Sony introduces the new Alpha a550 and a500 digital SLR cameras to its Alpha DSLR line, both feature Sony’s Exmor CMOS image sensor and BIONZ image processor with color-noise reduction. The 14.2 Megapixel a550 and 12.3 Megapixel a500 both offer ISO sensitivity up to 12800.
Both a550 and a500 is able to shoot up to five frames per second using optical viewfinder and up to four frames per second with Quick Auto Focus Live View. The Alpha a550 is the first DSLR in its class with seven frames per second shooting speed for under $1,000.
Sony’s new Alpha DSLRs provide an in-camera High Dynamic Range (HDR) feature for capturing highlights and shadows, which processes the image within two seconds. They offer Simle Shutter in Live View, SteadyShot INSIDE image stabilization and Quick Auto Focus Live View with Face Detection. They a550 has a 3-inch 921,000 pixel Xtra Fine LCD display while the a500 gets a 3-inch 230,000 pixel Clear Photo LCD Plus screen.
Sony Alpha a550 and a500 supports Memory Stick PRO Duo, Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo, HX series and SD/SDHC memory cards. The a550 (model DSLR-A550) and a500 (model DSLR-A500), body only, are priced at $950 and $750 respectively. The a550L and a500L that include the camera body and 18-55 kit lens, cost $1050 and $850 respectively.
Sony Alpha a550
Sony Alpha a500
