Sony Alpha DSLR-A550 vs Nikon Coolpix P90

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A550

      Nikon Coolpix P90
      61
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      55
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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 Sony Alpha DSLR-A550 and the Nikon Coolpix P90, 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.

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A550 was introduced in December 2009 and Nikon Coolpix P90 was introduced in February 2009. Let us first list highlights of the models.

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A550 Highlights

      • 14.2 MP APS-C CMOS Sensor
      • 200 - 12,800 Native ISO
      • 9 Focus Points
      • Image Stabilization
      • 3.0" 922k dot Tilting Screen
      • Optical (pentamirror) Viewfinder
      • 7.0 fps Continuous Shooting
      • Built-in Flash

      Nikon Coolpix P90 Highlights

      • 12.1 MP 1/2.33-inch CCD Sensor
      • 64 - 6,400 Native ISO
      • Image Stabilization
      • 3.0" 230k dot Tilting Screen
      • Electronic Viewfinder
      • 640 x 480 Video Shooting
      • Built-in Flash
      Table of Contents
      1. Overview
      2. Pros and Cons
      3. Advantage of Sony Alpha DSLR-A550
      4. Advantage of Nikon Coolpix P90
      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 Sony Alpha DSLR-A550 and Nikon Coolpix P90.

      PROS

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A550

      Nikon Coolpix P90

      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Built-in Flash
      •   HDMI Output
      •   Orientation Sensor
      •   Video Capture
      •   64 Lowest Native ISO
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   Live View Autofocus
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Built-in Flash
      •   Light - 400 g (0.88 lb / 14.11 oz)
      •   Internal Storage
      •   Orientation Sensor

      CONS

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A550

      Nikon Coolpix P90

      •   No Video Capture
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 14.2 Megapixel
      •   200 Lowest Native ISO
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   No Built-in Microphone
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 480 shots
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 12.1 Megapixel
      •   No Face Detection
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No External Flash Connectivity
      •   Low Video Resolution - 640 x 480
      •   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

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A550

      Nikon Coolpix P90

      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   Tilting Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 922k dot
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 7.0 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/160 sec
      •   DxO Overall Score - 66
      •   Weight - 632 g (1.39 lb / 22.29 oz)
      •   Tilting Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec

      Advantage of Sony Alpha DSLR-A550

      Sony DSLR-A550
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      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Sony Alpha DSLR-A550 over Nikon Coolpix P90.

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A550 vs Nikon Coolpix P90
      Larger Sensor APS-C vs 1/2.33-inch
      Higher Sensor Resolution 14.2 Megapixel vs 12.1 Megapixel
      RAW Support vs
      Multi Area Autofocus vs
      Selective Autofocus vs
      Continuous Autofocus vs
      Face Detection vs
      Phase Detection for Autofocus vs
      Higher Resolution Screen 922k dot vs 230k dot
      External Flash Connectivity vs

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Sony Alpha DSLR-A550.

      Sony DSLR-A390
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      APS-C

      14.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A350
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      APS-C

      14.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A580
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      16.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A500
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      12.3 MP

      Sony DSLR-A700
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      10.24 MP

      Sony DSLR-A290
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      14.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A900
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      Full Frame

      24.6 MP

      Sony DSLR-A200
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      APS-C

      10.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A560
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      APS-C

      14.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A330
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      APS-C

      10.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A100
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      APS-C

      10.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A300
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      APS-C

      10.2 MP

      Advantage of Nikon Coolpix P90

      Nikon P90
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      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Nikon Coolpix P90 over Sony Alpha DSLR-A550.

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A550 vs Nikon Coolpix P90
      Video Capture vs
      Lower Native ISO 200 vs 64
      Higher Native ISO 12,800 vs 6,400
      Max Image Resolution 4592 x 3056 vs 4000 x 3000
      Timelapse Recording vs
      Contrast Detection for Autofocus vs
      Higher Viewfinder Coverage 95% vs 100%
      Built-in Microphone vs Mono
      Lighter 632 g (1.39 lb / 22.29 oz) vs 400 g (0.88 lb / 14.11 oz)
      Internal Storage vs 50 MB

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Nikon Coolpix P90.

      Nikon P80
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      1/2.33-inch

      10 MP

      Canon R7
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      APS-C

      32.5 MP

      Canon 5DS R
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      Full Frame

      50.6 MP

      Nikon D800E
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      Full Frame

      36.3 MP

      Canon R50
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      APS-C

      24.2 MP

      Sony a9 II
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      Full Frame

      24.2 MP

      Sony a6600
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      APS-C

      24.2 MP

      Pentax WG-3
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      1/2.3-inch

      16 MP

      Canon 6D
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      Full Frame

      20.2 MP

      Canon R6 II
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      Full Frame

      24.2 MP

      Sony a7R IV
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      Full Frame

      61.0 MP

      Canon R3
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      Full Frame

      24.1 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 Sony Alpha DSLR-A550 Nikon Coolpix P90
        Live View Autofocus
        Image StabilizationSensor Shift
        Built-in Flash
        Orientation Sensor
      WEAKNESSES Sony Alpha DSLR-A550 Nikon Coolpix P90
        Low Resolution Sensor14.2 Megapixel12.1 Megapixel
        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

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A550 and Nikon Coolpix P90 have 3.0" Tilting screens with 922k dot and 230k dot resolutions respectively. Tilting screen makes cameras very useful for photography purposes but not so useful for video shooting.

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      Sony Alpha DSLR-A550 with Tilting screen


      Viewfinder

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A550 has a built-in Optical (pentamirror) viewfinderNikon Coolpix P90 has a built-in Electronic viewfinder. Sony Alpha DSLR-A550 has 95% coverage with 0.80x (0.53x 35mm equivalent) magnification and Nikon Coolpix P90 has 100% coverage magnification.

      Sensor

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A550 features a 14.2 megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor with dimensions of 23.4 x 15.6 mm and a total area of 365 mm2. Its native ISO range is 200 - 12,800. Nikon Coolpix P90 features a 12.1 megapixel 1/2.33-inch CCD sensor with dimensions of 6.08 x 4.56 mm and a total area of 20.8 mm2. Its native ISO range is 64 - 6,400.

      Photography Features

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A550 is equipped with BIONZ processor and can take pictures up to 4592 x 3056 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 4592 x 2576, 3344 x 2224, 3344 x 1872, 2288 x 1520, 2288 x 1280 with 3:2, 16:9 aspect ratios. Nikon Coolpix P90 can take pictures up to 4000 x 3000 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 3264 x 2448, 3984 x 2656, 3968 x 2232, 2992 x 2992, 2592 x 1944, 2048 x 1536, 1600 x 1200, 1280 x 960, 1024 x 768, 640 x 480 with 4:3, 3:2, 16:9 aspect ratios.


      Image Stabilization

      The cameras have a built-in image stabilization. On Sony Alpha DSLR-A550 it means that you are still getting vibration reduction when it 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

      USB Inputs and HDMI Outputs

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


      Battery

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A550 comes with NP-FM500H battery pack with battery life of 480 shots and Nikon Coolpix P90 comes with EN-EL5 battery pack.


      External Storage Slots

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A550 has a single SD/SDHC, Memory Stick Duo/Pro Duo/Pro-HG Duo card slot. Nikon Coolpix P90 has a single SD/SDHC card slot.

      Other Features

      Shutter

      Shutter speed can go up to 1/4000 sec on Sony Alpha DSLR-A550, and up to 1/4000 sec on Nikon Coolpix P90. Sony Alpha DSLR-A550 can shoot continuously up to 7.0 fps.


      Flash

      Cameras have built-in flash with maximum range of 12.00 m on Sony Alpha DSLR-A550. Sony Alpha DSLR-A550 also accepts external flash. The fastest flash synchronization speed is 1/160 sec on Sony Alpha DSLR-A550.

      Physical Parameters

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A550 body has dimensions of 137 x 104 x 84 mm (5.39 x 4.09 x 3.31") and Nikon Coolpix P90 body has dimensions of 83 x 114 x 99 mm (3.27 x 4.49 x 3.9"). Sony Alpha DSLR-A550 weighs 632 g (1.39 lb / 22.29 oz) and Nikon Coolpix P90 weighs 400 g (0.88 lb / 14.11 oz).

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A550

      Nikon Coolpix P90

      137 mm

      104 mm

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      83 mm

      114 mm

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      104 mm

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      114 mm

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      84 mm

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      99 mm

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      Size comparisons of Sony Alpha DSLR-A550 and Nikon Coolpix P90

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A550 and Nikon Coolpix P90 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

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A550

      Nikon Coolpix P90

      GOOD
      70
      •   Screen Resolution - 922k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      POOR
      46
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing

      Sports Photography

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A550

      Nikon Coolpix P90

      GOOD
      70
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 922k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 7.0 fps
      •   Short Battery Life - 480 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      AVERAGE
      64
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   No Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Wildlife Photography

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A550

      Nikon Coolpix P90

      AVERAGE
      63
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 922k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 7.0 fps
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 480 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      AVERAGE
      69
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Portrait Photography

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A550

      Nikon Coolpix P90

      GOOD
      82
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 922k dot
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/160 sec
      •   Orientation Sensor
      AVERAGE
      62
      •   Small Sensor
      •   No Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No External Flash Connectivity
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Street Photography

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A550

      Nikon Coolpix P90

      GOOD
      82
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Tilting Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 922k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 632 g (1.39 lb / 22.29 oz)
      GOOD
      83
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Tilting Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 400 g (0.88 lb / 14.11 oz)

      Travel Photography

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A550

      Nikon Coolpix P90

      GOOD
      80
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Tilting Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 922k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 632 g (1.39 lb / 22.29 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 480 shots
      GOOD
      84
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Tilting Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   Low Video Resolution - 640 x 480
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 400 g (0.88 lb / 14.11 oz)

      Evaluations

      We evaluate Sony Alpha DSLR-A550 and Nikon Coolpix P90 and give them scores of 61 and 55 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.


      Sony Alpha DSLR-A550

      Nikon Coolpix P90

      OVERALL
      61
      OVERALL
      55

      Sensor

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A550

      Nikon Coolpix P90

      AVERAGE
      68
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 14.2 Megapixel
      •   200 Lowest Native ISO
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   DxO Overall Score - 66
      POOR
      47
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 12.1 Megapixel
      •   64 Lowest Native ISO
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO

      Photo

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A550

      Nikon Coolpix P90

      GOOD
      71
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 7.0 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/160 sec
      AVERAGE
      69
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   No External Flash Connectivity

      Video

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A550

      Nikon Coolpix P90

      BAD
      0
      •   Image Stabilization
      POOR
      41
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Video Resolution - 640 x 480

      Focusing

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A550

      Nikon Coolpix P90

      GOOD
      75
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      AVERAGE
      59
      •   No Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A550

      Nikon Coolpix P90

      GOOD
      74
      •   Tilting Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 922k dot
      GOOD
      74
      •   Tilting Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot

      Connectivity

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A550

      Nikon Coolpix P90

      AVERAGE
      57
      •   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
      POOR
      41
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth

      Battery, Storage and Physical

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A550

      Nikon Coolpix P90

      POOR
      40
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 632 g (1.39 lb / 22.29 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 480 shots
      POOR
      45
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 400 g (0.88 lb / 14.11 oz)
      •   Internal Storage


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

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