• APS-C 369.7mm2
  • 16.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 12,800
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 20.0 megapixels
  • 28.00mm - 224.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Sony A55 advantages over Canon 180

  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs 1/2.3 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
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 4.82 vs 1.20 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Tiltable Screen
    Tiltable vs Fixed
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • RAW file ability
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Built-in GPS
    GPS vs None
    Geotag your photos
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 330 vs 220 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Manual focus
    Yes vs No
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • External Mic Jack
    Jack vs No jack
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • More dots on screen
    922k vs 230k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • Hot shoe
    Hot shoe vs None
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
    Filter vs No Filter
    Reduces unsightly moiré in photos
  • Longer exposure
    30 vs 15 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    9.0 fps vs 0.8 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Faster shutter
    1/4000 vs 1/2000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light
  • Higher extended ISO
    25600 vs 1600 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Canon 180 advantages over Sony A55

  • Thinner
    22 mm vs 84 mm
    Thinner
  • Newer
    9 years vs 14 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • More pixels
    20.0 vs 16.2 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
    No Filter vs Filter
    Enjoy sharper photos
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    Unlimited vs 32 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Rear display
    Both provide
    Review photos on the back of the camera
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash

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
  • Top deck display
    Neither provide
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • 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
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

User reviews

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Buy the Canon 180

Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Canon T2i

Sony A55
Canon T2i
  • $734
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $692
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Fast startup
Canon 180
Canon T2i
  • $167
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Thinner
  • Newer
  • $692
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compared to Sony A33

Sony A55
Sony A33
  • $734
  • APS-C
  • Higher effective ISO
  • Built-in GPS
  • $540
  • APS-C
Canon 180
Sony A33
  • $167
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Thinner
  • Newer
  • $540
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compared to Sony A35

Sony A55
Sony A35
  • $734
  • APS-C
  • Tiltable Screen
  • Built-in GPS
  • $567
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Longer stills battery life
Canon 180
Sony A35
  • $167
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Thinner
  • Newer
  • $567
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compared to Sony W830

Sony A55
Sony W830
  • $734
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $128
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Thinner
Canon 180
Sony W830
  • $167
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Longer exposure
  • $128
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Focus peaking

Compared to Canon 140 IS

Sony A55
Canon 140 IS
  • $734
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $200
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Thinner
Canon 180
Canon 140 IS
  • $167
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More pixels
  • $200
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
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