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Sony A55
Ilse Jurriën : August 24th 2010 - 07:30 CET
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 Sony A55 Single Lens Translucent mirror camera : The Alpha family of interchangeable lens cameras from Sony grows with the compact, ultra-responsive new Sony A55. Sony’s first-ever digital camera to employ Translucent Mirror Technology showcases an innovative optical system that opens up dramatic new shooting possibilities. In contrast with conventional DSLR cameras, Translucent Mirror Technology uses a fixed, translucent mirror that ‘splits’ the optical pathway between the main image sensor and a separate phase-detection autofocus sensor. The new Sony A55 Single Lens Translucent mirror camera is available from September 2010.
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Live image preview on the Sony A55
High-resolution live image preview with rapid, accurate phase detection autofocus is thus available at all times - either via the angle-adjustable 7.5cm (3”) LCD or precision Tru-Finder (electronic viewfinder). This also ensures that even moving objects stay in sharp focus at all times, whether you’re shooting Full HD video or stills.
Sony A55 makes use of Translucent Mirror Technology
Translucent Mirror Technology overcomes other traditional limitations of DSLR models, with its simplified mechanical design shrinking camera size and complexity. This makes the Sony A55 a compelling choice for casual photographers who want to capture spontaneous family moments and travel scenes with less to carry.
Sony SLT-A55 offers high speed shooting
Ground-breaking Translucent Mirror Technology allows high-speed shooting with the Sony A55 at up to 10fps in Continuous Priority AE mode. This represents the world’s fastest burst continuous AF shooting performance of any interchangeable lens camera with an APS-C size sensor. A newly developed 15-point phase-detection autofocus system assures rapid, accurate AF tracking, keeping even moving subjects in sharp focus during continuous shooting. This enables the 16.2 megapixel Sony SLT-A55 to capture split-second action or fleeting nuances of expression with portrait subjects.
Capture HD movies with the Sony A55
The large sensor size Exmor APS HD CMOS Sensor inside the Sony A55 lets photographers capture stunning, cinematic HD video footage with beautiful background defocus (bokeh) effects. The Sony Alpha 55 also marks the debut of Quick AF Full HD movie shooting. Translucent Mirror Technology enables AVCHD 1080i video shooting with smooth, precise phase detection AF tracking of moving subjects. Real-time video image preview is now possible via the viewfinder - in contrast with DSLR cameras where the raised mirror prevents light from reaching the optical viewfinder during video shooting.
Sony Alpha 55 camera features
The Sony A55 enables exciting new possibilities for framing and viewing highest-quality video and still images. Already prized by step-up DSLR users and enthusiasts alike, Sony’s Quick AF Live View system is now more effective than ever. High-resolution live image preview is teamed with uncompromised phase detection AF performance - even with rapidly-moving subjects. Tilting and swivelling freely (to maximum 270 degrees) for comfortable framing at any shooting angle, the bright 7.5 cm (3.0") (16:9) Xtra Fine LCD offers superb detail and contrast. There’s also a precision electronic viewfinder with 1.15 million dot resolution that delivers a clear, bright image with 100% frame coverage. Adjustments to exposure, depth of field and colour can be previewed instantly, either in the viewfinder or on the LCD. Effortless composition is aided further by switchable grid line in the finder and LCD screen, plus a new digital levelling gauge.
Sony A55 lenses
The Sony A55 is compatible with the full range of over 30 A-mount interchangeable lenses and offers SteadyShot INSIDE. This in-body image stabilisation system provides up to 4 exposure steps of anti-shake correction when shooting handheld. The Sony A55 camera also features 3D Sweep Panorama, allowing photographers to capture detail-packed extra-wide panoramas with a huge field of view. 3D panoramas can be enjoyed on any compatible 3D HD television. The Sony SLT-A55 is also the first Alpha camera by Sony with integrated GPS, allowing automatic geo-tagging of images and video clips.
Sony A55 features Auto HDR
The new-generation Exmor APS HD CMOS Sensor inside the Sony A55 supports a sophisticated range of digital image compositing and processing functions. This gives even greater artistic possibilities to beginners and photo enthusiasts alike. Auto HDR is now refined further compared with previous-generation Alpha models. Data from a burst of three frames at bracketed exposure values is automatically combined, creating a single image with extended highlight and shadow detail Multi-frame Noise Reduction ‘stacks’ a high-speed burst of six frames, creating a single low-noise exposure that boosts effective sensitivity as high as ISO 25600.
Sony A55 memory support
The new Sony A55 camera accepts both Memory Stick PRO Duo (including Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo) and SD (including both SDHC and SDXC formats) media (all sold separately). Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo HX 30MB per second transfer rate offers the best performance during cameras' continuous shooting mode or when transferring the data to another media.
Sony A55 review and price information
The new Sony A55 Single Lens Translucent mirror camera is available from September 2010. As soon as we receive a Sony A55 test sample, we will publish a photo gallery with high resolution pictures, followed by an extensive Sony A55 review.
• Also read our first impression : Sony A55 review
• Also take a look at our test photos : Sony Alpha 55 photo gallery
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