What To Know
- The Canon EOS 700D utilizes a 9-point autofocus system with a cross-type sensor in the center, providing accurate and responsive focusing.
- The Sony SLT-A55 also delivers impressive video quality, with its Translucent Mirror Technology allowing for continuous autofocus during video recording, a feature absent in the Canon 700D.
- The camera also offers a variety of connectivity options, including HDMI, USB, and a microphone jack, allowing for easy transfer of images and videos to other devices.
Choosing the perfect camera for your photography journey can be a daunting task, especially when faced with a plethora of options. Two popular contenders in the entry-level DSLR market are the Canon EOS 700D with the Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM lens and the Sony SLT-A55 with the Sony DT 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 SAM lens. Both cameras offer impressive features and capabilities, but which one emerges as the champion? Let’s delve into a comprehensive comparison to help you make an informed decision.
Sensor and Image Quality: Capturing the Essence of Your Moments
The heart of any camera lies in its sensor, responsible for capturing light and transforming it into digital images. The Canon EOS 700D boasts an 18-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor, known for its excellent dynamic range and low noise performance. This sensor enables the camera to produce vibrant and detailed images, even in challenging lighting conditions.
On the other hand, the Sony SLT-A55 features a 16.2-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor, providing a slightly lower resolution than the Canon 700D. However, the SLT-A55 utilizes Sony’s Translucent Mirror Technology, which allows for continuous autofocus during live view and video recording, a feature absent in the Canon 700D. Ultimately, both cameras offer impressive image quality, with the Canon 700D edging out slightly in terms of resolution and dynamic range.
Autofocus: Locking onto Your Subject with Precision
Autofocus is crucial for capturing sharp and well-composed images, especially when shooting fast-moving subjects. The Canon EOS 700D utilizes a 9-point autofocus system with a cross-type sensor in the center, providing accurate and responsive focusing. The Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM lens also features a Stepping Motor (STM) for smooth and silent autofocus, making it ideal for video recording.
The Sony SLT-A55, with its Translucent Mirror Technology, offers a 15-point autofocus system, providing wider coverage than the Canon 700D. It also boasts faster autofocus speeds, particularly in low-light conditions. However, the Sony DT 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 SAM lens lacks the STM technology found in the Canon lens, resulting in slightly louder and less smooth autofocus, especially during video recording.
Video Capabilities: Capturing the Motion of Life
Both cameras excel in video recording, offering Full HD (1080p) video capture at various frame rates. The Canon EOS 700D features a dedicated movie button and offers manual control over aperture, shutter speed, and ISO sensitivity, providing greater creative flexibility for videographers. The Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM lens, with its STM technology, ensures smooth and silent autofocus during video recording, making it ideal for capturing cinematic footage.
The Sony SLT-A55 also delivers impressive video quality, with its Translucent Mirror Technology allowing for continuous autofocus during video recording, a feature absent in the Canon 700D. However, the Sony DT 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 SAM lens lacks the STM technology, resulting in slightly louder and less smooth autofocus during video recording.
Design and Ergonomics: Finding the Perfect Fit
In terms of design and ergonomics, both cameras offer comfortable and user-friendly interfaces. The Canon EOS 700D features a classic DSLR design with a deep grip, providing a secure hold, even with large lenses attached. The camera’s controls are well-placed and intuitive, making it easy to navigate through the menus and adjust settings.
The Sony SLT-A55, with its unique Translucent Mirror Technology, boasts a more compact and lightweight design than the Canon 700D. The camera’s controls are slightly different, with a focus on using buttons and dials rather than a traditional menu system. The SLT-A55’s smaller size and lighter weight might be appealing to photographers who prefer a more portable camera.
Battery Life and Connectivity: Powering Your Photography Adventures
The Canon EOS 700D utilizes a LP-E8 battery, providing an impressive battery life of approximately 440 shots per charge. The camera also offers a variety of connectivity options, including HDMI, USB, and a microphone jack, allowing for easy transfer of images and videos to other devices.
The Sony SLT-A55 uses a NP-FW50 battery, offering a battery life of approximately 330 shots per charge. The camera also features a range of connectivity options, including HDMI, USB, and a microphone jack, ensuring seamless data transfer and external audio recording.
Canon EOS 700D with Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM vs Sony SLT-A55 with Sony DT 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 SAM: A Verdict
Choosing between the Canon EOS 700D with Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM and the Sony SLT-A55 with Sony DT 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 SAM depends on your individual needs and preferences.
The Canon EOS 700D excels in image quality, offering higher resolution and better dynamic range. Its dedicated movie button and the STM technology in the lens provide a superior video recording experience. However, the camera lacks continuous autofocus during live view and video recording.
The Sony SLT-A55, with its Translucent Mirror Technology, offers faster autofocus speeds and continuous autofocus during live view and video recording. Its compact and lightweight design makes it more portable. However, the camera’s image quality falls slightly behind the Canon 700D, and the lens lacks the STM technology for smooth and silent autofocus.
Ultimately, the best camera for you depends on your priorities. If you prioritize image quality and smooth video recording, the Canon EOS 700D with Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM is a compelling choice. If you value fast autofocus, continuous autofocus during video recording, and a more compact design, the Sony SLT-A55 with Sony DT 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 SAM might be the better option.
The Final Verdict: A Symphony of Choices
Choosing the right camera is a personal journey, and the Canon EOS 700D and the Sony SLT-A55 represent two distinct paths in the world of photography. Both cameras offer impressive features and capabilities, and ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual needs and preferences.
Common Questions and Answers
Q: Which camera is better for beginners?
A: Both the Canon EOS 700D and the Sony SLT-A55 are excellent choices for beginners. The Canon 700D offers a more intuitive user interface and a classic DSLR design, while the Sony SLT-A55 provides a more compact and lightweight option with its Translucent Mirror Technology.
Q: Which camera is better for video recording?
A: The Canon EOS 700D with its EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM lens offers smoother and quieter autofocus during video recording due to the STM technology. However, the Sony SLT-A55’s continuous autofocus during video recording can be a significant advantage for certain shooting scenarios.
Q: Which camera is better for low-light photography?
A: Both cameras offer decent low-light performance, with the Canon EOS 700D having a slight edge due to its higher resolution and better dynamic range. However, the Sony SLT-A55’s faster autofocus can be beneficial in low-light situations.
Q: Which camera has a better lens?
A: The Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM lens offers smoother and quieter autofocus due to the STM technology, making it a better choice for video recording. However, the Sony DT 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 SAM lens is still a capable lens for everyday photography.
Q: Which camera is better for wildlife photography?
A: Both cameras are suitable for wildlife photography, but the Canon EOS 700D might be slightly better due to its higher resolution and better image quality. However, the Sony SLT-A55’s faster autofocus can be beneficial for capturing fast-moving wildlife subjects.
