Sony Alpha DSLR-A550

Opinion: Image stabilization in-camera and true fast live view put the A550 at the top of the "features" rating. Add Manual Focus Live View Check and face detection to an impressive list of features, and no other camera can match it. Image quality (I shoot in RAW) is the equal of any competitor. The A550 is fun and easy to use and the number of my 'keepers' has nearly doubled from my former A100. Whether 'creating art' or 'shooting snaps' this camera tops all others in fun and success. For the price, no other camera equals it.

Opinion: If you want to see other DSLR owners drool... turn on
the face recognition in the live preview. For me, this is an
awesome way to verify who the camera has focused on
so I use it all the time!

Opinion: For me, this is the perfect camera. I was waiting for this one (or the A500) since the A300 and A350 came out. It has what they missed: A better Liveview (the best in the market), twice the speed (7/5/4 FPS, depending on the mode), a world class high ISO performance, and even the AF squares can be taken out. You can use it like a normal DSLR or like I used my Sony H-9, but in manual mode. It also has a very useful HDR setting. The only thing missing is video, but I want to take pictures, I'd use an HD camcorder for video. For a person with glasses, using the Liveview as in a P&S is a blessing.

You won't find a camera this feature rich in any of the other brands, I tried the Canons 500D and 550D, Nikon D90, Olympus E620, Pentax K-x and even an older Alpha 700. None had the features this one has.

Opinion: Coming from A100, A200 to A700, I am a very happy man.

Big cybershot because of Smile shutter and Face detection? These are gimmicks that I appreciated when I had the chance to use it.

I am a wedding photographer and when I was eating, I had the camera on a tripod, with live view on, smile shutter on, face detect on and left the camera for about 20min. The results were amazing! All smiles, big or small were captured in an instant. Very intuitive camera.

There is nothing wrong with having PNS capabilities on a DSLR. Somehow you'll find it fun to use just for relaxing a bit.

Opinion: Using kit lens image quality is only 3.5. With Tamron 18-250 or Minolta lens image quality is almost 5. Very good relation between cost and quality (only body).
It is much better then A380 and A350.
You can set individual settings of matrix.
With Tamron or Minolta lens the image quality is compareable with Nikon D90.

Opinion: superb camera that delivers superb performance...

Opinion: A masterpiece of the 21st century...

Opinion: Personally, I've got a few reasons on why i choose this camera instead of other brands. Bear in mind that I'm reviewing based on an amateur photographer's mindset.

1. Proper Live View facility
-This camera has a proper live view facility. When i say proper, what i meant was, it has a superb autofocus capability without compromising the image quality. Trust me, as of March 2010, there're NO OTHER MID-RANGE DSLRs which offers u a proper live view at this price. Apart from that, the autofocus is uber responsive n high in precision.

2. Built-in Image Stabilization that works with any mounted lens.
- I'm sure most photographers out there would know what this is. The question is though, how many manufacturers out there who're willing to provide that feature at such a price? Well, Sony did. Nuff said...

3. Auto High Dynamic Range n Dynamic Range Optimizer.
- Personally, I rarely uses either of these features unless necessary but then, it's good to have it just in case.

4. Smile Shutter
Frankly, I've no idea why Sony include this in a dslr. Promoting self portrait i suppose. Still, for those who're planning to have a few shots of urself without having much trouble of triggering the shutter, this might just be it.

5. Tilting LCD Screen.
The most commonly used feature by me. Low angle, high angle, whatever it is, u name it and it'll just be another shot by me. How many mid-range models out there which are equipped with this? Think about it...

6. A superb continuous shooting speed.
5fps n 7fps, only the a550 has it. As of March 2010, only this camera has this feature n it comes in a reasonable price.

7. A firm grip
In this section, it varies between individuals. For me, i feel that this camera has a huge area of grip which i feel very comfortable n secure when im using it. Not to mention that at this price range, no other brands who're willing to provide u with a large body.

8. Digital teleconverter
A lot of users are complaining why Sony include this feature. Personally, i feel that it's pretty useful. Everytime when my zoom lens aren't reaching the subject, I know that I have another 2 stops of digital zoom to make it happen.

9. Superb battery performance & accurate battery life display
Sony's lithium ion batteries are well known for its performance. With a reasonable price tag, there no other brands that could deliver such performance. Apart from that, Sony's infolithium battery provides an exact percentage of the battery life. It's one of Sony's main cut.

10. A promising Noise Reduction function

Verdict...
Basically, all the vital functions of creating a lovely photograph had came in a package, the Sony a550.
Once again, these are my humble opinions. For the best experience, head to the respective dealers of various brands to test out their products and see which one suits u the best.

PS: I'll add in more in the future...

Opinion: Change from the A100 is amazing.
Fast, responsive and iso 400 and 800 are finally usable!
The magnification is great for manual focus and very handy.
Created some stunning photos with some pp, as the metering is ordinary. Be sure to check each photo while snapping.
Smile function works for babies!
HDR on the fly works great.
Rear screen very good