Sony Alpha A550 DSLR reviewed: new tricks, new trade-offs
By Donald Melanson 
posted December 9th 2009 10:32PM
posted December 9th 2009 10:32PM
It's been a long haul since it was officially announced way back in August, but we're guessing there's a good number of folks that have been waiting for Digital Photography Review's take on Sony's Alpha A550 DSLR before making their final decision on the camera. Thankfully, the site has now come through with a usually thorough review, which unsurprisingly finds that while there's a lot to like, there's also a few notable trade-offs with this challenger to the likes of the Nikon D90. On the upside, the camera packs quite a few features not seen on many of its competitors, including two different live view modes, built-in HDR options, 7 fps burst shooting, and reportedly great image stabilization, to name a few -- all of which add up to make this was DP Review calls "the best APS-C camera Sony has produced since the Alpha 700." On the downside, however, the site found that the A550 sits somewhat uncomfortably between the low and high-end, with its slightly stripped down controls turning off pros, and its rather weak performance in auto mode potentially being a problem for beginners. That doesn't prevent the camera from receiving fairly solid recommendation though, which hinges on the caveat that folks know what they're getting into.
sounds like a solid camera.
I still have an older a100 that I'm using, and it produces some nice shots too.
wish i could get a dslr cam ;(
@(Unverified)
dslrs are cheap nowadays even last seasons entry dslr is around the price of a high end point and shoot cam
pretty solid, I'd still prefer the new Pentax K-x over this. K-x is probably the best upper entry level DSLR this year. It has some mad high ISO quality, im talking 1600-3200.
@boodiespost The K-x uses a sony sensor, so since it is a 12.4 one I guess it is the same as in the alpha 500 (the twin to 550). Different antialias-filters, noise reduction and processing might add to differences however.
Does anyone know of the video quality of the Nikon D300s and issues with jello and rolling shutter?
dpreview is as serious as ken rockwell
A550 vs D90? This is much closer to the D5000 and T1i/500D. Count the dials ;)
@YpoCaramel
Wait wait wait... number of dials = market position of camera?
@CJ To a degree. Historically the entry levels - Rebels, D60s etc... only had one dial and starting with the semi-pros 30D, 40D, 500, D80, D90 had two. So it's more a historical association and marketing tactic than a hard and fast rule.
@YpoCaramel
Good enough for me.
i don't think i've ever seen dpreview give anything other than a recommended
dpreview is unlikely to say "don't buy this camera, it's complete and utter rubbish"
they leave that to the forums. ;)
@SiG In their language fail means average, or horrifyingly, below average. Relying that one word at the end of a review is probably not something you wanna do when choosing your expensive photographic companion though =)
wish canon would release a 550d with 1080p 24/25/30fps video recording and 720p 60fps with autofocus, manual focus and external microphone input, they'd sell like hot cakes!
Meh, a $1000 entry level dSLR with no video and handles "better as a point and shoot camera in live view mode" No thanks. Save some money and get something cheaper or go to a Prosumer model.
@(Unverified)
Why would you want video on a SLR? if you're going to be taking videos, you need something that can give you quality sound and video. Not that mono audio stuff on other SLRs. Otherwise, just use your phone.