• APS-C 369.7mm2
  • 14.2 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 12,800
  • 35mm 855.6mm2
  • 20.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 25,600

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Differences

Sony DSLR-A550 advantages over Canon 6D

  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Tiltable Screen
    Tiltable vs Fixed
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Lighter weight
    912g vs 1448g
    Lighter weight
  • Less shutter lag
    0.18 vs 0.29 sec
    Focus and take a photo quickly (wide angle)
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    6.7 fps vs 4.4 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)

Canon 6D advantages over Sony DSLR-A550

  • Lens selection
    Excellent vs Good
    Better lens selection gives you more options
  • Larger sensor
    35mm vs APS-C
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 6.54 vs 5.16 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Higher effective ISO
    2,340 vs 807 iso
    Take photos in low light with less noise
  • Built-in GPS
    GPS vs None
    Geotag your photos
  • More telephoto lens reach
    105 mm vs 83 mm
    Capture objects farther away with the kit lens
  • Top deck display
    Yes vs No
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • External Mic Jack
    Jack vs No jack
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Pentaprism viewfinder
    Pentaprism vs Pentamirror
    Much better viewfinder picture fidelity
  • Shoots 24p video
    Yes vs No
    Gives your movies a big-screen feel
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • More viewfinder magnification
    0.71x vs 0.53x
    Get a bigger view of the scene through the eye-level viewfinder
  • More pixels
    20.2 vs 14.2 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Wider angle kit lens
    24 mm vs 27 mm
    Capture more of the scene with the included lens
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    1250 vs 15 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Higher extended ISO
    102400 vs 12800 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
  • 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
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • 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

User reviews

Buy From

Your purchases support this site

Review Excerpt

  • Excellent image quality on par to more expensive full-frame DSLRs (including the 5D Mark III); Responsive all-around performer; Superior HD video-shooting chops; Built-in Wi-Fi with remote control and sharing features, Built-in GPS and geotagging.

  • Lacks a built-in, pop-up flash; No external headphone jack; Rather basic 11-point autofocus system; Mediocre burst speed.

The Competition

Compared to Canon 5D Mark III

Sony DSLR-A550
Canon 5D Mark III
  • $859
  • APS-C
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Tiltable Screen
  • $2079
  • 35mm
  • Lens selection
  • Larger sensor
Canon 6D
Canon 5D Mark III
  • $1699
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • $2079
  • 35mm
  • More cross-type AF points
  • Less shutter lag

Compared to Nikon D610

Sony DSLR-A550
Nikon D610
  • $859
  • APS-C
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Tiltable Screen
  • $1597
  • 35mm
  • Lens selection
  • Larger sensor
Canon 6D
Nikon D610
  • $1699
  • 35mm
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • Built-in GPS
  • $1597
  • 35mm
  • Fast startup
  • Higher effective ISO

Compared to Canon 7D Mark II

Sony DSLR-A550
Canon 7D Mark II
  • $859
  • APS-C
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Bigger pixels
  • $1597
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Higher effective ISO
Canon 6D
Canon 7D Mark II
  • $1699
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $1597
  • APS-C
  • On-sensor phase detect
  • More telephoto lens reach

Compared to Canon 50D

Sony DSLR-A550
Canon 50D
  • $859
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $1000
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Fast startup
Canon 6D
Canon 50D
  • $1699
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $1000
  • APS-C
  • Fast startup
  • More telephoto lens reach

Compared to Nikon D300S

Sony DSLR-A550
Nikon D300S
  • $859
  • APS-C
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Tiltable Screen
  • $1697
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Fast startup
Canon 6D
Nikon D300S
  • $1699
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $1697
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Fast startup
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