• APS-C 369.7mm2
  • 14.2 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 12,800
  • 4/3 224.9mm2
  • 12.1 megapixels
  •  

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Differences

Sony DSLR-A550 advantages over Panasonic GF3X

  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs 4/3
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • 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
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 5.16 vs 4.33 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Tiltable Screen
    Tiltable vs Fixed
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Higher effective ISO
    807 vs 459 iso
    Take photos in low light with less noise
  • More dynamic range
    11.8 vs 10.1 evs
    Retain detail in highlight and shadows
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 950 vs 340 shots
    Capture more photos
  • More dots on screen
    922k vs 460k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • Hot shoe
    Hot shoe vs None
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • More pixels
    14.2 vs 12.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Higher extended ISO
    12800 vs 6400 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Panasonic GF3X advantages over Sony DSLR-A550

  • Lens selection
    Excellent vs Good
    Better lens selection gives you more options
  • Less expensive
    $750 vs $1050 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Touchscreen
    Touch vs No touch
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Thinner
    32 mm vs 84 mm
    Thinner
  • Lighter weight
    359g vs 912g
    Lighter weight
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 30 sec
    Long exposures for night shots

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • 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
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Neither provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • 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

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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
Panasonic GF3X
Canon 50D
  • $750
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Touchscreen
  • $1000
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • 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
Panasonic GF3X
Nikon D300S
  • $750
  • 4/3
  • Touchscreen
  • Thinner
  • $1663
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • 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
Panasonic GF3X
Sony DSLR-A500
  • $750
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • Touchscreen
  • $850
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compared to Panasonic GF2

Sony DSLR-A550
Panasonic GF2
  • $859
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $617
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • Less expensive
Panasonic GF3X
Panasonic GF2
  • $750
  • 4/3
  • Touchscreen
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $617
  • 4/3
  • Tiltable Screen
  • Higher effective ISO

Compared to Panasonic GF5

Sony DSLR-A550
Panasonic GF5
  • $859
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $430
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • Touchscreen
Panasonic GF3X
Panasonic GF5
  • $750
  • 4/3
  • $430
  • 4/3
  • Higher effective ISO
  • More dynamic range
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