Sony Alpha DSLR-A550

    61
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    Highlights

    • 14.2 MP APS-C CMOS Sensor
    • 200 - 12,800 Native ISO
    • 9 Focus Points
    • Image Stabilization
    • 3.0" 922k dot Tilting Screen
    • Optical (pentamirror) Viewfinder
    • 7.0 fps Continuous Shooting
    • Built-in Flash
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    Disclosure: We earn money from the affiliate links to products associated with content in this article.

    Overview

    Sony Alpha DSLR-A550 was announced in 2009 and is an APS-C (23.4 x 15.6 mm) DSLR camera with 14.2 Megapixel CMOS sensor. Its native ISO ranges from 200 to 12,800. The camera has a Tilting 3.0" screen with 922k dot resolution and built-in Optical (pentamirror) viewfinder. It has a built-in Sensor Shift in body image stabilization.

    Table of Contents
    1. Overview
    2. Pros and Cons
    3. Predecessor
    4. Screen and Viewfinder
    5. Sensor
    6. Photography Features
    7. Connectivity, Battery and Storage
    8. Other Features
    9. Physical Parameters
    10. For Different Types of Photography
    11. Evaluation
    12. Specifications  

    Here is the Sony Alpha DSLR series lineup, where you can view and compare the main specifications of the cameras within the same series.

    Sony Alpha DSLR series lineup
    Model Date Sensor Native ISO Screen Price
    Image cannot be found Sony DSLR-A580
    Compare
    		May
    2011    		 16.2 MP
    APS-C    		 100 - 12,800 Tilting 3.0"
    922k dot
    Image cannot be found Sony DSLR-A560
    Compare
    		August
    2010    		 14.2 MP
    APS-C    		 100 - 12,800 Tilting 3.0"
    922k dot
    Image cannot be found Sony DSLR-A390
    Compare
    		July
    2010    		 14.2 MP
    APS-C    		 100 - 3,200 Tilting 2.7"
    230k dot
    Image cannot be found Sony DSLR-A290
    Compare
    		June
    2010    		 14.2 MP
    APS-C    		 100 - 3,200 Fixed 2.7"
    230k dot
    Image cannot be found Sony DSLR-A850
    Compare
    		April
    2010    		 24.6 MP
    Full Frame    		 200 - 3,200 Fixed 3.0"
    922k dot
    Image cannot be found Sony DSLR-A450
    Compare
    		January
    2010    		 14.2 MP
    APS-C    		 200 - 12,800 Fixed 2.7"
    230k dot
    Image cannot be found Sony DSLR-A550 December
    2009    		 14.2 MP
    APS-C    		 200 - 12,800 Tilting 3.0"
    922k dot
    Image cannot be found Sony DSLR-A500
    Compare
    		August
    2009    		 12.3 MP
    APS-C    		 200 - 12,800 Tilting 3.0"
    230k dot
    Image cannot be found Sony DSLR-A380
    Compare
    		August
    2009    		 14.2 MP
    APS-C    		 100 - 3,200 Tilting 2.7"
    230k dot
    Image cannot be found Sony DSLR-A230
    Compare
    		May
    2009    		 10.2 MP
    APS-C    		 100 - 3,200 Fixed 2.7"
    230k dot
    Image cannot be found Sony DSLR-A330
    Compare
    		May
    2009    		 10.2 MP
    APS-C    		 100 - 3,200 Tilting 2.7"
    230k dot
    Image cannot be found Sony DSLR-A900
    Compare
    		October
    2008    		 24.6 MP
    Full Frame    		 100 - 6,400 Fixed 3.0"
    922k dot
    Image cannot be found Sony DSLR-A200
    Compare
    		July
    2008    		 10.2 MP
    APS-C    		 100 - 3,200 Fixed 2.7"
    230k dot
    Image cannot be found Sony DSLR-A350
    Compare
    		June
    2008    		 14.2 MP
    APS-C    		 100 - 3,200 Tilting 2.7"
    230k dot
    Image cannot be found Sony DSLR-A300
    Compare
    		January
    2008    		 10.2 MP
    APS-C    		 100 - 3,200 Tilting 2.7"
    230k dot
    Image cannot be found Sony DSLR-A700
    Compare
    		December
    2007    		 10.24 MP
    APS-C    		 100 - 6,400 Fixed 3.0"
    920k dot
    Image cannot be found Sony DSLR-A100
    Compare
    		July
    2006    		 10.2 MP
    APS-C    		 100 - 1,600 Fixed 2.5"
    230k dot

    You can view their side-by-side comparison here: Sony Alpha DSLR-A580 vs Alpha DSLR-A560 vs Alpha DSLR-A390 vs Alpha DSLR-A290 vs Alpha DSLR-A850 vs Alpha DSLR-A450.

    Pros and Cons

    In this section we present pros and cons of Sony Alpha DSLR-A550.

    PROS

    •   Face Detection
    •   Live View Autofocus
    •   Image Stabilization
    •   Built-in Flash
    •   HDMI Output
    •   Orientation Sensor

    CONS

    •   No Video Capture
    •   Low Resolution Sensor - 14.2 Megapixel
    •   200 Lowest Native ISO
    •   Timelapse Recording
    •   9 Focus Points
    •   No Built-in Microphone
    •   No Microphone Input
    •   No Headphone Output
    •   No Built-in GPS
    •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
    •   No Built-In Bluetooth
    •   No Environmental Sealing
    •   Short Battery Life - 480 shots

    And here are some specifications which fall into average criteria and are neither in PROs nor in CONs category:

    AVERAGE

    •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
    •   Tilting Screen
    •   Screen Size - 3.0"
    •   Screen Resolution - 922k dot
    •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
    •   Max Continuous Shooting - 7.0 fps
    •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/160 sec
    •   DxO Overall Score - 66
    •   Weight - 632 g (1.39 lb / 22.29 oz)

    Predecessor

    Here we are comparing Sony Alpha DSLR-A550 to its predecessor Alpha DSLR-A100 and displaying the major changes.

    UPGRADES Sony Alpha DSLR-A550 vs Sony Alpha DSLR-A100
    Higher Sensor Resolution 14.2 Megapixel vs 10.2 Megapixel
    Higher Native ISO 12,800 vs 1,600
    Max Image Resolution 4592 x 3056 vs 3872 x 2592
    Face Detection vs
    Live View Autofocus vs
    Screen Type Tilting vs Fixed
    Larger Screen 3.0" vs 2.5"
    Higher Resolution Screen 922k dot vs 230k dot
    Live View vs
    Higher Max Continuous Shooting 7.0 fps vs 3.0 fps
    Multi-Segment Metering vs
    Center Weighted Metering vs
    Spot Metering vs
    Higher DxO Low Light ISO 807 vs 476
    Higher DxO Dynamic Range 11.8 vs 11.2
    Higher DxO Overall Score 66 vs 61
    HDMI Output vs
    Lighter 632 g (1.39 lb / 22.29 oz) vs 638 g (1.41 lb / 22.50 oz)
    DOWNGRADES Sony Alpha DSLR-A550 vs Sony Alpha DSLR-A100
    Higher Native ISO 200 vs 100
    Lower Viewfinder Magnification (35mm equivalent) 0.53x vs 0.55x
    Lower DxO Color Depth 21.9 vs 22.0

    For more detailed comparison between the models please visit Sony Alpha DSLR-A550 vs Alpha DSLR-A100.

    Screen and Viewfinder

    Tilting screen

    Sony Alpha DSLR-A550 has a 3.0" Tilting screen with 922k dot resolution. Tilting screen makes this camera very useful for photography purposes.

    Image cannot be displayed Image cannot be displayed

    Sony Alpha DSLR-A550 with Tilting screen


    Optical (pentamirror) Viewfinder

    Camera has a built-in Optical (pentamirror) viewfinder. It has a 95% coverage and 0.80x (0.53x 35mm equivalent) magnification.

    Sensor

    Sony Alpha DSLR-A550 features a 14.2 megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor with dimensions of 23.4 x 15.6 mm and a total area of 365 mm2. Its native ISO range is 200 - 12,800.


    Here is a sensor size comparison chart where you can see how Sony Alpha DSLR-A550's APS-C sensor compares with other types of sensors:

    Sensor size chart
    Sensor Dimensions Area Aspect Ratio Crop Factor
    Image cannot be displayedMedium Format44 x 33 mm1452 mm24:30.79x
    Image cannot be displayedFull Frame36 x 24 mm864 mm23:21x
    Image cannot be displayedAPS-H27 x 18 mm486 mm23:21.3x
    Image cannot be displayedAPS-C23.4 x 15.6 mm365 mm23:21.5x
    Image cannot be displayedAPS-C (Canon)22.3 x 14.9 mm332.3 mm23:21.6x
    Image cannot be displayedMicro Four Thirds17.4 x 13 mm226.2 mm24:32x
    Image cannot be displayed1-inch13.2 x 8.8 mm116.2 mm23:22.7x
    Image cannot be displayed1/1.7-inch7.44 x 5.58 mm41.5 mm24:34.7x
    Image cannot be displayed1/2.3-inch6.17 x 4.55 mm28.1 mm24:35.6x

    Photography Features

    Camera is equipped with BIONZ processor and can take pictures up to 4592 x 3056 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolutions like 4592 x 2576, 3344 x 2224, 3344 x 1872, 2288 x 1520, 2288 x 1280 with 3:2, 16:9 aspect ratios.


    Lens Mount

    Sony Alpha DSLR-A550 has Sony A lens mount. Due to APS-C sensor its crop factor (also called lens multiplier) is 1.5x. This means that a 35mm equivalent focal length of the mounted lens will be equal to its actual focal length times 1.5.


    In-Body Image Stabilization

    The camera has a built-in Sensor Shift in-body image stabilization (IBIS). This means that you are still getting vibration reduction when camera is paired with non-image stabilizied lenses. It also works with lenses with optical image stabilization and in combination can achieve even better compensation.

    Check out the cameras which are frequently compared to Sony Alpha DSLR-A550.

    Sony DSLR-A390
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    APS-C

    14.2 MP

    Sony DSLR-A350
    Image cannot be found

    APS-C

    14.2 MP

    Sony DSLR-A500
    Image cannot be found

    APS-C

    12.3 MP

    Sony DSLR-A200
    Image cannot be found

    APS-C

    10.2 MP

    Sony DSLR-A290
    Image cannot be found

    APS-C

    14.2 MP

    Sony DSLR-A700
    Image cannot be found

    APS-C

    10.24 MP

    Sony DSLR-A900
    Image cannot be found

    Full Frame

    24.6 MP

    Sony DSLR-A580
    Image cannot be found

    APS-C

    16.2 MP

    Sony DSLR-A560
    Image cannot be found

    APS-C

    14.2 MP

    Sony DSLR-A100
    Image cannot be found

    APS-C

    10.2 MP

    Sony DSLR-A330
    Image cannot be found

    APS-C

    10.2 MP

    Sony DSLR-A850
    Image cannot be found

    Full Frame

    24.6 MP

    Connectivity, Battery and Storage

    USB Input and HDMI Output

    Sony Alpha DSLR-A550 has a USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) input for data transfer. There is an HDMI connector for video signal output.


    Battery

    Sony Alpha DSLR-A550 comes with NP-FM500H battery pack with battery life of 480 shots.


    External Storage Slots

    The camera has a single SD/SDHC, Memory Stick Duo/Pro Duo/Pro-HG Duo card slot.

    Other Features

    Shutter

    Sony Alpha DSLR-A550's shutter speed can go up to 1/4000 sec. Camera can shoot continuously up to 7.0 fps.


    Flash

    Sony Alpha DSLR-A550 has a built-in flash with maximum range of 12.00 m and also accepts external flash. The fastest flash synchronization speed is 1/160 sec.

    Physical Parameters

    Sony Alpha DSLR-A550 has dimensions of 137 x 104 x 84 mm (5.39 x 4.09 x 3.31"). It weighs 632 g (1.39 lb / 22.29 oz) which is neither heavy nor lightweight.

    137 mm (5.39")

    104 mm (4.09")

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    104 mm (4.09")

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    84 mm (3.31")

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    Sony Alpha DSLR-A550 dimensions

    Sony Alpha DSLR-A550 for Different Types of Photography

    We give scores to the camera for different type of photography based on its features and specifications. Let us see how Sony Alpha DSLR-A550 is suitable for six different types of photography.


    Landscape Photography

    GOOD
    70

    Sony Alpha DSLR-A550 gets a score of 70 and is GOOD choice for Landscape photography.

    •   Screen Resolution - 922k dot
    •   No Built-in GPS
    •   No Environmental Sealing

    Sports Photography

    GOOD
    70

    Sony Alpha DSLR-A550 gets a score of 70 and is GOOD choice for Sports photography.

    •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
    •   9 Focus Points
    •   Face Detection
    •   Image Stabilization
    •   Screen Resolution - 922k dot
    •   Max Continuous Shooting - 7.0 fps
    •   Short Battery Life - 480 shots
    •   Orientation Sensor

    Wildlife Photography

    AVERAGE
    63

    Sony Alpha DSLR-A550 gets a score of 63 and is AVERAGE choice for Wildlife photography.

    •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
    •   9 Focus Points
    •   Image Stabilization
    •   Screen Resolution - 922k dot
    •   Max Continuous Shooting - 7.0 fps
    •   No Environmental Sealing
    •   Short Battery Life - 480 shots
    •   Orientation Sensor

    Portrait Photography

    GOOD
    82

    Sony Alpha DSLR-A550 gets a score of 82 and is GOOD choice for Portrait photography.

    •   9 Focus Points
    •   Face Detection
    •   Image Stabilization
    •   Screen Size - 3.0"
    •   Screen Resolution - 922k dot
    •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/160 sec
    •   Orientation Sensor

    Street Photography

    GOOD
    82

    Sony Alpha DSLR-A550 gets a score of 82 and is GOOD choice for Street photography.

    •   9 Focus Points
    •   Image Stabilization
    •   Tilting Screen
    •   Screen Resolution - 922k dot
    •   No Built-in GPS
    •   No Environmental Sealing
    •   Weight - 632 g (1.39 lb / 22.29 oz)

    Travel Photography

    GOOD
    80

    Sony Alpha DSLR-A550 gets a score of 80 and is GOOD choice for Travel photography.

    •   Image Stabilization
    •   Tilting Screen
    •   Screen Resolution - 922k dot
    •   No Built-in GPS
    •   No Environmental Sealing
    •   Weight - 632 g (1.39 lb / 22.29 oz)
    •   Short Battery Life - 480 shots

    Sony Alpha DSLR-A550 Evaluation

    We evaluate Sony Alpha DSLR-A550 and give score of 61 out of 100. We also give separate scores for 7 different categories according to the available features and specifications some of which are listed below. These evaluations are relative and may change each time a new camera is added to the database.


    OVERALL
    61

    Sensor

    AVERAGE
    68

    We give Sony Alpha DSLR-A550 a score of 68 for Sensor parameters.

    •   Low Resolution Sensor - 14.2 Megapixel
    •   200 Lowest Native ISO
    •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
    •   DxO Overall Score - 66

    Photo

    GOOD
    71

    We give Sony Alpha DSLR-A550 a score of 71 for Photo parameters.

    •   Timelapse Recording
    •   Image Stabilization
    •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
    •   Max Continuous Shooting - 7.0 fps
    •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/160 sec

    Video

    BAD
    0

    We give Sony Alpha DSLR-A550 a score of 0 for Video parameters.

    •   Image Stabilization

    Focusing

    GOOD
    75

    We give Sony Alpha DSLR-A550 a score of 75 for Focusing parameters.

    •   9 Focus Points
    •   Face Detection
    •   Live View Autofocus

    Screen and Viewfinder

    GOOD
    74

    We give Sony Alpha DSLR-A550 a score of 74 for Screen and Viewfinder parameters.

    •   Tilting Screen
    •   Screen Size - 3.0"
    •   Screen Resolution - 922k dot

    Connectivity

    AVERAGE
    57

    We give Sony Alpha DSLR-A550 a score of 57 for Connectivity parameters.

    •   HDMI Output
    •   No Built-in Microphone
    •   No Microphone Input
    •   No Headphone Output
    •   No Built-in GPS
    •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
    •   No Built-In Bluetooth

    Battery, Storage and Physical

    POOR
    40

    We give Sony Alpha DSLR-A550 a score of 40 for Battery, Storage and Physical parameters.

    •   No Environmental Sealing
    •   Weight - 632 g (1.39 lb / 22.29 oz)
    •   Short Battery Life - 480 shots


    For a full specification list please go to the specifications page:

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