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Sony Alpha DSLR-A550 review
Outstanding picture quality begins with the Sony ?550 DSLR camera.
Featuring 14.2 megapixel resolution for incredible detail and gorgeous
enlargements, the ?550 also has an Exmor™ CMOS image sensor and BIONZ™
image processor with chroma noise reduction to help achieve crystal clear
photos with low noise all the way up to ISO 12800. Empower your photography
with a different point of view thanks to a tiltable 3.0" LCD.
Additional features include Quick Auto Focus Live View for composing shots
in the LCD monitor and Manual Focus Check Live View which enables critical
focus in macro and tripod shooting.
More responsive Live View All DSLR Live View systems enable you to compose
shots in the LCD monitor, just as you would with a point-and-shoot camera.
But not all Live View systems are created equal. Some take a painfully long
time to focus. Some even black out the LCD before focus. Either can cause
you to miss shots. Sony’s Quick Auto Focus Live View solves these
problems, making it easier to get the best shot.
Face Detection technology The ?550 enhances Quick AF Live View shooting
with Face Detection technology, which helps you get the best shot by
recognizing faces and applying the proper focus, exposure and white
balance. World’s first Face Detection system to work with fast,
high-precision "phase detection" Auto Focus.
Up to 7 fps of continuous shooting Up to 7 frames per second (with optical
viewfinder in Speed Priority mode) can capture the decisive moment in
sports or get the ideal baby photo. You can also shoot at up to 4 fps with
Quick Auto Focus Live View.
SteadyShot INSIDE™ stabilization Image stabilization helps you take
blur-free shots by compensating for camera shake. Typical DSLR systems
build image stabilization into selected lenses only. SteadyShot INSIDE™
image stabilization is built into the camera body itself. You’ll
reduce blur with every a-mount lens, including macro and wide-aperture
standard zoom lenses.
BIONZ™ image processor A newest version of Sony’s BIONZ image
processor uses chroma noise reduction to deliver high-resolution, low-noise
photos even at ISO 12800 sensitivity. This powerful Sony Large Scale
Integrated circuit (LSI) also delivers fast processing for quick response
on data-intensive 14.2 megapixel images.
Eye-Start Autofocus For maximum speed, Eye-Start Autofocus begins focusing
as soon as you raise the camera to your eye. So the camera is ready to
catch the perfect moment.
Built-in Auto Pop-Up Flash To help you shoot more effectively, the built-in
flash automatically pops up and fires as needed when the camera is set to
certain scene selection modes. The built-in flash also triggers a wireless
accessory flash (sold separately). The integrated hot shoe enables you to
expand your lighting options with a range of accessory flashes (sold
separately).
PhotoTV HD compatibility 3 PhotoTV HD compatibility enables you to
automatically create high-resolution thumbnails optimized for viewing on a
compatible Sony ® BRAVIA ® HDTV.
Dual Media Slots For cost-effective, convenient storage and sharing of your
images, the ?550 accepts Memory Stick PRO Duo™/Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo™
and SD/SDHC media (sold separately).
14.2 megapixels; amazing pictures This camera’s 14.2 megapixel
resolution makes for incredible detail and gorgeous enlargements. The
all-new Sony ® Exmor™ CMOS image sensor ensures state-of-the-art
response. The large, APS-C format means high sensitivity, powerful
depth-of-focus control.
Quick Auto Focus Live View Unlike competing cameras, the DSLR-A550 is just
as responsive in Quick Auto Focus Live View mode as in optical viewfinder
mode. That’s because, unlike the others, the ?550 uses the same
"phase detection" auto focus for Live View as for the optical
viewfinder. While other Live View systems are severely restricted,
Sony’s performs superbly any time—even if you’re shooting
handheld or chasing after moving subjects like kids or pets.
Smile Shutter™ technology Another Quick AF Live View enhancement, Smile
Shutter™ technology automatically takes the shot when your subject
smiles. Works with Quick Auto Focus Live View to capture spontaneous
moments, making the difference between a missed shot and a cherished
memory.
Auto HDR built into camera High Dynamic Range (HDR) photography captures
more scene contrast than a single exposure can handle by combining two
exposures into one incredible shot. Until recently, you needed a computer
and editing software to enjoy HDR. Now the ?550 has Auto HDR built in.
Handles severe backlighting and other high-contrast scenes. Captures in a
split second. (Recommended for still subjects.)
Smart Teleconverter 2x Digital Zoom In Quick Auto Focus Live View mode, you
can extend the optical zoom of your lens with digital zoom. One touch zooms
in at 1.4x, while a second touch advances to 2x zoom. The system reproduces
pixels on a 1:1 basis so there’s no degradation in picture quality.
Help Guide and Graphic Display An informative on-screen Help Guide and
Graphic Display provide ready reference to advanced camera functions. The
Help Guide explains the camera’s modes and settings, while the
Graphic Display clarifies the relationship between aperture and shutter
speed, as well as the effect each has on photographic results.
9-Point AF Sensor To get the best shot under a wide range of situations,
the ?550 uses a 9-Point AF Sensor with Center Cross. In addition,
predictive focus control automatically calculates the position of
fast-moving subjects, perfect for pictures of kids and pets.
Anti-Dust Technology Anti-Dust Technology helps keep the CMOS imager clean,
resulting in consistently better pictures. First a static-free coating on
the CMOS filter helps repel dust. Then vibration automatically dislodges
dust from the CMOS each time you shut off the camera.
Six Scene Selection Modes To help you get the shot, Scene Selection Modes
optimize the camera settings for common shooting situations. Just turn the
Mode Dial to select from Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Sports, Sunset, and
Night View modes.
Supplied zoom lens (DSLR-A550L kit) The DSLR-A550L kit comes with the
SAL1855 DT 18-55mm zoom lens, which covers everything from wide angle to
midrange telephoto shots. Sony’s Smooth Autofocus Motor (SAM)
delivers silent autofocus operation.
Superb in low light (ISO 12800) An all-new Sony’s Exmor™ CMOS image
sensor employs new low-noise processing, for uncommonly clear pictures. The
BIONZ™ image processor with chroma noise reduction helps achieve low
noise all the way up to ISO 12800, without sacrificing resolution.
Manual Focus Check Live View For critical focus in macro and tripod
shooting, the ?550 also offers Manual Focus Check Live View. Temporary 7x
and 14x zoom views enable you to focus on extremely fine detail while the
1x view shows 100% framing in the LCD.
Tiltable 3.0" LCD 4 Even if you’re completely comfortable with
the optical viewfinder, Sony’s tiltable LCD empowers your photography
with a different point of view. Helps you frame high and low-angle shots
that would otherwise be hit or miss. The LCD tilts up or down 90 degrees to
capture a child’s first steps or shoot over a crowd. The 3.0"LCD
4 features 921,600 pixels and Sony’s Clear Photo LCD™ display
technology.
Dynamic Range Optimizer Dynamic Range Optimizer improves results with
backlit subjects and recovers details hidden in shadows. Normal DRO
improves detail using standard gamma curves for fast shot-to-shot response
time, while Advanced DRO adjusts dynamic range area-by-area for greater
accuracy.
Powerful Supplied Software To help you refine and manage your images, the
?550 is equipped with comprehensive computer software, including Image Data
Converter SR, Image Data Lightbox SR and Picture Motion Browser
(PMB).(Compatible computer required, not included)
HDMI™ output for HD viewing Connect your camera to a compatible HDTV and
play back your images in stunning high definition. The ?550 includes an
HDMI™ output (HDMI cable required, sold separately). In addition, the
BRAVIA ® Sync system works with compatible Sony ® BRAVIA HDTVs to let you
control camera playback using the television’s remote 1 .
Six Creative Style settings Control how the camera processes your images
with six finishing styles: Standard, Vivid, Portrait, Landscape, Sunset and
B&W. You can even fine-tune contrast, saturation, and sharpness to your
personal taste.
Up to a 950 Shots 2 of battery life Take up to 950 shots on a single charge
(optical viewfinder mode) 1 ; up to 480 shots (Live View mode) 1 with
Sony® Stamina™ battery power. Sony’s InfoLITHIUM® battery system
enables you to see the percent of power remaining, so you can keep shooting
in confidence.
Index and Slide Show Display Quickly review your photos using 4- or 9-frame
index views, or as an automatic slide show with fade-in/fade-out effect.
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