Canon EOS-1D Mark II N vs Sony Alpha SLT-A55

      Canon EOS-1D Mark II N

      Sony Alpha SLT-A55
      58
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      69
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      Disclosure: We earn money from the affiliate links to products associated with content in this article.

      Overview

      In this comparison, we will evaluate the Canon EOS-1D Mark II N and the Sony Alpha SLT-A55, highlighting the advantages of each over the other, discussing their pros and cons, shared strengths and weaknesses, and providing a rating based on their available features and specifications to assist you in choosing the one that best suits your needs.

      Canon EOS-1D Mark II N was introduced in August 2005 and Sony Alpha SLT-A55 was introduced in August 2010. Let us first list highlights of the models.

      Canon EOS-1D Mark II N Highlights

      • 8.2 MP APS-H CMOS Sensor
      • 100 - 3,200 Native ISO
      • 45 Focus Points
      • 2.0" 230k dot Fixed Screen
      • Optical (pentaprism) Viewfinder
      • 8.5 fps Continuous Shooting
      • Wheather Sealed Body

      Sony Alpha SLT-A55 Highlights

      • 16.2 MP APS-C CMOS Sensor
      • 100 - 12,800 Native ISO
      • 15 Focus Points (15 Cross-type)
      • Image Stabilization
      • 3.0" 921k dot Fully Articulated Screen
      • 1,150k dot Electronic Viewfinder
      • 10.0 fps Continuous Shooting
      • 1920 x 1080 Video Shooting
      • 30 min Video Recording Limit
      • Built-in Flash
      • Built-in GPS
      Table of Contents
      1. Overview
      2. Pros and Cons
      3. Advantage of Canon EOS-1D Mark II N
      4. Advantage of Sony Alpha SLT-A55
      5. Common Strengths and Weaknesses
      6. Screen and Viewfinder
      7. Sensor
      8. Photography Features
      9. Connectivity, Battery and Storage
      10. Other Features
      11. Physical Parameters
      12. For Different Types of Photography
      13. Evaluations
      14. Specifications  

      Now that we've looked at the most essential specifications and gained a basic understanding of these cameras, we can delve into more details and see the differences between them.

      Pros and Cons

      In this section we present pros and cons of Canon EOS-1D Mark II N and Sony Alpha SLT-A55.

      PROS

      Canon EOS-1D Mark II N

      Sony Alpha SLT-A55

      •   High Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/8000 sec
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   2 Storage Slots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      •   Video Capture
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fully Articulated Screen
      •   Built-in Flash
      •   HDMI Output
      •   Built-in GPS
      •   Light - 500 g (1.10 lb / 17.64 oz)
      •   Orientation Sensor

      CONS

      Canon EOS-1D Mark II N

      Sony Alpha SLT-A55

      •   No Video Capture
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 8.2 Megapixel
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Small Screen - 2.0"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   Low USB Speed
      •   No HDMI Output
      •   No Built-in Microphone
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   Heavy - 1565 g (3.45 lb / 55.20 oz)
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   3 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Low Resolution Viewfinder - 1,150k dot
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   Low Video Recording Limit
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 380 shots


      And here are some specifications which fall into average criteria and are neither in PROs nor in CONs category:

      AVERAGE

      Canon EOS-1D Mark II N

      Sony Alpha SLT-A55

      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   45 Focus Points
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 8.5 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/250 sec
      •   DxO Overall Score - 66
      •   Sensor Resolution - 16.2 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   15 Focus Points
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 10.0 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/160 sec
      •   DxO Overall Score - 73

      Advantage of Canon EOS-1D Mark II N

      Canon 1D II N
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      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Canon EOS-1D Mark II N over Sony Alpha SLT-A55.

      Canon EOS-1D Mark II N vs Sony Alpha SLT-A55
      Larger Sensor APS-H vs APS-C
      Timelapse Recording vs
      More Focus Points 45 vs 15
      Top LCD Screen vs
      Higher Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) 1/8000 sec vs 1/4000 sec
      Higher Flash Sync Speed 1/250 sec vs 1/160 sec
      Higher DxO Low Light ISO 975 vs 816
      Environmental Sealing vs
      More Storage Slots 2 vs 1

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Canon EOS-1D Mark II N.

      Canon 1D III
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      APS-H

      10.1 MP

      Canon 1D X II
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      Full Frame

      20.2 MP

      Canon 1Ds II
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      Full Frame

      17.2 MP

      Canon 1D C
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      Full Frame

      18.1 MP

      Canon 1D X
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      Full Frame

      18.1 MP

      Canon 1D IV
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      APS-H

      16.1 MP

      Canon 1D
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      APS-H

      4 MP

      Canon 1D II
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      APS-H

      8.2 MP

      Canon 1D X III
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      Full Frame

      20.1 MP

      Canon 1Ds
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      Full Frame

      11 MP

      Canon 1Ds III
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      Full Frame

      21.1 MP

      Sony a7 IV
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      Full Frame

      33.0 MP

      Advantage of Sony Alpha SLT-A55

      Sony SLT-A55
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      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Sony Alpha SLT-A55 over Canon EOS-1D Mark II N.

      Canon EOS-1D Mark II N vs Sony Alpha SLT-A55
      Video Capture vs
      Higher Sensor Resolution 8.2 Megapixel vs 16.2 Megapixel
      Higher Native ISO 3,200 vs 12,800
      Max Image Resolution 3504 x 2336 vs 4912 x 3264
      Face Detection vs
      Live View Autofocus vs
      Image Stabilization vs Sensor Shift
      Screen Type Fixed vs Fully Articulated
      Larger Screen 2.0" vs 3.0"
      Higher Resolution Screen 230k dot vs 921k dot
      Live View vs
      Higher Viewfinder Magnification (35mm equivalent) 0.55x vs 0.73x
      Higher Max Continuous Shooting 8.5 fps vs 10.0 fps
      Built-in Flash vs
      Multi-Segment Metering vs
      Center Weighted Metering vs
      Spot Metering vs
      Higher DxO Color Depth 22.3 vs 23.0
      Higher DxO Dynamic Range 11.2 vs 12.4
      Higher DxO Overall Score 66 vs 73
      Higher USB Speed USB 1.0 (1.5 Mbit/sec) vs USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
      HDMI Output vs Mini Type C
      Built-in Microphone vs Stereo
      Microphone Input vs
      Built-in GPS vs
      Lighter 1565 g (3.45 lb / 55.20 oz) vs 500 g (1.10 lb / 17.64 oz)

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Sony Alpha SLT-A55.

      Sony SLT-A37
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      APS-C

      16.1 MP

      Sony SLT-A58
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      APS-C

      20.1 MP

      Sony SLT-A77 II
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      APS-C

      24.3 MP

      Sony SLT-A68
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      APS-C

      24.2 MP

      Sony SLT-A57
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      APS-C

      16.1 MP

      Sony SLT-A99
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      Full Frame

      24.3 MP

      Sony SLT-A35
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      APS-C

      16.2 MP

      Sony SLT-A77
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      APS-C

      24.3 MP

      Sony SLT-A65
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      APS-C

      24.3 MP

      Sony SLT-A33
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      APS-C

      14.2 MP

      Sony SLT-A99 II
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      Full Frame

      42.4 MP

      Canon 4000D
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      APS-C

      18.0 MP

      Common Strengths and Weaknesses

      We already listed pros and cons of each model. However, you may also find useful to look at their common strengths and weaknesses shown side-by-side.

      STRENGTHS Canon EOS-1D Mark II N Sony Alpha SLT-A55
        Orientation Sensor
      WEAKNESSES Canon EOS-1D Mark II N Sony Alpha SLT-A55
        No Headphone Output
        No Built-In Wi-Fi Eye-Fi is possible
        No Built-In Bluetooth

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Screen

      Canon EOS-1D Mark II N has a 2.0" Fixed screen with 230k dot resolution and Sony Alpha SLT-A55 has a 3.0" Fully Articulated screen with 921k dot resolution. Fully articulated screen makes Sony Alpha SLT-A55 selfie and vlogger friendly and generally very useful for video shooting.

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      Sony Alpha SLT-A55 with Fully Articulated screen


      Viewfinder

      Canon EOS-1D Mark II N has a built-in Optical (pentaprism) viewfinderSony Alpha SLT-A55 has a built-in Electronic viewfinder with 1,150k dot resolution. They both have 100% coverage.

      Sensor

      Canon EOS-1D Mark II N features a 8.2 megapixel APS-H CMOS sensor with dimensions of 28.7 x 19.1 mm and a total area of 548.2 mm2. Its native ISO range is 100 - 3,200. Sony Alpha SLT-A55 features a 16.2 megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor with dimensions of 23.5 x 15.6 mm and a total area of 243.4 mm2. Its native ISO range is 100 - 12,800 and expands to 100 - 25,600 in boosted mode.


      Here is a sensor size comparison chart where you can see how different sensors compare with each other:

      Sensor size chart
      Sensor Dimensions Area Aspect Ratio Crop Factor
      Image cannot be displayedMedium Format44 x 33 mm1452 mm24:30.79x
      Image cannot be displayedFull Frame36 x 24 mm864 mm23:21x
      Image cannot be displayedAPS-H27 x 18 mm486 mm23:21.3x
      Image cannot be displayedAPS-C23.6 x 15.6 mm368.2 mm23:21.5x
      Image cannot be displayedAPS-C (Canon)22.3 x 14.9 mm332.3 mm23:21.6x
      Image cannot be displayedMicro Four Thirds17.4 x 13 mm226.2 mm24:32x
      Image cannot be displayed1-inch13.2 x 8.8 mm116.2 mm23:22.7x
      Image cannot be displayed1/1.7-inch7.44 x 5.58 mm41.5 mm24:34.7x
      Image cannot be displayed1/2.3-inch6.17 x 4.55 mm28.1 mm24:35.6x

      Photography Features

      Canon EOS-1D Mark II N can take pictures up to 3504 x 2336 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 3104 x 2072, 2544 x 1696, 1728 x 1152 with 3:2 aspect ratios. Sony Alpha SLT-A55 is equipped with BIONZ processor and can take pictures up to 4912 x 3264 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 3568 x 2368, 3568 x 2368, 2448 x 1624, 2448 x 1376 with 3:2, 16:9 aspect ratios.


      Lens Mount

      Canon EOS-1D Mark II N has Canon EF lens mount and Sony Alpha SLT-A55 has Sony A lens mount. Due to APS-H sensor in Canon EOS-1D Mark II N its crop factor is equal to 1.3x, this means that a 35mm equivalent focal length of the mounted lens will be equal to its actual focal length times 1.3. Due to APS-C sensor in Sony Alpha SLT-A55 its crop factor is equal to 1.5x, this means that a 35mm equivalent focal length of the mounted lens will be equal to its actual focal length times 1.5.


      In-Body Image Stabilization on Sony Alpha SLT-A55

      Sony Alpha SLT-A55 has a built-in Sensor Shift in-body image stabilization (IBIS). This means that you are still getting vibration reduction when camera is paired with non-image stabilizied lenses. It also works with lenses with optical image stabilization and in combination can achieve even better compensation.

      Connectivity, Battery and Storage

      Built-in GPS on Sony Alpha SLT-A55

      Sony Alpha SLT-A55 has a built-in GPS (Global Positioning System) technology which allows you to automatically tag the location where you took your photos. You can later categorize, organize, and search for photos based on location. This is very useful for travel and outdoor photographers for documenting the locations where images were captured.
        Check out the cameras in our database that have built-in GPS.


      USB Inputs and HDMI Outputs

      Both models have USB inputs for data transfer. connector for video signal output.


      Battery

      Sony Alpha SLT-A55 comes with NP-FW50 battery pack with battery life of 380 shots.


      External Storage Slots

      Canon EOS-1D Mark II N has two card slots - one for SD and one for CompactFlash (Type I/II). Sony Alpha SLT-A55 has a single SD/SDHC/SDXC, Memory Stick Duo/Pro Duo/Pro-HG Duo card slot.

      Other Features

      Shutter

      Sony Alpha SLT-A55 has Electronically controlled Vertical-traverse Focal-plane shutter. Shutter speed can go up to 1/8000 sec on Canon EOS-1D Mark II N, and up to 1/4000 sec on Sony Alpha SLT-A55. Canon EOS-1D Mark II N can shoot continuously up to 8.5 fps. Sony Alpha SLT-A55 can shoot continuously up to 10.0 fps.


      Exposure

      Exposure meterings of Canon EOS-1D Mark II N ranges from +1 to +20 EV and you can set the exposure compensation within the ±3 EV range on Canon EOS-1D Mark II N and ±2 EV range on Sony Alpha SLT-A55. You can also do and manual exposure adjustment on Canon EOS-1D Mark II N and exposure lock, exposure bracketing and manual exposure adjustment on Sony Alpha SLT-A55.


      Flash

      Sony Alpha SLT-A55 has a built-in flash with maximum range of 10.00 m (@ ISO 100) and also accepts external flash. Canon EOS-1D Mark II N has no built-in flash but an external flash may be connected. The fastest flash synchronization speed is 1/250 sec on Canon EOS-1D Mark II N and 1/160 sec on Sony Alpha SLT-A55.

      Physical Parameters

      Canon EOS-1D Mark II N body has dimensions of 156 x 158 x 80 mm (6.14 x 6.22 x 3.15") and Sony Alpha SLT-A55 body has dimensions of 124 x 92 x 85 mm (4.88 x 3.62 x 3.35"). Canon EOS-1D Mark II N weighs 1565 g (3.45 lb / 55.20 oz) and Sony Alpha SLT-A55 weighs 500 g (1.10 lb / 17.64 oz).

      Canon EOS-1D Mark II N

      Sony Alpha SLT-A55

      156 mm

      158 mm

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      124 mm

      92 mm

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      158 mm

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      92 mm

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      80 mm

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      85 mm

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      Size comparisons of Canon EOS-1D Mark II N and Sony Alpha SLT-A55

      Canon EOS-1D Mark II N and Sony Alpha SLT-A55 for Different Types of Photography

      We give scores to the cameras for six types of photography based on their features and specifications. Let us see how suitable they are for each type of photography.

      Landscape Photography

      Canon EOS-1D Mark II N

      Sony Alpha SLT-A55

      GOOD
      77
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      GOOD
      77
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing

      Sports Photography

      Canon EOS-1D Mark II N

      Sony Alpha SLT-A55

      AVERAGE
      59
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   45 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 8.5 fps
      •   2 Storage Slots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      GOOD
      70
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   15 Focus Points
      •   3 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   Low Resolution Viewfinder - 1,150k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 10.0 fps
      •   Short Battery Life - 380 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Wildlife Photography

      Canon EOS-1D Mark II N

      Sony Alpha SLT-A55

      AVERAGE
      61
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   45 Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 8.5 fps
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   2 Storage Slots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      AVERAGE
      63
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   15 Focus Points
      •   3 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   Low Resolution Viewfinder - 1,150k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 10.0 fps
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 380 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Portrait Photography

      Canon EOS-1D Mark II N

      Sony Alpha SLT-A55

      GOOD
      70
      •   45 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Small Screen - 2.0"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/250 sec
      •   Orientation Sensor
      GOOD
      81
      •   15 Focus Points
      •   3 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/160 sec
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Street Photography

      Canon EOS-1D Mark II N

      Sony Alpha SLT-A55

      AVERAGE
      63
      •   45 Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Heavy - 1565 g (3.45 lb / 55.20 oz)
      EXCELLENT
      86
      •   15 Focus Points
      •   3 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fully Articulated Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 500 g (1.10 lb / 17.64 oz)

      Travel Photography

      Canon EOS-1D Mark II N

      Sony Alpha SLT-A55

      POOR
      50
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Heavy - 1565 g (3.45 lb / 55.20 oz)
      EXCELLENT
      85
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fully Articulated Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   Low Video Recording Limit
      •   Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 500 g (1.10 lb / 17.64 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 380 shots

      Evaluations

      We evaluate Canon EOS-1D Mark II N and Sony Alpha SLT-A55 and give them scores of 58 and 69 out of 100 recpectively. We also give separate scores for 7 different categories according to the available features and specifications some of which are listed below. These evaluations are relative and may change each time a new camera is added to the database.


      Canon EOS-1D Mark II N

      Sony Alpha SLT-A55

      OVERALL
      58
      OVERALL
      69

      Sensor

      Canon EOS-1D Mark II N

      Sony Alpha SLT-A55

      AVERAGE
      69
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 8.2 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   DxO Overall Score - 66
      AVERAGE
      68
      •   Sensor Resolution - 16.2 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   DxO Overall Score - 73

      Photo

      Canon EOS-1D Mark II N

      Sony Alpha SLT-A55

      AVERAGE
      68
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   High Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/8000 sec
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 8.5 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/250 sec
      GOOD
      71
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 10.0 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/160 sec

      Video

      Canon EOS-1D Mark II N

      Sony Alpha SLT-A55

      BAD
      0
      •   No Image Stabilization
      POOR
      45
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   Low Video Recording Limit

      Focusing

      Canon EOS-1D Mark II N

      Sony Alpha SLT-A55

      AVERAGE
      69
      •   45 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      GOOD
      72
      •   15 Focus Points
      •   3 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Canon EOS-1D Mark II N

      Sony Alpha SLT-A55

      AVERAGE
      66
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Small Screen - 2.0"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      GOOD
      78
      •   Fully Articulated Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   Low Resolution Viewfinder - 1,150k dot

      Connectivity

      Canon EOS-1D Mark II N

      Sony Alpha SLT-A55

      BAD
      33
      •   Low USB Speed
      •   No HDMI Output
      •   No Built-in Microphone
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      GOOD
      81
      •   HDMI Output
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth

      Battery, Storage and Physical

      Canon EOS-1D Mark II N

      Sony Alpha SLT-A55

      GOOD
      78
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Heavy - 1565 g (3.45 lb / 55.20 oz)
      •   2 Storage Slots
      POOR
      41
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 500 g (1.10 lb / 17.64 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 380 shots


      For a full specification list please go to the specifications page:

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