• APS-C 369.7mm2
  • 14.2 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 12,800
  • APS-C 364.3mm2
  • 19.6 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 6400

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Differences

Sony DSLR-A550 advantages over Sigma sd Quattro

  • Lens selection
    Good vs Limited
    Better lens selection gives you more options
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 5.16 vs 4.33 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Tiltable Screen
    Tiltable vs Fixed
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Higher extended ISO
    12800 vs 6400 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Sigma sd Quattro advantages over Sony DSLR-A550

  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Newer
    8 years vs 15 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • More dots on screen
    1620k vs 922k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • More viewfinder magnification
    0.73x vs 0.53x
    Get a bigger view of the scene through the eye-level viewfinder
  • More pixels
    19.6 vs 14.2 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Doesn't require an AA filter
    Yes vs No
    A unique sensor design provides sharp photos without moiré

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

  • 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
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • Top deck display
    Neither provide
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • External Mic Jack
    Neither provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • 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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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

Sigma sd Quattro
Canon 50D
  • $699
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • On-sensor phase detect
  • $1000
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Sigma sd Quattro 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

Sigma sd Quattro
Nikon D300S
  • $699
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Focus peaking
  • $1697
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Sigma sd Quattro 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

Sigma sd Quattro
Sony DSLR-A500
  • $699
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • On-sensor phase detect
  • $850
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Sigma sd Quattro vs Sony DSLR-A500

Compared to Sony A3000

Sony DSLR-A550
Sony A3000
  • $859
  • APS-C
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Bigger pixels
  • $598
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Focus peaking

Compare Sony DSLR-A550 vs Sony A3000

Sigma sd Quattro
Sony A3000
  • $699
  • APS-C
  • On-sensor phase detect
  • HDMI out
  • $598
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • In-camera panoramas

Compare Sigma sd Quattro vs Sony A3000

Compared to Fujifilm X-H1

Sony DSLR-A550
Fujifilm X-H1
  • $859
  • APS-C
  • Bigger pixels
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $1199
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Shoot 4K video

Compare Sony DSLR-A550 vs Fujifilm X-H1

Sigma sd Quattro
Fujifilm X-H1
  • $699
  • APS-C
  • More dots on screen
  • $1199
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Sigma sd Quattro vs Fujifilm X-H1

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