Intoduction
If you are need of higher level of performance with camera than you need to step up to the Sony A550 DSLR camera that is equipped with the best technology and allows you to leave voice your creative vision. It offers live view functionality and a new Auto HDR mode. you can enjoy the freedom of Quick Auto Focus and Manual Focus Check Live View on the tiltable 3.0" LCD. The Sony A550 DSLR camera makes it easier than ever to capture beautiful pictures, carefree family portraits, stunning holiday memories and action-packed scenes.
Features
Live View
With its unique sensor-processor combination, the α550 camera is the first DSLR in its class with seven frames per second shooting speed for under $1,000. With two Live View modes, the α550 expands your shooting opportunities. Quick Auto Focus Live View uses a second imager, eliminating the focus delay of other systems. Manual Focus Check Live View provides precise 100% view and 7x/14x focus magnification for macro and tripod shots. The 921K 3" LCD tilts to let you frame high and low angle shots.Using the optical viewfinder on both models, you can shoot up to five frames per second and up to four frames per second with Quick Auto Focus Live View. This helps you capture the decisive moment when shooting fast moving subjects like in sports.The new speed priority mode on the Sony DSLR-A550 allows for its part, shooting a staggering 7 frames per second (with a setting of the autofocus and auto exposure maintained since the first image), to capture every nuance of expression of the people photographed or sequences in dynamic movement.
Dynamic Range Management
The D-Range Optimiser featured in previous Sony DSLR models has been enhanced for even better results with backlit portraits and other tricky high-contrast scenes.DRO analyzes areas of an image to recover shadow detail while Auto HDR instantly takes two shots, one for highlights and one for shadows, and combines them for a single, incredible image beyond the limits of a single exposure, right in the camera.HDR technology is a technical specialist who combines two shots at different exposure settings. The Sony A500 and Sony A550 uses powerful algorithms to combine and optimize two successive images in less than 2 seconds, correcting any misalignment between the images when shooting without a tripod. Unlike HDR features in other DSLR cameras, Sony’s unique positional interpolation technology can overcome slight changes in camera position and align individual shots so that a tripod is not required.The result is a single HDR image reproducing the vast range of natural tones of the human field of vision.
High Sensitivity and Image Quality
An all-new 14.2-megapixel Exmor CMOS image sensor and BIONZ image processing engine delivers significantly improved image quality with high-sensitivity shooting at up to ISO12800. Plus, separate chroma and luminance processing reduces noise in high sensitivity shots without blurring fine detail.
Face Detection
Quick AF Live View is enhanced with Face Detection and Smile Shutter technology.The Quick Auto Focus Live View has been developed with Face Detection technology to help you get the best shot by recognizing and adjusting for faces. It establishes the priority of the auto focus on faces and provides fine adjustments of exposure for portraits net, with tones natural skin. Also new in the world of digital SLR, the function of detection locates faces smiles in Live View mode and the shutter at the right time to capture the relaxed smiles.Another DSLR first by Sony that’s already featured on many Cyber-shot models, Smile Shutter detects faces in Live View mode, automatically firing the shutter at just the right moment to capture happy, relaxed smiles.Face Detection helps you get the best shot by recognizing faces and optimizes focus, exposure and white balance. Smile Shutter technology automatically takes the shot when your subject smiles. Both can make the difference between missed shots and a cherished memory.
Tiltable 3.0" LCD
Even if you’re completely comfortable with the optical viewfinder, Sony’s tiltable LCD empowers your photography with a different point of view.the Sony Alpha 550 features a superb (921k dot) 3-inch Xtra Fine LCD screen for critical focusing and photo-quality viewing with class-leading colour, contrast and detailing. 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"LCD4 features 921,600 pixels and Sony’s Clear Photo LCD display technology.
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.
Memory Cards
For cost-effective, convenient storage and sharing of your images, the α550 accepts Memory Stick PRO Duo™/Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo and SD/SDHC media. Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo HX 32GB will never miss the key shot because the number of pictures taken in 1 min is approx 270 photos.The HX series card is designed to deliver optimal read and write speeds for a growing number of products that require high-bandwidth memory in order to capture and store large data files.
Additional features
- Superb in low light
- More responsive Live View
- Face Detection technology
- Manual Focus Check Live View
- 180º tilt-angle 3” Xtra Fine LCD (A550) and intuitive new interface for clear, simple shooting
- Quick Auto Focus Live View
- Smile Shutter technology
- Tiltable 3.0" LCD
- Up to 7 fps of continuous shooting
- Auto HDR built into camera
- Class-leading shooting stamina
- Dynamic Range Optimizer
- SteadyShot INSIDE stabilization
- Smart Teleconverter 2x Digital Zoom
- HDMI output for HD viewing
- Eye-Start Autofocus
- Built-in Auto Pop-Up Flash
- Anti-Dust Technology
- Six Scene Selection Modes
Specification
- General
- Camera Type : Sony α Digital SLR camera with built-in flash and inter-changeable lenses
- Color Filter System : RGB primary color filters
- Effective Picture Resolution : Approx. 14.2 megapixels
- Imaging Sensor : APS-C size Exmor CMOS sensor (23.5 X 15.6mm)
- Lens Mount Type : Sony α lens, Minolta and Konica Minolta AF lens
- Pixel Gross : Approx. 14.6 megapixels
- Processor : BIONZ image processor
- Recording Media Type : Memory Stick PRO Duo media, SD and SDHC memory card
- Recording Mode : RAW, RAW+JPEG, JPEG Fine, JPEG Standard
- LCD Display
- Angle Adjustment : Yes(upward by up to 90 degrees, downward by up to 90 degrees)
- Brightness Control : Auto Brightness Control (Auto setting in 2 steps, manual setting in 5 steps)
- Coverage : 100% (Playback), 90% (Live View)
- Type : 3” TFT Xtra Fine LCD4 (921,600 pixels)
- Flash
- Flash Compensation : 2EV (in 1/3 EV-stop increments)
- Flash Coverage : 18mm in focal-length of lens attached
- Flash Metering System : ADI flash (automatic change for Pre-flash TTL)
- Guide Number : 12 (in meters at ISO100)
- Modes : Auto, Fill-flash, Slow sync, Rear sync, Wireless
- Recycling Time : Approx. 4 sec.
- Type : Auto Pop-up
- Inputs and Outputs
- Memory Card Slot : Dual memory card slot: Memory Stick PRO Duo™ media SD and SDHC memory card
- Tripod Mount : Yes, 1/4"-20
- USB Port(s) : USB2.0 Hi-speed (mass-storage, PTP)
- Software
- Operating System Compatibility : Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional Windows XP*SP2 Windows Vista Mac OS X(v10.1.3) or later
- Supplied Software : PMB (Picture Motion Browser) 4.3.01 Image Data Converter SR 3.1 Image Data Lightbox SR
- Control
- AF modes : Single-shot AF, Automatic AF, Continuous AF, (AF/MF selectable)
- Drive Mode : Single-shot, Continuous, Speed Priority, Self-timer, Bracketong; Cont./ WB, Remote Commander
- Exposure Compensation : 2EV (in 1/3 EV steps)
- Exposure settings : Auto, Auto Flash Off, Program Auto (P), Aperture priority (A), Shutter priority (S), Manual (M)
- Focus Area : Wide (Up to 9 active focus points), Spot, Local (9 local areas selectable)
- Focus Features : Manual Focus Check Live View Predictive control, Focus lock, Eye-start AF, AF illuminator
- Focus Points : 9 points
- Focus Sensitivity : EV0 – 18 (ISO100)
- Focus System : TTL phase detection system
- ISO : Auto, 200 to 12800
- Metering : TTL metering w/ 40-segment honeycomb-pattern SPC
- Metering Modes : Multi-segment, Center-weighted, Spot
- Metering Sensitivity : 2EV to 20EV (4EV to 20EV with Spot metering), (at ISO 100 conversion with F1.4 lens)
- Scene Selection Modes : Flash Off, Portrait,Landscape,Macro,Sports action,Sunset,Night portrait
- White Balance : Auto,Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Incandescent, Fluorescent, Flash, Color temp.,Color Filter, Custom
- Weights and Measurements
- Dimensions (Approx.) : Approx. 137 X 104 X 84mm (W/H/D, excluding protrusions)
- Weight (Approx.) : Approx. 597g (without battery, memory card, accessories)
- Service and Warranty Information
- Limited Warranty Term : 1 Year Parts & Labor
Sony DSLR A550 is for Photographers. Photograph comfortably and discover new angles of view with your A550.The Live View bright LCD screen , high contrast 2.7-inch tilt up or down to adjust to any position. You get a clear picture of the scene you’re shooting without having to focus through the viewfinder. Raise your arm to shoot over the crowd at concerts and sporting events. Or crouch down to see things from a perspective totally different. And if you prefer taking pictures in the traditional manner, the device also has an optical clear viewfinder. The A550 starts at $950 and is available with 18-55mm kit lens for US$1050/-
Pros
- The camera offers 12.3 and 14.2 mp CMOS Exmor sensors
- It has a manually configured Focus Check Live View that uses the main imaging sensor
- You can get 5 frames per second (fps) in optical viewfinder mode and the same increases to 7fps if used with focus and exposure
- The lcd displays a completely new user interface
- New HDR mode that can combine more exposures
- Dynamic Range Optimization support on 5 level manual control.
- 90 degree screen orientation.
- Good and enhanced battery life.
- You can click 1,000 shots using the view finder
Cons:
- The camera gives less performance.
- Low performance in bad light condition
- The camera is not capable of taking moving shots properly. The flash has a slow loading time.
- Night mode support is not good.
- Image delay time is long
- There is no support for manaual shutter speed/aperture
