Sony Alpha SLT-A55 Summary

16 Megapixels16 MegapixelsElectronic View FinderElectronic View FinderHigh ISO: ISO 6400 or more is available at full-resolution.High ISO: ISO 6400 or more is available at full-resolution.Stabilization: Compensates for tiny involuntary movements of the camera.Stabilization: Compensates for tiny involuntary movements of the camera.Level: Measures camera tilt and helps to keep the horizon level.Level: Measures camera tilt and helps to keep the horizon level.Continuous DriveContinuous DriveFull 1080p HD Video: 1920 x 1080 resolution or more but less than 4K.Full 1080p HD Video: 1920 x 1080 resolution or more but less than 4K.Manual Controls: Both fully-manual (M) and semi-automatic modes (T and V).Manual Controls: Both fully-manual (M) and semi-automatic modes (T and V).Custom White-Balance: Specifies exactly what should be white to the camera.Custom White-Balance: Specifies exactly what should be white to the camera.Action Photography: Shutter speeds of 1/1500 or more.Action Photography: Shutter speeds of 1/1500 or more.Night Photography: Reaches shutter-speeds longer than 4 seconds.Night Photography: Reaches shutter-speeds longer than 4 seconds.Hotshoe: Allows external flash units to be attached.Hotshoe: Allows external flash units to be attached.Spot MeteringSpot MeteringDepth-Of-Field Preview: Improve perception of DOF before shooting.Depth-Of-Field Preview: Improve perception of DOF before shooting.Live-View: Lets DSLR cameras use the rear LCD as an EVF.Live-View: Lets DSLR cameras use the rear LCD as an EVF.Built-In GPSBuilt-In GPSAccepts Secure Digital Extended Capacity (SDXC), SDHC and SD memory.Accepts Secure Digital Extended Capacity (SDXC), SDHC and SD memory.Accepts Memory Stick Duo memory.Accepts Memory Stick Duo memory.Neocamera detailed reviewNeocamera detailed reviewDiscontinued: No longer produced by the manufacturer. May still be in stock or found used.Discontinued: No longer produced by the manufacturer. May still be in stock or found used.

Sony Alpha SLT-A55 Assessment

The Sony Alpha SLT-A55 is an excellent alternative to a DSLR, acquiring most of their advantages, some unique abilities with very little downsides. Externally, the SLT-A55 is a lot like an entry-level DSLR, with a price to match. Its design though, which includes a translucent mirror, lets it perform phase-detect AF during exposures and video. No other ILC can shoot 1080p video while focusing so quickly. High-speed continuous shooting up to 10 FPS complete headline features.

Photographically speaking, the biggest difference between the SLT-A55 and a DSLR is even more important than its feature set. Instead of using a reflex viewfinder, the A55 sports a state-of-the-art EVF with 1.4 million pixels. This viewfinder gives a true Live-View experience with a large exposure-priority view that shows 100% coverage. The EVF itself is sharp enough to show focus normally but it can be magnified to adjust focus with more precision.

The performance of the A55 is very good. Images do show more noise-reduction than desirable but are highly usable with accurate colors, good conservative metering and plenty of details until high sensitivities. The AWB system is certainly the only problematic aspect of this digital camera.

The feature set is clearly aimed at beginners, so this camera is not for everyone but video enthusiasts will not be able to find a more capable filming device other than a dedicated camcorder. Moving up from a fixed-lens digital camera to the Alpha SLT-A55 is also an excellent option, as it offers much improved image quality and performance without losing the exposure-priority display.

Neocamera detailed reviewNeocamera detailed review Read the full Sony Alpha SLT-A55 review here.

PROS CONS
Good resolution and sharpness High-ISO softness due to NR
Lower than average image noise AWB struggles more than usual
Good color accuracy Indistinct EC button
Conservative metering Tiny video crop-marks
Speedy and accurate autofocus 1s Delay starting video recording
Very effective image stabilization 1s Delay stopping video recording
Excellent large and detailed EVF Eye-Start AF triggers too often
True exposure-priority Live-View Delicate translucent mirror
Fantastic Eye-Start sensor Gap below mirror lets dust in
Phase-Detect AF-C while recording video No way to use 1/2 EV stops
AF-C during continuous drive up to 10 FPS Histogram and level views show little info
Excellent dual-axis digital-level Difficult Sweep Panorama framing
Fast and responsive GPS not so reliable
Nice build quality Weak LCD hinge
Good ergonomics, protruding EVF
Phase-Detect AF during video recording
ExcellentExcellent Excellent

Sony Alpha SLT-A55 Related Information

Sony Alpha SLT-A55
Buy from these sellers: Buy From Amazon.com
By Neocamera on 2011-01-30

Please Support Neocamera

All information on Neocamera is provided free of charge yet running this website is a huge endeavor. Purchases made via affiliate links found throughout the site help keep it running and up-to-date. There is no additional cost to you, so please consider buying via these links to our affilates:

  • Essential Photo Banner
  • BH Photo Banner
  • Best Buy Banner
  • Adorama Banner

If you found any information on this site valuable and did not purchase via our affiliate links, please considering donating via PayPal:

Any amount will be greatly appreaciated. Thank you for your support!

Sony SLT-A55 Highlights

Sony Alpha SLT-A55
Mirrorless digital camera

Sensor-Size: 24 x 16mm

APS-C Sensor

Actual size when viewed at 100 DPI

16 Megapixels MirrorlessISO 100-25600
Sony A Mount
1.5X FLM
Shutter 1/4000-30s
2-Axis Built-in StabilizationFull manual controls, including Manual Focus
0.46" Built-in EVF 1.4 Megapixels (0.73X)Custom white-balance with 1 axis fine-tuning
Automatic Eye-Start sensorSpot-Metering
2 Axis Digital LevelHot-Shoe
Built-in Dust ReductionStereo audio input
10 FPS Drive, 35 ImagesLithium-Ion Battery
1920x1080 @ 30 FPS Video RecordingSecure Digital Extended Capacity, Memory Stick Duo
3" LCD 920K Pixels
Buy from these sellers: Buy From Amazon.com

Camera Bag

Clear

Your camera bag is empty. To add a camera or lens click on the star next to its name.

Your camera bag is empty.

Add cameras or lenses by clicking on the star next to their name.

Updates

    2023.11.20

  • 2023.11.20

    Best Digital Cameras of 2023 Update Poster

    Best Digital Cameras of 2023

    Find out which are the Best Digital Cameras of 2023. All the new Mirrorless Digital Cameras from entry-level to high-end professional.

  • 2023.07.10

  • 2023.07.10

    Fujifilm X-H2 Review Update Poster

    Fujifilm X-H2 Review

    40 Megapixels APS-C Hybrid Mirrorless Digital Camera with 7-stop IBIS. Fastest shutter ever and 8K video capture. Large builtin EVF with 0.8X magnification and 5.8 MP, plus an Eye-Start Sensor. Packed with features and large number of controls in a weatherproof and freezeproof body.

  • 2023.05.07

  • 2023.05.07

    Sony FE 20-70mm F/4G Review Update Poster

    Sony FE 20-70mm F/4G Review

    Review of the unique Sony FE 20-70mm F/4G lens. The optical zoom of this lens spans ultra-wide-angle and medium focal-length coverage, making it one of the most versatile Full-Frame lenses on the market.

  • 2023.01.15

  • 2023.01.15

    Huion Inspiroy Dial 2 Review Update Poster

    Huion Inspiroy Dial 2 Review

    Review of the Huion Inspiroy Dial 2 tablet, a medium sized drawing surface with dual dials and customizable buttons. Connects via USB-C or Bluetooth 5.0 with Windows, Linux and Android support.

  • 2022.12.08

  • 2022.12.08

    How to Pack for a Photo Trip Update Poster

    How to Pack for a Photo Trip

    Find out how to pack for a travel photography trip, carry your gear safely while meeting airline regulations.

  • 2022.11.13

  • 2022.11.13

    Best Digital Cameras of 2022 Update Poster

    Best Digital Cameras of 2022

    The best digital cameras of 2022. A short list of the most outstanding models in their respective categories. Choose one for yourself or as a gift.

  • 2022.09.21

  • 2022.09.21

    Pentax DA* 60-250mm F/4 SDM Review Update Poster

    Pentax DA* 60-250mm F/4 SDM Review

    Review of the Pentax DA* 60-250mm F/4 SDM, the constant-aperture telephoto zoom with the highest zoom-ratio on the market.

  • 2022.09.20

  • 2022.09.20

    Pentax DA* 50-135mm F/2.8 SDM Review Update Poster

    Pentax DA* 50-135mm F/2.8 SDM Review

    Review of the Pentax DA* 50-135mm F/2.8 SDM, the lightest professional telephoto zoom native to the K-mount.

  • 2022.09.10

  • 2022.09.10

    Pentax DA* 11-18mm F/2.8 DC AW Review Update Poster

    Pentax DA* 11-18mm F/2.8 DC AW Review

    Review of the Pentax DA* 11-18mm F/2.8 DC AW, the widest professional ultra-wide zoom native to the K-mount.

  • 2021.11.24

  • 2021.11.24

    50 Gifts Under $50 For Photographers in 2021 Update Poster

    50 Gifts Under $50 For Photographers in 2021

    50 Gifts photographers will love. All for under $50 USD. 2021 Edition.

  • 2021.11.17

  • 2021.11.17

    Best Digital Cameras for 2021 Update Poster

    Best Digital Cameras for 2021

    Neocamera shows which are the very best Digital Cameras for 2021 in every category: Mirrorless, DSLR, Premium Compact, Ultra-Zoom and Rugged.

  • 2021.09.04

  • 2021.09.04

    Pentax HD DA* 16-50mm F/2.8 PLM AW Review Update Poster

    Pentax HD DA* 16-50mm F/2.8 PLM AW Review

    Exclusive review of the Pentax HD DA* 16-50mm F/2.8 PLM AW professional lens of Pentax K-Mount APS-C DSLR cameras.