Sony A290 has a
14.0MP APS-C (23.5 x 15.7 mm ) sized CCD sensor and features Bionz processor. On the other hand, Canon 550D has a
18.0MP APS-C (22.3 x 14.9 mm ) sized CMOS sensor and features Digic 4 processor.
Below you can see the A290 and 550D sensor size comparison.
Sensor Size and Resolution Comparison image of Sony A290 and Canon 550D Cameras
As seen above, Sony A290 has a 1.1x Larger sensor area than Canon 550D. Larger sensors give photographer more control on the depth of field and blurry background compared to smaller sensor when shot in same focal length and aperture.
DxOMark Sensor Scores
At Camera Decision, we also look at Dxo Mark sensors when available as we think it is a good indicator of image quality.
Model
Overall
Color Depth
Dynamic Range
Low-light ISO
Sony A290
66
22.6 bits
11.5 Evs
615 ISO
Canon 550D
66
22.0 bits
11.6 Evs
807 ISO
Sensor size sets the circle of confusion, so it drives how much depth of field each
of these bodies gives you at a given aperture. You can calculate it exactly for the
Sony A290
or the
Canon 550D ,
including hyperfocal distance.
