• APS-C 369.7mm2
  • 14.2 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 12,800
  • APS-C 370.5mm2
  • 16.3 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 12,500

Buy From

Differences

Sony DSLR-A550 advantages over Leica T (Typ 701)

  • Less expensive
    $1050 vs $1850 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • 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
  • Tiltable Screen
    Tiltable vs Fixed
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 950 vs 400 shots
    Capture more photos
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
    Filter vs No Filter
    Reduces unsightly moiré in photos
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    6.7 fps vs 5.0 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)

Leica T (Typ 701) advantages over Sony DSLR-A550

  • 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
  • Higher effective ISO
    1,082 vs 807 iso
    Take photos in low light with less noise
  • Thinner
    33 mm vs 84 mm
    Thinner
  • Newer
    10 years vs 15 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • More dots on screen
    1230k 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
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
    No Filter vs Filter
    Enjoy sharper photos

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities

Common Weaknesses

  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • 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

Buy From

Your purchases support this site

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Leica T (Typ 701)

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
Leica T (Typ 701)
Canon 50D
  • $2800
  • APS-C
  • Touchscreen
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • $1000
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Eye-level viewfinder

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
Leica T (Typ 701)
Nikon D300S
  • $2800
  • APS-C
  • Touchscreen
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • $1697
  • APS-C
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Bigger pixels

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
Leica T (Typ 701)
Sony DSLR-A500
  • $2800
  • APS-C
  • Touchscreen
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • $850
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compared to Fujifilm X-M1

Sony DSLR-A550
Fujifilm X-M1
  • $859
  • APS-C
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $993
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Focus peaking
Leica T (Typ 701)
Fujifilm X-M1
  • $2800
  • APS-C
  • Touchscreen
  • Higher-res screen
  • $993
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Focus peaking

Compared to Leica TL

Sony DSLR-A550
Leica TL
  • $859
  • APS-C
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $1350
  • APS-C
  • Touchscreen
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
Leica T (Typ 701)
Leica TL
  • $2800
  • APS-C
  • $1350
  • APS-C
Compare Other Cameras?