Sony A55 Digital Camera Review

My first impression is that Sony has created a very small form digital single lens camera. First glance had me thinking that the camera would be cramped to hold and that my fingers might accidentally activate buttons. Both of these concerns proved to be misplaced, the body fit well into my hands and the balance was excellent. Overall the A55 with the kit 18-55 lens mounted seemed very substantial and quite solid.

Great LCD on the Sony A55

Before I dive into the unique features of this digital camera I want to comment on a few of Sony’s nicer touches. The swiveling rear LCD combination viewfinder / monitor is really very sharp and offers a decent view even in moderate sunlight. The electronic eyelevel viewfinder may not be quite the same as the view through a direct view prism, but it was more than sufficient. I liked the eyelevel finder’s artificial horizon display which helped me keep the camera level while handheld.

Powering up the camera was almost instantaneous. The rear LCD displayed relevant settings information as a border all the way around the live image view. The live image switches from the rear LCD to the eyelevel finder when the camera’s sensors detect that you have raised the camera to your eye.

Operationally the A55 is much like any other single lens digital camera. Buttons and switches are marked with familiar icons and labels; the ubiquitous four-way controller is under the right thumb just as on any other camera, the command and mode dials are just where I would expect to find them. In short, when the camera is up to the eye a photographer familiar with a Nikon or Canon camera won’t fumble very much when seeking out the controls.

How is the Sony A55 Different and Better?

And now let’s review how the Sony A55 is very different. So far I have been referring to the A55 as a Digital Single Lens (DSL) camera, leaving off the “reflex” (R) part of the description applied to other more traditional models.

In a traditional camera there is a mirror that hangs down in the image path between the rear of the lens and the camera’s shutter and image sensor. This mirror reflects the incoming image up into the eyelevel viewfinder and onto focus and exposure sensors. Each time the shutter button is tripped this mirror must pop up out of the way so that the image can pass though to the image sensor. After the shutter opens and closes the mirror resets into the image path and the eyelevel finder view is restored. This reflexive up and down action gives us the “R” in DSLR.

Sony’s A55 does indeed have a mirror sitting in the image path between the lens and sensor. However this mirror doesn’t move up and down to get out of the way when the shutter is tripped. The mirror of the A55 is a half mirror so images both reflect up from it and pass through it as well. Think of mirrored sunglasses or a two-way mirror as an example. But why did Sony think this was a better idea than a moving reflex mirror?

Reflex mirrors have a blackout moment each time the shutter button is tripped. For a split second not only is the photographer blind but so are the focus and exposure sensors. For still photography captured at a brisk five or six frames per second this isn’t a huge issue. However if the manufacturer wants to offer a camera with up to 10 frames per second the blackout period would almost exceed the viewing period so focus and exposure are less certain. Plus there is an enormous amount of damping required to prevent internal vibrations that would lead to blurred images – part of what makes traditional cameras capable of 10 FPS so expensive

Sony A 55 Has Best Vidceo on The Market

The biggest plus of a non-reflex mirror design is found in the video mode. A traditional camera design requires that the mirror be up and out of the way for video capture. With the mirror up the focus and exposure sensors are blind and the camera must be manually focused or rely on not so good contrast-based autofocus. Since the Sony A55 mirror is always down and in play the focus and exposure sensors are always operational. This means that the Sony A55 can capture 1080p HD movies with fully automatic focus and exposure, something that no other DSL can do as well.

In operation I found that the A55 in movie mode does out perform most other DSLR’s that I’ve used. The video isn’t better quality (we’ll see that in a moment) but the experience of capturing it was by far effortless.

I did have several concerns with the Sony A55. Many of my issues likely come from the short time I had with the camera and would likely go away with better familiarity:

The A55 offers in-camera HDR still image capture. The camera will take several fast exposures at a wide range of settings and then combine them into one with greater tonal range. The results were good about 40% of the time. I found that most often the camera’s HDR results were too cartoon-like in color with blooming reds and warm colors. Niggling detail – once set to HDR the photographer has to manually turn it off even after power down and restart. Forgetting to do this will result in the camera taking an HDR image the next time it is turned on.

Video colors seemed to be strong too. It my be that I just like more realistic contrast and color, but the A55 seems to add some “pop” to warm colors in video just as it did in HDR. I didn’t care for it but my wife actually liked it so it is a matter of personal taste.

For an advanced shooter Sony’s heavy reliance on pictorial descriptions of shooting modes within the menu system only slow things down. I believe that even someone new to using exposure modes will soon tire of the two-beat delay before the pictorial screen moves on to the actual menu screen.

I have some pretty good video editing software from Nero and Adobe. However the Sony video output couldn’t be opened with either brand. The AVCHD video format captured by the A55 seems to require a first pass through the included Sony software before my video suites could manage the movies.

Conclusion: The Sony A55 is right on target for two types of photographer. First is the photographer moving up from a compact digital camera that will appreciate the simple menu system with pictorial assistance. The second group is the family photographer who wants a highly reliable still camera with far easier than average video capture. The photographer who only needs video on few occasions and for short duration will likely be drawn to a Nikon or Canon models for their larger system of accessories and lower entry cost.

Stu Eddins is blogger, instructor, merchandiser, and is generally in charge of a lot of things for Porter’s Digital Cameras and Imaging. Visit their site at http://www.porters.com. Years of experience over the counter and in classrooms have turned Stu into an evangelist for image preservation, capturing and sharing memories, and helping people understand digital camera lenses, digital cameras.

Nikon D5000 DX Digital SLR Camera

A remarkable blend of simplicity and highly-advanced DSLR capabilities, the compact and powerful D5000 offers breathtaking 12.3-megapixel image quality, along with a flexible, Vari-angle, Live View monitor for fresh picture-taking perspectives. Nikon’s EXPEED image processing further enhances performance, contributing to split-second shutter response and continuous shooting at up to 4 frames-per-second to capture fast action and precise moments perfectly.

The D5000’s 24-fps HD D-Movie mode with sound captures video clips with amazing clarity–offering new and exciting creative opportunities. Fast, accurate 11-point autofocus with 3D Tracking, teamed with famous NIKKOR optics, assures incredible image sharpness, while active image sensor cleaning combats annoying dust automatically. Featuring a convenient built-in flash, 19 automatic exposure Scene Modes to make the impossible easy and 23 Custom Setting options to fit your preferences, as well as 14 in-camera image retouching functions, the D5000 is the perfect DSLR, beginning with performance to meet your picture-taking tomorrows.

Canon EOS Rebel T2i 18 MP Digital Camera

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Less than a year after the launch of the EOS Rebel T1i (500D) comes the latest in Canon’s hugely popular consumer SLR range, the Rebel T2i (EOS 550D). With the 450D and 500D Canon appeared to be pulling away slightly from the real ‘entry level’ (a sector driven almost entirely by price), and the EOS 550D–on paper at least–is no exception, outgunning many of the ‘upper entry level’ and mid range SLRs on the market today in terms of spec. To ensure it doesn’t lose out at the price-sensitive DSLR entry point Canon is once again introducing its new flagship Rebel as a ‘sister’ product to the camera it ostensibly replaces. The EOS 500D (Rebel T1i) will be staying in the range for the rest of 2010 (at, one presumes, a more attractive price point). We would assume that the new model finally spells the end of the line for the current ‘bargain’ Canon, the venerable Rebel XSi (EOS 450D).

Canon EOS Rebel T1i

Canon’s new EOS Rebel T1i is packed with features, both refined and new. In addition to its admirable performance with an all-new 15.1 Megapixel Canon CMOS sensor, DIGIC 4 Image Processor, a 3.0-inch Clear View LCD with anti-reflective and scratch resistant coating, and compatibility with the EOS System of lenses and Speedlites, the EOS Rebel T1i adds remarkable Full HD video capture at resolutions up to 1920 x 1080.

An HDMI port allows for quick connections to high definition TVs and monitors for easy viewing of your stills and video. The entire operation is simple and easy even if you are a beginner. You’ll have uncompromised EOS Digital performance with power and flexibility right in the palm of your hand.

Nikon D3000 10MP Digital SLR Camera

Breathtaking digital SLR image quality and easy operation highlight the 10.2-megapixel D3000–Nikon’s friendliest DSLR ever. Compact and capable, the D3000 is compatible with a broad range of world-famous Nikkor lenses and includes the versatile 3x, 18-55mm Zoom-Nikkor with Silent-Wave Motor autofocusing and Nikon VR image stabilization to combat picture blur caused by camera shake for sharper handheld pictures. Special moments are captured faithfully at up to 3 frames-per-second and displayed on a bright, 3-inch LCD monitor. The D3000′s split-second shutter response eliminates the annoyance of shutter lag

Nikon Coolpix L18 8MP Digital Camera

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8.0 Megapixels for stunning prints as large as 16 x 20 inches. Plenty of sharp resolution to capture the finest details, crop creatively and product incredible enlargements
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3x Optical Zoom-NIKKOR Glass Lens gets you close to the action. NIKKOR optics provide exceptional pictures. The lens is built on a proud heritage of producing precision camera optics that deliver superb color and razor-sharp results
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New EXPEED image processor ensures high-quality pictures with stunning color and sharpness. Nikon’s comprehensive digital imaging processing concept incorporates know-how and technologies accumulated throughout our long history of photographic and digital imaging development. EXPEED is custom-tuned for COOLPIX and applied optimized technologies the render natural-looking pictures of incredible quality and quick response so you will not miss that special moment
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Anti-Shake Mode minimizes the effect of camera shake by detecting slight movement of the subject and will overcome blur by adjusting to a higher shutter speed and a higher ISO
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Huge, Bright High Resolution 3.0-inch LCD makes it easy to compose and share your pictures. In addition, the high-contrast and anti-reflection coating on the screen assist in clear viewing, even in direct sunlight
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Adjusts up to ISO 1600 making new opportunities to take sharper, more natural-looking photos in lower light conditions
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Nikon Image Innovations include: In-Camera Red-Eye Fix™, which will automatically look for and fixes most instances of red-eye. You may never see red-eyes again, Face Priority AF is Nikon’s face-finding technology that quickly finds and focuses on up to 12 faces in a group portrait, and D-Lighting will rescue those photos that are too dark for printing by enhancing the underexposed areas of the picture while not touching the properly exposed areas

Canon PowerShot A590IS

Manufacturer Description
The PowerShot A590 IS will astound you with its power-packed performance and impressive value. It’s got 8 megapixels, a 4x optical zoom, an Optical Image Stabilizer, and a large 2.5-inch LCD. A range of shooting modes — from manual to automatic, including Canon’s new Easy Mode — make picture-taking carefree. A DIGIC III Image Processor with Enhanced Canon Face Detection assures natural-looking results, while Motion Detection Technology reduces blur. For added creativity, attach wide or telephoto converter lenses.

Canon PowerShot A590IS Highlights

8 megapixels with 4x optical zoom and optical image stabilizer With the PowerShot A590 IS, dramatic, personal pictures have never been easier to shoot and share. The 8.0-megapixel design lets you create impressive high resolution images of family and friends you’ll be proud display. The genuine Canon 4x zoom lens moves you in for powerful close-ups — like a bird in flight or a child’s winning goal — at the touch of a button. Plus, Canon’s highly sophisticated Optical Image Stabilizer keeps every shot absolutely steady even when you’re not.

2.5-inch LCD screen The camera’s 2.5-inch LCD screen gives you the big picture, whether you’re shooting, reviewing or showing off your images. This high-resolution screen offers a crisp, clear and bright picture. It also features Night Display for easy viewing in low light.

New Easy Mode simplifies operation Even if you’ve never picked up a camera before, with Canon’s new Easy Mode you can take inspiring, dramatic pictures that will impress everyone. Once you choose Easy Mode, the PowerShot A590 IS handles all the details automatically. It automatically sets every camera control including the flash to reduce blur and improve image quality. So you get pictures that are bright, clear and natural just by pushing a button. Best of all, you can relax and concentrate on what really counts — your subject.

Canon EF 50mm Camera Lens

Lightweight and affordable, the Canon EF 50mm lens–which offers a fast f/1.8 aperture–is an excellent lens for people who prefer a fixed focal length. Canon’s lightest EF lens at a mere 4.6 ounces, the lens boasts a traditional Gauss-type optical design that delivers a sharp performance even when wide open.

As a result, the lens provides an image that’s extremely close to how your eye perceives a subject, making it excellent for portraits and images that require a natural depth of field. In addition, the lens focuses as close as 18 inches, helping you take extreme close-ups. Finally, the lens offers an excellent color balance. As with all Canon lenses, the lens carries a one-year warranty.

Nikon D200 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera Body

Breathtaking image quality assured by a high-performance 10.2 megapixel DX Format CCD sensor coupled with Nikon’s image processing engine and the world’s most sophisticated light metering system, the Nikon D200 digital SLR has a framing rate of up to 5 frames per second and minimized (50 ms) shutter lag provide ultra-fast handling characteristics, allowing high sequential image speed for sports, wildlife, fashion and event photography. The Nikon D200 is uniquely enabled to perform to a standard once reserved for cameras costing far more. Image Sensor – RGB CCD, 23.6 x 15.8mm Image Size – Up to 3,872 x 2,592 Maximum Storage Media – CompactFlash (CF) Card Type I and II and Microdrive Sensitivity – 100 to 1600 (ISO equivalent) in steps of 1/3, 1/2 or 1 EV with additional settings up to 1 EV over 1600 File System – Exif 2.21, Compliant DCF 2.0 and DPOF Interface – NTSC or PAL White Balance – Auto (TTL white balance with 1,005-pixel RGB sensor), six manual modes with fine-tuning, color temperature setting, preset white balance, white balance bracketing possible (2 to 9 frames in increments of 1, 2 or 3) Picture Angle – 35mm format is approx. 1.5 times lens focal length LCD Monitor – 2.5-inch, 230,000-dot, TFT LCD with brightness adjustment Self-timer – Electronically controlled timer with 2 to 20 seconds duration Compatible Lenses – All AF-DX, AF-D, AF-G, AF-I, AF-S, and AF VR Nikkor lenses provide full AF & metering operation Dimensions – Width 147 x Height 113 x Depth 74mm / Weight – 830 grams

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