• APS-C 369.7mm2
  • 16.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 12,800
  • 35mm 864.0mm2
  • 24.0 megapixels
  • 28.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Sony A55 advantages over Leica Q

  • Tiltable Screen
    Tiltable vs Fixed
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Built-in GPS
    GPS vs None
    Geotag your photos
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • External Mic Jack
    Jack vs No jack
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
    Filter vs No Filter
    Reduces unsightly moiré in photos

Leica Q advantages over Sony A55

  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Larger sensor
    35mm vs APS-C
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 6.00 vs 4.82 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Touchscreen
    Touch vs No touch
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Higher effective ISO
    2,221 vs 818 iso
    Take photos in low light with less noise
  • Higher max flash sync
    1/500 vs 1/160 sec
    Reduce the effect of ambient light in flash shots
  • 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
  • More pixels
    24.0 vs 16.2 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
    No Filter vs Filter
    Enjoy sharper photos
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    10.0 fps vs 9.0 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Faster shutter
    1/16000 vs 1/4000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light
  • Higher extended ISO
    50000 vs 25600 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
  • In-camera panoramas
    Both provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • RAW file ability
    Both provide
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • 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
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Common Weaknesses

  • 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

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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
Leica Q
Canon T2i
  • $3695
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $692
  • APS-C
  • Internal flash
  • External Mic Jack

Compared to Sony A33

Sony A55
Sony A33
  • $734
  • APS-C
  • Higher effective ISO
  • Built-in GPS
  • $540
  • APS-C
Leica Q
Sony A33
  • $3695
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $540
  • APS-C
  • Tiltable Screen
  • Internal flash

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
Leica Q
Sony A35
  • $3695
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $567
  • APS-C
  • Internal flash
  • External Mic Jack

Compared to Leica X-U (Typ 113)

Sony A55
Leica X-U (Typ 113)
  • $734
  • APS-C
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $3495
  • APS-C
  • Waterproof
  • Longer stills battery life
Leica Q
Leica X-U (Typ 113)
  • $3695
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $3495
  • APS-C
  • Waterproof
  • More telephoto lens reach

Compared to Leica Q2

Sony A55
Leica Q2
  • $734
  • APS-C
  • Tiltable Screen
  • Built-in GPS
  • $5447
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
Leica Q
Leica Q2
  • $3695
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Bigger pixels
  • $5447
  • 35mm
  • Shoot 4K video
  • Built-in Bluetooth
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