• APS-C 369.7mm2
  • 16.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 12,800
  • 4/3 224.9mm2
  • 16.1 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 25,600

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Differences

Sony A55 advantages over Olympus E-PL6

  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs 4/3
    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
    ~ 4.82 vs 3.75 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • 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
  • More dots on screen
    922k vs 614k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen

Olympus E-PL6 advantages over Sony A55

  • Lens selection
    Excellent vs Good
    Better lens selection gives you more options
  • Less expensive
    $300 vs $850 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Touchscreen
    Touch vs No touch
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Thinner
    38 mm vs 84 mm
    Thinner
  • Higher max flash sync
    1/250 vs 1/160 sec
    Reduce the effect of ambient light in flash shots
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 30 sec
    Long exposures for night shots

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • 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
  • 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

  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • 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
  • 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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Buy the Sony A55

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Buy the Olympus E-PL6
Kit with 14-42mm Lens

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

Compare Sony A55 vs Canon T2i

Olympus E-PL6
Canon T2i
  • $299
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $692
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compare Olympus E-PL6 vs Canon T2i

Compared to Sony A33

Sony A55
Sony A33
  • $734
  • APS-C
  • Higher effective ISO
  • Built-in GPS
  • $540
  • APS-C

Compare Sony A55 vs Sony A33

Olympus E-PL6
Sony A33
  • $299
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • Less expensive
  • $540
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compare Olympus E-PL6 vs Sony A33

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

Compare Sony A55 vs Sony A35

Olympus E-PL6
Sony A35
  • $299
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • Less expensive
  • $567
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compare Olympus E-PL6 vs Sony A35

Compared to Panasonic GF5

Sony A55
Panasonic GF5
  • $734
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $450
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • Touchscreen

Compare Sony A55 vs Panasonic GF5

Olympus E-PL6
Panasonic GF5
  • $299
  • 4/3
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Tiltable Screen
  • $450
  • 4/3
  • Bigger pixels
  • Internal flash

Compare Olympus E-PL6 vs Panasonic GF5

Compared to Panasonic GF7

Sony A55
Panasonic GF7
  • $734
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $590
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • Focus peaking

Compare Sony A55 vs Panasonic GF7

Olympus E-PL6
Panasonic GF7
  • $299
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $590
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • In-camera panoramas

Compare Olympus E-PL6 vs Panasonic GF7

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