Sony Alpha DSLR-A550 vs Sony Alpha DSLR-A390

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A550

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A390
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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 Sony Alpha DSLR-A390, 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 Sony Alpha DSLR-A390 was introduced in July 2010. 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

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A390 Highlights

      • 14.2 MP APS-C CCD Sensor
      • 100 - 3,200 Native ISO
      • 9 Focus Points
      • Image Stabilization
      • 2.7" 230k dot Tilting Screen
      • Optical (pentamirror) Viewfinder
      • 2.5 fps Continuous Shooting
      • Built-in Flash
      Table of Contents
      1. Overview
      2. Pros and Cons
      3. Advantage of Sony Alpha DSLR-A550
      4. Advantage of Sony Alpha DSLR-A390
      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 Sony Alpha DSLR-A390.

      PROS

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A550

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A390

      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Built-in Flash
      •   HDMI Output
      •   Orientation Sensor
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Built-in Flash
      •   HDMI Output
      •   Orientation Sensor

      CONS

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A550

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A390

      •   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
      •   No Video Capture
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 14.2 Megapixel
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 2.5 fps
      •   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 - 230 shots


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

      AVERAGE

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A550

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A390

      •   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)
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   Tilting Screen
      •   Screen Size - 2.7"
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/160 sec
      •   DxO Overall Score - 66
      •   Weight - 549 g (1.21 lb / 19.37 oz)

      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 Sony Alpha DSLR-A390.

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A550 vs Sony Alpha DSLR-A390
      Higher Native ISO 12,800 vs 3,200
      Larger Screen 3.0" vs 2.7"
      Higher Resolution Screen 922k dot vs 230k dot
      Higher Viewfinder Magnification (35mm equivalent) 0.53x vs 0.49x
      Higher Max Continuous Shooting 7.0 fps vs 2.5 fps
      Higher DxO Low Light ISO 807 vs 607
      Higher DxO Dynamic Range 11.8 vs 11.5
      Longer Battery Life 480 shots vs 230 shots

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

      Sony DSLR-A350
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      APS-C

      14.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A500
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      APS-C

      12.3 MP

      Sony DSLR-A200
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      APS-C

      10.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A290
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      APS-C

      14.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A580
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      APS-C

      16.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A700
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      APS-C

      10.24 MP

      Sony DSLR-A900
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      Full Frame

      24.6 MP

      Sony DSLR-A560
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      APS-C

      14.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A100
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      APS-C

      10.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A330
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      APS-C

      10.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A850
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      Full Frame

      24.6 MP

      Sony DSLR-A300
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      APS-C

      10.2 MP

      Advantage of Sony Alpha DSLR-A390

      Sony DSLR-A390
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      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Sony Alpha DSLR-A390 over Sony Alpha DSLR-A550.

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A550 vs Sony Alpha DSLR-A390
      Lower Native ISO 200 vs 100
      Higher DxO Color Depth 21.9 vs 22.5
      Lighter 632 g (1.39 lb / 22.29 oz) vs 549 g (1.21 lb / 19.37 oz)

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Sony Alpha DSLR-A390.

      Sony DSLR-A330
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      APS-C

      10.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A350
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      APS-C

      14.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A700
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      APS-C

      10.24 MP

      Sony DSLR-A500
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      APS-C

      12.3 MP

      Sony DSLR-A300
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      APS-C

      10.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A290
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      APS-C

      14.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A200
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      APS-C

      10.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A230
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      APS-C

      10.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A380
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      APS-C

      14.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A450
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      APS-C

      14.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A100
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      APS-C

      10.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A850
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      Full Frame

      24.6 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 Sony Alpha DSLR-A390
        Face Detection
        Live View Autofocus
        Image StabilizationSensor ShiftSensor Shift
        Built-in Flash
        HDMI Output
        Orientation Sensor
      WEAKNESSES Sony Alpha DSLR-A550 Sony Alpha DSLR-A390
        No Video Capture
        Low Resolution Sensor14.2 Megapixel14.2 Megapixel
        Timelapse Recording
        Few Focus Points99
        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 Life480 shots230 shots

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Screen

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A550 has a 3.0" screen with 922k dot resolution and Sony Alpha DSLR-A390 has a 2.7" screen with 230k dot resolution. Both have Tilting screens. Tilting screen makes cameras very useful for photography purposes but not so useful for video shooting.

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      Sony Alpha DSLR-A550 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A390 with Tilting screen


      Viewfinder

      Cameras have built-in Optical (pentamirror) viewfinders. They both have 95% coverage.

      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. Sony Alpha DSLR-A390 features a 14.2 megapixel APS-C CCD sensor with dimensions of 23.5 x 15.7 mm and a total area of 246.5 mm2. Its native ISO range is 100 - 3,200.


      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

      Cameras are equipped with BIONZ processor and can take pictures up to 4592 x 3056 resolution.


      Lens Mount

      Cameras have Sony A lens mount. Due to their APS-C sensor their crop factor (also called lens multiplier) 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

      The cameras have a built-in Sensor Shift in-body image stabilization (IBIS). This means that you are still getting vibration reduction when cameras are 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. Both cameras have HDMI connector for video signal output.


      Battery

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A550 comes with NP-FM500H battery pack with battery life of 480 shots and Sony Alpha DSLR-A390 comes with NP-FH50 battery pack with battery life of 230 shots.


      External Storage Slots

      Cameras have a single SD/SDHC, Memory Stick Duo/Pro Duo/Pro-HG Duo 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 Sony Alpha DSLR-A390. Sony Alpha DSLR-A550 can shoot continuously up to 7.0 fps. Sony Alpha DSLR-A390 can shoot continuously up to 2.5 fps.


      Flash

      Cameras have built-in flash with maximum range of 12.00 m on Sony Alpha DSLR-A550 and 10.00 m at ISO 100 on Sony Alpha DSLR-A390. They also accept external flash which can be connected via Hot Shoe to Sony Alpha DSLR-A390. The fastest flash synchronization speed is 1/160 sec on both cameras.

      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 Sony Alpha DSLR-A390 body has dimensions of 128 x 97 x 86 mm (5.04 x 3.82 x 3.39"). Sony Alpha DSLR-A550 weighs 632 g (1.39 lb / 22.29 oz) and Sony Alpha DSLR-A390 weighs 549 g (1.21 lb / 19.37 oz).

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A550

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A390

      137 mm

      104 mm

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      128 mm

      97 mm

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      104 mm

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      97 mm

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      84 mm

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      86 mm

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      Size comparisons of Sony Alpha DSLR-A550 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A390

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A550 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A390 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

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A390

      GOOD
      70
      •   Screen Resolution - 922k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      AVERAGE
      69
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing

      Sports Photography

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A550

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A390

      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
      69
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 2.5 fps
      •   Short Battery Life - 230 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Wildlife Photography

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A550

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A390

      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
      61
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 2.5 fps
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 230 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Portrait Photography

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A550

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A390

      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
      GOOD
      82
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 2.7"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/160 sec
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Street Photography

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A550

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A390

      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
      82
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Tilting Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 549 g (1.21 lb / 19.37 oz)

      Travel Photography

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A550

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A390

      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
      81
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Tilting Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 549 g (1.21 lb / 19.37 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 230 shots

      Evaluations

      We evaluate Sony Alpha DSLR-A550 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A390 and give both of them the score of 61 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.


      Sony Alpha DSLR-A550

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A390

      OVERALL
      61
      OVERALL
      61

      Sensor

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A550

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A390

      AVERAGE
      68
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 14.2 Megapixel
      •   200 Lowest Native ISO
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   DxO Overall Score - 66
      GOOD
      71
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 14.2 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   DxO Overall Score - 66

      Photo

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A550

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A390

      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
      GOOD
      70
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 2.5 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/160 sec

      Video

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A550

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A390

      BAD
      0
      •   Image Stabilization
      BAD
      0
      •   Image Stabilization

      Focusing

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A550

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A390

      GOOD
      75
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      GOOD
      75
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A550

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A390

      GOOD
      74
      •   Tilting Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 922k dot
      GOOD
      70
      •   Tilting Screen
      •   Screen Size - 2.7"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot

      Connectivity

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A550

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A390

      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
      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

      Battery, Storage and Physical

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A550

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A390

      POOR
      40
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 632 g (1.39 lb / 22.29 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 480 shots
      BAD
      38
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 549 g (1.21 lb / 19.37 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 230 shots


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

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