Canon Eos 600D and Sony A55 almost have the same price so, which one is better to buy?

Question

Canon Eos 600D VS Sony A55

Answer 1

First, the Sony SLT A55 has been discontinued and replaced by the SLT A57. You can probably find new A55 cameras at close-out prices though.



The Canon 600D/T3i does not allow for auto focus during video. The Sony SLT A57 with Sony's Translucent Mirror Technology allows full-time, continuous phase-detect auto focus whether you're shooting still images or full 1080p HD video.



The Canon 650D/T4i when fitted with the 18-135mm f3.5-5.6 IS STM zoom lens allows for auto focus during video.



Don't be misled by anyone claiming that the Sony lens selection is lacking. What they aren't telling you is that the A37, A55, A57, A65, A77 and A99 all use the legacy Minolta Maxxum "A" lens mount introduced in 1985. There is still a good supply of previously owned Minolta Maxxum AF lenses available and all of them are compatible with the Sony SLT cameras.



If your budget allows, I suggest looking at the Sony SLT A65 which has a much faster OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) electronic viewfinder. The A65 was chosen by the Technical Image Press Association (TIPA) as their 2012 "Top DSLR Advanced".



Prices from B&H:



Sony SLT A57 w/18-55mm zoom, $598.00 after a $200.00 'Instant Savings' from B&H that ends 03-02-2013.



Canon 600D/T3i w/18-55mm zoom, $699.00.



Sony SLT A65 w/18-55mm zoom, $798.00 after a $200.00 'Instant Savings'

from B&H that ends 03-02-2013.



Canon 650D/T4i w/18-135mm STM zoom, $999.00 after a $150.00 'Instant Savings' from B&H that ends 03-02-2013.



B&H - http://www.bhphotovideo.com



Reviews:



Sony A57: http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/sony-a57/sony-a57A.HTM



Canon 600D/T3i: http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/T3I/T3IA.HTM



Sony A67: http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/AA65/AA65A.HTM



Canon 650D/T4i: http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/canon-t4i/canon-t4iA.HTM



My suggestion is the Sony SLT A65.

Answer 2

Sony A57 actually as a new A58 is rumored to be arriving soon and the prices are good.



The 600D is a nice camera but the viewfinder is tiny compared to the electronic one on the Sony and of course it is not interactive and able to show you what the sensor makes of what it sees. So even though optical is clearer you need young eyes to see fine detail in it. From Canon 60D in the mid range the viewfinders are bigger.

Answer 3

For pictures, the 600D would be better. If you want to throw video in there, the a55 would be better.

Answer 4

The Sony does better video, but it's down to how they feel in your hands. For that reason, I'd look at the Pentax K-30 (or K-r) and Nikon D5100 as well.

Answer 5

This isn't a question of which is better but which you prefer. I happen to be a Canon guy and I only recommend what I own and know - Canon.