The Sony Alpha A550 is sporting the latest generation of CMOS sensors. Coupled with BIONZ image processor, the Sony A550 Single Lens Kit 18-55 is optimized for low-light performance and boast a range of up to 12800 ISO.
Our Rating 
(4/5)
Good: Generally above-average performance for its class; excellent high ISO sensitivity profile relative to competitors; large, tilting LCD; fast Live View autofocus.
Bad: Poor color accuracy; Live View provides only 90 percent coverage; awkward design for shooting via optical viewfinder; no video.
The new Sony DSLR-A550 provides excellent picture quality, particularly in low-light scenarios. A new generation of Sony(R) Exmor CMOS image sensors employ new low-noise processing for high-quality pictures. The BIONZ image processor has color-noise reduction that helps achieve low noise up to ISO 12800, without sacrificing fine detail.
Fast Shooting Speeds
The Sony DSLR-A550 camera is the first DSLR in its class with seven frames per second shooting speed for under $1,000. 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.
In-Camera High Dynamic Range
The A550 is one of the Sony’s first DSLR cameras that offer an in-camera High Dynamic Range (HDR) feature for capturing highlights and shadows, which processes the image within two seconds. 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.
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The feature handles severe backlighting and other high-contrast scenes like looking out a window into bright daylight. The in-camera auto HDR technology combines the highlight and shadow detail of two separate captures into one remarkably natural looking image.
PhotoReview.au writes:
“Image noise was negligible up to ISO 400, although by ISO 3200, pattern and colour noise had become obvious in long exposures with the in-camera noise-reduction processing turned off.”
DCI writes:
“The A550 has a very comfortable, rubberized grip and thumb rest, making it easy to hold securely even when moving quickly. The buttons and dials are well positioned, though the four-way controller is a bit too compact for our tastes.“
Steve’sDigicams writes:
“The A550’s focus system worked nicely, easily tracking moving subjects, performing better than expected. The only minor complaint was that the frame rate was not quite as fast as advertised when using Continuous Autofocus (the camera slows down just a bit when shooting rapidly moving subjects, apparently to help insure greater accuracy). Overall, we found that it was a fast and reliable system, giving a high percentage of in focus images in tougher conditions..”
PhotographyBay writes:
“The A550 covers ISO 200-12800, which is pretty impressive for a consumer-oriented camera. I never expected the A550 to really do that great with noise control at higher ISOs, and I wasn’t really surprised. “
AlphaMountWorld writes:
“In every day usage the difference is basically invisible. Make no mistake about it, the A5xx cameras are terrific high ISO cameras. If some one is coming from a Sony A2xx or A3xx the improvement in high ISO results will be very gratifying.”
CameraLabs writes:
“So long as you’re happy to trade video and the features mentioned above for speed and fuss-free operation, the A550 easily comes Recommended. But like the A380 before it, the cheaper sibling – in this case the A500 – could end up being the preferred choice.”
Photozone writes:
“Summing up the Sony A550 represents an very good package not only for beginners but also for enthusiasts. The camera is on par with the Canon EOS 500D and the Nikon D5000…All in all – recommended! “
PCMag writes:
“I’m impressed by the speedy A550, with its top-notch, user-friendly interface and versatile 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 lens. And it takes beautiful pictures, even in low light. You could save a few bucks and go for the less-expensive Nikon D5000 or Canon T2i, which offer comparable image quality and add HD video capture, but these cameras lack the snappy autofocus and 7 fps burst mode you get with the A550.”
Improved Live View
Because composing shots on the LCD monitor is becoming increasingly important to DSLR users, Sony has equipped this camera with two Live View functions and a 3-inch (measured diagonally) LCD screen that tilts 90 degrees up or down.
Sony’s Quick AF Live View uses two sensors to maintain the same focusing speed as with the optical viewfinder. While the speed of Quick AF Live View is ideal for every day shooting, Manual Focus Check Live View enables critical framing and magnification for setting precise manual focus in macro and tripod shooting. 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.
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 is the world’s first Face Detection system to work with fast, high-precision “phase detection” Auto Focus. By tracking up to eight faces, this system can prioritize auto focus points on a face, and optimize exposure and white balance for beautiful portraits.
The Sony DSLR-A550 is one the Sony’s first DSLR cameras that include Smile Shutter((TM)) technology in Live View, which takes the shot when your subject smiles. It works with Quick Auto Focus Live View to capture spontaneous moments.
Key features
- 12.3 and 14.2 mp CMOS Exmor sensors
- Manual Focus Check Live View using the main imaging sensor
- 7fps in optical viewfinder mode
- New user interface
- HDR mode that combines multiple exposures
- 5-level manually selectable Dynamic Range Optimization
- Screen articulates up or down by 90 degrees
- Increased battery life
Image stabilization helps take blur-free shots by compensating for camera shake. Typical DSLR systems build image stabilization into selected lenses only. SteadyShot INSIDE(TM) image stabilization is built into the camera body itself. Blur will also be reduced with every A-mount lens, including macro and wide aperture standard zoom lenses, with an effect equivalent to shutter speeds faster by 2.5 to 4 stops
To make the benefits of macro photography easier and more accessible, Sony is making available at retail the DT 30mm F/2.8 (model SAL30M28) macro lens. It captures intricate close-ups, which is difficult to achieve with standard lenses and is only compatible with APS-C format DSLRs.
Memory Cards
For higher capacity storage with greater connectivity and faster transfer speeds, the new DSLRs are compatible with Sony’s newest 32GB Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo(TM) HX media. 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.
Using the HX series media, Sony a (alpha) DSLR users can confidently enjoy advanced features such as continuous-shooting photography and realize higher transfer rates of large capacity files to their compatible PC (via supplied USB adapter).
The Sony DSLR-A550 includes dedicated slots for high-capacity Memory Stick PRO Duo(TM), Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo(TM), HX series and SD/SDHC media (all sold separately).
S P E C I F I C A T I O N
Viewfinder
- Diopter Adjustment : -2.5 – +1.0m-1
- Eye relief : Approx. 19 mm from the eyepiece, Approx. 15 mm from the eyepiece frame at -1 diopter
- Field of View : 95%
- Focusing Screen : Spherical Acute Matte Screen
- Magnification : 0.80x (with 50mm lens at infinity)
- Type : Fixed eye-level, penta-Dach-mirror
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™ LCD 4 (921,600 pixels)
Operating Conditions
- Operating Temperature : 32 – 104 degrees F (0 – 40 degrees C)
Service and Warranty Information
- Limited Warranty Term : 1 Year Parts & Labor
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)
Power
- Battery Type : NP-FM500H
- Number of Shots : Approx. 1000 images with viewfinder, approx. 520 images in live view mode (CIPA standard)
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)
Convenience
- Anti-dust function : Charge protection coating on low pass filter and image-sensor shift mechanism
- BRAVIA® Sync™ : Yes, via HDMI with compatible BRAVIA HDTV
- Creative Style : Standard, Vivid, Portrait, Landscape, Sunset, B/W Setting Adj. for; Contrast, Saturation, Sharpness
- Dynamic 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)
- Live View : Quick Auto Focus Live View Manual Focus Check Live View
- Scene Mode(s) : Flash Off, Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Sports Action, Sunset, Night portrait
- User Interface : “Easy-to-understand Graphic Display and on-screen Help Guide User-friendly function menu”
General
- Camera Type : Sony a 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 a 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
- Still Actual 16:9 : L (12M): 4592 X 2576 M (6.3M): 3344 X 1872 S (2.9M): 2288 X 1280
- Still Actual 3:2 : L (14M): 4592 X 3056 M (7.4M): 344 X 2224 S (3.5M): 2288 X 1520
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