Sony's A33 uses new translucent mirror technology in a digital camera for the first time. Is this the beginning of the end for DSLR cameras as we know them? That What Digital Camera Sony Alpha A33 review...
Sony Alpha A33 Review
Verdict
Sony Alpha SLT-A33 review – Verdict
The A33 undoubtedly opens new doors and Sony’s clear-cut commitment to pushing new technology into the photo market is
an interesting angle for a company looking for new approaches to capture today’s demanding audiences. Digital technologies are changing and it has to be said so are consumer’s expectations. While a year or
so ago many noses would have turned at the mere suggestion of an Electronic Viewfinder the technology has come on
in leaps and bounds. It may still not be perfect and, indeed, the EVF may be the A33’s greatest challenge. Though that sounds rather cynical as, in actuality, the A33 is an innovative, super-fast and top quality camera that feels much the same as using a ‘new age’ DSLR camera. There are one or two small improvements that could be made, but all things considered, this is new technology pushing the boundaries. The super-fast autofocus in live view and continuous focus burst modes actually work a treat. An exciting development that looks to be a step further towards the end of DSLR cameras as they once were – and not in a negative manner.
Details
Sensor:14.2 Megapixel Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor
Output Size:4592 x 3056
Focal Length Mag:1.5x
LCD:3in, 921k-dot, tilt-angle, TruBlack LCD
DoF Prview:Yes
Max Flash Sync:1/160th
AF Points:15-point system with 3 cross type sensors
Built-in Flash:Yes, GN 10
Colour Temp Control:2500 – 9900 Kelvin
White Balance Bracket:3 frames, Selectable 2 steps
Colour Space:sRGB, Adobe RGB
Exposure Comp:Yes, ±2EV (in 1/3 stops)
Focusing Modes:Single, Automatic, Continuous, Manual Focus
Dust Reduction:Yes, Charge protection coating on Low-Pass Filter and electromagnetic vibration mechanism
Built-in Image Stabilisation:Yes, sensor-based Super SteadyShot
Weight:433g (no battery or card)
Movie Mode:1080i HD capture at 50 interlanced fields per second. AVCHD format.
Live Mode:Yes
Power:Rechargeable li-ion battery
Dimensions:124.4 x 92 x 84.7mm
Connectivity:HDMI (c-type), USB (standard mini connection)
Field of View:100%
Memory Card:SD / SDHC / SDXC / Memory Stick Pro
Viewfinder Type:Electronic Viewfinder; 1.15M-dots 100% field of view
Drive Mode:Single, Continuous, 10 seconds and 2 seconds Self-timer, Max.7 fps in Continuous Advance Priority AE, max. 6 fps in Drive Mode
White Balance:Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Incandescent, Fluorescent, Flash, Setting the color temperature
ISO:100-12,800
Metering System:1200-zone evaluative metering
Exposure Modes:P, A, S, M, Continuous Advance Priority AE, Sweep Panorama, Scene, Flash Off, Auto, Auto+
Compression:Fine or Standard (JPEG)
Shutter Speeds:30 – 1/4000th second (plus Bulb)
File Format:JPEG, RAW (ARW), RAW + JPEG
Lens Mount:Sony A-mount (Minolta-fit)