Average Camera Review Rating [5 reviews]
On August 27 2009, Sony announces two mid-range APS-C-sensor DSLRs, the DSLR-A550 and DSLR-A500. Both cameras features the unique ability to create two-shot high-dynamic-range images automatically, producing images of high-contrast subjects with balanced shadow and
highlight areas by combining two images taken a fraction of a second
apart. Using a system calls positional interpolation to compensate
for slight changes in position between shots, these are the first
cameras that provide in-camera HDR without a tripod.
The camera's metering system can determine how wide an exposure adjustment should be made between the two shots, or the user can specify bracketing values. In either case, the composite is created by the camera rather than using external software. Speedy shooting plays a role in making the HDR feature practical - minimal movement between exposures helps with precise alignment. The A500 and A550 also speed through continuous shooting assignments, with default burst rates of 5 frames per second shooting with the viewfinder and 4 fps in Live View mode. The A550 also offers a speed priority mode which locks autofocus and autoexposure with the first shot and then churns out 7 shots per second.
The main difference between the two cameras are the sensor resolution with the A550 at 14.2 Megapixels, while the A500 comes with 12.3 Megapixels. The more expensive A550 comes with a high-res 3-inch display with 920,000-dot resolution, while the A500 screen is a 230,000-dot screen. The rest of the features are similar between the two new DSLRs. Both cameras offer articulated LCDs that tilt 90 degrees up and down. Both cameras use a 9-point autofocus system and use phase-detect sensor for focusing in Live View mode as well as viewfinder shooting. These new models add Manual Focus Check Live View, providing 7x and 14x views for precise manual focusing operations, including macro photography. Both cameras include pop-up flash, HDMI output and face and smile detection. Smile Shutter and Face Detection that is popular in the Sony's Cyber-Shot point and shoot are also included in these new DSLR models. The cameras can accommodate both Sony's Memory Stick PRO and standard SD/SDHC cards. The two bodies are essentially identical at 5.39 x 4.09 x 3.31 inches (137 x 104 x 84mm). The A550 is priced at $950 for the body, or $1050 for the kit. Here is the summary of a recent review of the A550 cameras by DCRP:
On August 27 2009, Sony announces two mid-range APS-C-sensor DSLRs, the DSLR-A550 and DSLR-A500. Both cameras features the unique ability to create two-shot high-dynamic-range images automatically, producing images of high-contrast subjects with balanced shadow and
highlight areas by combining two images taken a fraction of a second
apart. Using a system calls positional interpolation to compensate
for slight changes in position between shots, these are the first
cameras that provide in-camera HDR without a tripod. The camera's metering system can determine how wide an exposure adjustment should be made between the two shots, or the user can specify bracketing values. In either case, the composite is created by the camera rather than using external software. Speedy shooting plays a role in making the HDR feature practical - minimal movement between exposures helps with precise alignment. The A500 and A550 also speed through continuous shooting assignments, with default burst rates of 5 frames per second shooting with the viewfinder and 4 fps in Live View mode. The A550 also offers a speed priority mode which locks autofocus and autoexposure with the first shot and then churns out 7 shots per second.
The main difference between the two cameras are the sensor resolution with the A550 at 14.2 Megapixels, while the A500 comes with 12.3 Megapixels. The more expensive A550 comes with a high-res 3-inch display with 920,000-dot resolution, while the A500 screen is a 230,000-dot screen. The rest of the features are similar between the two new DSLRs. Both cameras offer articulated LCDs that tilt 90 degrees up and down. Both cameras use a 9-point autofocus system and use phase-detect sensor for focusing in Live View mode as well as viewfinder shooting. These new models add Manual Focus Check Live View, providing 7x and 14x views for precise manual focusing operations, including macro photography. Both cameras include pop-up flash, HDMI output and face and smile detection. Smile Shutter and Face Detection that is popular in the Sony's Cyber-Shot point and shoot are also included in these new DSLR models. The cameras can accommodate both Sony's Memory Stick PRO and standard SD/SDHC cards. The two bodies are essentially identical at 5.39 x 4.09 x 3.31 inches (137 x 104 x 84mm). The A550 is priced at $950 for the body, or $1050 for the kit. Here is the summary of a recent review of the A550 cameras by DCRP:
"The Alpha DSLR-A550 -- one of five APS-C digital SLRs in Sony's current lineup -- offers impressive performance, a decent selection of both manual controls and point-and-shoot favorites, and most of the features that you come to expect on a digital SLR. It's not the best D-SLR for the money -- in fact, I think it's a little overpriced at $899 for the body only kit -- but it's still worth considering, especially if you're upgrading from a Minolta or earlier Sony D-SLR. While I'm not jumping up and down about it, the A550 is still good enough to earn my recommendation. Camera performance is one of the DSLR-A550's strong suits. The camera is ready to start taking pictures as soon as you flip the power switch. Focusing speeds are very good, regardless of whether you're using live view or the optical viewfinder.
Photo quality is very good, though there is room for improvement. Exposure was hit-or-miss for me: sometimes it was perfect, other times the camera missed it (in either direction) by 1/3 - 2/3 stop. I ended up just bracketing my sample photos just to cover my behind. I had some trouble with the wide area (9-point) autofocus as well, with the camera selecting undesirable focus points more often than I would've liked. I found colors to be quite vivid and sharpness to be pleasing most of the time. While the A550 doesn't have much in the line of grainy noise, Sony is applying quite a bit of noise reduction to JPEGs. You can see detail loss in low contrast areas and things such as grass, even at ISO 200. There's some shadow noise visible as well. The camera holds its own at high ISOs, though it's about a stop behind the best cameras in its class in that department (shooting RAW closes the gap a bit). The 18 - 55 mm kit lens is fairly sharp, though it has quite a bit of barrel distortion, and some purple fringing, as well. One problem I didn't encounter was redeye, which the camera prevents by firing the flash a few times before the photo is taken.
Two last things before I wrap up this conclusion. First, the DSLR-A550 doesn't have nearly as many custom functions as other D-SLRs in this class. That's good news for beginners, but may be disappointing for enthusiasts. Second, the manual that comes with the camera isn't very detailed, and it could be a lot more user-friendly, as well. All things considered, the Sony Alpha DSLR-A550 is a competent but not spectacular digital SLR. It takes nice-looking photos (especially if you shoot RAW), performs well, and offers features that will be familiar to point-and-shoot users. That said, it's rather pricey for what it offers, and enthusiasts may frown on the lack of custom functions, the small viewfinder, and the fairly strong noise reduction. Regardless, the A550 is absolutely worth looking at, as is the A500, which offers most of the same features as its big brother."
Photo Album: Sony 12.3 Megapixels Alpha DSLR-A500 and 14.2 Megapixels DSLR-A550
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Sony Alpha DSLR-A550 Sample Photos on Flickr
Sony Alpha DSLR-A550 Camera Reviews Roundup
| Mason Resnick at ALC: "The a550 uses a new CMOS sensor that is designed with noise reduction at each pixel, plus further noise reduction applied via the updated on-board BIONZ image processor. All of this attention to noise reduction paid off: Images were remarkably clean through ISO 400, with very little noise at ISO 800 and moderate noise at ISO 1600 and 3200 that still lets you produce usable images. By ISO 6400, noise becomes more not..." - May 11 2010 More » | |
| PhotoZone: "The Alpha 550 did quite convince during our lab and field tests but it's not a camera without flaws. On the positive side the camera delivers the fastest Live View autofocus so far. The AF speed is exemplary in this class and 7 fps is a new benchmark here. The 14.2 megapixel Exmor™ CMOS sensor is capable of producing superb high-resolution images. Furthermore the good ISO performance and the proven "Stead..." - Mar 29 2010 More » | |
| CNET: "Although the A550 has the same 14.2-megapixel resolution as the cheaper Alpha DSLR-A380, the A550's Exmor CMOS sensor delivers much cleaner images at all ISO sensitivities than the CCD used by its sibling. They're sharp with solid exposures, at least until ISO 400. ISO 800 looks very good on our high-end, colour-calibrated monitor but slightly noisy on our cheap, standard-issue display. At ISO 1,600, detail sta..." - Feb 11 2010 More » | |
| RegHardware: "As with many DSLRs, the A550 includes a built in Flash and delivers an even exposure in all focal lengths. Overall, it would be preferable to knock it down a notch, to reduce the flash look, although, this can be done from the function menu. The high ISO on offer actually might encourage less use, and that can only be a good thing for people wanting to learn about using available light. The hotshoe up top is the Min..." - Jan 26 2010 More » |
Sony Alpha DSLR-A550 Reviews Roundup [Total 9 Reviews] »
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