• APS-C 369.7mm2
  • 14.2 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 12,800
  • APS-C 368.2mm2
  • 16.3 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 6400

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Differences

Sony DSLR-A550 advantages over Fujifilm X-M1

  • 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
    ~0.50 vs 1.7 sec
    Faster startup lets you catch the moment
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 950 vs 350 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Less shutter lag
    0.18 vs 0.38 sec
    Focus and take a photo quickly (wide angle)
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    6.7 fps vs 5.7 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)

Fujifilm X-M1 advantages over Sony DSLR-A550

  • Less expensive
    $800 vs $1050 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Thinner
    39 mm vs 84 mm
    Thinner
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • Doesn't require an AA filter
    Yes vs No
    A unique sensor design provides sharp photos without moiré
  • Wider angle kit lens
    24 mm vs 27 mm
    Capture more of the scene with the included lens
  • Higher extended ISO
    25600 vs 12800 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • 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

  • 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
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • 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
  • External Mic Jack
    Neither provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • 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

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Buy the Fujifilm X-M1

Review Excerpt

The Competition

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
Fujifilm X-M1
Canon 50D
  • $993
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Focus peaking
  • $1000
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compared to Nikon D300S

Sony DSLR-A550
Nikon D300S
  • $859
  • APS-C
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Tiltable Screen
  • $1663
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Fast startup
Fujifilm X-M1
Nikon D300S
  • $993
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Tiltable Screen
  • $1663
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compared to Sony DSLR-A500

Sony DSLR-A550
Sony DSLR-A500
  • $859
  • APS-C
  • More dots on screen
  • More pixels
  • $850
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
Fujifilm X-M1
Sony DSLR-A500
  • $993
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • $850
  • APS-C
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compared to Fujifilm X-A1

Sony DSLR-A550
Fujifilm X-A1
  • $859
  • APS-C
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $450
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Focus peaking
Fujifilm X-M1
Fujifilm X-A1
  • $993
  • APS-C
  • Doesn't require an AA filter
  • $450
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Bigger JPEG buffer

Compared to Samsung NX3000

Sony DSLR-A550
Samsung NX3000
  • $859
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $950
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas
Fujifilm X-M1
Samsung NX3000
  • $993
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Focus peaking
  • $950
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas
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