Sony SLT-A55
Competitors

As well as being compared against other entry-level DSLRs, the Sony SLT-A55 is also often compared to pro DSLRs, mirrorless and super zooms. The Sony SLT-A55's top rivals come from Sony (such as the SLT A57 and the SLT A65) and Nikon (such as the D5100 and the D3100)

Generally, some of the advantages of the Sony SLT-A55 compared to other entry-level DSLR competitors include: it has better image stabilization (sensor shift vs none), shoots faster continuously (10 fps vs 7 fps), creates panoramas in-camera, captures 3D images and can focus continuously while recording movies.

However, on average it takes slightly lower resolution photos (16 MP vs 17.9 MP), doesn't record movies in 24p, has a lower quality type of viewfinder (digital vs pentamirror), slightly fewer lenses available (92 lenses vs 162 lenses) and has a slightly shorter battery life (350 shots vs 660 shots).

Nikon D5100 7 months newer $500 - $597 (body only) $600 - $697 18-55mm lens	Significant advantages of the D5100 (vs the SLT-A55) Significantly lower noise at high ISO: 1,183 ISO vs 816 ISO Better image quality: 80.0 vs 73.0 Supports 24p Significant disadvantages of the D5100 (vs the SLT-A55) No image stabilization: None vs Sensor shift Shoots much slower: 4 fps vs 10 fps Lacks in-camera panoramic stitching common strengths of the D5100 and SLT-A55 Good dynamic range: 13 EV vs 12.4 EV Good color depth: 23.5 bits vs 23 bits Both shoot high resolution HD movies: 1080p @ 30fps vs 1080p @ 30fps
	Compare the Nikon D5100 vs the Sony SLT-A55
Canon Rebel T3i 5 months newer $619 - $700 (body only) $745 - $1,000 18-55mm lens	Significant advantages of the T3i (vs the SLT-A55) Supports 24p Has an optical viewfinder: Pentamirror vs Digital Significantly more lenses available: 162 lenses vs 92 lenses Significant disadvantages of the T3i (vs the SLT-A55) Worse image quality: 65.0 vs 73.0 Less dynamic range: 11.5 EV vs 12.4 EV No image stabilization: None vs Sensor shift common strengths of the T3i and SLT-A55 Both shoot high resolution HD movies: 1080p @ 30fps vs 1080p @ 30fps High resolution screens: 1,040k dots vs 921k dots Flip-out screens
	Compare the Canon Rebel T3i vs the Sony SLT-A55
Sony SLT A57 1 year newer $698 - $700 (body only) $798 - $800 18-55mm lens	Significant advantages of the SLT A57 (vs the SLT-A55) Supports 24p Significant disadvantages of the SLT A57 (vs the SLT-A55) No built-in GPS Heavier: 618 g vs 500 g common strengths of the SLT A57 and SLT-A55 Full HD (1080p) video: 1080p @ 60fps vs 1080p @ 30fps High resolution screens: 921k dots vs 921k dots Good image stabilization: Sensor shift vs Sensor shift
	Compare the SLT A57 vs the SLT-A55
Sony SLT A65 1 year newer $898 (body only) $998 18-55mm lens	Significant advantages of the SLT A65 (vs the SLT-A55) Much higher true resolution: 24 MP vs 16 MP Supports 24p Significant disadvantages of the SLT A65 (vs the SLT-A55) Heavier: 622 g vs 500 g common strengths of the SLT A65 and SLT-A55 Good color depth: 23.4 bits vs 23 bits Good dynamic range: 12.6 EV vs 12.4 EV Full HD (1080p) video: 1080p @ 60fps vs 1080p @ 30fps
	Compare the SLT A65 vs the SLT-A55
Sony SLT A35 9 months newer $598 (body only) $629 18-70mm lens	Significant advantages of the SLT A35 (vs the SLT-A55) None found Significant disadvantages of the SLT A35 (vs the SLT-A55) Shoots significantly slower: 5.5 fps vs 10 fps Screen does not flip out No built-in GPS common strengths of the SLT A35 and SLT-A55 Good dynamic range: 12.7 EV vs 12.4 EV Good color depth: 23.3 bits vs 23 bits Both shoot high resolution HD movies: 1080p @ 30fps vs 1080p @ 30fps
	Compare the SLT A35 vs the SLT-A55
Sony Alpha DSLR-A580 similar age $949 55-200mm lens	Significant advantages of the DSLR-A580 (vs the SLT-A55) Significantly lower noise at high ISO: 1,121 ISO vs 816 ISO Better image quality: 80.0 vs 73.0 Much longer battery life: 1050 shots vs 350 shots Significant disadvantages of the DSLR-A580 (vs the SLT-A55) No built-in GPS Shoots significantly slower: 7 fps vs 10 fps More shutter lag: 295 ms vs 220 ms common strengths of the DSLR-A580 and SLT-A55 Good dynamic range: 13.3 EV vs 12.4 EV Good color depth: 23.8 bits vs 23 bits Both shoot high resolution HD movies: 1080p @ 30fps vs 1080p @ 30fps
	Compare the Alpha DSLR-A580 vs the SLT-A55

Generally, some of the advantages of the Sony SLT-A55 compared to pro DSLR competitors include: it has slightly more color depth (23 bits vs 22.2 bits), has slightly wider dynamic range (12.4 EV vs 11.7 EV), has better image stabilization (sensor shift vs none), slightly higher maximum light sensitivity (12,800 ISO vs 6,400 ISO) and shoots faster continuously (10 fps vs 7 fps).

However, on average it it's body is not weather sealed, doesn't record movies in 24p, has a lower quality type of viewfinder (digital vs pentaprism), has slightly more shutter lag (220 ms vs 131 ms) and significantly fewer lenses available (92 lenses vs 162 lenses).

Canon EOS 60D similar age $848 - $1,304 (body only) $1,177 - $1,342 18-135mm lens	Significant advantages of the 60D (vs the SLT-A55) Has an optical viewfinder: Pentaprism vs Digital Supports 24p Significantly more lenses available: 162 lenses vs 92 lenses Significant disadvantages of the 60D (vs the SLT-A55) Less dynamic range: 11.5 EV vs 12.4 EV No image stabilization: None vs Sensor shift Lacks video autofocus: None vs Phase detection common strengths of the 60D and SLT-A55 Flip-out screens Fairly small: Professional size 145x106x79 mm vs Prosumer size 124x92x85 mm Supports RAW
	Compare the Canon EOS 60D vs the Sony SLT-A55
Sony SLT A77 1 year newer $1,398 (body only) $1,998 16-50mm lens	Significant advantages of the SLT A77 (vs the SLT-A55) Supports 24p Weather sealed Significantly higher true resolution: 24 MP vs 16 MP Significant disadvantages of the SLT A77 (vs the SLT-A55) Much more startup delay: 3100 ms vs 900 ms common strengths of the SLT A77 and SLT-A55 Very good image stabilization: Sensor shift vs Sensor shift Flip-out screens Both have in-camera panoramic stitching, many cameras like these don't
	Compare the SLT A77 vs the SLT-A55
Canon EOS 7D 1 year older $1,549 - $1,821 (body only) $1,500 - $1,849 18-135mm lens	Significant advantages of the 7D (vs the SLT-A55) Has an optical viewfinder: Pentaprism vs Digital Supports 24p Weather sealed Significant disadvantages of the 7D (vs the SLT-A55) No image stabilization: None vs Sensor shift Worse color depth: 22 bits vs 23 bits Less dynamic range: 11.7 EV vs 12.4 EV common strengths of the 7D and SLT-A55 Fairly small: Professional size 148x111x74 mm vs Prosumer size 124x92x85 mm Supports RAW Light weight: 860 g vs 500 g
	Compare the Canon EOS 7D vs the Sony SLT-A55
Canon EOS 50D 2 years older $1,282 - $1,350 (body only) $1,950 18-200mm lens	Significant advantages of the 50D (vs the SLT-A55) Has an optical viewfinder: Pentaprism vs Digital Significantly more lenses available: 162 lenses vs 92 lenses Less shutter lag: 131 ms vs 220 ms Significant disadvantages of the 50D (vs the SLT-A55) Worse color depth: 21.8 bits vs 23 bits Less dynamic range: 11.4 EV vs 12.4 EV Worse image quality: 63.0 vs 73.0 common strengths of the 50D and SLT-A55 Fairly small: Professional size 146x108x74 mm vs Prosumer size 124x92x85 mm Supports RAW Light weight: 822 g vs 500 g
	Compare the Canon EOS 50D vs the Sony SLT-A55
Nikon D300S 1 year older $1,690 - $1,700 (body only) $2,547 - $4,295 18-200mm lens	Significant advantages of the D300S (vs the SLT-A55) Has an optical viewfinder: Pentaprism vs Digital Supports 24p Weather sealed Significant disadvantages of the D300S (vs the SLT-A55) No image stabilization: None vs Sensor shift Lacks video autofocus: None vs Phase detection Lacks in-camera panoramic stitching common strengths of the D300S and SLT-A55 Fairly small: Professional size 147x114x74 mm vs Prosumer size 124x92x85 mm Supports RAW Inexpensive: $1,690.00 vs $598.00
	Compare the Nikon D300S vs the Sony SLT-A55
Canon EOS 5D Mark II 1 year older $2,154 (body only) $2,898 - $2,999 24-105mm lens	Significant advantages of the 5D Mark II (vs the SLT-A55) Significantly lower noise at high ISO: 1,815 ISO vs 816 ISO Has an optical viewfinder: Pentaprism vs Digital Much larger sensor: Full frame 36.0x24.0mm vs APS-C 23.5x15.6mm Significant disadvantages of the 5D Mark II (vs the SLT-A55) No image stabilization: None vs Sensor shift Lacks video autofocus: None vs Phase detection Lacks in-camera panoramic stitching common strengths of the 5D Mark II and SLT-A55 Fairly small: Professional size 152x114x75 mm vs Prosumer size 124x92x85 mm Supports RAW Light weight: 850 g vs 500 g
	Compare the Canon EOS 5D Mark II vs the Sony SLT-A55

Generally, some of the advantages of the Sony SLT-A55 compared to mirrorless interchangeable-lens competitors include: it has a slightly higher resolution screen (921k dots vs 610k dots), has higher quality type of viewfinder (digital vs none), has better image stabilization (sensor shift vs none), has slightly more color depth (23 bits vs 21.2 bits) and has slightly wider dynamic range (12.4 EV vs 11.3 EV).

However, on average it doesn't have a touch screen, it's body is not weather sealed, doesn't record movies in 24p, is older (august, 2010 vs may, 2011) and is much larger (prosumer size 124x92x85 mm vs compact 111x59x38 mm).

Sony NEX-5N 1 year newer $598 - $600 (body only) $698 - $700 18-55mm lens	Significant advantages of the NEX-5N (vs the SLT-A55) Much smaller: Compact 111x59x38 mm vs Prosumer size 124x92x85 mm Supports 24p Has a touch screen Significant disadvantages of the NEX-5N (vs the SLT-A55) Much fewer lenses available: 8 lenses vs 92 lenses Slower autofocus: Contrast detection vs Phase detection Much more startup delay: 1900 ms vs 900 ms common strengths of the NEX-5N and SLT-A55 Relatively low noise at high ISO: 1,079 ISO vs 816 ISO Good image quality: 77.0 vs 73.0 Full HD (1080p) video: 1080p @ 60fps vs 1080p @ 30fps
	Compare the NEX-5N vs the SLT-A55
Sony Alpha NEX-5 3 months older $569 18-55mm lens	Significant advantages of the NEX-5 (vs the SLT-A55) Much smaller: Compact 111x59x38 mm vs Prosumer size 124x92x85 mm Much thinner: 1.5" vs 3.3" Significantly lighter: 287 g vs 500 g Significant disadvantages of the NEX-5 (vs the SLT-A55) Many fewer cross-type focus points: 0 vs 3 Much fewer lenses available: 8 lenses vs 92 lenses Slower autofocus: Contrast detection vs Phase detection common strengths of the NEX-5 and SLT-A55 Good image quality: 69.0 vs 73.0 Both shoot high resolution HD movies: 1080p @ 30fps vs 1080p @ 30fps High resolution screens: 920k dots vs 921k dots
	Compare the Alpha NEX-5 vs the SLT-A55
Sony NEX-7 1 year newer $1,200 (body only) $1,350 - $1,499 18-55mm lens	Significant advantages of the NEX-7 (vs the SLT-A55) Much higher true resolution: 24 MP vs 16 MP Much smaller: Compact 111x59x38 mm vs Prosumer size 124x92x85 mm Supports 24p Significant disadvantages of the NEX-7 (vs the SLT-A55) Much fewer lenses available: 8 lenses vs 92 lenses Slower autofocus: Contrast detection vs Phase detection No image stabilization: None vs Sensor shift common strengths of the NEX-7 and SLT-A55 Relatively low noise at high ISO: 1,016 ISO vs 816 ISO Good image quality: 81.0 vs 73.0 Full HD (1080p) video: 1080p @ 60fps vs 1080p @ 30fps
	Compare the NEX-7 vs the SLT-A55
Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3 8 months newer $500 (body only) $700 14-42mm lens	Significant advantages of the DMC-G3 (vs the SLT-A55) Has a touch screen Much smaller: Standard size 115x84x47 mm vs Prosumer size 124x92x85 mm Much thinner: 1.9" vs 3.3" Significant disadvantages of the DMC-G3 (vs the SLT-A55) Many fewer cross-type focus points: 0 vs 3 Slower autofocus: Contrast detection vs Phase detection Significantly worse image quality: 56.0 vs 73.0 common strengths of the DMC-G3 and SLT-A55 Both shoot high resolution HD movies: 1080p @ 30fps vs 1080p @ 30fps Both have digital viewfinders: Digital vs Digital Flip-out screens
	Compare the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3 vs the Sony SLT-A55
Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2 similar age $849 - $997 14-42mm lens	Significant advantages of the DMC-GH2 (vs the SLT-A55) Supports 24p Has a touch screen Significantly longer exposures: 60 seconds vs 30 seconds Significant disadvantages of the DMC-GH2 (vs the SLT-A55) Many fewer cross-type focus points: 0 vs 3 Slower autofocus: Contrast detection vs Phase detection Significantly lower resolution screen: 460k dots vs 921k dots common strengths of the DMC-GH2 and SLT-A55 Full HD (1080p) video: 1080p @ 60fps vs 1080p @ 30fps Both have digital viewfinders: Digital vs Digital Minimal startup delay: 1100 ms vs 900 ms
	Compare the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2 vs the Sony SLT-A55
Olympus OM-D E-M5 1 year newer $1,000 - $1,299 (body only) $1,100 14-42mm lens	Significant advantages of the E-M5 (vs the SLT-A55) Weather sealed Has an OLED screen: OLED vs LCD Has a touch screen Significant disadvantages of the E-M5 (vs the SLT-A55) Slower autofocus: Contrast detection vs Phase detection Much fewer lenses available: 26 lenses vs 92 lenses Slower video autofocus: Contrast detection vs Phase detection common strengths of the E-M5 and SLT-A55 Full HD (1080p) video: 1080p @ 60fps vs 1080p @ 30fps Both have digital viewfinders: Digital vs Digital Good image stabilization: Sensor shift vs Sensor shift
	Compare the Olympus OM-D E-M5 vs the Sony SLT-A55

Generally, some of the advantages of the Sony SLT-A55 compared to super zoom competitors include: it takes much higher resolution photos (16 MP vs 9.7 MP), significantly higher maximum light sensitivity (12,800 ISO vs 3,200 ISO), has a much larger sensor (APS-C 23.5x15.6mm vs 1/2.3" 6.2x4.6mm), has an external mic jack and focuses automatically (phase detection vs contrast detection).

However, on average it has worse image stabilization (sensor shift vs lens), has a slightly shorter battery life (350 shots vs 450 shots), is older (august, 2010 vs february, 2012), is significantly more expensive ($598.00 vs $399.00) and is less popular.

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX200V 1 year newer $399	Significant advantages of the DSC-HX200V (vs the SLT-A55) Significantly longer battery life: 450 shots vs 350 shots Significant disadvantages of the DSC-HX200V (vs the SLT-A55) Much smaller sensor: 1/2.3" 6.2x4.6mm vs APS-C 23.5x15.6mm Much lower true resolution: 9.7 MP vs 16 MP Lacks an external mic jack common strengths of the DSC-HX200V and SLT-A55 Full HD (1080p) video: 1080p @ 60fps vs 1080p @ 30fps Very high resolution screens: 921k dots vs 921k dots Extremely good maximum light sensitivity: 12,800 ISO vs 12,800 ISO
	Compare the Cyber-shot DSC-HX200V vs the SLT-A55
Sony Cybershot DSC-HX100v 5 months newer $409	Significant advantages of the DSC-HX100v (vs the SLT-A55) None found Significant disadvantages of the DSC-HX100v (vs the SLT-A55) Much smaller sensor: 1/2.3" 6.2x4.6mm vs APS-C 23.5x15.6mm Much lower true resolution: 9.7 MP vs 16 MP Lacks an external mic jack common strengths of the DSC-HX100v and SLT-A55 Full HD (1080p) video: 1080p @ 60fps vs 1080p @ 30fps Very high resolution screens: 921k dots vs 921k dots Fast continuous shooting: 10 fps vs 10 fps
	Compare the Cybershot DSC-HX100v vs the SLT-A55