • $692
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compared to Sony A33

Sony A55
Sony A33
  • $734
  • APS-C
  • Higher effective ISO
  • Built-in GPS
  • $540
  • APS-C
Sony NEX-F3
Sony A33
  • $600
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Higher effective ISO
  • $540
  • APS-C
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

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 NEX-F3
Sony A35
  • $600
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Tiltable Screen
  • $567
  • APS-C
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compared to Sony NEX-5R

Sony A55
Sony NEX-5R
  • $734
  • APS-C
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $499
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Touchscreen
Sony NEX-F3
Sony NEX-5R
  • $600
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Higher effective ISO
  • $499
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Touchscreen

Compared to Sony NEX-6

Sony A55
Sony NEX-6
  • $734
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
Sony NEX-F3
Sony NEX-6
  • $600
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Fast startup
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Eye-level viewfinder
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