Sony Alpha DSLR-A550 14.2MP Digital SLR Camera (Body Only)

by Sony

Product Details

• Item Weight: 1.3 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 7 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S. and to APO/FPO addresses. For APO/FPO shipments, please check with the manufacturer regarding warranty and support issues.
• ASIN: B002MPPRMW
• Item model number: DSLRA550
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (20 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #7,536 in Camera & Photo (See Top 100 in Camera & Photo)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: August 27, 2009

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

Step up to the Sony a550. Enjoy the spectacular imagery of 14.2 megapixels with ISO 12800 sensitivity. Experience the versatility of Quick Auto Focus Live View or MF Check Live View on the tiltable 3.0-inch LCD screen. Discover the superb response of up to 7 fps of continuous shooting.

Alpha A550 Highlights

14.2 megapixels for 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.

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.

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.

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 a550 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.

Manual Focus Check Live View
For critical focus in macro and tripod shooting, the a550 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 percent framing in the LCD.

Face Detection technology
The a550 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.

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.

Tiltable 3.0-inch LCD
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-inchLCD features 921,600 pixels and Sony's Clear Photo LCD display technology.

Up to 7 fps of continuous shooting
Up to 7 frames per second 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.

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 a550 has Auto HDR built in. Handles severe backlighting and other high-contrast scenes. Captures in a split second. (Recommended for still subjects.)

Advanced DRO in action

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.

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.

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.

Powerful Supplied Software
To help you refine and manage your images, the a550 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)

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.

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.

HDMI output for HD viewing
Connect your camera to a compatible HDTV and play back your images in stunning high definition. The a550 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.

Eye-Start Autofocus

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.

9-Point AF Sensor
To get the best shot under a wide range of situations, the a550 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.

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.

Anti-Dust Technology helps keep the CMOS imager clean

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).

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.

Up to a 1000 Shots of battery life
Take up to 1000 shots on a single charge (optical viewfinder mode); up to 520 shots (Live View mode) 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.

PhotoTV HD compatibility
PhotoTV HD compatibility enables you to automatically create high-resolution thumbnails optimized for viewing on a compatible Sony BRAVIA HDTV.

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.

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.

Dual Media Slots
For cost-effective, convenient storage and sharing of your images, the a550 accepts Memory Stick PRO Duo/Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo and SD/SDHC media (sold separately).

Product Description

Model Features: 14.2MP, CMOS image sensorTwo types of Live ViewFace DetectionSmile Shutter technologyTiltable 3.0" LCDUp to 7 fps continuous shooting

The Camera for Photographers
For a higher level of performance, step up to the Sony a550 DSLR camera. Enjoy the freedom of Quick Auto Focus and Manual Focus Check Live View on the tiltable 3.0" LCD. Experience the responsiveness of up to 7fps Speed Priority mode. Relish the clarity of 14.2MP and up to ISO 12800 sensitivity. Capture the full range of light and shadow with Auto HDR.

Expanded Live View Flexibility
With two Live View modes, the a550 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.

Image Quality and High Sensitivity
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.

Dynamic Range Management
To capture the highlight and shadow of high contrast scenes, a550 features both DRO and Auto HDR modes. DRO analyzes areas of an image to recover shadow detail while Auto HDR instantly takes two shotsone 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.

Responsive High-speed Shooting
Focus on a subject fast with the a550's 9-area tracking auto focus system, possible even in Live View mode. Capture the decisive moment in sports with a fast shutter speed and 5 frames/sec continu

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

105 of 107 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Is the best possible choice for real-world non-pros now OBE?, February 9, 2010

By 

Tim Naff "Tim" (Huntsville, AL USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sony Alpha DSLR-A550 14.2MP Digital SLR Camera (Body Only) (Electronics)

My original in-depth A550 review was done long before the A580/A560 and A55/A35 came out. They are game changers. This is still an A550 review, but it won't mean much unless I provide some context relative to the new designs. I'm going to summarize the key differences first so maybe you can avoid the long, in-depth discussion of features that follows. If you decide to skip over most of the info, you might just glance at the last two or three paragraphs before moving on.

The A580 and A560 are in essentially the same shell as the A550 and A500. They build on the technology of those designs. The biggest difference is the addition of HD movie shooting. The still-camera differences include marginally increased resolution (A500 = 12.3 megapixels, A550 = 14.2, A560 = 14.2, and A580 = 16.2). This is no big deal except for bragging rights. Be aware that Sony makes its own sensors and makes sensors for some of its competitors. Given Sony's obvious corporate priority on DSLR market share, we have to believe that they won't sell their very best to competitors.

The A580/A560 includes some new features relative to the A550/A500: mirror lock-up on self-timer, which may make a difference for ultimate sharpness on non-hand-held shots; depth-of-field preview, so you can see how much of a scene is in focus before you shoot; a new "hand-held twilight mode," which will significantly reduce low-light noise, may reduce blur and camera shake effects, but may only make sense for near-motionless scenes; and 3D panorama, which will allow you to sweep across a scene and "paint" a wide, panoramic frame.

There are other upgrades, which Sony claims will enhance features that already exist. These include better/faster autofocus, and a very significant improvement to the HDR mode. The autofocus speed on the A500/A550 does not, for me, need improvement so I don't know how to evaluate that upgrade. The in-camera HDR is a trick of reducing loss of detail in shadows while simultaneously reducing white-out of ultra-bright parts of the picture. It only works on static scenes, but it already works well on the A500/A550 (it's one of my favorite Sony exclusives). The use of three frames will double its potential dynamic range advantage as well as make it more practical. I have a more in-depth discussion of the feature later.

If you will make good use of the movie feature, the choice between the one-year-old technology and the new technology is a no-brainer: buy the new. For still-pictures alone, the new technology is easily worth an extra $150 to me personally. An extra $250, however, is a resounding MAYBE for me just based on still-camera differences. I say that, because I've done a wide range of work with the A550, and I absolutely love the camera just like it is. Sometimes better is the enemy of good-enough. I also have an A850, so I can make direct comparisons to it. At the time of this review, the A580s are hard to find, and where they are available, they come only with the kit lens, and vendors are asking over $800. The A560s, a very attractive compromise, aren't even on the market yet.

So what about the A35 and A55? They are not true DSLRs, because they don't "reflex" the mirror. The mirror is partially reflecting, or "translucent," with 30 percent of the light going up to an electronic viewfinder's (EVF's) sensor while 70 percent goes through to the main sensor. The mirror is stationary: it doesn't flip up for picture taking like an SLR. This eliminates mirror slap noise and vibration altogether, but there is no true optical finder, and the main sensor loses light input. They do, however, do an excellent job of shooting movies with autofocus; they are smaller and lighter; and they are quieter than DSLRs. I've tried an A35: the EVF is excellent and can display more info than you can get in an optical finder's window. The loss of light to the sensor equates to loss of 0.514 stop; one third of the effective area of the lens' front optic is lost to the sensor; or, stated one more way, it is equivalent to increasing your lens f-number by 20 percent. (Please, before you disagree, look up the formulas: there are logarithms to base 2 involved.) There is no general loss of contrast, but one reviewer reported measuring image ghosting in the A55. The ghosting will show up as a very thin bright line on the dark side of a bright-dark interface in a picture. The ghosting was down 200x in intensity from the main image (meaning Sony has done a good job of coating the mirror glass.) Message: it is unlikely to matter. Beyond this point, discussions of differences between the A550 and the newer models will be mostly confined to the A550/A500 versus the A580/A560.

In the first version of this review, I wrote that the A550 was ahead of every other camera on the planet (except the A500) in three areas that are critical to non-professionals:

1. low light performance - it is excellent out to ISO 6400 (Pros care about this too.) The A550 is better in this regard than the A900. The A560/A580 "hand-held twilight" feature will further improve noise reduction in dark areas of your pictures of near-static subjects with no loss of picture detail.

2. fast-focusing live view with tilt screen, which is slightly better than two other Sony offerings (350 and 300) and beats all other brands like a drum. Sony has enhanced the fast focusing in the A560/A580, but it's impossible to know how much the enhancements matter in real-world use without testing.

3. high dynamic range (HDR) feature, which, for stationary subjects, will bring images out of the shadows with full detail, like you won't believe. The longer exposure of dark areas will reduce grain. Going to three frames definitely makes this even better in the A560/A580 as I'll explain later.

The following are negatives on the A550 that I pointed out in my original version of my review. I'm now adding comments about the A560/A580's impact on these issues:

1. no mirror lock-up on the A550, not even with the self-timer. Locking up the mirror eliminates any blur-inducing vibration associated with "mirror slap" when pictures are taken. You don't use mirror lockup in hand-held shooting, because it blinds both the viewfinder and live view. The A560/A580 has preliminary lockup on self-timer shots, which, for me, all but eliminates this shortcoming. The A55/A35 eliminates this problem altogether.

2. no program shift, although there is a very useful manual-mode shift, which is often overlooked altogether by professional reviewers. The new designs did not remedy this shortcoming.

3. no depth-of-field preview. The A560/A580 does have depth-of-field preview.
So of my three original superlatives, two out of three have definitely been enhanced with the A560/A580, and the third has as well, at least at the specification level. The new models have also eliminated two out of three of my originally identified shortfalls in the A550. The only outlier is the lack of program shift.

Lately, I've noticed some bloggers bashing the A550 for not having an ISO 100 setting. The A580/A560 has it. We photographers are conditioned to believe that ISO 100 is what you use (when conditions allow) to get the very lowest-noise shots. When we see the A550 not having an ISO 100 setting, we jump to the conclusion that it is not a serious pro-sumer camera. We are wrong when we do that. The ISO of the A550's native sensor is 200, and there would be no benefit in grain or noise reduction by going to 100. What is the A580's native ISO? I don't know, but the A580/A560 manual, which I downloaded, leads me to believe the native ISO is 100. I do know that the professional-grade A900 has an ISO 100 setting, but that sensor is native-200, which means that going to ISO 100 amounts to "throwing photons on the floor." It's equivalent to using a (very high quality) 50 percent neutral density filter. Come on, bloggers, how many of you have really ever used a neutral density filter? In the A550, Sony refused to design its settings around photographers' incorrect pre-conceptions about optimum sensor performance. (There must come a point when more light is no longer better, and nothing in physics says that the point must be ISO 100. It could be 200, 100, 50, 25 or whatever. After all, with all the new anti-shake technology you could often shoot at ISO 25.) Did Sony give in to users' pre-conceptions in the A580? We'll find out later when we learn more about the senor. In the words of Forest Gump, "That's all I have to say about that."

The rest of this review will explain the six features identified above and their associated benefits and liabilities, point out some other key discriminators, provide recommendations for sources of additional information, and offer suggestions for accessory purchases. I'll note one other important item that the professional reviewers, to a man, got wrong about the A550. Finally, and you may want to skip ahead to this, I'll cover the differences between the A550 and the A500, from one real-world user's perspective.

There are three kinds of potential buyers for this camera: those who already own a Sony or a Minolta autofocus SLR (digital or film), those who own another brand of autofocus SLR, and those who would be newcomers to autofocus SLRs but typically already have compact digital cameras. Most of the first group is pretty much already in Sony's pocket, because they have sunk cost in lenses and accessories that they can use on the A550/A500 or a newer model. The second group will be a very hard sell because they're fully vested in another brand. The third group is wide open, and the obvious opportunity for Sony's DSLR brand... Read more ›

51 of 53 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Good camera, October 30, 2009

By 

Jackal (New Hampshire) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Sony Alpha DSLR-A550 14.2MP Digital SLR Camera (Body Only) (Electronics)

I'm happy with this camera. However, the development of digital cameras is very fast so the camera is likely to be behind cutting edge in a couple of years. I bought this camera because it is not that expensive, so one can always upgrade. Some good and bad things:
- Steady shot makes it possible to take very sharp pictures at 1/15.
- Quite decent performance up to ASA 800. I can go up to ASA 12,800, which results in noise, but also sharp pictures in very low light. If you, like me, hate using the flash, this is great. I'd rather have grain than flat flash light.
- Very sharp live viewfinder. I cannot do without this facility anymore. Not many higher-end DSLR cameras have this function yet.
- The autofocus does not work that well in low light. However, the Manual Focus Live Viewfinder function is very good when using manual focus in low light and low contrast settings. Even if it is very dark the scene is lit up in the viewfinder and manual focusing becomes easy. Still it is very annoying that the camera doesn't have some kind of infrared focusing in darkness. The manual focusing works but it is also not that quick and it requires the LCD screen mode (not the viewfinder mode)
- The camera could be better prepared for HDR (high dynamic range) photography. There is a built in function taking two shots (great!). This works okay if you don't use the 'auto' setting, which just give a very small adjustment. In high contrast settings (or if you use PC software) you need three or four photos. However, taking bracketed exposures in 1 or 2 EV steps is not possible. I can do bracketed exposures in 0.3 or 0.7, so Sony is clearly holding back on performance for the next model in 2010 (bad!).
- The camera fits okay in my standard male sized hands. Bigger might fit better but it is also nice that the camera is not bulky.
- Information panel is informative, except for ASA level when using ASA Auto setting. It would have been very nice to know what ASA level the camera decide to use when in Program mode. ASA is as important as aperture and shutter speed.

If you buy this camera, skip the 18-55 lens and go for the 18-250 lens instead Sony SAL18250 Alpha DT 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3 High Magnification Zoom Lens w/Lens Hood. That is a good allround lens, a bit slow but an amazing range, 27-375mm equivalent. I actually don't find a 200mm zoom that useful, but when you can go up to 375mm new opportunities open up. If you want to spend some more, get the 50mm f/1.4 Sony 50mm f/1.4 Lens for Sony Alpha Digital SLR Camera. That lens will function like 75mm, which is not optimal but that is really the only chance of getting a wide open aperture lens. (Sony also sells a 35mm f/1.4, but that is very expensive and has received poor reviews.) The advantage with the 50mm f/1.4 lens is that it is full-frame so it can be used when you later upgrade to a fullformat camera.

I would also recommend getting Sony Alpha RMT-DSLR1 Camera Remote (Black). This is both cheaper and more functional than the wired remote Sony RM-S1AM Remote Commander for Sony Alpha Digital SLR Camera. See my reviews of those products

21 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent upgrade from A300, November 17, 2009

By 

Jeffrey M. Curtis "maui2k9" (Allen, TX) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Sony Alpha DSLR-A550 14.2MP Digital SLR Camera (Body Only) (Electronics)

I sold my A300 in anticipation of the A550 and I am very happy with that decision. The A500/550 are targeted towards the A300/350 user base and upgraders from the existing A330/380. This is not meant to be a replacement for the A700 as some review sites had been wishing for. I am extremely pleased with the camera up to this point (about a month as of this review).

The improvements over the A3xx series in my view are:
1) Much improved LCD - it is much sharper than the A3xx series and also the A500
2) High ISO is also much improved over the A3xx series cameras
3) FPS is much faster and makes this camera much more suitable for catching action shots than the A3xx series
4) Improved button layout
5) SD card compatible (subjective)
6) Easy to use menu system
7) Built in HDR
8) Better built in flash
9) Exposure is spot on and colors are great

The not so good
1) Power switch takes some getting used to. It is in a position much like Nikon and Pentax cameras which is not familiar for existing Minolta/Alpha users. It took me a few days to get used to the power switch being near the jog dial, but I have adjusted and it is not a big deal any more.
2) No video - I do not care much about this, however it is a feature that helps sell cameras and Sony needs to step up here to help increase marker share in the dSLR arena
3) Lack of MLU (Mirror Lock Up) - again this has little value to me, but is a selling point at least to the more advanced user base
4) Lack of Program Shift - another one that is a feature the more advanced users would like to have that was in the A300/350 granted it was clumsy to use

Overall I am enjoying my camera immensely. The LCD and Built in Stabilization make differentiate this camera from Nikon and Canon and make this a great choice for me. I have had 3 previous Minolta Maxxum cameras in the late 1980's - 1990's and Sony in my opinion is doing a good job. They have more work to do and need to make cameras that have a wow factor to win more market share and these cameras are a good step in the right direction. Once Sony adds video and some of the more basic missing features, the critics will quiet down...