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Sony DSLR-A550 reviews
You can find here the most interesting reviews / ratings from the well-known expert sites about the Sony DSLR-A550 Camera. Here are the reviewers:
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- 18 November 2009 - |
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- 4.5 |
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- 13 November 2009 - |
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- 0 |
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- 26 October 2009 - |
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- 4.5 |
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- 12 October 2009 - |
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- 0 |
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- 27 August 2009 - |
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- 0 |
PhotoClubAlpha 's conclusion / rating - 18 November 2009 |
“ I think the Alpha 550 definitely has a place in my system, but may not be used very much. It would make a neat, lightweight travel camera with the CZ 16-80mm if only the ISO 200 results were just that little bit better. Ideally, ISO 100 with a corresponding improvement over 200 would fix the issue.
It would make a better low light camera at 1600-6400 than the 700 or even the 900, but it doesn’t have the bright viewfinders or ability to use faster and more accurate focus with f/2.8 and wider lenses, which both these models offer.
The features I am most likely to use include MF Check LV for macro work or studio shots with continuous light. I’ve been looking at LED light sources and wondering whether the Sony ring light is the terrible idea most people who have not used it think it must be. Daylight quality LED sources could replace flash for many types of studio work soon, certainly for most macro/micro and close-ups. But without mirror lockup, I guess the typical exposure times given by that Sony ring-light will be a recipe for guaranteed blur.
The HDR JPEGs could also be something explored further, and the 7fps fixed settings burst. A possible application for the 380 could be extended to the 550 – highpod, remote or aerial mast photography with viewing via the HDMI connection on a mini HDTV monitor. The Quick LV CCD camera in the prism unit appears to be improved to use the higher resolution rear screen; sadly, there is no way of triggering the MF Check LV remotely, so the very high resolution HDMI video feed offered by this could not be used... ”
PhotoClubAlpha's rating: |
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- 4.5 |
Complete review here
AlphaMountWorld 's conclusion / rating - 13 November 2009 |
“ I'll keep my conclusion kind of short on the A550 because I think it's best to read a full review to get to the nitty gritty on my opinions about this camera. In short ,I have a pass/fail (love/hate) relationship with the A550, with very little inbetween. On one hand the Alpha A550 totally impressed me with its ability to create very good quality images overall, its superior AUTO HDR feature, excellent live view tools and options, comfortable grip, and its spirited performance.
On the other hand though, was its inadequate menu system compared to upper end Alphas (and not very easy for beginners in my opinion) that kept me feeling like I was stepping on my own toes, and having to think way too much about where a menu item/change was. Most new to Alpha shooters probably won't know what they are missing, or what I am talking about if they ever read this review. You have to use quick navi for a while, and against other products on the market to really appreciate its superior design philosophy and stress free/natural operation I think.
Low ISO image quality is so so, I didn't like the use of the type of plastics, layout of buttons is borderline ridiculous, and the lack of redundancy for menu items in the user interface (requiring a button press only vs. being in the menu as well etc. like over Alphas) left me with a pretty disappointed overall view of the A550. It just could have been done better.
This is a camera I had high hopes for. The omission and addition of some features has me completely baffled. For example, I doubt a growing user would find a seven frame rate per second feature more valuable than mirror lock up when they do longer exposure images, when the camera already does a very decent and class leading five frames per second.
A lack of being able to see your depth of field in advance is really an omission of a classic and necessary photography feature. All Sony had to do is at least include it in MFCLV mode, with an auto gain feature to make up for the smaller aperture when checking for your in focus area, or just had included it with an optical view in the very least.
For its price the A550 should have more features. At least it should have more software features which I find a bit of a let down. Really there isn't much exciting here. No monochrome color filters or editing options or electronic level, all features that budding photographers would love to play with and benefit from I'm sure.
Sony have taken a risk offering so many models in the low end range with so few features, I do hope that it is a risk that will pay off for them. What I also hope is that this philosophy doesn't make its way into the higher level cameras. In my opinion Sony is capable of doing much more than they have in the five models they offer in the low end.
If it weren't for Quick AF Live View/MFCLV or Auto HDR, the A550 would have been pretty boring DSLR to me considering what other manufactures are offering today for the price, as well as new and special/interesting features. In short, I liked this camera more than the entry level trio, and I really was hoping I'd like this camera enough to want to buy one for myself....but in the end it is not a camera I would want despite its positives (just as the new entry level Alphas).
Enthusiasts who don't have a lot of money to drop on a DSLR will most likely be disappointed with Sony's offering, as there are better alternatives for the price features wise from other manufacturers (unfortunately), and I think that is one of the key points I am making here in my dissapointment overall. Also, I am considering the natural progression of a new photographer and how happy they will be with this camera say two years from now... when so many features and advancements have been made on other brands. It's something to at least ponder a bit for a buyer.
If one were to look at a specification sheet side by side with a competitor's DSLR, the A550 would hold up well in some regards against other DSLRS for the price, in some spots completely outperform them, and look seemingly inadequate in other regards.
I'll be looking to the A500 next, where it's lower price, better overall image quality, and where a marginal omission of features (when compared to the A550) may entice me to keep it in my stable... ”
AlphaMountWorld's rating: |
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- 0 |
Complete review here
PhotoReview 's conclusion / rating - 26 October 2009 |
“ Buy this camera if:
- You want an affordable interchangeable-lens camera with fast autofocusing regardless of whether Live View or the viewfinder is used for shot composition.
- You want body-integrated image stabilisation that works with all lenses.
- You'd like a wide range of user-adjustable controls and functions.
- You require fast burst speeds and a generous buffer capacity.
- You could make use of the extended sensitivity range, despite its associated image noise.
Don't buy this camera if:
- You'd like the ability to shoot both still pictures and HD video clips.
- You require high resolution and low noise levels at ISO settings over 1600.
- You prefer converting raw files with Adobe Camera Raw (the current edition doesn't support raw files from the A550).... ”
PhotoReview's rating: |
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- 4.5 |
Complete review here
Photocrati 's conclusion / rating - 12 October 2009 |
“ The A500 or the A550 would be a fine choice for DSLR novices thanks to the many digicam-style features, but the great versatility and advanced functions make it just as suitable for photo enthusiasts. The A550 would be my first choice because of its superior LCD screen. A few years ago, the early Alpha cameras appealed primarily to those who already owned some compatible Dynax lenses. Today, the system is succeeding on its own merits. Regardless of budget or needs, you should be able to find at least one Sony Alpha camera that’s just right in terms of feature set, performance and value... ”
Complete review here
DPReview 's conclusion / rating - 27 August 2009 |
“ Sadly, the much asked-for depth-of-field preview and mirror lock-up options have not returned. In both live view modes, the lens aperture is kept wide-open until the shot is taken, giving no representation of depth-of-field. And, although the mirror could theoretically be kept in the ‘up’ position, the new MF Check live view system still flips the mirror down and up again just as the shot is being taken, even when combined with self-timer. Whether this lack of mirror lock-up will make any difference to images won’t become apparent until we’ve tested the camera... ”
Complete review here
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