• 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 10.3 megapixels
  • 26.00mm - 678.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • APS-C 369.7mm2
  • 16.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 12,800

Buy From

Differences

Nikon P100 advantages over Sony A55

  • Less expensive
    $400 vs $850 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    10.0 fps vs 9.0 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Faster shutter
    1/8000 vs 1/4000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Sony A55 advantages over Nikon P100

  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs 1/2.3 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 4.82 vs 1.69 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • RAW file ability
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Fast startup
    ~0.90 vs 2.3 sec
    Faster startup lets you catch the moment
  • Built-in GPS
    GPS vs None
    Geotag your photos
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 330 vs 250 shots
    Capture more photos
  • External Mic Jack
    Jack vs No jack
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • 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
    16.2 vs 10.3 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Longer exposure
    30 vs 8 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    32 vs 6 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Higher extended ISO
    25600 vs 6400 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Rear display
    Both provide
    Review photos on the back of the camera
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Both provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • 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 Wi-Fi
    Neither provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • 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
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video

Buy From

Your purchases support this site

Your purchases support this site

Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Nikon P90

Nikon P100
Nikon P90
  • $400
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Longer stills battery life
  • Manual focus
  • $400
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • More pixels
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
Sony A55
Nikon P90
  • $734
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $400
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive

Compared to Pentax X90

Nikon P100
Pentax X90
  • $400
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Tiltable Screen
  • Manual focus
  • $400
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • More pixels
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
Sony A55
Pentax X90
  • $734
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $400
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive

Compared to Sony A33

Nikon P100
Sony A33
  • $400
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Shoots 1080p video
  • $540
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
Sony A55
Sony A33
  • $734
  • APS-C
  • Higher effective ISO
  • Built-in GPS
  • $540
  • APS-C

Compared to Sony A35

Nikon P100
Sony A35
  • $400
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Tiltable Screen
  • $567
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
Sony A55
Sony A35
  • $734
  • APS-C
  • Tiltable Screen
  • Built-in GPS
  • $567
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Longer stills battery life

Compared to Panasonic FZ47

Nikon P100
Panasonic FZ47
  • $400
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Tiltable Screen
  • Less shutter lag
  • $400
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Longer stills battery life
  • More pixels
Sony A55
Panasonic FZ47
  • $734
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $400
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Longer stills battery life
Compare Other Cameras?