Sony has announced two new Alpha series cameras -SLT-A55 and SLT-A33, the first company’s DSLRs featuring Translucent Mirror Technology, which uses a fixed, translucent mirror that ‘splits’ the optical pathway between the main image sensor and a separate phase-detection autofocus sensor and allowing to achieve high-level of auto focus speed for both still image and movie shooting.
The α33 – 14.2 megapixels and α55 – 16.2 megapixels feature Sony’s new-generation Exmor APS HD CMOS Sensor and enhanced BIONZ imaging processor, allowing cinematic HD video footage with background defocus (bokeh) effects. Both has a 3-inch 920k-dot LCD screen- tilting and swivelling (to maximum 270 degrees) , capable to shoot continuously at up to 10 frames per second on theα55 (and up to seven on theα33), feature 15-point phase-detection autofocus system, full HD video recording and ISO sensitivity up to 12,800.
Both camera also supports Memory Stick PRO Duo and SD (including both SDHC and SDXC formats) memory cards, offers real-time video image preview, enhanced Quick AF Live View, multi-frame noise reduction Auto HDR, which combines data from a burst of three frames, into a single image with extended highlight and shadow detail, 3D Sweep Panorama, allowing photographers to capture detail-packed extra-wide panoramas with a huge field of view and then enjoyed on any compatible 3D HD television.
The α55 and α33 are compatible with over 30 A-mount interchangeable lenses and furthermore, the SLT-A55 feature a built-in GPS, allowing automatic geo-tagging of images and video clips.
The α33 and α55 SLT mirror cameras are available from September 2010 for $650 and $750 respectively.
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Key Features |
SLT-Α55V / SLT-A33 |
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Type |
Interchangeable lens digital camera with built-in flash |
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Lens Compatibility |
Sony α lens, Minolta and Konica Minolta AF lens |
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Image Sensor |
A55: Exmor™ APS HD CMOS 16.2 effective megapixels (approx.) |
A33: Exmor™ APS HD CMOS 14.2 effective megapixels (approx.) |
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Processor |
BIONZ™ image processor |
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ISO Sensitivity Range |
ISO 100 – 12800 (Extended: ISO 25600 in Multi Frame NR Mode) |
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Image Quality Modes |
JPEG (fine, standard), RAW, RAW + JPEG |
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HDMI Connector and BRAVIA Sync |
HDMI mini connector (Type C), BRAVIA Sync (Sync menu), PhotoTV HD |
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Image Size: 3:2 (pixels) |
A55: L size: 4912×3264 (16M) M size: 3568×2368 (8.4M) S size: 2448×1624 (4M) |
A33: L size: 4592×3056 (14M) M size: 3344×2224 (7.4M) S size: 2288×1520 (3.5M) |
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HD movie record |
Quick AF Full HD movie with phase-detection autofocus AVCHD: 1920 x 1080i (16:9) MP4: 1440 x 1080 (16:9) / 640 x 480 (4:3) Max record time: 29 mins |
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Electronic Viewfinder |
Electronic Viewfinder “Tru-Finder” (Xtra Fine) (1.15 million dots effective resolution), with 100% frame coverage Digital level gauge, shooting information and grid line display modes |
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LCD |
7.5cm (3”) TFT (Xtra Fine LCD) with 921k dot resolution; variable-angle tilt/swivel mechanism |
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Live View System |
Quick AF Live View |
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SteadyShot INSIDE |
YES |
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Anti-dust System |
Coating on low pass filter, plus image-sensor shift |
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Focus Modes |
AF/MF selectable AF modes: Single-shot AF, Automatic AF, Continuous AF |
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Autofocus System |
TTL 15-point phase detection AF system with 3 cross sensors |
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Exposure Modes |
Programmed AE (AUTO, AUTO – Flash Off, P), Aperture priority, Shutter priority, Manual, Scene selection |
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Exposure Metering System |
1200-zone evaluative metering |
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Exposure Metering Modes |
Multi-segment, Centre-weighted, Spot |
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Scene Selection |
Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Sports, Sunset, Night portrait/Night view, Hand-held Twilight |
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Creative Style Settings |
Standard, Vivid, Portrait, Landscape, Sunset, B/W |
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Sweep Panorama |
YES (2D and 3D) |
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Auto HDR |
YES (available in P/A/S/M modes) |
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Shutter Speed |
1/4000-30sec, Bulb |
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Exposure Bracketing |
3 continuous exposures, in 0.3 or 0.7 EV steps |
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White Balance Settings |
Auto / 6 presets / Colour Temperature/Colour Filter / Custom WB |
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Continuous Advance Shooting |
A55: Continuous Priority AE mode: up to 10fps with tracking AF Continuous mode: Up to 6fps *varies according to shooting conditions and memory card used |
A33: Continuous Priority AE mode: up to 7fps with tracking AF Continuous mode: Up to 6fps *varies according to shooting conditions and memory card used |
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Approx. no. of Shots |
A55: Approx. 330 images with viewfinder, approx. 380 images in live view mode (CIPA standard) |
A33: Approx. 270 images with viewfinder, approx. 340 images in live view mode (CIPA standard) |
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Built-in Flash |
Auto pop-up, GN 12 at ISO 100, FOV coverage up to 18mm |
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Flash Modes |
Flash-off, Auto, Fill-flash, Slow sync, Rear Sync., Wireless*, Hi-speed sync.*, |
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*With external flash HVL-F58AM, HVL-F56AM, HVL-F42AM, HVL-F36AM |
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Media |
MemoryStick PRO Duo / PRO-HG Duo / SD memory card / SDHC memory card |
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Dimensions (WxHxD) |
Approx. 124.4 x 92 x 84.7mm (W/H/D, excluding protrusions) |
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Weight |
A55: Approx. 441g (excluding battery, media and accessories) |
A33: Approx. 433g (excluding battery, media and accessories) |
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