ony Alpha a550L | Sony a550L DSLR Camera Body | DSLR-A550L

Sony a550L DSLR Camera and Lens

Model number: DSLR-A550L

Rated 4.4 out of 5 stars

Model Features: 14.2MP, CMOS image sensor, two types of Live View, Face Detection, Smile Shutter™ technology, tiltable 3.0" LCD, up to 7 fps continuous shooting, 18-55mm DT zoom lens included

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Position 1 Overview
Position 2 Features
Position 3 Specifications
Position 5 Reviews
Position 6 Accessories
Position 7 Compatability

The Camera for Photographers

For a higher level of performance, step up to the Sony α550 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.

200 ISO VS. 6400 ISO

Expanded Live View Flexibility

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.

View Quick Auto Focus Live View

View Manual Focus Check Live View
OPTIMUM SHADOW / HIGHLIGHT DETAIL

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.

View Images
Dynamic Range Management

To capture the highlight and shadow of high contrast scenes, α550 features both DRO and Auto HDR modes. 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.

See How Auto HDR Works
Responsive High-speed Shooting

Focus on a subject fast with the α550'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 continuous shooting (optical VF, 4 fps Live View). You can even shoot up to a blazing 7 frames/sec in Speed Priority mode.

Explore Continuous Shooting
Informative User Interface

An integrated on-screen Help Guide and Graphic Display improve on the already easy-to-use menu. The Help Guide provides a selectable, handy reference to the camera's modes and settings while the Graphic Display illustrates the relationship between aperture and shutter speed, and can be superimposed on the Live View display.

View Graphic Display

View Help Guide
Get the Best Shot

Quick AF Live View is enhanced with Face Detection and Smile Shutter^™ technology. 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.

Learn more about Face Detection

Learn more about SteadyShot INSIDE^™

200 ISO VS. 6400 ISO

Outstanding picture quality begins with the Sony α550L DSLR camera. Featuring 14.2 megapixel resolution for incredible detail and gorgeous enlargements, the α550 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. The α550L comes with a DT 18-55mm lens zoom lens.

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 α550 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 α550 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 α550 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.

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 α550 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 compatibility³

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 α550 accepts Memory Stick PRO Duo™/Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo™ and SD/SDHC media (sold separately).

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 α550 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" LCD⁴

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"LCD⁴ 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 α550 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 α550 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 remote¹.

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 1000 Shots²of battery life

Take up to 1000 shots on a single charge (optical viewfinder mode)¹; up to 520 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.

Product Specifications

Recording

Media Type : Memory Stick PRO Duo™ media, SD and SDHC memory card
Still Image Mode : RAW, RAW+JPEG, JPEG Fine, JPEG Standard
Still Image Max Effective Resolution : Approx. 14.2 megapixels
Still Image Size 16:9 : L (12M): 4592 X 2576 M (6.3M): 3344 X 1872 S (2.9M): 2288 X 1280
Still Image Size 3:2 : L (14M): 4592 X 3056 M (7.4M): 344 X 2224 S (3.5M): 2288 X 1520

LCD Display

LCD Type : 3” TFT Xtra Fine™ LCD⁴ (921,600 pixels)
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)
Live View : Quick Auto Focus Live View Manual Focus Check Live View

Drive System

Drive Mode : Single-shot, Continuous, Speed Priority, Self-timer, Bracketong; Cont./ WB, Remote Commander

Interface

BRAVIA® Sync™ : Yes, via HDMI with compatible BRAVIA HDTV
HD Output : HDMI
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

Supplied Software : PMB (Picture Motion Browser) 4.3.01 Image Data Converter SR 3.1 Image Data Lightbox SR
Operating System Compatibility : Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional Windows XP*SP2 Windows Vista Mac OS X(v10.1.3) or later

Camera

Camera Type : Sony Digital SLR camera with built-in flash and inter-changeable lenses

Optics/Lens

Lens Mount Type : Sony α lens, Minolta and Konica Minolta AF lens

Focus Control

Focus System : TTL phase detection system
Focus Points : 9 points
AF Modes : Single-shot AF, Automatic AF, Continuous AF, (AF/MF selectable)
Focus Area : Wide (Up to 9 active focus points), Spot, Local (9 local areas selectable)
Focus Sensitivity : EV0 - 18 (ISO100)
Focus Features : Manual Focus Check Live View Predictive control, Focus lock, Eye-start AF, AF illuminator

Flash

Flash Compensation : �2EV (in 1/3 EV-stop increments)
Flash Coverage : 18mm in focal-length of lens attached
Recycling Time : Approx. 4 sec.
Flash Metering System : ADI flash (automatic change for Pre-flash TTL)
Flash Modes : Auto, Fill-flash, Slow sync, Rear sync, Wireless
Flash Type : Flash escamotable automatique
Guide Number : 12 (in meters at ISO100)

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

Imaging Sensor

Imaging Sensor : APS-C size Exmor™ CMOS sensor (23.5 X 15.6mm)
Processor : BIONZ™ image processor
Anti Dust : Charge protection coating on low pass filter and image-sensor shift mechanism
Pixel Gross : Approx. 14.6 megapixels
Color Filter System : RGB primary color filters

Viewfinder

Type : Fixed eye-level, penta-Dach-mirror
Diopter Adjustment : -2.5 - +1.0m-1
Field of View : 95%
Focusing Screen : Spherical Acute Matte Screen
Magnification : 0.80x (with 50mm lens at infinity)

Exposure System

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)
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)
Scene Mode(s) : Flash Off, Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Sports Action, Sunset, Night portrait;Flash Off, Portrait,Landscape,Macro,Sports action,Sunset,Night portrait
D-Range Optimizer : DRO; off, Auto/Level (Lv1-5) Auto HDR; off, Auto Exp. (Up to 3EV between 1.0-3.0EV in 0.5EV steps)
Creative Style : Standard, Vivid, Portrait, Landscape, Sunset, B/W Setting Adj. for; Contrast, Saturation, Sharpness
ISO : Auto, 200 to 12800
White Balance Mode : Auto,Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Incandescent, Fluorescent, Flash, Color temp.,Color Filter, Custom

Advanced Features

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

Power

Battery Type : NP-FM500H
Number of Still Images : Approx. 1000 images with viewfinder, approx. 520 images in live view mode (CIPA standard)

In the Box

NP-FM500H Rechargeable Battery
Body cap

SAL1855 SAM DT Lens
Power Cord
Software CD-ROM

BC-VM10 Battery Charger
Shoulder strap
USB cable

Product Profile

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DSLR-A550L 4.4 5 9 9

Total DSLR perfection. Before I start my review, I'll point out I didn't just click away at all the 5 star ratings just to see them light up. I wouldn't bother writing a review if I weren't to be honest about it. The first thing I noticed about the camera is it's significant weight, it's not heavy but it's clearly built better than comparable Nikon/Canon models after holding them both and has great structure design in comparison. I also love the synthetic rubber on most of the body. Button placement and menu UI couldn't be designed any better - very simple, very quick & easy to change settings on the go. Also very easy & efficient to go through your pictures on the camera itself - you won't have to flip through them on your computer. Lens switching is incredibly fast with the alpha series cameras, you can get one off and another one on in less than 10 seconds. Not much more I can say about it, it's a fantastic camera. It reeks of quality. Here are a few pictures I took with it within a few hours of opening the box. To sum it up, I'd say it's the absolute best entry level DSLR you can get. It's easy enough for any photography student to use, but with it you'll definitely have the ability to take mid-level+ pictures. No one will know you're an amateur because of your camera - it won't hold you back. August 22, 2010

Very good quality and outstanding performance. This is my first Digital camera, have alway used Minolta 35 mm. This camera has put two world of photorghaphy into one camera. the 7fps is awsome and the quality of the workmanship is great. The fact that you can use your Minolta lenses was a big factor in my purchase of the A550. It is very easy to use. Thank you Sony for making a Digital camera that is more like a 35MM with the fast start up time. Would recomend this camera to everyone. August 18, 2010

Quick and worth the money I needed fast actions shot and it came in good. lot quick than my a350 May 26, 2010

Excellent IQ Crisp , Sharp photos , Great High Iso performance are only some of the great features of this camera May 15, 2010

VIEW FOOTNOTES

4. Viewable area measured diagonally.

1.Works with other BRAVIA® Sync™ or Theatre Sync™ labeled HDTVs when connected via HDMI interface.

2.When fully charged. Actual results may vary based on product settings, usage patterns and environmental conditions.

3. Compatible BRAVIA® HDTV, and HDMI or component cable (sold separately) required for PhotoTV HD viewing. Specifications for BRAVIA HDTV shown vary according to market region.

© 2009 Sony Electronics Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Sony, α, BIONZ, BRAVIA, Clear Photo LCD, Exmor, HDNA, InfoLITHIUM, Memory Stick, Memory Stick PRO Duo, Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo, Smile Shutter, Stamina, SteadyShot INSIDE are trademarks of Sony. HDMI is a trademark of HDMI Licensing LLC. All other trademarks are trademarks of their respective owners. Non-metric weights and measurements are approximate and may vary.