Sony Alpha A500 and A550 APS-C DSLRs
Sony Alpha A500, APS-C, 12.3MP, $749.99
Along with the 24.6MP Full Frame Sony Alpha A900, Sony have also announced two new consumer DSLRs using APS-C crop sensors, the 12.3MP Alpha A550 and the 14.2MP Alpha A500. Both cameras have a 3" tilt-view LCD but the A550 has a 921,000 dot high resolution screen, while the A500 has a normal resolution 230,000 dot display.
Both the Sony Alpha A500 and A550 can shoot at up to 5fps in continuous mode with focus and exposure being adjusted for each exposure. The A550 also has a hi-speed mode capable of of 7 frames/sec where AF and AE are fixed at the first frame. Both cameras have a built in HDR mode, in-body image stabilization, ISO settings up to 12,800, Live View and Face Detection but neither the A500 nor the A550 has a video recording mode. The A550 has a larger (about 2x) image buffer than the A500 (14 vs 6 frames in RAW, 116 vs 59 frames in JPEG). The A550 is expected to retail for around $950 while the A500 will be about $200 less expensive at around $750.
Here's the Sony Press Release:
SAN DIEGO, Aug. 27, 2009 – Sony today introduced two a (alpha) DSLR cameras with a new generation of Exmor™ CMOS sensors and BIONZ™ image processors, which make it easy for active shooters to get the best shot and capture clearer images—without missing their favorite moments.
The a550 (14.2 megapixels) and a500 (12.3 megapixels) cameras provide excellent picture quality, particularly in low-light scenarios. A new generation of SonyŽ Exmor CMOS image sensors employ new low-noise processing for high-quality pictures. The BIONZ image processor has color-noise reduction that helps achieve low noise up to ISO 12800, without sacrificing fine detail.
"We are bringing performance of a higher class of cameras within the reach of a broader group of consumers," said Mark Weir, senior manager of the Digital Imaging business at Sony Electronics. "Not only do these cameras provide great value, but they also bring faster shooting speeds and new technologies like in-camera High Dynamic Range and new Live View features to mainstream photo enthusiasts."
Fast Shooting Speeds
With its unique sensor-processor combination, the a550 camera is the first DSLR in its class with seven frames per second shooting speed for under $1,000. Using the optical viewfinder on both models, you can shoot up to five frames per second and up to four frames per second with Quick Auto Focus Live View. This helps you capture the decisive moment when shooting fast moving subjects like in sports.
In-Camera High Dynamic Range
These are Sony’s first DSLR cameras that offer an in-camera High Dynamic Range (HDR) feature for capturing highlights and shadows, which processes the image within two seconds. Unlike HDR features in other DSLR cameras, Sony’s unique positional interpolation technology can overcome slight changes in camera position and align individual shots so that a tripod is not required.
The feature handles severe backlighting and other high-contrast scenes like looking out a window into bright daylight. The in-camera auto HDR technology combines the highlight and shadow detail of two separate captures into one remarkably natural looking image.
Improved Live View
Because composing shots on the LCD monitor is becoming increasingly important to DSLR users, Sony has equipped these cameras with two Live View functions and a 3-inch (measured diagonally) LCD screen that tilts 90 degrees up or down. The a500 has a 230,000 dot Clear Photo LCD Plus™ screen, and the a550 has a 921,000 dot Xtra Fine LCD™ display.
Sony’s Quick AF Live View uses two sensors to maintain the same focusing speed as with the optical viewfinder. While the speed of Quick AF Live View is ideal for every day shooting, Manual Focus Check Live View enables critical framing and magnification for setting precise manual focus in macro and tripod shooting. Temporary 7x and 14x zoom views enable you to focus on extremely fine detail while the 1x view shows 100 percent framing in the LCD.
The Quick Auto Focus Live View has been developed with Face Detection technology to help you get the best shot by recognizing and adjusting for faces. It is the world’s first Face Detection system to work with fast, high-precision "phase detection" Auto Focus. By tracking up to eight faces, this system can prioritize auto focus points on a face, and optimize exposure and white balance for beautiful portraits.
These are Sony’s first DSLR cameras that include Smile Shutter technology in Live View, which takes the shot when your subject smiles. It works with Quick Auto Focus Live View to capture spontaneous moments.
Image stabilization helps take blur-free shots by compensating for camera shake. Typical DSLR systems build image stabilization into selected lenses only. SteadyShot INSIDE™ image stabilization is built into the camera body itself. Blur will also be reduced with every A-mount lens, including macro and wide aperture standard zoom lenses, with an effect equivalent to shutter speeds faster by 2.5 to 4 stops
To make the benefits of macro photography easier and more accessible, Sony is making available at retail the DT 30mm F/2.8 (model SAL30M28) macro lens. It captures intricate close-ups, which is difficult to achieve with standard lenses and is only compatible with APS-C format DSLRs.
Memory Cards
For higher capacity storage with greater connectivity and faster transfer speeds, the new DSLRs are compatible with Sony’s newest 32GB Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo™ HX media. The HX series card is designed to deliver optimal read and write speeds for a growing number of products that require high-bandwidth memory in order to capture and store large data files.
Using the HX series media, Sony a (alpha) DSLR users can confidently enjoy advanced features such as continuous-shooting photography and realize higher transfer rates of large capacity files to their compatible PC (via supplied USB adapter). For example with the a550 model, approximately 1500 14-megapixel photos shot in the JPEG+RAW mode can be transferred to a compatible PC in approximately 26 minutes (HX series media sold separately).
The new cameras include dedicated slots for high-capacity Memory Stick PRO Duo™, Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo™, HX series and SD/SDHC media (all sold separately).
Pricing and Availability
The a550 (model DSLR-A550) and a500 (model DSLR-A500), which come with the camera body only, will cost about $950 and $750 respectively. The a550L and a500L, which come with the camera body and 18-55 kit lens, will cost about $1050 and $850, respectively. The SAL30M28 macro lens will be available for about $200.