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Sony DSLR-A550 14.2 MP Digital SLR Camera With 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 DT AF Zoom Lens

  • No Longer Available
  • B&H # SODSLRA550L
  • Mfr# DSLRA550L

Product Highlights

  • High-Resolution 14.2 MP Images
  • Reduced Noise at ISO Up To 12,800
  • RAW & JPEG File Formats
  • 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 DT AF Zoom Lens
  • Quick Auto Focus Live View
  • Built-In Auto Pop-Up Flash
  • 6 Scene Selection & 6 Style Modes
  • SteadyShot INSIDE Image Stabilization
  • Dual Media Slots
  • 1000 Shots With InfoLITHIUM Battery

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Remember the Essentials

A memory card is not included with the camera.
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.

14.2 MP Resolution
This camera's 14.2 MP resolution makes for incredible detail and gorgeous enlargements. The Sony Exmor CMOS image sensor ensures state-of-the-art response. The large APS-C format means high sensitivity and powerful depth-of-focus control.
Superb In Low Light
Sony's Exmor CMOS image sensor employs low-noise processing for clear pictures. The BIONZ image processor achieves low noise all the way up to ISO 12,800 without sacrificing resolution.
More Responsive Live View
Sony's Quick Auto Focus Live View enables users to compose shots in the LCD monitor and aids in quick focusing.
Quick Auto Focus Live View
The DSLR-A550 uses the same "phase detection" auto focus for Live View as for the optical viewfinder.
Manual Focus Check Live View
For critical focus in macro and tripod shooting, the DSLR-A550 also offers Manual Focus Check Live View. Temporary 7x and 14x zoom views enable you to focus on extremely fine detail while the 1x view shows 100% framing in the LCD.
Face Detection Technology
The DSLR-A550 enhances Quick AF Live View shooting with Face Detection technology which helps you get the best shot by recognizing faces and applying the proper focus, exposure, and white balance.
Smile Shutter Technology
A Quick AF Live View enhancement, Smile Shutter enables the camera to automatically take the shot when your subject smiles. It works with Quick Auto Focus Live View to capture spontaneous moments.
Tiltable 3.0" LCD
The 3.0" LCD features 230,400 pixels and Sony's Clear Photo LCD display technology. It helps to frame high- and low-angle shots and the LCD tilts up or down 90 degrees. 1
Up To 5 FPS of Continuous Shooting
The camera will shoot up to 5 frames per second (with optical viewfinder) and at up to 4 frames per second with Quick Auto Focus Live View.
Auto HDR Built Into Camera
High Dynamic Range (HDR) photography captures more scene contrast by combining two exposures into one shot. The DSLR-A550 has Auto HDR built in to handle severe backlighting and other high-contrast scenes. 2
Dynamic Range Optimizer
Dynamic Range Optimizer improves results with backlit subjects and recovers details hidden in shadows. Normal DRO improves detail using standard gamma curves for fast shot-to-shot response time, while Advanced DRO adjusts dynamic range area-by-area for greater accuracy.
SteadyShot INSIDE Stabilization
Image stabilization helps you take blur-free shots by compensating for camera shake. SteadyShot INSIDE image stabilization is built into the camera body itself.
Smart Teleconverter 2x Digital Zoom
In Quick Auto Focus Live View mode you can extend the optical zoom of your lens with digital zoom. One touch zooms in at 1.4x while a second touch advances to 2x zoom. The system reproduces pixels on a 1:1 basis so there's no degradation of picture quality.
Powerful Supplied Software
The DSLR-A550 is equipped with comprehensive computer software which includes Image Data Converter SR, Image Data Lightbox SR, and Picture Motion Browser (PMB). 3
BIONZ Image Processor
Sony's BIONZ image processor uses chroma noise reduction to deliver high-resolution and low-noise photos at up to ISO 12800 sensitivity. Large Scale Integrated (LSI) circuitry also delivers fast processing for quick response on data-intensive images.
Help Guide and Graphic Display
An informative on-screen Help Guide and Graphic Display provide ready reference to advanced camera functions. The Help Guide explains the camera's modes and settings while the Graphic Display clarifies the relationship between aperture and shutter speed, as well as the effect each has on photographic results.
HDMI Output for HD viewing
Connect your camera to a compatible HDTV and play back images in high definition. The DSLR-A550 includes an HDMI output. The BRAVIA Sync system works with compatible Sony BRAVIA HDTVs to let you control camera playback using the television's remote. 4
Eye-Start Autofocus
For maximum speed, Eye-Start Autofocus begins focusing as soon as the camera is raised to your eye.
9-Point AF Sensor
To get the best shot under a wide range of situations, the DSLR-A550 uses a 9-Point AF Sensor with Center Cross. In addition, predictive focus control automatically calculates the position of fast-moving subjects.
Built-in Auto Pop-Up Flash
To help you shoot more effectively, the built-in flash automatically pops up and fires as needed when the camera is set to certain scene selection modes. The flash also triggers a wireless accessory flash (sold separately). An integrated hot shoe enables the expansion of lighting options with a range of accessory flashes (sold separately).
Anti-Dust Technology
Anti-Dust Technology helps keep the CMOS imager clean, resulting in consistently better pictures. First a static-free coating on the CMOS filter helps repel dust. Then vibration automatically dislodges dust from the CMOS each time the camera is shut off.
Up To 1000 Shots of Battery Life
Take up to 1000 shots on a single charge (optical viewfinder mode) when fully charged and take up to 520 shots (Live View mode) with Sony Stamina battery power. Sony's InfoLITHIUM battery system enables you to see the percent of power remaining, so you can keep shooting in confidence. 5
PhotoTV HD Compatibility
PhotoTV HD compatibility enables you to automatically create high-resolution thumbnails optimized for viewing on a compatible Sony® BRAVIA® HDTV. 6
Six Scene Selection Modes
To help you get the shot, Scene Selection Modes optimize the camera settings for common shooting situations. Just turn the Mode Dial to select from Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Sports, Sunset, and Night View modes.
Index and Slide Show Display
Quickly review your photos using 4- or 9-frame index views, or as an automatic slide show with fade-in/fade-out effect.
Dual Media Slots
Memory Stick PRO-HG and SD/SDHC media (sold separately).
Warranty
Limited Warranty Term: 1-Year Parts & Labor.
The DSLR-550 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.

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 PowerReviews
SonyDSLR-A550 14.2 MP Digital SLR Camera With 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 DT AF Zoom Lens
 
4.7

(based on 15 reviews)

Ratings Distribution

  • 5 Stars

     

    (10)

  • 4 Stars

     

    (5)

  • 3 Stars

     

    (0)

  • 2 Stars

     

    (0)

  • 1 Stars

     

    (0)

100%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Pros

  • Good image quality (14)
  • Large clear LCD (14)
  • Fast / accurate auto-focus (13)
  • Image stabilization (13)
  • Tilt /swivel LCD (13)

Cons

    Best Uses

    • Sports/action (13)
    • Landscape/scenery (12)
    • Travel (11)
    • Low light (9)
    • Wildlife (7)
      • Reviewer Profile:
      • Photo enthusiast (7), Casual photographer (5)
      • Was this a gift?:
      • No (9)

    Reviewed by 15 customers

    Sort by

    Displaying reviews 1-15

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    (0 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

     
    4.0

    this camera is SICK!!!!!!

    By sk

    from NYC

    About Me Casual Photographer

    Verified Buyer

    Pros

    • Easy To Use
    • Fast / Accurate Auto-Focus
    • Good Image Quality
    • Tilt /Swivel LCD

    Cons

      Best Uses

        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.

        • Was this a gift?:
        • No

        Share this review

        (3 of 3 customers found this review helpful)

         
        4.0

        Good camera for the money- Lens amateur

        By Mr Coho

        from Chicago, IL

        About Me Pro Photographer

        Verified Buyer

        Pros

        • Fast / Accurate Auto-Focus
        • Fast Shutter Speed
        • Good Image Quality
        • Good Image Stabilization
        • High ISO Performance
        • Large Clear LCD
        • Tilt /Swivel LCD

        Cons

          Best Uses

          • Sports/Action

          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

          • Ease of Operation:
          • 6
          • Was this a gift?:
          • No

          Share this review

           
          4.0

          enjoying this camera!

          By lensnpens

          from lima,ohio

          About Me Photo Enthusiast

          Verified Buyer

          Pros

          • Easy To Use
          • Fast / Accurate Auto-Focus
          • Fast Shutter Speed
          • Good Image Quality
          • Good Image Stabilization
          • High ISO Performance
          • Large Clear LCD
          • Tilt /Swivel LCD

          Cons

          • Shutter noisy

          Best Uses

          • Family Photos
          • Indoors/Low Light
          • Landscape/Scenery
          • Sports/Action
          • Studio

          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!

          • Was this a gift?:
          • No

          Share this review

          (0 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

           
          5.0

          Great shot

          By Bob

          from Santos,SP - Brasil

          About Me Casual Photographer

          Verified Buyer

          Pros

          • Easy To Use
          • Fast / Accurate Auto-Focus
          • Fast Shutter Speed
          • Good Image Quality
          • Good Image Stabilization
          • High ISO Performance
          • Large Clear LCD
          • Tilt /Swivel LCD

          Cons

            Best Uses

            • Family Photos
            • Indoors/Low Light
            • Landscape/Scenery
            • Sports/Action
            • Travel
            • Weddings/Events
            • Wildlife photos

            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

            • Ease of Operation:
            • 8
            • Was this a gift?:
            • No

            Share this review

             
            5.0

            Awesome!

            By anton

            from marina del rey, ca

            About Me Photo Enthusiast

            Verified Buyer

            Pros

            • Good Image Quality
            • Good Image Stabilization
            • Large Clear LCD
            • Tilt /Swivel LCD

            Cons

            • Noisy At High ISO

            Best Uses

              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

              • Ease of Operation:
              • 9
              • Was this a gift?:
              • No

              Share this review

               
              5.0

              So far, I love it!

              By Alaska Texas Girl

              from Austin, TX

              About Me Photo Enthusiast

              Verified Buyer

              Pros

              • Easy To Use
              • Fast / Accurate Auto-Focus
              • Fast Shutter Speed
              • Good Image Quality
              • Good Image Stabilization
              • High ISO Performance
              • Large Clear LCD
              • Tilt /Swivel LCD

              Cons

              • It is not a quiet camera

              Best Uses

              • Landscape/Scenery
              • Sports/Action
              • Travel
              • Wildlife photos

              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!

              • Ease of Operation:
              • 9
              • Was this a gift?:
              • No

              Share this review

               
              5.0

              ITS GREAT IAM VERY HAPPY WITH THIS CAMER

              By ZEZ

              from MEXICO

              About Me Photo Enthusiast

              Verified Buyer

              Pros

              • Easy To Use
              • Fast / Accurate Auto-Focus
              • Fast Shutter Speed
              • Good Image Quality
              • Good Image Stabilization
              • High ISO Performance
              • Large Clear LCD
              • Quiet
              • Tilt /Swivel LCD

              Cons

                Best Uses

                • Family Photos
                • Indoors/Low Light
                • Landscape/Scenery
                • Sports/Action
                • Travel

                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

                • Was this a gift?:
                • No

                Share this review

                (2 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

                 
                5.0

                Doesn't disappoint

                By AA

                from Boston, MA

                About Me Semi-pro Photographer

                Verified Buyer

                Pros

                • Easy To Use
                • Fast Shutter Speed
                • Good Image Quality
                • Good Image Stabilization
                • Large Clear LCD
                • Quiet
                • Tilt /Swivel LCD

                Cons

                • Short Battery Life

                Best Uses

                • Family Photos
                • Indoors/Low Light
                • Landscape/Scenery
                • Sports/Action
                • Travel
                • Weddings/Events
                • Wildlife photos

                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.

                • Was this a gift?:
                • No

                Share this review

                 
                5.0

                I love this product

                By Lisa

                from New York

                About Me Casual Photographer

                Verified Buyer

                Pros

                • Easy To Use
                • Fast / Accurate Auto-Focus
                • Fast Shutter Speed
                • Good Image Quality
                • Good Image Stabilization
                • Large Clear LCD
                • Quiet
                • Tilt /Swivel LCD

                Cons

                  Best Uses

                  • Indoors/Low Light
                  • Landscape/Scenery
                  • Sports/Action
                  • Travel

                  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!

                  • Was this a gift?:
                  • No

                  Share this review

                   
                  4.0

                  nice camera

                  By clydes

                  from Wisconsin

                  About Me Casual Photographer

                  Verified Buyer

                  Pros

                  • Easy To Use
                  • Fast / Accurate Auto-Focus
                  • Fast Shutter Speed
                  • Good Image Quality
                  • Good Image Stabilization
                  • Large Clear LCD
                  • Tilt /Swivel LCD

                  Cons

                    Best Uses

                    • Family and friends
                    • Indoors/Low Light
                    • Landscape/Scenery
                    • Sports/Action
                    • Travel
                    • Wildlife photos

                    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.

                    Share this review

                     
                    5.0

                    Works as Advertised

                    By Hugmann

                    from Olympia, WA

                    About Me Photo Enthusiast

                    Verified Buyer

                    Pros

                    • Easy To Use
                    • Fast / Accurate Auto-Focus
                    • Good Image Quality
                    • Good Image Stabilization
                    • Large Clear LCD
                    • Quiet
                    • Tilt /Swivel LCD

                    Cons

                      Best Uses

                      • Landscape/Scenery
                      • Macro Photography
                      • Sports/Action
                      • Travel

                      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.

                      Share this review

                      (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

                       
                      4.0

                      Nice Camera for the Price

                      By RJManns

                      from Guam

                      About Me Casual Photographer

                      Verified Buyer

                      Pros

                      • Fast / Accurate Auto-Focus
                      • Fast Shutter Speed
                      • Large Clear LCD
                      • Tilt /Swivel LCD

                      Cons

                      • Noisy At High ISO

                      Best Uses

                      • Landscape/Scenery
                      • Sports/Action
                      • Travel
                      • Weddings/Events

                      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.

                      Share this review

                      (7 of 7 customers found this review helpful)

                       
                      5.0

                      It's About Time!

                      By exteach

                      from Jackson, NJ

                      About Me Photo Enthusiast

                      Verified Buyer

                      Pros

                      • Easy To Use
                      • Fast / Accurate Auto-Focus
                      • Fast Shutter Speed
                      • Good Image Quality
                      • Good Image Stabilization
                      • High ISO Performance
                      • Large Clear LCD
                      • Quiet
                      • Tilt /Swivel LCD

                      Cons

                        Best Uses

                        • Indoors/Low Light
                        • Landscape/Scenery
                        • Macro Photography
                        • Sports/Action
                        • Travel
                        • Weddings/Events
                        • Wildlife photos

                        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.

                        Share this review

                        (4 of 5 customers found this review helpful)

                         
                        5.0

                        I would buy this product again and again

                        By Guy

                        from Tel Aviv

                        About Me Semi-pro Photographer

                        Pros

                        • Easy To Use
                        • Fast / Accurate Auto-Focus
                        • Good Image Quality
                        • Good Image Stabilization
                        • High ISO Performance
                        • Large Clear LCD
                        • Quiet

                        Cons

                          Best Uses

                          • Indoors/Low Light
                          • Landscape/Scenery
                          • Sports/Action
                          • Travel
                          • Weddings/Events
                          • Wildlife photos

                          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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                          (15 of 15 customers found this review helpful)

                           
                          5.0

                          Best Camera I ever used

                          By videolady21

                          from Wingdale, new york

                          About Me Photo Enthusiast

                          Verified Reviewer

                          Pros

                          • Easy To Use
                          • Fast / Accurate Auto-Focus
                          • Fast Shutter Speed
                          • Good Image Quality
                          • Good Image Stabilization
                          • High ISO Performance
                          • Large Clear LCD

                          Cons

                            Best Uses

                            • Indoors/Low Light
                            • Landscape/Scenery
                            • Macro Photography
                            • Sports/Action
                            • Travel
                            • Weddings/Events
                            • Wildlife photos

                            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.

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                            Memory Cards

                            Required item: Memory is not included so be sure to have enough storage capacity.

                            Delkin Devices -  8GB SDHC Memory Card Pro Class 10
                            • Price: $10.04
                            • GBP 6.41
                             

                            Batteries & Power

                            Always keep a spare battery handy so you won't get caught without power.

                            Sony -  NP-FM500H InfoLithium Battery (7.2V, 1650mAh)
                            • Price: $47.94
                            • GBP 30.61
                             

                            Lenses

                            Get a wide-angle, zoom, or other effect for various photography applications.

                            Sony -  SAL-75300 AF D 75-300mm f/4.5-5.6 Autofocus Lens
                            • Price: $248.00
                            • GBP 158.34
                             

                            Filters

                            Protect your lens or produce a desired visual effect.

                            B+W -  55mm UV Haze SC 010 Filter
                            • Price: $18.50
                            • GBP 11.81
                             

                            Lens Hoods

                            Shade your lens from unwanted stray light.

                            Pearstone -  55mm Snap-on Tulip Lens Hood
                            • Price: $12.95
                            • GBP 8.27
                            Used Dept.
                             

                            Flash & Accessories

                            Get a flash to add light to your picture.

                            LumiQuest -  Soft Screen Diffuser
                            • Price: $11.95
                            • GBP 7.63
                             

                            Bags & Cases

                            Carry, store, and protect all your equipment with a bag or case.

                            Sony -  LCS-AMSC30 Soft Carrying Case
                            • Price: $69.00
                            • GBP 44.05
                             
                            View all Accessories

                            What's in the Box

                            Sony DSLR-A550 14.2 MP Digital SLR Camera With 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 DT AF Zoom Lens
                            • DSLR-A550 Body
                            • SAL1855 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 DT AF Zoom Lens
                            • NP-FM500H InfoLithium Battery (7.2V, 1650mAh)
                            • BC-VM10 Battery Charger
                            • Power Cord
                            • Shoulder Strap
                            • USB Cable
                            • Body Cap
                            • Software CD-ROM
                            • 1-Year Parts & Labor Manufacturer's Limited Warranty
                             
                             
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