Sony FX30 vs Sony a550
This is a full comparison between the cameras Sony FX30 and Sony a550. We compare them by looking at the categories you see below.
Manufacturing
These cameras are both manufactured by Sony.
Sony FX30 were released 2022 and Sony a550 was released 2009. That is a 13 years difference. In tech, this period can be of interest since technology is always improving, etc.Camera | Released |
Sony FX30 | 2022 |
Sony a550 | 2009 |
Type of camera
Sony FX30 is a Mirrorless camera while Sony a550 is a DSLR camera. More information about their differences will come soon.
Sensors / crop factor
Both these cameras have the same sorts of sensor (called "Sony APS-C") which means that if you compare these cameras side by side the lenses will also have the same experienced focal length. Neither of the cameras has a Full frame sensor which means that you will get a "crop factor" where the camera's sensor size affect the focal length with a multiplier.
Camera | Focal length, 50mm f/1.8 ** |
Sony FX30 | 75 mm Sony APS-C sensor Crop factor/focal length multiplier by * 1.5 |
Sony a550 | 75 mm Sony APS-C sensor Crop factor/focal length multiplier by * 1.5 |
** Experienced focal length when using a lens such as a common "50mm f/1.8"
Learn more about crop factor and focal length multiplier here:
Camera selection can affect the focal length (Sony)
Resolution
Sony FX30 has a 26 MP (Megapixels) resolution while Sony a550 has 14 MP. If we break down this in more detail this is the data behind the numbers:
Camera | Megapixels |
Sony FX30 |
26 MP
25560576 pixels 6192 x 4128 |
Sony a550 |
14 MP
14033152 pixels 4592 x 3056 |
Sony FX30 has a 82 % larger resolution than Sony a550. This could give you more details in the picture but also a possibility to crop more in the pictures, afterward while editing the pictures, if needed that is.
ISO range
Sony FX30 has a larger ISO-range than Sony a550. Sony FX30 has an ISO range that stretches from 100 to 32000 while Sony a550 has 200 to 12800.
Camera | ISO Range |
Sony FX30 | 100-32000 |
Sony a550 | 200-12800 |
Autofocus and lens compatibility
Both of these cameras have a built-in autofocus motor. Some lenses, that support autofocus, do not have an autofocus motor of their own but this won't cause any problems with these two cameras.
Here is a complete overview of which lenses work with each camera:
Lens compatibility chart for Sony FX30
Lens compatibility chart for Sony a550
Pictures per second
Depending on what you are shooting the FPS, or frames/pictures per second, can definitely be of interest. Sony FX30 can shoot up to 1 pictures per seconds and Sony a550 can shoot up to 7 pictures per seconds.
Camera | FPS (Frames per second) |
Sony FX30 | 1 |
Sony a550 | 7 |
Ability to record movies
It is becoming more and more popular to record movies with digital cameras.
Though, neither Sony FX30 or Sony a550 can shoot movies so if that is a functionality that you are really looking for you should look elsewhere.
Weight
The weight of the camera can be an extremely important factor, especially if the camera is about to be used, or carried around, for several hours at a time.
Sony FX30 weighs 646 gr (equal to 1.42 lb) which is 2% heavier than Sony a550 and its 632 gr (or 1.39 lb).
Camera | Weight |
Sony FX30 | 646 gr 1.42 lb |
Sony a550 | 632 gr 1.39 lb |
Sony FX30 vs Sony a550 Specs
Below you will find the complete and detailed technical specs for both Sony FX30 and Sony a550, next to each other. Each category of data is a link to an article covering the subject, giving you a deeper understanding so you can better understand the strengths and weaknesses of the two camera models.
Product |
Sony FX30 |
Sony a550 |
Name | Sony FX30 | Sony a550 |
Manufacturer | Sony | Sony |
Release Date and Price |
Sony FX30 |
Sony a550 |
Release Year | 2022 | 2009 |
Release Date | 2022-09-28 | 2009-08-27 |
MSRP | 1799 USD | 949 USD |
Buy it today | ||
Camera Type |
Sony FX30 |
Sony a550 |
Camera Type | Mirrorless | DSLR |
Sensor |
Sony FX30 |
Sony a550 |
Sensor Size | APS-C (approx 23.5 x 15.6 mm) | APS-C (approx 23.5 x 15.6 mm) |
Sensor Type | BSI-CMOS | CMOS |
Resolution | 6192 x 4128 pixels | 4592 x 3056 pixels |
Megapixels | 26 MP | 14 MP |
Image Processor | BIONZ XR | Bionz |
Image |
Sony FX30 |
Sony a550 |
ISO Range | 100 - 32000 | 200 - 12800 |
White Balance Presets | 8 | 6 |
Custom White Balance | Yes | Yes |
Image Stabilization |
Yes (Sensor-Shift (5-axis)) |
Yes (Sensor-Shift) |
Image Stabilization CIPA Rating | 5.5 stops | 0 stops |
Uncompressed format | RAW | RAW |
Optics & Focus |
Sony FX30 |
Sony a550 |
Autofocus Motor | Yes | Yes |
Autofocus |
Phase Detect Multi Area Center Selective Single Point Tracking Single Continuous Touch Face Detection LiveView |
Phase Detect Multi Area Selective Single Point Single Continuous Face Detection LiveView |
Focus Points | 759 | 9 |
Lens Mount |
Sony E See Compatible Lenses |
Sony A See Compatible Lenses |
Focal Length Multiplier |
APS-C Sensor (1.5x) 1.5x multiplier Example: 24 mm becomes 36 mm 50 mm becomes 75 mm 100 mm becomes 150 mm 200 mm becomes 300 mm |
APS-C Sensor (1.5x) 1.5x multiplier Example: 24 mm becomes 36 mm 50 mm becomes 75 mm 100 mm becomes 150 mm 200 mm becomes 300 mm |
Screen & Viewfinder |
Sony FX30 |
Sony a550 |
Articulated LCD | Fully articulated | Tilting |
Screen size | 3” | 3” |
Screen dots | N/A | 921600 |
Touch screen | Yes | No |
Screen type | N/A | N/A |
Live view | Yes | Yes |
Viewfinder Type | No Viewfinder | Optical (pentamirror) |
Viewfinder Coverage | 95% | |
Viewfinder Magnification | 0.8× (0.53× 35mm equiv.) | |
Viewfinder Resolution | 0 | N/A |
Photography features |
Sony FX30 |
Sony a550 |
Frames per second | 1 fps | 7 fps |
Minimum Shutter Speed | 30 seconds | 30 seconds |
Maximum Shutter Speed | 1/8000 seconds | 1/4000 seconds |
Built-in Flash | No | Yes |
Built-in Flash Range | N/A | 12 meters |
External Flash | Yes | Yes |
Self-Timer | Yes | Yes |
Time-lapse | No | No |
Metering modes |
Multi Center Weighted Highlight Weighted Spot Partial Average |
Multi Center Weighted Spot |
Exposure Compensation | N/A | +/- 2 (at 1/3 EV steps) |
Videography features |
Sony FX30 |
Sony a550 |
Video recording | No | No |
Video format | N/A | N/A |
Video resolution | N/A | N/A |
Built-in Microphone | Yes | No |
Built-in Speakers | Yes | No |
Storage |
Sony FX30 |
Sony a550 |
Memory Card |
Compact Flash Express SD/SDHC |
Memory Stick Pro Duo SD/SDHC |
Connectivity |
Sony FX30 |
Sony a550 |
HDMI Output | Yes | Yes |
Microphone Port | Yes | No |
Headphone Port | Yes | No |
Wireless |
Yes Built-in (IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac) |
No |
Remote Control | Supported (no further information) | Yes (Wired or Wireless (Optional)) |
GPS | No | No |
Body & Dimensions |
Sony FX30 |
Sony a550 |
Enviromentally sealed | No | No |
Battery | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
Battery Details |
NP-FZ100
|
Lithium-Ion NP-FM500H rechargeable battery & charger
|
Battery Life (CIPA) | 570 shots | 480 shots |
Width | 78 mm | 137 mm |
Height | 130 mm | 104 mm |
Depth | 85 mm | 84 mm |
Weight | 646 gram | 632 gram |