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The DSLR-A500 is based around a 12.3MP CMOS sensor and adds manual focus confirmation live view mode using the main imaging sensor, in addition to Sony's secondary-sensor Quick AF live view system. It also features improved noise reduction over previous models, an Auto HDR mode and sensitivity settings up to ISO 12800. The specification is topped off by a high resolution 921k dot 3" tilt-angle LCD. There are essentially two completely different ways to look at the Sony Alpha 550.
On the one hand it lacks the serious photographic toolset offered by any similarly-priced model from the likes of Canon, Nikon, Pentax et al. On the other, it brings high end features such as high speed continuous shooting and automatic HDR processing to those looking to step up from an entry-level SLR or high end compact. The Alpha 550's identity crisis is compounded by the fact that it doesn't actually deliver anything like its full potential when used in precisely the way it appears to be designed for (as a big fast P&S camera). The metering and auto white balance are too inconsistent and the JPEG processing (contrast, saturation, sharpness) far from optimal.
| Quick links: | Announcement | Forum |
| Announced: | Aug 27, 2009 |
| Body type | ||
| Body type | Compact SLR | |
| Sensor | ||
| Max resolution | 4272 x 2848 | ? |
| Other resolutions | 4272 x 2400, 3104 x 2072, 3104 x 1744, 2128 x 1416, 2188 x 1192 | ? |
| Image ratio w:h | 3:2, 16:9 | ? |
| Effective pixels | 12.3 megapixels | ? |
| Sensor photo detectors | 12.9 megapixels | ? |
| Sensor size | APS-C (23.5 x 15.6 mm) | ? |
| Sensor type | CMOS | ? |
| Processor | Bionz | |
| Image | ||
| ISO | Auto, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200, 6400, 12800 | ? |
| White balance presets | 6 | ? |
| Custom white balance | Yes (1) | ? |
| Image stabilization | Sensor-shift | ? |
| JPEG quality levels | Fine, Standard | ? |
| Optics & Focus | ||
| Autofocus |
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| Digital zoom | Yes | |
| Manual focus | Yes | ? |
| Number of focus points | 9 | |
| Lens mount | Sony/Minolta Alpha mount | |
| Focal length multiplier | 1.5× | ? |
| Screen / viewfinder | ||
| Articulated LCD | Tilting | ? |
| Screen size | 3" | ? |
| Screen dots | 230,000 | ? |
| Touch screen | No | |
| Live view | Yes | ? |
| Viewfinder type | Optical (pentamirror) | ? |
| Viewfinder coverage | 95 % | ? |
| Viewfinder magnification | 0.8× | ? |
| Photography features | ||
| Minimum shutter speed | 30 sec | ? |
| Maximum shutter speed | 1/4000 sec | ? |
| Aperture priority | Yes | ? |
| Shutter priority | Yes | ? |
| Manual exposure mode | Yes | |
| Subject / scene modes | No | |
| Built-in flash | Yes (Pop-up) | |
| Flash range | 12 m | |
| External flash | Yes (Hot-shoe, Wireless) | |
| Flash modes | Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Slow Sync, High Speed Sync, Rear Curtain, Fill-in, Wireless | |
| Continuous drive | Yes (5 fps) | ? |
| Self-timer | Yes (2 or 10 sec) | |
| Metering modes |
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| Exposure compensation | ±2 EV (at 1/3 EV steps) | ? |
| AE Bracketing | ±2 (3 frames at 1/3 EV steps) | |
| WB Bracketing | No | ? |
| Videography features | ||
| Microphone | None | |
| Storage | ||
| Storage types | SD/ SDHC, Memory Stick Pro Duo/ Pro-HG Duo | ? |
| Storage included | None | ? |
| Connectivity | ||
| USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | ? |
| HDMI | Yes | ? |
| Remote control | Yes (Wired or wirelss (Optional)) | |
| Physical | ||
| Environmentally sealed | No | |
| Battery | Battery Pack | ? |
| Battery description | Lithium-Ion NP-FM500H rechargeable battery & charger | ? |
| Battery Life (CIPA) | 520 | ? |
| Weight (inc. batteries) | 630 g (1.39 lb / 22.22 oz) | |
| Dimensions | 137 x 104 x 84 mm (5.39 x 4.09 x 3.31") | |
| Other features | ||
| Orientation sensor | Yes | |
| Timelapse recording | No | ? |
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 | 16.1 megapixels 3" screen Four Thirds sensor |
