Last update 19’09 – Review and Sample Photos @ PhotoclubAlpha
Sony A550 announced on August 27, 2009 is an image stabilized 14.2 megapixel CMOS sensor DSLR that features 7fps in speed priority mode, AF Live View, 180º tilt-angle 3 inch LCD, Manual Focus Check, Auto HDR mode, HDMI™ output, Auto ISO range (ISO 200-1600), Manual ISO range 200- ISO 12800 in 1 EV steps, camera dimensions are 137 x 104 x 84mm (5.5 x 4.2 x 3.9 in) and it weighs 599 g (1.5lb).
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| Price & Availability
Review Index – (updated 19 November’09)
PhotoclubAlpha
This camera definitely found a nook in the reviewers photo system, however he also indicated it probably would not be used a lot. As far as a lightweight travel camera it would be neat but he really would have preferred a low ISO of 100 rather than than the A550’s 200.
Rating: 
AlphaMountWorld
The folks at AMW have a hot cold attitude when it comes to the A550 and thought there was not a lot of room in between. On the hot side – the A550 got their attention because it has the capability to capture really good photographs, the Auto HDR is outstanding, live view has some cool functions and tools, the grip was nice, and above average performance. On the cold side – its menu system was inferior to the big brother Alphas, it just took WAY too much thought and concentration, low light capability was marginal, and the layout of the function buttons was dumb. Overall, they were not happy with the A550 and felt Sony could have done a better job.
PhotoReview (Editor’s Choice)
“Buy this camera if: – You want an affordable interchangeable-lens camera with fast autofocusing regardless of whether Live View or the viewfinder is used for shot composition – You want body-integrated image stabilisation that works with all lenses – You’d like a wide range of user-adjustable controls and functions – You require fast burst speeds and a generous buffer capacity – You could make use of the extended sensitivity range, despite its associated image noise.”
Rating:
Photocrati (Field Report)
“The the A550 would be a fine choice for DSLR novices thanks to the many digicam-style features, but the great versatility and advanced functions make it just as suitable for photo enthusiasts.”
DPReview (Preview)
“Sadly, the much asked-for depth-of-field preview and mirror lock-up options have not returned. In both live view modes, the lens aperture is kept wide-open until the shot is taken, giving no representation of depth-of-field. And, although the mirror could theoretically be kept in the ‘up’ position, the new MF Check live view system still flips the mirror down and up again just as the shot is being taken, even when combined with self-timer. Whether this lack of mirror lock-up will make any difference to images won’t become apparent until we’ve tested the camera.”
]Specifications & Camera Profile
| Body material | Plastic exterior |
|---|---|
| Sensor | • 23.4 x 15.6 mm APS-C Type CMOS Exmor Sensor
• RGB Color Filter Array |
| Image sizes * |
3:2 • 4592 x 2576 (L) |
| File qualities / formats | • RAW (.ARW) • RAW + JPEG Fine • RAW + JPEG Standard |
| Dust reduction | • Charge protection coating on low-pass filter • Sensor-shift dust reduction mechanism |
| Lenses | • Sony Alpha lenses
(also compatible with Minolta and Konica -Minolta AF lenses) |
| FOV crop | 1.5x |
| SteadyShot INSIDE | • CCD-Shift ‘SteadyShot Inside’ system • Claimed equivalent to 2.5 – 3.5 steps in shutter speed |
| Auto Focus | • TTL CCD line sensors (9-points,with center cross sensor) • EV 0 to 18 (ISO 100) detection range • Predictive focus, Focus Lock |
| AF area selection |
• Wide AF area |
| Focus modes | • Single-shot AF • Continuous AF • Automatic AF • Manual focus |
|
AF assist |
• Yes (using built in flash)
• Range approx 1m – 5m |
| Eye-start AF | Yes, selectable from menu |
| Shooting modes |
• Programmed AE (Auto, Flash off, P) • Scene Selection |
| Scene modes | • Portrait
• Landscape |
| Sensitivity |
• Auto (ISO 200-1600) |
| Metering modes | • Multi-segment (40 segment Honeycomb pattern) • Center-weighted • Spot |
| Metering range | • TTL metering • 40-segment honeycomb-pattern SPC • EV 2 to 20 (Multi-segment / Center-weighted) * • EV 4 to 20 (Spot metering) * |
| AE Lock | • AEL button (customizable, hold or single-press)
• Half-press shutter release |
| AE Bracketing | • Single or continuous bracketing • 3 frames • 0.3 or 0.7 EV steps |
| Exposure compen. | • -2.0 to +2.0 EV • 0.3 EV steps |
| Shutter | Electronically-controlled, vertical-traverse, focal-plane Shutter |
| Shutter Speed | • 30 to 1/4000 sec • Bulb |
| Flash X-sync | • 1/160 sec |
| Aperture values | Depends on lens, 0.3 EV steps |
| DOF preview | No |
| White balance |
• Auto • Shade • Color temperature/filter (2500 – 9900 K) |
| White balance fine tuning |
• Auto (none) • Preset WB: -3 to +3 |
| White balance bracketing | • 3 exposures
• Hi / Lo level selectable |
| Dynamic range optimizer |
• Off • Auto HDR (Auto, Ajustable up to 3 EV betwwen 1.0-3.0 EV in 0.5 EV steps) |
| Color space | • sRGB • Adobe RGB |
| Color modes | • Standard • Vivid • Portrait • Landscape |
| Image parameters | • Contrast (-3 to +3) • Sharpness (-3 to +3)) • Saturation (-3 to +3) |
| Noise reduction | • Long exposure for exposures longer than 1 second • High ISO NR at ISO 1600 or higher • User controllable: On / Off |
| Viewfinder * |
• Eye-level fixed optical glass pentamirror • 95% frame coverage |
| Live view (Quick AF Live View) * |
• Dedicated live view sensor (pentamirror tilt system) • Sensitivity 1-17 EV* • Smart Teleconverter (x1.4 / x2.0 slectable)* |
| Live view (MF Check Live View) * | • Live View with CMOS sensor Exmor • Metering varies according to shooting mode • 100% frame coverage • Display: Real-time image adjustment display (White balance, Sunset/ B&W of Creative Style, Exposure Compensation) • Zoom (x7.0/x14.0), Grid line display |
| LCD monitor * | • 3.0 TFT Xtra Fine LCD • 921,600 dots • Auto Brightness Control (auto setting in 2 steps) |
| Flash * | • Built-in pop-up flash (manual release) • Metering: ADI, Pre-flash TTL, Manual flash control • Guide number 12 (ISO 100/m) |
| Flash modes |
• Off • Wireless/High Speed Sync. |
| Flash Bracketing | 3 exposures in 0.3 and 0.7 EV steps |
| Flash compensation | -2.0 to +2.0 EV in 0.3 EV steps |
| External flash (optional) | • Sony HVL-F58AM
• Sony HVL-F56AM |
| Drive modes | • Single-frame • Continuous • Speed-Priority* • Self-timer (10 or 2 sec) |
| Continuous shooting |
• Approx 5 fps max (4 fpsin Live view) • Speed- Priority: 7 fps max • RAW: Up to 14 frames |
| Self-timer |
• 10 sec |
| Orientation sensor | Yes, for shooting, playback and control panel display |
| Connectivity | • USB 2.0 Hi-Speed (mass storage, Multi-LUN or PTP) • DC-IN • Remote terminal |
| Remote control | • Wired: with optional RM-S1AM or RM-L1AM |
| Video out | • AV (Selectable NTSC or PAL) • HDMI • ‘PhotoTV’ HD settings applied with BRAVIA. |
| Storage | • SD/ SDHC • Memory Stick Pro Duo / Pro HG Duo • Supports FAT12 / FAT16 / FAT32 |
| Power | • NP-FM500H Lithium-Ion rechargeable battery (1650 mAh) • Battery charger included • Optional AC adapter • Batter life Approx 950 shots with viewfinder, 480 in Live view mode (CIPA standard) |
| Vertical grip | • Yes (model tbc) |
| Dimensions | 137 x 104 x 84mm (5.5 x 4.2 x 3.9 in) |
| Weight (body) | 599 g (1.5lb) |
Owners Manual
Coming soon…
Press Release
August 27, 2009: Two powerful, feature-packed DSLR cameras from Sony make it easier than ever to capture beautiful pictures, carefree family portraits, stunning holiday memories and action-packed scenes.
The DSLR-A500 (12.3 megapixels) and DSLR-A550 (14.2 megapixels) are packed with advanced Sony technology that combine the spontaneity and freedom of Live View shooting with generous possibilities to realise your creative vision.
At the heart of both cameras is a new Exmor™ CMOS sensor that ensures crisp low-noise images, packed with fine detail and vibrant colours. Sharing powerful on-chip noise reduction techniques with the full-frame DSLR-A900, this advanced sensor works with processing algorithms handled by the high-speed BIONZ™ engine to deliver premium images plus razor-sharp shooting responses. Dramatically reduced picture noise now allows super-sensitive shooting at up to ISO12800, allowing attractive results when shooting handheld in challenging situations like candlelit interiors.
Thanks to the powerful BIONZ image processing engine, Quick AF Live View now supports even speedier shooting responses with rapid, precise autofocus. This makes it easier than ever to capture beautifully relaxed portraits, dynamic action shots and more.
Powered by the BIONZ image processing engine, fast-moving action can now be captured effortlessly with faster continuous shooting speeds. Sustained shooting speeds of up to 4 fps can be achieved in Live View Mode, rising to 5 fps with the optical viewfinder. New Speed Priority mode on the DSLR-A550 raises the bar further still, shooting at an incredible 7 fps (with AF and AE setting maintained from the first frame ). It’s a powerful creative tool for capturing the nuances of a portrait subject’s changing expression or dynamic action sequences.
In a DSLR debut, Quick AF Live View now features Face Detection, prioritising AF on people’s faces and fine-tuning exposure/white balance settings for crisp, beautiful portraits with natural skin tones. Another DSLR first by Sony that’s already featured on many Cyber-shot™ models, Smile Shutter detects faces in Live View mode, automatically firing the shutter at just the right moment to capture happy, relaxed smiles.
A special new Manual Focus Check Live View mode assists with fine-tuning your composition. Low-noise images can be previewed directly from the CMOS sensor, allowing critical assessment of focus and fine detail, even in low light. The live image offers 100% field coverage, assisted by framing grid lines for precise composition. There’s also a selectable 7x/14x zoom function for a close-up confirmation of focus.
The A500 offers a crisp, high-contrast 3-inch Clear Photo LCD Plus screen with the same tilt range for clear, comfortable composition and reviewing shots.
The A550 features a superb (921k dot) 3-inch Xtra Fine LCD screen for critical focusing and photo-quality viewing with class-leading colour, contrast and detailing. The screen tilts up or down over a full 180 degree range, allowing uncompromised ‘free-angle’ live view shooting in any position. An ambient light sensor automatically boosts LCD brightness for extra screen clarity when surrounding light levels are high while both cameras also feature a clear, bright optical viewfinder with wide 95% field coverage for framing and focusing as an alternative to live view shooting.
Operation of both cameras is brilliantly simple, thanks to a redesigned on-screen interface that provides easy access to functions and settings during live view operation. A unique Graphic Display gives a clear, intuitive indication of how shutter speed and aperture adjustments will affect the final image.
Creative options are broadened by new Auto HDR mode that captures a huge range of shadow and highlight detail in landscapes, interiors and other scenes. Previously accessible only to enthusiasts equipped with a tripod and image processing software, HDR (High Dynamic Range) is a specialist technique that combines two frames shot at different exposure settings. The A500 and A550 use powerful algorithms to combine and optimise two successive frames in less than 10 seconds, correcting any misalignment between frames when shooting handheld. The result is a single HDR image emulating the huge natural tonal range of human vision – with no PC or tripod needed.
SteadyShot Inside Image Stabilization
The D-Range Optimiser featured in previous DSLR models has been enhanced for even better results with backlit portraits and other tricky high-contrast scenes. The powerful BIONZ engine now optimises image data in real time, processing brightness and contrast in individual areas of each exposure for balanced, natural looking results. Optimisation can also be selected manually from 5 processing levels.
A Smart Teleconvertor button instantly boosts image size by 1.4x or 2x to etend your camera’s zoom lens range further for frame-filling close-ups.
Like all DSLR cameras by Sony, both new models feature SteadyShot™ INSIDE, the powerful optical image stabiliser that cuts the effects of camera shake by up to 4 stops while shooting handheld with any lens.
After shooting, it’s easy to to connect both cameras to your BRAVIA™ television via HDMI (requires optional cable) for a stunning big-screen view of your shots. Compatible BRAVIA™ models automatically switch to PhotoTV HD mode for optimised still image playback with incredible detail, colour and clarity. BRAVIA Sync lets you control image slideshows in comfort via your TV’s remote.
Both cameras let you capture even more incredible moments without the worry of running out of power. The rechargeable battery pack of the A500 allows up to 1000 shots (CIPA test, approx. figure) – the highest capacity of any ? series digital SLR camera battery to date. The battery of the A550 delivers up to 950 shots from a single charge.
If you’re hungry for even more shooting stamina, the new VG-B50AM Vertical Control Grip holds up to two NP-FM500H batteries. This premium grip gives A500 users an incredible 2,000 shot maximum capacity (A550: 1,900 shots), with automatic switchover between batteries and accurate display of power remaining in % increments on the camera’s LCD. An additional shutter release and dual controls support comfortable, accurate shooting in either portrait or landscape positions.
Also, with Memory Stick™ at the heart of the Sony alpha, you have every advantage. The advanced Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo HX (4GB, 8GB, 16GB or 32GB) is the perfect tool for continuous shooting mode, with the ideal combination of massive storage capacity and blisteringly fast operation. Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo HX 32GB will never miss the key shot because the number of pictures taken in 1 min is approx 270* photos (in RAW+JPEG/L (12M).Delivered with USB Adaptor, Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo HX 32GB is ideal for users who want to transfer data in high speed: approx. 1700* pictures in L (12M) size at RAW+JPEG mode in 26 minutes.
The DSLR-A550 and DSLR-A500 digital SLR cameras are available from the end of October 2009.
*these figures are measured under certain conditions
