• APS-C 369.7mm2
  • 14.2 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 12,800
  • 1/2.33 inch 28.2mm2
  • 16.1 megapixels
  • 24.00mm - 480.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Sony DSLR-A550 advantages over Panasonic ZS45

  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs 1/2.33 inch
    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
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 5.16 vs 1.33 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • RAW file ability
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 950 vs 350 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Hot shoe
    Hot shoe vs None
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    15 vs 10 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Faster shutter
    1/4000 vs 1/2000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light
  • Higher extended ISO
    12800 vs 6400 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Panasonic ZS45 advantages over Sony DSLR-A550

  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Thinner
    32 mm vs 84 mm
    Thinner
  • Newer
    9 years vs 14 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    10.0 fps vs 6.7 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Rear display
    Both provide
    Review photos on the back of the camera
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Both provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Tiltable Screen
    Both provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Manual focus
    Both provide
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • 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
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • 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
  • Integrated ND filter
    Neither provide
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • 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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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 ZS45
Canon 50D
  • $199
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $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 ZS45
Nikon D300S
  • $199
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $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 ZS45
Sony DSLR-A500
  • $199
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • $850
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compared to Sony H90

Sony DSLR-A550
Sony H90
  • $859
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $223
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Thinner
Panasonic ZS45
Sony H90
  • $199
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Tiltable Screen
  • $223
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Bigger JPEG buffer

Compared to Panasonic ZS35

Sony DSLR-A550
Panasonic ZS35
  • $859
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $300
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas
Panasonic ZS45
Panasonic ZS35
  • $199
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Manual focus
  • More dots on screen
  • $300
  • 1/2.33 inch
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