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Average rating:
4.83
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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 |
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Average rating:
4.83
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Opinion: I have used this camera since Dec 20, 2009.
Live View: Ooutstanding and incredibly fast. Much much faster than every other DSLR that I tried.
Face Detection, great for taking pictures of small children
Image Quality: Very sharp at higher ISO settings and under low light.
HDR: Have not played with it that much, but it does do a great job alingning picutures and merging into one photo fairly seamlessly. When shooting under questionable lighting, I will default to the HDR mode. Right now I am playing with how many EVs to use for the 2 shots.
As a new DLSR user, I found this camera to have the features that I wanted at a great price. During the Christmas sale I paid $800 for the A500 and the 18/55 and the 55/200 Sony lenses. Abolutley no regrets!
Problems: None so far
Opinion: Its strengths: DRO (Dynamic Range Optimization) and HDR, Live view with fast auto focus, built-in image stabilization, tilted LCD screen.
I am very happy with this camera. I purchased it one month ago. The A500 has built-in DRO & HDR with adjustable levels, live view with quick auto focus (4 fps with live view), and tilted LCD. These features are very useful for me. The image quality is roughly the same from A500, A700 and Canon Xsi (this my another DSLR). DSLRs from other manufacturers are almost 10x slower when I tested them with Live View. Sony's second sensor makes the big difference.
Problems: Found no problems so far.
Opinion: Last week i sold my sony A350 and bought the A500.
I'm very happy with the results.
instead of the A350 who's pictures were noisy above iso 200
the pictures from the A500 are noise free and detailed all the way up till iso 1600.
Using the tamron 17-50 lens gives exellent results.
The focus speeds are a litlle faster on the A500 than the A350.
The speed of this camera is so much faster than the A350. Very surprising is the
the sharpness and brightness of the LCD screen from the A500.
Though the resolution isn't higher than that from the A350.
I dunno how sony did this?
The HDR settings work lovely and gives greath results.
Also the new DR settings work well, becouse of the low noise in the pictures
the darker parts of the pictures brichten up very well with less noise and more detaill than the A350 did.
I prefer the sony A500 12 Mp. pictures above the 14 Mp. pictures.
The A500 is nice step up comming from the A350.
The A500 is a good price/ value camera and a fun camera to use.
Well done Sony !
Hans from Holland.
Problems: The only thing i don't like about the camera is the on/off
button.
I think the LCD cotaing isn't very sturdy becouse after using the camera 1 day i alread saw a litlle scratch on the screen.
Using a LCD protector prevents this ofcourse.
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 | 22.3 megapixels 3.2" screen Full frame sensor |
