Sony Entry Level DSLR Sony Alpha SLT-A55
| Sony Alpha SLT-A55 |
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Technical Specifications
Review Taking a huge risk by launching the Alpha SLT A55, Sony introduced the translucent mirror technology as the new way of shooting, and the technology is a sure winner all the way. The A55 does not have the single-lens reflex action, which gives the SLRs their name. Instead it has a translucent mirror, known as pellicle mirror, which lets 70% of the light enter through the main sensor while bouncing up the rest to a phase-detection autofocus sensor. By this the photographer gets continuous autofocus, both while shooting moving objects, as well as while shooting videos. So, when you are shooting on this continuous auofocus, your camera is blazingly fast capturing around 10 fps! Thanks to the fixed mirror, the size of the camera has also reduced considerably. But though the size has decreased, the camera is light with a solid, rubberized hand grip. Also, due to the absence of moving mirror, the A55 has got an electronic viewfinder which allows you to preview your settings and also observe 100% of the frame. But not everyone will be comfortable with the electronic viewfinders. Another useful feature offered by this camera is the GPS module. This fun feature allows you to tag your photos with the spot they were taken, enabling you to place them on Google map. Sony’s Sweep Panorama feature is also available with the A55, allowing you to take extra-wide images. Also, the noise performance, even at low light, is very strong. The Metering is also laudable and so is the color reproduction. But although the autofocus of the camera is astoundingly fast, the constant refocusing becomes a headache at times. Even if you press the shutter button halfway down for, locking the focus, the camera starts searching around again. But in short, Sony’s gamble of trying something innovative has paid off well. The Sony Alpha SLT A55 is an excellent camera stuffed with speed, performance and versatility. |
A glance at the Sony Alpha SLT-A55 and you’ll think that you are looking at any normal DSLR. But look again, closely, because technically the A55 is not your regular DSLR. The A55 is an interchangeable lens camera that uses the innovative translucent mirror technology. This new science is a significant technological achievement, not only for Sony, but for the whole camera industry as well. Along with the 16.2 megapixels Alpha SLT A55, Sony has also launched the 14.2 megapixel Alpha SLT A33. The A55 is an excellent camera with incredible speed and stunning images. With a shoot speed of 10 frames per second, thee SLT A55 can also be called as the world’s fastest DSLR camera with DX sensor.