• APS-C 369.7mm2
  • 14.2 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 12,800
  • Medium format 1,350.0mm2
  • 37.5 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 1600

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Differences

Sony DSLR-A550 advantages over Leica S-E (Typ 006)

  • Lens selection
    Good vs Limited
    Better lens selection gives you more options
  • Less expensive
    $1050 vs $16900 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Tiltable Screen
    Tiltable vs Fixed
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • More AF points
    9 vs 1
    More AF points improve autofocus
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
    Filter vs No Filter
    Reduces unsightly moiré in photos
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    6.7 fps vs 1.5 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Higher extended ISO
    12800 vs 1600 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Leica S-E (Typ 006) advantages over Sony DSLR-A550

  • Larger sensor
    Medium format vs APS-C
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 6.00 vs 5.16 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Built-in GPS
    GPS vs None
    Geotag your photos
  • Top deck display
    Yes vs No
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • Pentaprism viewfinder
    Pentaprism vs Pentamirror
    Much better viewfinder picture fidelity
  • Newer
    10 years vs 15 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • More viewfinder magnification
    1.09x vs 0.53x
    Get a bigger view of the scene through the eye-level viewfinder
  • More pixels
    37.5 vs 14.2 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Dual card slots
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
    No Filter vs Filter
    Enjoy sharper photos

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Both provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • 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
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • 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
  • External Mic Jack
    Neither provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • 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 50D

Sony DSLR-A550
Canon 50D
  • $859
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $1000
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Fast startup

Compare Sony DSLR-A550 vs Canon 50D

Leica S-E (Typ 006)
Canon 50D
  • $16900
  • Medium format
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $1000
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Less expensive

Compare Leica S-E (Typ 006) vs Canon 50D

Compared to Nikon D300S

Sony DSLR-A550
Nikon D300S
  • $859
  • APS-C
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Tiltable Screen
  • $1697
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Fast startup

Compare Sony DSLR-A550 vs Nikon D300S

Leica S-E (Typ 006)
Nikon D300S
  • $16900
  • Medium format
  • Larger sensor
  • Built-in GPS
  • $1697
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Internal flash

Compare Leica S-E (Typ 006) vs Nikon D300S

Compared to Sony DSLR-A500

Sony DSLR-A550
Sony DSLR-A500
  • $859
  • APS-C
  • More dots on screen
  • More pixels
  • $850
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive

Compare Sony DSLR-A550 vs Sony DSLR-A500

Leica S-E (Typ 006)
Sony DSLR-A500
  • $16900
  • Medium format
  • Larger sensor
  • Built-in GPS
  • $850
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Less expensive

Compare Leica S-E (Typ 006) vs Sony DSLR-A500

Compared to Leica S (Typ 006)

Sony DSLR-A550
Leica S (Typ 006)
  • $859
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Less expensive
  • $10535
  • Medium format
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Sony DSLR-A550 vs Leica S (Typ 006)

Leica S-E (Typ 006)
Leica S (Typ 006)
  • $16900
  • Medium format
  • Less expensive
  • Built-in GPS
  • $10535
  • Medium format

Compare Leica S-E (Typ 006) vs Leica S (Typ 006)

Compared to Leica S (Typ 007)

Sony DSLR-A550
Leica S (Typ 007)
  • $859
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Less expensive
  • $19995
  • Medium format
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor

Compare Sony DSLR-A550 vs Leica S (Typ 007)

Leica S-E (Typ 006)
Leica S (Typ 007)
  • $16900
  • Medium format
  • Less expensive
  • $19995
  • Medium format
  • Focus peaking
  • Shoot 4K video

Compare Leica S-E (Typ 006) vs Leica S (Typ 007)

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