Sony Alpha A55 review
Value & Verdict
Sony Alpha A55 review - Value & Verdict
Sony A55 review - Value
At the £700 price point there's nothing else on the market that can match the 10fps continuous focus - a notable benefit of the SLT technology that even out-performs (in terms of speed, at least) the Nikon D300s. However, there are some fairly big differences in the level of control the A55 offers compared to what a professional DSLR can provide, but the difference in prices more than justifies this.
Those looking for
super-fast shooting will be suitably impressed and when considering the high resolution, image stabilisation, GPS and movie mode,
the A55 and, indeed, the A33 look to be among the most rewarding and valuable models available.
Sony A55 review - Verdict
Sony's new SLT technology is highly impressive and offers a cost-effective way to achieve super-fast autofocus with an impressive burst rate. Indeed this could be the first stepping-stone to the end of traditional DSLRs as we know them.
Although the electronic viewfinder may not be to everyone's tastes and isn't especially impressive in low light, these are relatively small hurdles when considering just what the A55 can do. In any case, we're sure future models will improve the EVF's performance in low-light.
This is a very innovative camera and there is currently nothing else out there (save the Sony A33) that can compete
on quite the same level. The autofocus
in HD movie mode takes away many
of the issues that DSLR cameras would otherwise suffer from, while general performance is impressive. Additional touches, such as the built-in GPS are
a further nod towards just how technologically advanced the A55 is.
Overall this is quite an achievement that gets a big thumbs up.
Have your say!
Latest comments
June 13 09:31
ML
If there was no mirror then no light would bounce back to feed the autofocus sensor - and then there would be no full time AF, you'd have something more similar to a compact system camera.
June 27 07:40
Danmark
I've really enjoyed that camera as it had good ergonomics, a great 35mm to 420mm 12x zoom lens, shot video, a good set of features, and pretty good stills. However I found it limited me in three areas (there's always something right?):
July 19 12:10
nette
does this have an anti-shake feature? 'm just in the market for a best buy digital slr cam.
October 14 23:04
bigdaveg40
Info update: Firmware update 2 was released in the summer, which included fancy effects & improvements, and at this moment in time (Oct 14th 2011), you can buy an A55 with lens for about £480 (after £50 cashback).