The DSLR-A500 is based around a new 14.2MP CMOS sensor and adds manual focus confirmation live view mode using the main imaging sensor, in addition to Sony's secondary-sensor Quick AF live view system.
It also features improved noise reduction over previous models, an Auto HDR mode and sensitivity settings up to ISO 12800.
The specification is topped off by a high resolution 921k dot 3" tilt-angle LCD.
There are essentially two completely different ways to look at the Sony Alpha 550.
The glass half empty view is that it lacks the serious photographic toolset offered by any similarly-priced model from the likes of Canon, Nikon, and Pentax.
A more positive view - and the one I'm sure Sony wants you to take - is that it brings high end features such as high speed continuous shooting and automatic HDR processing to those looking to step up from an entry-level SLR or high end compact.
The Alpha 550's identity crisis is compounded by the fact that it doesn't actually deliver anything like its full potential when used in precisely the way it appears to be designed for (as a big fast P&S camera).
The metering and auto white balance are too inconsistent and the JPEG processing (contrast, saturation, sharpness) far from optimal.
The irony of the Alpha 550 is that it really needs someone who knows what they're doing behind it to get the benefits of what appears to be an excellent new sensor and fast shooting capabilities.
At the very least means playing around with the JPEG parameters and taking control of the white balance and metering when necessary, but for the most part it really means you need to shoot raw (and process each file manually) to really see the Alpha 550 shine.
It also features improved noise reduction over previous models, an Auto HDR mode and sensitivity settings up to ISO 12800.
The specification is topped off by a high resolution 921k dot 3" tilt-angle LCD.
There are essentially two completely different ways to look at the Sony Alpha 550.
The glass half empty view is that it lacks the serious photographic toolset offered by any similarly-priced model from the likes of Canon, Nikon, and Pentax.
A more positive view - and the one I'm sure Sony wants you to take - is that it brings high end features such as high speed continuous shooting and automatic HDR processing to those looking to step up from an entry-level SLR or high end compact.
The Alpha 550's identity crisis is compounded by the fact that it doesn't actually deliver anything like its full potential when used in precisely the way it appears to be designed for (as a big fast P&S camera).
The metering and auto white balance are too inconsistent and the JPEG processing (contrast, saturation, sharpness) far from optimal.
The irony of the Alpha 550 is that it really needs someone who knows what they're doing behind it to get the benefits of what appears to be an excellent new sensor and fast shooting capabilities.
At the very least means playing around with the JPEG parameters and taking control of the white balance and metering when necessary, but for the most part it really means you need to shoot raw (and process each file manually) to really see the Alpha 550 shine.
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