Canon PowerShot SD780 IS vs Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W550

      Canon PowerShot SD780 IS

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W550
      51
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      51
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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 PowerShot SD780 IS and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W550, 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 PowerShot SD780 IS was introduced in February 2009 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W550 was introduced in July 2011. Let us first list highlights of the models.

      Canon PowerShot SD780 IS Highlights

      • 12 MP 1/2.3-inch CCD Sensor
      • 80 - 1,600 Native ISO
      • 9 Focus Points (9 Cross-type)
      • Image Stabilization
      • 2.50" 230k dot Fixed Screen
      • Optical (tunnel) Viewfinder
      • 0.8 fps Continuous Shooting
      • 1280 x 720 Video Shooting
      • Built-in Flash

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W550 Highlights

      • 14 MP 1/2.3-inch CCD Sensor
      • 80 - 3,200 Native ISO
      • 9 Focus Points (9 Cross-type)
      • Image Stabilization
      • 3.0" 230k dot Fixed Screen
      • 1.1 fps Continuous Shooting
      • 1280 x 720 Video Shooting
      • Built-in Flash
      Table of Contents
      1. Overview
      2. Pros and Cons
      3. Advantage of Canon PowerShot SD780 IS
      4. Advantage of Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W550
      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 PowerShot SD780 IS and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W550.

      PROS

      Canon PowerShot SD780 IS

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W550

      •   Video Capture
      •   80 Lowest Native ISO
      •   1,600 Highest Native ISO
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Built-in Flash
      •   Light - 155 g (0.34 lb / 5.47 oz)
      •   Orientation Sensor
      •   Video Capture
      •   80 Lowest Native ISO
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   Live View Autofocus
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Built-in Flash
      •   HDMI Output
      •   Light - 110 g (0.24 lb / 3.88 oz)

      CONS

      Canon PowerShot SD780 IS

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W550

      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 12 Megapixel
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   Low Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/1500 sec
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 0.8 fps
      •   No External Flash Connectivity
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1280 x 720
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 14 Megapixel
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Low Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/1600 sec
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 1.1 fps
      •   No External Flash Connectivity
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1280 x 720
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   No Environmental Sealing


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

      AVERAGE

      Canon PowerShot SD780 IS

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W550

      •   Screen Size - 2.50"
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"

      Advantage of Canon PowerShot SD780 IS

      Canon SD780 IS
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      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Canon PowerShot SD780 IS over Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W550.

      Canon PowerShot SD780 IS vs Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W550
      Face Detection vs
      Min Macro Focus Distance 3 cm vs 5 cm
      Lower Min Shutter Speed 15 sec vs 2 sec
      Built-in Microphone Stereo vs Mono
      More Storage Slots 1 vs 0

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Canon PowerShot SD780 IS.

      Sony a7 III
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      Full Frame

      24.2 MP

      Sony a7R IV
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      Full Frame

      61.0 MP

      Canon 7D II
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      20.2 MP

      Sony a6100
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      24.2 MP

      Canon R6 II
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      Full Frame

      24.2 MP

      Nikon Z30
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      20.9 MP

      Panasonic FH20
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      1/2.33-inch

      14.1 MP

      Canon R5 C
      Image cannot be found

      Full Frame

      45.0 MP

      Canon Rebel T5
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      APS-C

      18.0 MP

      Canon R7
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      APS-C

      32.5 MP

      Nikon Z8
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      Full Frame

      45.7 MP

      Canon R8
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      Full Frame

      24.2 MP

      Advantage of Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W550

      Sony W550
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      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W550 over Canon PowerShot SD780 IS.

      Canon PowerShot SD780 IS vs Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W550
      Higher Sensor Resolution 12 Megapixel vs 14 Megapixel
      Higher Native ISO 1,600 vs 3,200
      Max Image Resolution 4000 x 3000 vs 4320 x 3240
      Reaches Wider Angle 33 mm vs 26 mm
      Reachs More Telephoto 100 mm vs 104 mm
      Greater Optical Zoom 3x vs 4x
      Maximum Aperture at Wide End f/3.2 vs f/2.7
      Maximum Aperture at Tele End f/5.8 vs f/5.7
      Larger Screen 2.50" vs 3.0"
      Higher Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) 1/1500 sec vs 1/1600 sec
      Higher Max Continuous Shooting 0.8 fps vs 1.1 fps
      Lighter 155 g (0.34 lb / 5.47 oz) vs 110 g (0.24 lb / 3.88 oz)

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W550.

      Sony W690
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      1/2.3-inch

      16.1 MP

      Sony W610
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      1/2.3-inch

      14.1 MP

      Sony W530
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      1/2.3-inch

      14.1 MP

      Sony W800
      Image cannot be found

      1/2.3-inch

      20.1 MP

      Sony W570
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      1/2.3-inch

      16.2 MP

      Sony W710
      Image cannot be found

      1/2.3-inch

      16.1 MP

      Sony W230
      Image cannot be found

      1/2.3-inch

      12 MP

      Sony W560
      Image cannot be found

      1/2.3-inch

      14.1 MP

      Sony W350
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      1/2.3-inch

      14.1 MP

      Sony W320
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      1/2.3-inch

      14 MP

      Sony W620
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      1/2.3-inch

      14.1 MP

      Sony W830
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      1/2.3-inch

      20.1 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 PowerShot SD780 IS Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W550
        Video Capture
        Low Native ISO8080
        High Native ISO1,6003,200
        Live View Autofocus
        Image Stabilization
        Built-in Flash
        Light155 g (0.34 lb / 5.47 oz)110 g (0.24 lb / 3.88 oz)
      WEAKNESSES Canon PowerShot SD780 IS Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W550
        Small Sensor1/2.3-inch1/2.3-inch
        Low Resolution Sensor12 Megapixel14 Megapixel
        Timelapse Recording
        Few Focus Points99
        Few Cross-type Focus Points00
        Screen TypeFixedFixed
        Low Resolution Screen230k dot230k dot
        Low Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain)1/1500 sec1/1600 sec
        Low Max Continuous Shooting0.8 fps1.1 fps
        No External Flash Connectivity
        Low Video Resolution1280 x 7201280 x 720
        No Microphone Input
        No Headphone Output
        No Built-in GPS
        No Built-In Wi-Fi
        No Built-In Bluetooth
        No Environmental Sealing

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Screen

      Canon PowerShot SD780 IS has a 2.50" screen with 230k dot resolution and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W550 has a 3.0" screen with 230k dot resolution. Both have Fixed screens.


      Optical (tunnel) Viewfinder on Canon PowerShot SD780 IS

      Canon PowerShot SD780 IS has a built-in Optical (tunnel) viewfinder. There is no built-in or optional viewfinder available on Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W550.

      Sensor

      Canon PowerShot SD780 IS features a 12 megapixel 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor with dimensions of 6.17 x 4.55 mm and a total area of 28.1 mm2. Its native ISO range is 80 - 1,600. Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W550 features a 14 megapixel 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor with dimensions of 6.17 x 4.55 mm and a total area of 20.7 mm2. Its native ISO range is 80 - 3,200.

      Photography Features

      Canon PowerShot SD780 IS can take pictures up to 4000 x 3000 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 4000 x 2248, 3264 x 2448, 2592 x 1944, 1600 x 1200, 640 x 480, 320 x 140 with 4:3, 16:9 aspect ratios. Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W550 is equipped with BIONZ processor and can take pictures up to 4320 x 3240 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 4320 x 2432, 3648 x 2736, 2592 x 1944, 1920 x 1080 with 4:3, 16:9 aspect ratios.


      Image Stabilization

      The cameras have a built-in [y] image stabilization.

      Connectivity, Battery and Storage

      USB Inputs and HDMI Outputs

      Both models have USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) inputs for data transfer. connector for video signal output.


      Battery

      Canon PowerShot SD780 IS comes with NB-4L battery pack and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W550 comes with NP-BN1 battery pack.


      External Storage Slots

      Canon PowerShot SD780 IS has a single SD/SDHC/MMC/MMCplus/HD MMCplus card slot. Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W550 has a single SD/SDHC/SDXC/Memory Stick Duo/Memory Stick Pro Duo/Memory Stick Pro-HG Duo card slot.

      Other Features

      Shutter

      Shutter speed can go up to 1/1500 sec on Canon PowerShot SD780 IS, and up to 1/1600 sec on Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W550. Canon PowerShot SD780 IS can shoot continuously up to 0.8 fps. Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W550 can shoot continuously up to 1.1 fps.


      Flash

      Cameras have built-in flash with maximum range of 3.50 m on Canon PowerShot SD780 IS and 3.80 m on Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W550..

      Physical Parameters

      Canon PowerShot SD780 IS body has dimensions of 87 x 56 x 18 mm (3.43 x 2.2 x 0.71") and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W550 body has dimensions of 94 x 56 x 19 mm (3.7 x 2.2 x 0.75"). Canon PowerShot SD780 IS weighs 155 g (0.34 lb / 5.47 oz) and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W550 weighs 110 g (0.24 lb / 3.88 oz).

      Canon PowerShot SD780 IS

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W550

      87 mm

      56 mm

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      94 mm

      56 mm

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      56 mm

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      56 mm

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      Size comparisons of Canon PowerShot SD780 IS and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W550

      Canon PowerShot SD780 IS and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W550 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 PowerShot SD780 IS

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W550

      POOR
      47
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      POOR
      48
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing

      Sports Photography

      Canon PowerShot SD780 IS

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W550

      AVERAGE
      63
      •   1,600 Highest Native ISO
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 0.8 fps
      •   Orientation Sensor
      POOR
      47
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 1.1 fps

      Wildlife Photography

      Canon PowerShot SD780 IS

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W550

      AVERAGE
      59
      •   1,600 Highest Native ISO
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 0.8 fps
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Orientation Sensor
      AVERAGE
      56
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 1.1 fps
      •   No Environmental Sealing

      Portrait Photography

      Canon PowerShot SD780 IS

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W550

      AVERAGE
      69
      •   Small Sensor
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 2.50"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No External Flash Connectivity
      •   Orientation Sensor
      AVERAGE
      56
      •   Small Sensor
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No External Flash Connectivity

      Street Photography

      Canon PowerShot SD780 IS

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W550

      GOOD
      83
      •   Small Sensor
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 155 g (0.34 lb / 5.47 oz)
      GOOD
      83
      •   Small Sensor
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 110 g (0.24 lb / 3.88 oz)

      Travel Photography

      Canon PowerShot SD780 IS

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W550

      EXCELLENT
      88
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1280 x 720
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 155 g (0.34 lb / 5.47 oz)
      EXCELLENT
      88
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1280 x 720
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 110 g (0.24 lb / 3.88 oz)

      Evaluations

      We evaluate Canon PowerShot SD780 IS and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W550 and give both of them the score of 51 out of 100. 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 PowerShot SD780 IS

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W550

      OVERALL
      51
      OVERALL
      51

      Sensor

      Canon PowerShot SD780 IS

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W550

      POOR
      45
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 12 Megapixel
      •   80 Lowest Native ISO
      •   1,600 Highest Native ISO
      POOR
      47
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 14 Megapixel
      •   80 Lowest Native ISO
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO

      Photo

      Canon PowerShot SD780 IS

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W550

      AVERAGE
      58
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/1500 sec
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 0.8 fps
      •   No External Flash Connectivity
      AVERAGE
      59
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/1600 sec
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 1.1 fps
      •   No External Flash Connectivity

      Video

      Canon PowerShot SD780 IS

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W550

      POOR
      43
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1280 x 720
      POOR
      43
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1280 x 720

      Focusing

      Canon PowerShot SD780 IS

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W550

      AVERAGE
      61
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      AVERAGE
      55
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Canon PowerShot SD780 IS

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W550

      POOR
      50
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Size - 2.50"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      POOR
      52
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Viewfinder

      Connectivity

      Canon PowerShot SD780 IS

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W550

      POOR
      46
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      AVERAGE
      55
      •   HDMI Output
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth

      Battery, Storage and Physical

      Canon PowerShot SD780 IS

      Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W550

      POOR
      54
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 155 g (0.34 lb / 5.47 oz)
      POOR
      41
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 110 g (0.24 lb / 3.88 oz)


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

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