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Pros
- Speedy 7 fps burst mode.
- Terrific image quality, even in low light.
- Tilting 3-inch LCD.
- Well-designed, newbie-friendly user interface.
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Cons
- No video capture—not even standard definition.
Sony Alpha DSLR-A550 Specs
| 35-mm Equivalent (Telephoto): | 55 mm |
| 35-mm Equivalent (Wide): | 18 mm |
| Battery Type Supported: | InfoLithium |
| Boot time: | 0.61 seconds |
| LCD dots: | 921600 |
| LCD size: | 3 inches |
| Lines Per Picture Height: | 1923 |
| Media Format: | Memory Stick Pro Duo |
| Media Format: | Secure Digital High Capacity |
| Megapixels: | 14.2 MP |
| Optical Zoom: | 3 x |
| Recycle time: | 0.14 seconds |
| Type: | D-SLR |
| Video Resolution: | No |
With a relatively modest 14.2-megapixel CMOS sensor, the Sony Alpha DSLR-A550's $1,049.99 price tag may seem steep when compared with less-expensive cameras like the Editors' Choice Sony even added a third image sensor dedicated to autofocus, so the camera performs just as well in Live View mode as it does when using the optical viewfinder—no other D-SLR offers comparable autofocus performance. The included 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 lens is similar to optics packaged with competing models—it can capture excellent images even in low light, thanks to the camera's built-in sensor-shift image stabilization. One significant oversight prevents this camera from nabbing our Editors' Choice award, however: You can't record video with the A550, not even in standard definition. Design and Features The 921K-dot 3-inch LCD screen is mounted on an accordion-like adjustable arm, letting you adjust the position the display up to 90 degrees in either direction, so you can easily capture images overhead or those below eye level. This is similar to the articulating LCD on the Nikon D5000, but better. The LCD is very sharp too, offering VGA resolution, or double that of the screen on the
Sony's user interface can't be beat—it's very clean and intuitive, and even offers useful learning tools for SLR-photography newbies. While you're shooting, you can choose between two on-screen displays—one with advanced settings and another with only the basics. The simple mode teaches more advanced photography techniques, such as the relationship between aperture and shutter speed. (See the slideshow for details.) The camera also offers text narrations, so you know what you'll get with each setting. If you adjust the ISO sensitivity, for example, you'll see the message "Sets the sensitivity to light. The larger the number, the faster the shutter speed." Speed and Image Quality The A550's incredible speed isn't limited to the camera's autofocus; it can power on and snap its first image in an average of just .61 second. There's also an option to activate autofocus once the camera senses your face near the optical viewfinder, bringing your subject into focus as soon as you look through the viewfinder. In burst mode, the A550 can crank out 14.2-megapixel images at 7 frames per second. To compare, lower-priced cameras such as the Canon T2i and Nikon D5000 can capture 18-megapixel images at 3.7 fps and 12.3-megapixel images at 4 fps, respectively. Using Imatest to objectively gauge image quality, I found that the A550 offers terrific sharpness and noise performance, even at high ISO settings. The camera can shoot at up to ISO 3200 without producing visibly noisy images, making it very well-suited for low-light shooting. With the included 18-55mm lens set at its sharpest f-stop (f/9), the A550 averaged 1,923 and 1,847 lines per picture height ISO 200 and 400, respectively (ISO 100 is not offered). The Canon T2i offered slightly better performance, averaging 2,258 and 1,885 lines per picture height at the same ISO settings. The A550 bests the Nikon D5000, however, which scored 1,778 lines and 1,743 lines per picture height at ISO 200 and 400. There's no question that the A550 is a lightning-fast, high-performance D-SLR, but there's one major caveat here: Virtually every D-SLR in this price range includes high-definition video capture. Even the $600 While the A550 can't capture HD video, it can play back images on your HDTV via its integrated mini-HDMI port with HDMI-CEC (Consumer Electronics Control) support, so you can control the camera using your TV's remote. Still images can be stored either on Sony's Memory Stick PRO Duo or SDHC cards; the camera has slots for each. There's also a standard mini-USB port so you can connect the camera to your computer. You can look at the Sony Alpha DSLR-A550 in two ways: As an overpriced competitor to entry-level D-SLRs like the Nikon D5000 and Canon T2i, or as a bargain competitor to other midrange, 7-8 fps cameras like the Even so, I'm impressed by the speedy A550, with its top-notch, user-friendly interface and versatile 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 lens. And it takes beautiful pictures, even in low light. You could save a few bucks and go for the less-expensive Nikon D5000 or Canon T2i, which offer comparable image quality and add HD video capture, but these cameras lack the snappy autofocus and 7 fps burst mode you get with the A550. BENCHMARK TEST RESULTS: Check out the test scores for the COMPARISON TABLE More Digital Camera Reviews:
) or the 
), but the A550's performance is on a par with a midrange D-SLR, with a 7 fps burst mode and a gorgeous 3-inch tilting LCD.
Measuring 4.1 by 5.4 by 3.3 inches (HWD), the mostly black A550's build is both comfortable and stylish, offering a rubberized grip and smart control placement. Most of the controls are easily accessible, on the right side of the LCD, making it possible to manipulate many of the camera's settings with just one hand, that is, if you can lift it: The A550 weighs in at 1.94 pounds with the bundled lens attached. Although it's no lightweight, the A550 isn't particularly heavy for its class; the Nikon D5000 weighs a comparable 1.90 pounds. 
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All D-SLRs offer extremely fast focusing, thanks to secondary image sensors for autofocus. The A550 adds a third sensor dedicated to providing an image to the LCD, however, so the autofocus sensor isn't disabled in Live View mode, as it is on traditional D-SLRs. This third sensor allows the camera to offer much faster autofocus, while competing models slow down significantly when Live View is enabled. ) can record 720p30 HD video. If video is on your D-SLR wish list, and you've already invested in Sony lenses and accessories, then you might consider waiting for the company's soon-to-be-released compact interchangeable camera and ) and the 
). But no matter how you dice it, some may find the A550 a tough sell since it doesn't capture video, when almost every other recently D-SLR does.