Sony Alpha DSLR-A500

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.