• APS-C 369.7mm2
  • 14.2 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 12,800
  • APS-C 369.0mm2
  • 20.9 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 51,200

Buy From

Differences

Sony DSLR-A550 advantages over Nikon Z 30

  • 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
    ~ 5.16 vs 4.22 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 950 vs 330 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
    Filter vs No Filter
    Reduces unsightly moiré in photos

Nikon Z 30 advantages over Sony DSLR-A550

  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Tilt-swivel vs tilt-only
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Shoot 4K video
    4K (UHD) vs No
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • 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
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Yes vs No
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Thinner
    59 mm vs 84 mm
    Thinner
  • External Mic Jack
    Jack vs No jack
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Newer
    2 years vs 15 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • Shoots 24p video
    Yes vs No
    Gives your movies a big-screen feel
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • More pixels
    20.9 vs 14.2 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
  • Wider angle kit lens
    24 mm vs 27 mm
    Capture more of the scene with the included lens
  • Longer exposure
    900 vs 30 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    11.0 fps vs 6.7 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Higher extended ISO
    204800 vs 12800 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • 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

  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • 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

User reviews

Buy From

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Sony DSLR-A550

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Nikon Z 30
Kit with 16-50mm Lens
All Z 30 Deals

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

Nikon Z 30
Canon 50D
  • $697
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $1000
  • APS-C
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Nikon Z 30 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

Nikon Z 30
Nikon D300S
  • $697
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $1697
  • APS-C
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Nikon Z 30 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

Nikon Z 30
Sony DSLR-A500
  • $697
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $850
  • APS-C
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Nikon Z 30 vs Sony DSLR-A500

Compared to Canon EOS M50 II

Sony DSLR-A550
Canon EOS M50 II
  • $859
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Larger sensor
  • $627
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Tilt-swivel screen

Compare Sony DSLR-A550 vs Canon EOS M50 II

Nikon Z 30
Canon EOS M50 II
  • $697
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Newer
  • $627
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compare Nikon Z 30 vs Canon EOS M50 II

Compared to Nikon Z fc

Sony DSLR-A550
Nikon Z fc
  • $859
  • APS-C
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Bigger pixels
  • $924
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Shoot 4K video

Compare Sony DSLR-A550 vs Nikon Z fc

Nikon Z 30
Nikon Z fc
  • $697
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $924
  • APS-C
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Thinner

Compare Nikon Z 30 vs Nikon Z fc

Compare Other Cameras?