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Get a high-capacity memory card so you don't get caught without memory.
The Sony DSLR-A550 Digital SLR is a camera with 14.2 MP for images with great detail. The APS-C sensor yields high-sensitivity and depth-of-field control. The Sony Exmor CMOS image sensor combined with the BIONZ processor enables a high ISO of 12,800 that yields low-light pictures with lower noise and reduced loss of picture detail.
The DSLR-A550 has a number of built-in features to guarantee sharp and perfectly exposed images. Smile Shutter technology enables the camera to automatically take a shot when in Live View mode, and a Face Detection system recognizes and adjusts the camera for faces in a given scene. The camera boasts 6 creative style settings and 6 scene modes which adjust the camera for optimized exposures.
It can save images as RAW or JPEG formats (separately or in tandem), and with dual media slots files can be stored on Memory Stick PRO Duo/Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo and SD/SDHC media cards (all sold separately).
The DSLR-A550 kit comes with the Sony's 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 DT AF Zoom Lens with a Smooth Autofocus Motor (SAM) that delivers silent autofocus operation, covering everything from wide angle to midrange telephoto shots.
The 3.0" Extra Fine LCD display tilts up or down 90° to frame high- and low-angle shots. Eye-Start Autofocus begins focusing as soon as the camera is raised to the eye, and the 9-Point AF Sensor with Center Cross enables accurate focusing.
| Camera Type | Sony Alpha Digital SLR camera with built-in flash and inter-changeable lenses |
| Imaging | |
|---|---|
| Resolution | 14.2MP |
| Sensor | APS-C size Exmor CMOS sensor (23.5 X 15.6mm) |
| Processor | BIONZ image processor |
| Bit Depth | Not Specified by Manufacturer |
| File Formats |
RAW RAW+JPEG JPEG Fine JPEG Standard |
| File Size |
Still Actual 16:9 : L (12MP): 4592 X 2576 M (6.3MP): 3344 X 1872 S (2.9MP): 2288 X 1280 Still Actual 3:2 : L (14M): 4592 X 3056 M (7.4M): 344 X 2224 S (3.5M): 2288 X 1520 |
| Color Filter | RGB primary color filters |
| Image Stabilization | SteadyShot INSIDE stabilization |
| Focusing Area | Wide (Up to 9 active focus points), Spot, Local (9 local areas selectable) |
| Focus Type | TTL phase detection system |
| Number of Focusing Points | 9 points |
| ISO | Auto, 200 to 12800 |
| Focusing Sensitivity Range | EV0 - 18 (ISO100) |
| Focusing Modes | Manual Focus, Check Live View, Predictive Control, Focus Lock, Eye-Start AF, AF Illuminator |
| Modes |
AF modes : Single-Shot AF, Automatic AF, Continuous AF, (AF/MF selectable) Drive Mode : Single-Shot, Continuous, Speed Priority, Self-Timer, Bracketing; Cont./ WB, Remote Commander |
| Tripod Mount | Yes, 1/4"-20 |
| Conveniences |
Anti-dust function : Charge protection coating on low pass filter and image-sensor shift mechanism BRAVIA Sync: Via HDMI with compatible BRAVIA HDTV Creative Style: Standard, Vivid, Portrait, Landscape, Sunset, B/W Setting Adjustment for: Contrast, Saturation, Sharpness Dynamic Range Optimizer: DRO; off, Auto/Level (Lv1-5) Auto HDR, Off, Auto Exposure (up to 3EV between 1.0-3.0EV in 0.5EV steps) Live View : Quick Auto Focus, Live View Manual, Focus Check Live View Scene Mode(s): Flash Off, Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Sports Action, Sunset, Night portrait User Interface: Easy-to-understand Graphic Display and on-screen Help Guide, user-friendly function menu |
| Optics | |
|---|---|
| Lens | Sony SAL-1855 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 DT AF Zoom Lens |
| Filter Size | 55mm |
| Zoom | 18-55mm |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 0.82' (0.25m) |
| Groups/Elements | 7/8 |
| Length | 3.75" (70mm) |
| Diameter | 3.75" (70mm) |
| Lens Mount | Sony Alpha lens, Minolta and Konica Minolta AF lens |
| Weight | 7.4 oz (210 g) |
| Shooting Controls | |
|---|---|
| Shooting Modes | Auto, Program Auto (P), Aperture Priority (A), Shutter Priority (S), Manual (M) |
| Metering | TTL metering w/ 40-segment honeycomb-pattern SPC |
| Exposure Modes | Flash Off, Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Sports Action, Sunset, Night Portrait |
| Scene Modes | Flash Off, Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Sports Action, Sunset, Night Portrait |
| White Balance | Auto, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Incandescent, Fluorescent, Flash, Color Temperature, Color Filter, Custom |
| Mirror Lock-Up | No |
| Burst Capability | Up to 5 fps; 4 fps using Live View |
| Self Timer | Not Specified by Manufacturer |
| Remote Control | No |
| Flash | |
|---|---|
| Effective Flash Range | 18mm in focal-length of lens attached |
| External Flash Connection |
Optional: HVL-F58AM External Flash HVL-F42AM External Flash HVL-F20AM External Flash |
| Dedicated Flash System | ADI flash (automatic change for Pre-flash TTL) |
| Max Sync Speed | Not Specified by Manufacturer |
| Flash Exposure Compensation | ±2EV (in 1/3 EV-stop increments) |
| Guide Number | 12 (in meters at ISO100) |
| Recycling Time | Approx. 4 sec |
| Built-in Memory | No |
| Memory Card Type |
Memory Stick PRO Duo media SD and SDHC memory card |
| Viewfinder Type | Fixed eye-level, penta-Dach-mirror |
| Viewfinder Display | Spherical Acute Matte Screen |
| Viewfinder Coverage | Field of View : 95% |
| Viewfinder Magnification | 0.80x (with 50mm lens at infinity) |
| Viewfinder Info |
Diopter Adjustment : -2.5 - +1.0m-1 Eye relief : Approx. 19 mm from the eyepiece Approx. 15 mm from the eyepiece frame at -1 diopter |
| Display |
3" TFT Clear Photo Plus™ LCD (921,600 pixels)
1
Please Note:Viewable area measured diagonally close |
| Display Area | Coverage : 100% (Playback), 90% (Live View) |
| LCD Information |
Angle Adjustment : Yes (upward by up to 90°, downward by up to 90°) Brightness Control : Auto Brightness Control (Auto setting in 2 steps Manual setting in 5 steps) |
| OS Compatibility |
Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional Windows XP SP2 Windows Vista Mac OS X (v10.1.3) or later |
| Software |
Included: PMB (Picture Motion Browser) 4.3.01 Image Data Converter SR 3.1 Image Data Lightbox SR |
| Ports | USB2.0 Hi-Speed (mass-storage, PTP) |
| Operating/Storage Temperature | Operating Temperature : 32 - 104° F (0 - 40 ° C) |
| Battery Type |
Battery Type : NP-FM500H InfoLITHIUM Rechargeable Approx. 1000 images with viewfinder, 520 images in live view mode |
| Base Dimensions (WxHxD) | 5.39 x 4.09 x 3.31" (137 X 104 X 84mm) (excluding protrusions) |
| Weight | Approx. 20.42 oz (597g) (without battery, memory card, accessories and lens) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviewsPros
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Reviewed by 15 customers
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Comments about Sony DSLR-A550 14.2 MP Digital SLR Camera With 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 DT AF Zoom Lens:
easy to use, great picture quality.
Pros
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Comments about Sony DSLR-A550 14.2 MP Digital SLR Camera With 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 DT AF Zoom Lens:
I am a Pro Photographer that was looking for a good back up. Was disappionted at first by the lack of Pro Features but the camera well made up for it with lightning fast auto focus and accuracy and custom white balance. I gave it a trial by fire this past weekend at The Bauer Intl Hockey Tournament and I took 7000 images in 2 days and the results were excellent. No high ISO noise reduction at continuous shutter. The Normal setting was good at ISO 3200
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Comments about Sony DSLR-A550 14.2 MP Digital SLR Camera With 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 DT AF Zoom Lens:
great camera for the price! fast focus, live view is wonderful! i have'nt taken very many pictures as yet, but what i have taken i have no complaints. took some football photos with the live view & WOW!!! the low light capability is amazing! i am not pleased with the loud click of the shutter button, it's not as loud as the alpha a 100 though. wish it was as quiet as the nikon's D-80! overall i'm impressed with this camera!! can't wait to get a chance to explore it more & shoot more photos!
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Comments about Sony DSLR-A550 14.2 MP Digital SLR Camera With 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 DT AF Zoom Lens:
Very good price/quality
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Comments about Sony DSLR-A550 14.2 MP Digital SLR Camera With 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 DT AF Zoom Lens:
1. Large live-view, articulating LCD screen
2. Many high-speed shooting rates available
(3,5, and 7 fps)
3. Steady-shot in camera body
I will use camera for sports, candid photos of people. The articulating LCD makes it easy to get low or high-angle shots
Pros
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Comments about Sony DSLR-A550 14.2 MP Digital SLR Camera With 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 DT AF Zoom Lens:
Although the camera is very sophisticated, I could use it from the very beginning with great results. I am wanting to learn to use the camera in special settings like low light, etc., so as I research and learn, I can use more of its features. It seems amazing at this point!
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Comments about Sony DSLR-A550 14.2 MP Digital SLR Camera With 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 DT AF Zoom Lens:
THE GREAT THING ABOUT THIS CAMERA ITS THE MOVIL SCREAN AND THE WEIGHT OF THE CAMERA, THE FLASH ITS GREAT
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Comments about Sony DSLR-A550 14.2 MP Digital SLR Camera With 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 DT AF Zoom Lens:
I owned the a100 for 4 years. I loved it but needed a second shooter and an upgrade. Staying with Sony hasn't disappointed me. The improved fps and low lighting is great. The screen clarity and size blows away my a100's. The tilt is also handy for me because I am short. It helps when I need to extend for overhead shots or for just being discreet and sneaky. Only bit of negative I really noted so far is the battery doesn't seem to last quite as long in this one. Not unreasonably so but noticeable. The buttons are also different than on the a100. It takes a little getting used to but not necessarily a con, just a difference.
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Comments about Sony DSLR-A550 14.2 MP Digital SLR Camera With 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 DT AF Zoom Lens:
So easy to use and takes amazing pictures!
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Comments about Sony DSLR-A550 14.2 MP Digital SLR Camera With 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 DT AF Zoom Lens:
i think it is a great camera. the thing i like best is all my minolta lens fit it and it drives them jsut fine.
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Comments about Sony DSLR-A550 14.2 MP Digital SLR Camera With 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 DT AF Zoom Lens:
I bought the Alpha 550 to replace an Alpha 700 that I ran over last month. I shoot a lot of sports photos of the grand kids in action. I post those photo on a web site. The 7 frames per second works really well and it seems to focus faster than the Alpha 700 did.
The fold out live view screen is really useful for closeups of flowers and for those overhead shots as well. The 700 does not have live view and it is a feature I wanted.
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Comments about Sony DSLR-A550 14.2 MP Digital SLR Camera With 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 DT AF Zoom Lens:
I am a casual photographer but like a little more that most point and shoots have to offer. The battery life for this camera is very good and I am able to use my A200 lenses as well so it is a good deal for me. It would be handy to have the stable shot with a switch or button for that function instead of using the menus. Or even better would be a programmable function button your can use for that or any other of your most common used functions. The CMOS sensor is okay with some noise but not too objectionable for the pictures I take. All in all I would buy this camera again.
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Comments about Sony DSLR-A550 14.2 MP Digital SLR Camera With 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 DT AF Zoom Lens:
This wonderful Alpha 550 was purchased to replace the Alpha 100 which was the first of the Sony DSLR Alpha series. That was back in 2006....only four years ago but light years away in terms of improvement.
The new addition feels better in the hand, sounds quieter and can fire up to 7 fps when needed. The sensors and processors are better as is focusing. There is far better noise suppression than before and you can shoot in higher ISO.
There is a HD feature that allows you to save highlights that might be lost with lesser processors. The LCD allows you to shoot from overhead or from a very low position. It is a bright LCD compared to the older model and to lesser Sony models. The flexible LCD screen is often a blessing under certain situations where you physically can't bend or reach to take a photo and might be shooting with only the hope that you got the shot.
Live view that allows you to see the exact pix you take is also a welcome feature. You can also use the viewfinder to frame your pix. The MF check LV also has a built-in aid to composition: - a screen divided for the "thirds" approach. There is an indicator that tells you how much of you powerpack's capacity remains.
The camera has the automatic, scenic and A, P, S, M settings and menu buttons that allow you to find quickly the features you need such as ISO and the full menu (you can key up, down, etc to get the function yu need. Like all DSLR's it takes practice to become "conversant" with the menu and then it seems more intuitive. The camera doesn't have video, but I don't find that to be a loss.
I've used the camera for "walk around" to photograph portraits, city scenes and even a formal function and find that the camera does everything you can ask.
Another plus is that the Alpha 100 has a number of compatable lenses that make sense to use with the Sony Alpha 550.
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Comments about Sony DSLR-A550 14.2 MP Digital SLR Camera With 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 DT AF Zoom Lens:
Great Digital Camera
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Comments about Sony DSLR-A550 14.2 MP Digital SLR Camera With 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 DT AF Zoom Lens:
I bought the camera to use at my daughter's wedding.
It's light to carry. When I started to use the camera I noticed that the view finder was dark when I wanted to take the picture and I didn't think it was going to be a good picture and when I played it back it was so beauiful I couldn't believe my eyes so I went around the house taking pictures of my family and they all came out great. So far this is the best camera I ever owned and I have alot of camera's.
Displaying reviews 1-15