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Sony a550 DSLR Camera
For a higher level of performance, step up to the Sony a550 DSLR camera. Enjoy the freedom of Quick Auto Focus and Manual Focus Check Live View on the tiltable 3.0" LCD.

$949.99 - $1,199.98 at 3 Store(s)
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Expert's Review User Reviews Specifications
Features
14.2 megapixelsThis camera's 14.2 megapixel resolution makes for incredible detail and gorgeous enlargements. The all-new Sony® Exmor™ CMOS image sensor ensures state-of-the-art response.

Superb in low light (ISO 12800)An all-new Sony's Exmor™ CMOS image sensor employs new low-noise processing, for uncommonly clear pictures. The BIONZ™ image processor with chroma noise reduction helps achieve low noise all the way up to ISO 12800, without sacrificing resolution.

Quick Auto Focus Live ViewUnlike competing cameras, the DSLR-A550 is just as responsive in Quick Auto Focus Live View mode as in optical viewfinder mode.

Manual Focus Check Live ViewFor critical focus in macro and tripod shooting, the a550 also offers Manual Focus Check Live View. Temporary 7x and 14x zoom views enable you to focus on extremely fine detail while the 1x view shows 100% framing in the LCD.

Face Detection technologyThe a550 enhances Quick AF Live View shooting with Face Detection technology, which helps you get the best shot by recognizing faces and applying the proper focus, exposure and white balance.

Smile Shutter technologyAnother Quick AF Live View enhancement, Smile Shutter™ technology automatically takes the shot when your subject smiles.

Auto HDR built into cameraHigh Dynamic Range (HDR) photography captures more scene contrast than a single exposure can handle by combining two exposures into one incredible shot.

Dynamic Range OptimizerDynamic Range Optimizer improves results with backlit subjects and recovers details hidden in shadows.

SteadyShot INSIDE™ stabilizationSteadyShot INSIDE™ image stabilization is built into the camera body itself. You'll reduce blur with every a-mount lens, including macro and wide-aperture standard zoom lenses.

BIONZ™ image processorA newest version of Sony's BIONZ image processor uses chroma noise reduction to deliver high-resolution, low-noise photos even at ISO 12800 sensitivity.

Eye-Start AutofocusFor maximum speed, Eye-Start Autofocus begins focusing as soon as you raise the camera to your eye. So the camera is ready to catch the perfect moment.

Tiltable 3.0" LCDSony's tiltable LCD empowers your photography with a different point of view. Helps you frame high and low-angle shots that would otherwise be hit or miss. The LCD tilts up or down 90 degrees to capture a child's first steps or shoot over a crowd.

Smart Teleconverter 2x Digital ZoomIn Quick Auto Focus Live View mode, you can extend the optical zoom of your lens with digital zoom.

HDMI™ output for HD viewingConnect your camera to a compatible HDTV and play back your images in stunning high definition. The a550 includes an HDMI™ output

9-Point AF SensorTo get the best shot under a wide range of situations, the a550 uses a 9-Point AF Sensor with Center Cross. In addition, predictive focus control automatically calculates the position of fast-moving subjects, perfect for pictures of kids and pets.

Anti-Dust TechnologyAnti-Dust Technology helps keep the CMOS imager clean, resulting in consistently better pictures.

Six Scene Selection ModesTo help you get the shot, Scene Selection Modes optimize the camera settings for common shooting situations. Just turn the Mode Dial to select from Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Sports, Sunset, and Night View modes.

Supplied zoom lens (DSLR-A550L kit)The DSLR-A550L kit comes with the SAL1855 DT 18-55mm zoom lens, which covers everything from wide angle to midrange telephoto shots. Sony's Smooth Autofocus Motor (SAM) delivers silent autofocus operation.

Index and Slide Show DisplayQuickly review your photos using 4- or 9-frame index views, or as an automatic slide show with fade-in/fade-out effect.

Dual Media SlotsFor cost-effective, convenient storage and sharing of your images, the a550 accepts Memory Stick PRO Duo™/Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo™ and SD/SDHC media.

General Specifications
Camera Type Sony a Digital SLR camera with built-in flash and inter-changeable lenses

Color Filter System RGB primary color filters

Effective Picture Resolution Approx. 14.2 megapixels

Imaging Sensor APS-C size Exmor™ CMOS sensor (23.5 X 15.6mm)

Lens Mount Type Sony a lens, Minolta and Konica Minolta AF lens

Pixel Gross Approx. 14.6 megapixels

ProcessorBIONZ™ image processor

Recording Media Type Memory Stick PRO Duo™ media, SD and SDHC memory card

Recording Mode RAW, RAW+JPEG, JPEG Fine, JPEG Standard

LCD Monitor
Angle Adjustment Yes(upward by up to 90 degrees, downward by up to 90 degrees)

Brightness Control Auto Brightness Control (Auto setting in 2 steps, manual setting in 5 steps)

Coverage100% (Playback), 90% (Live View)

Type3” TFT Xtra Fine™ LCD4 (921,600 pixels)

Flash
SPECIFICATION 12 (in meters at ISO100)

Flash Compensation ±2EV (in 1/3 EV-stop increments)

Flash Coverage 18mm in focal-length of lens attached

Flash Metering SystemADI flash (automatic change for Pre-flash TTL)

ModesAuto, Fill-flash, Slow sync, Rear sync, Wireless

Recycling Time Approx. 4 sec

Type Auto Pop-up

Convenience Features
Anti-dust function Charge protection coating on low pass filter and image-sensor shift mechanism

BRAVIA® SyncYes, via HDMI with compatible BRAVIA HDTV

Creative Style Standard, Vivid, Portrait, Landscape, Sunset, B/W Setting Adj. for; Contrast, Saturation, Sharpness

Dynamic Range Optimizer DRO; off, Auto/Level (Lv1-5) Auto HDR; off, Auto Exp. (Up to 3EV between 1.0-3.0EV in 0.5EV steps)

Live View Quick Auto Focus Live View Manual Focus Check Live View

Scene Mode(s)Flash Off, Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Sports Action, Sunset, Night portrait

User Interface "Easy-to-understand Graphic Display and on-screen Help Guide User-friendly function menu"

View Finder
SPECIFICATION 0.80x (with 50mm lens at infinity)

Diopter Adjustment -2.5 - +1.0m-1

Eye relief Approx. 19 mm from the eyepiece, Approx. 15 mm from the eyepiece frame at -1 diopter

Field of View 95%

Focusing Screen Spherical Acute Matte Screen

TypeFixed eye-level, penta-Dach-mirror

Power
Battery Type NP-FM500H

Number of Shots Approx. 1000 images with viewfinder, approx. 520 images in live view mode (CIPA standard)

Software
Operating System CompatibilityMicrosoft Windows 2000 Professional Windows XP*SP2 Windows Vista Mac OS X(v10.1.3) or later

Supplied Software PMB (Picture Motion Browser) 4.3.01 Image Data Converter SR 3.1 Image Data Lightbox SR

Inputs & Outputs
HD Output HDMI

Memory Card Slot Dual memory card slot, Memory Stick PRO Duo™ media SD and SDHC memory card

Tripod Mount Yes, 1/4"-20

USB Port(s)USB2.0 Hi-speed (mass-storage, PTP)

Where To Buy ?
$949.99
$949.99
$1,199.98

Ratings by Store(s)
B & H Foto & Electronics 5.0
2 User Review(s)
Ritz Interactive 5.0
1 User Review(s)
 
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