Sony Digital SLR
Two DSLR Models Reviewed

Sony a55 Digital Camera

Features - Average

Price - Low

Sony surprised us all with three new DSLR cameras in 2010; the a55, a33 and a560. Each one is priced under $1000 and they pack a lot of punch for their price. They are a good choice for someone just entering the market. Here is a summary of the a55 model.

Change the way you shoot pictures with Sony's new Translucent Mirror Technology DSLR camera. The SLT-A55V Alpha DSLR camera features professional-grade continuous shooting at 10 fps and visibly faster, more accurate focus in Live View and HD Movie modes. Compose your shots on either the LCD monitor or electronic viewfinder with 100% framing accuracy. Advanced features including Auto HDR, Sweep Panorama and 15-point Auto Focus make it dramatically easier to get the best shot.

List price - $750 body only; $850 with kit lens

Sony a55 Full Specifications

* Burst Buffer : JPEG Standard (39 shots) JPEG Fine (35 shots) RAW (20 shots) RAW+JPEG (20 shots)

* Continuous Shooting Speed : Continuous (up to 6fps) Speed Priority (10fps)

* Drive Mode : Single-shot, Continuous shooting (Hi/Lo selectable), Self-timer (10/2 sec delay selectable), Remote commander (RMT-DSLR1 Sold Separately)

* Flash Sync Speed : 1/160 seconds

* Self-timer : 2-sec. or 10-sec. delay,

* Shutter Speeds : 1/4000 to 30 seconds, bulb

* Shutter Type : Electronically-controlled, vertical-traverse, focal-plane shutter

* Focus System : TTL phase detection AF (CCD line sensors)

* Focus Points : 15 points (3 points cross type)

* AF Modes : Single-shot AF, Automatic AF, Continuous AF, Manual Focus

* Focus Features : Predictive Focus Control, Focus Lock

* AF Illuminator : Built-in flash, Range: approx. 3' - 15' (1m-5m)

* Advanced User Interface : Easy-to-understand Graphic Display and on-screen Help Guide User-friendly function menu

* Anti Motion Blur : 6-image layering

* Auto High Dynamic Range : Yes, (Off/On, Auto Exposure Difference, Exposure difference Level (1-6 EV at 1.0 EV step)

* Face Detection : Off, Auto, Child Priority, Adult Priority (up to 8 faces detectable)

* Smile Shutter™ technology : Yes - Off, Slight, Normal, Big

* Image Stabilization : SteadyShot INSIDE in-body image stabilization

* Anti-Dust : Charge protection coating on Low-Pass Filter and Image Sensor-Shift mechanism

* Effective Picture Resolution : Approx. 16.2 megapixels

* Focal Length Conversion Factor : 1.5x

* Color Filter System : RGB primary color filter

* Metering Modes : Multi-segment, Center-weighted, Spot

* Exposure Settings : Auto (AUTO), Auto Advanced (AUTO+), Program Auto (P), Aperture priority (A), Shutter-speed priority (S), Manual (M), Sweep Panorama (2D/3D), Continuous Advance Priority AE

* Scene Mode(s) : Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Sports action, Sunset, Night portrait, Night View, Handheld Twilight

* Creative Style : Standard, Vivid, Portrait, Landscape, Sunset, B/W (Contrast, Saturation, Sharpness adjustable in +/-3 steps)

*NR (up to ISO 25600)

*Noise Reduction : Long exp. NR: (On/Off, available of shutter speeds longer than 1 sec.)

Sony Alpha 900

Features - Very good

Price - High

The latest model Sony is the Alpha 900. It packs alot of very powerful features in this mighty camera and is in a serious competitor with the Canon 5D and Nikon D700. Here is what a summary of its outstanding features:

• full frame sensor
• 24.6 MP
• steadyshot inside - image stabilization
• 100% viewfinder accuracy
• 0.74x viewfinder magnification
• big bright pentaprism viewfinder
• powerful Bionz image processors

List price - $3000 body only

Sony Alpha 900 Full Description

TYPE:The new standard in digital photography has arrived with the Sony a (alpha) DSLR-A900. Packed with features, this flagship DSLR is the first a (alpha) to incorporate a 35mm full frame image sensor and 24.6-megapixel resolution. It also incorporates the world's first body-integrated, full-size SteadyShot INSIDE™ image stabilization technology.You'll also experience a larger capture area, improved wide-angle performance and tighter depth of field control with the new full frame Exmor™ CMOS image sensor. Equipped with Dual BIONZ™ imaging processors, the alpha A900 delivers continuous shooting up to 5 fps with superb image quality and ultra-low noise. The A900 also offers a large, ultra-bright glass pentaprism viewfinder with 100 percent coverage, a 3.0-inch Xtra Fine LCD™ display and HDMI™ output with PhotoTV HD compatibility.

35mm full frame 24.6MP Exmor™ CMOS image sensorThe A900 features a 35mm full frame Exmor™ CMOS image sensor that is approximately 2.35x larger than the APS-C sized sensors found in many DSLR cameras. The result is a larger capture area, improved wide angle performance, and tighter depth of field control. In addition, its 24.6MP resolution maximizes the resolving power of your existing lenses and delivers sharper, higher contrast photos.

SteadyShot INSIDE™ in-camera image stabilization:Building on years of expertise, Sony has developed the world’s first body-integrated image stabilization solution for a full frame DSLR1. The SteadyShot INSIDE™ in-camera image stabilizer actually shifts the image sensor to compensate for camera shake without sacrificing image quality. The compensation effect is equal to as many as four shutter speed steps, giving you more creative freedom when shooting in low light. And, because it is integrated into the camera body, SteadyShot INSIDE technology works with all compatible a(alpha)system lenses.

Sony Alpha 900 Full Specifications

* Dimensions (Approx.) : (WHD) 6 1/8* x 4 5/8* x 3 1/4" (156.3x116.9x81.9 mm) (excl. protrusions)

* Burst Mode : 5 fps max

* Color Mode(s) : Standard, Vivid, Neutral, Clear, Deep, Light, Portrait, Landscape, Sunset, Night view, Autumn, B/W, Sepia

* Self Timer : Yes (10 seconds, 2 seconds with mirror-up function)

* White Balance : Auto plus 6 Modes (Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent, Flash); +/- 3-step adjustable Kelvin temperature control (2500-9900k w/19-step Magenta/Green compensation).

* LCD : 3.0" TFT Xtra Fine™ (921k pixels) LCD

* Viewfinder : Optical: TTL, 0.74 x, Diopter -1m-1 100% coverage of 35 mm Full-frame area.

* Battery Capacity : 7.2V, CIPA standard: approx. 880 pictures

* Battery Type : NP-FM500H Lithium-ion rechargeable battery

* Imaging Device : 24.6 megapixel (effective) 35mm full frame Exmor™ CMOS image sensor; RGB primary color filter

* Megapixel : 24.6 MP

* AF Illuminator Light : Yes (Built-in LED)

* Multi-Pattern Measuring : Switchable: 40 segment honeycomb pattern; Center Weighted, Spot

* Scene Mode(s) : Standard, Vivid, Neutral, Clear, Deep, Light, Portrait, Landscape, Sunset, Night view, Autumn, B/W, Sepia

* BIONZ™ Engine : Dual BIONZ™ processors

* Focus : Auto Focus: TTL Phase Detection, Dual-cross 9 point AF w/ 10 assist focus points for Wide AF.. Focus Mode: Single-shot AF, Automatic AF, Continuous AF, Direct Manual Focus, Manual focus Focus Area: Wide focus (Auto – 9 areas), Spot focus, Local focus (9 local areas selection with the multi-selector)

* Lens Type : Interchangeable A-mount

* Shutter Speed : 1/8000 second - 30 seconds, bulb

* Flash Effective Range : No Built-in Flash (Compatible with Sony a System Flash)

* Flash Mode(s) : Auto, Fill-flash, Rear flash sync, High Speed Sync, Wireless off camera flash

* HD Output : Yes (w/ optional HDMI cable)

* Output(s) : Video and HMDI: NTSC/PAL Selectable

* USB Port(s) : Yes, Supports USB 2.0 Hi-speed

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