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To compare real-life performance we shot the same scene with the Sony Alpha DSLR-A550 and Nikon D90 within a few moments of each other using their best quality JPEG settings, lowest base sensitivities and default processing options. Each camera was fitted with its respective kit lens (see details below) and adjusted to deliver the same vertical field of view. Each shot was taken in Aperture Priority at f8 with Auto White Balance.

The Sony Alpha A550 features two additional Megapixels over the D90, so the crops show a slightly smaller area, but even pixel-peepers will be hard-pushed to notice any significant difference in their actual resolved detail in our real-life tests.

In the first three rows of crops, the degree of fine detail is essentially the same, with only tiny details in the fourth row revealing any benefit in the Sony’s favour – and this is as much to do with its lens performance in this region of the frame as it is the extra pixels. That said, it’s sufficiently minimal not to influence a buying decision.

The biggest difference between the images from both cameras here is their image processing and in particular their measured white balance. Sony traditionally tends for a colder, bluer balance, whereas Nikon errs towards the warmer side. Neither is 100% accurate in this respect, so it boils down to either choosing the one you personally prefer, or adjusting the settings as desired.

To see how both cameras compare in low light across their sensitivity range, check out our Sony Alpha A550 High ISO Noise results. Alternatively if you can wait a moment longer, scroll down to the bottom of this page to see what benefits there are to shooting in RAW with the A550.