Reasons to choose PowerShot A510
Released in 2005, PowerShot A510 has about 21 mm² of sensor area, 3.1 MP effective resolution, and a 180 g body. Use these values to narrow the field, not as an overall image-quality score.
Side-by-side comparison
Canon PowerShot A510
vs Canon PowerShot A550
VS
Sensor area
21 mm²
PowerShot A51025 mm²
PowerShot A550- Area ratio
- 1.17:1
- Absolute difference
- 4 mm²
- Relative difference
- 16.5%
The PowerShot A550 has the larger sensor area. More area usually means greater light-gathering potential, though real image quality still depends on sensor architecture and generation.
These cameras were released 2 years apart. Consider sensor generation when comparing pixel metrics.
Key specification differences
PowerShot A510MetricPowerShot A550
3.1 MPEffective pixels7.1 MP
5.33 × 4Sensor5.75 × 4.32
2.62 µmPixel pitch1.87 µm
6.88 µm²Pixel area3.5 µm²
14.54 MP/cm²Pixel density28.58 MP/cm²
6.49Crop factor6.02
—Maximum video—
180 gWeight160 g
MultiMedia, Secure DigitalStorageSecure Digital
AA (2) batteries (NiMH recommended)BatteryAA (2) batteries (NiMH recommended)
Amber marks the value that is generally preferable in this comparison context. It is not an overall camera score.
How to choose between these cameras
The PowerShot A550 has the larger sensor area. The PowerShot A550 has the lighter body. The PowerShot A550 has the higher effective resolution. The PowerShot A550 is the newer release. Also consider the lens system and subjects you shoot.
Reasons to choose PowerShot A550
Released in 2007, PowerShot A550 has about 25 mm² of sensor area, 7.1 MP effective resolution, and a 160 g body. Use these values to narrow the field, not as an overall image-quality score.