Sony Alpha SLT-A33 review

A55 for the win!

Hmm, mind me asking, but why the heck is the value only 18/20, whilst that is still very high, it should be 20/20 fo shizm, you get features that are on a semi pro/pro level all for around 600 quid, hmmm? Things are looking good for the a55 annyway :)

Is the kit lens a good bet or would a third party upgrade around £250 be a better bet? Also how does the A55 rate compared to the A33?

I played with this camera in a shop before reading this review. I have concerns that the 70% image reduction of the mirror will hinder astro photography where very long exposures are required. Will an even longer exposure be needed which will result in image blur?

Mark - I'd err on the side of caution for astrophotography, depending on the size of the light-emitting bodies that you'll be shooting. The ghosting issue of this camera could prove problematic from 'small-scale' stars within the frame, as you may end up with a repeat ghost image. As for the 70% light passing design, it's not an issue to the final resulting quality (on the assumption you're shooting long exposures at lower ISO settings (as per any DSLR/SLT)).

Thanks for all your comments. Decided on A33, just purchsed for £499 at Jessops. Excellent value.

I've now had my A33 for just on 2 weeks. Before I had a bridge Kodak, (which I loved dearly and thought met my needs fully). Within a day I realised that this camera was an absolute treat. I have small hands and it fits perfectly, all the grips are in the exact place I need them. Mine was bought from Jessops as a bundle with a Tamron lense capable of macro too. I've bought a few accessories - extra battery - I'd say this is essential and a remote control. My absolute favourite feature is the 'panorama'. You just set the button and move the camera from one side of the scene to the other - the camera does everything else. I've photographed just about everything that moves, (and doesn't move) and have had very few that haven't worked. I'm also disabled and the fact that the screen can be angled so I can take pics low down or up high is really useful. Can you tell I love this camera? Probably! Sorry I'm not being more technical but I also love the fact that the screens are really easy to use. They tell you exactly what everything 'does' so no more leafing through instruction books before trying to take a special photo. I was quite scared of moving from bridge upwards when my beloved bridge's sensor failed but there was no reason to be. Hubs is now looking at a higher spec in this range despite having a dslr already.

I JUST NOTICED YOUR RATING ON THE IMAGE OF THE SONY A33...I THINK YOU SHOULD CHANGE YOUR LENS!..YOU WOULD BE SURPRISED WHAT A QUALITY LENS WILL DO FOR THE IMAGE PART. THANK YOU.