Sony A33 and A55 DSLRs with translucent mirror technology

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.

Sony Alpha A55 and A33

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.

Sony A33

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.

Sony A55


The α33 and α55 SLT mirror cameras are available from September 2010 for $650 and $750 respectively.

Key Features

SLT-Α55V / SLT-A33

Type

Interchangeable lens digital camera with built-in flash

Lens Compatibility

Sony α lens, Minolta and Konica Minolta AF lens

Image Sensor

A55:

Exmor™ APS HD CMOS 16.2 effective megapixels (approx.)

A33:

Exmor™ APS HD CMOS 14.2 effective megapixels (approx.)

Processor

BIONZ™ image processor

ISO Sensitivity Range

ISO 100 – 12800 (Extended: ISO 25600 in Multi Frame NR Mode)

Image Quality Modes

JPEG (fine, standard), RAW, RAW + JPEG

HDMI Connector and BRAVIA Sync

HDMI mini connector (Type C), BRAVIA Sync (Sync menu), PhotoTV HD

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)

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

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

LCD

7.5cm (3”) TFT (Xtra Fine LCD) with 921k dot resolution; variable-angle tilt/swivel mechanism

Live View System

Quick AF Live View

SteadyShot INSIDE

YES

Anti-dust System

Coating on low pass filter, plus image-sensor shift

Focus Modes

AF/MF selectable

AF modes: Single-shot AF, Automatic AF, Continuous AF

Autofocus System

TTL 15-point phase detection AF system with 3 cross sensors

Exposure Modes

Programmed AE (AUTO, AUTO – Flash Off, P), Aperture priority, Shutter priority, Manual, Scene selection

Exposure Metering System

1200-zone evaluative metering

Exposure Metering Modes

Multi-segment, Centre-weighted, Spot

Scene Selection

Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Sports, Sunset, Night portrait/Night view, Hand-held Twilight

Creative Style Settings

Standard, Vivid, Portrait, Landscape, Sunset, B/W

Sweep Panorama

YES (2D and 3D)

Auto HDR

YES (available in P/A/S/M modes)

Shutter Speed

1/4000-30sec, Bulb

Exposure Bracketing

3 continuous exposures, in 0.3 or 0.7 EV steps

White Balance Settings

Auto / 6 presets / Colour Temperature/Colour Filter /  Custom WB

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

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)

Built-in Flash

Auto pop-up, GN 12 at ISO 100, FOV coverage up to 18mm

Flash Modes

Flash-off, Auto, Fill-flash, Slow sync, Rear Sync., Wireless*, Hi-speed sync.*,

*With external flash HVL-F58AM, HVL-F56AM, HVL-F42AM, HVL-F36AM

Media

MemoryStick PRO Duo / PRO-HG Duo / SD memory card / SDHC memory card

Dimensions (WxHxD)

Approx. 124.4 x 92 x 84.7mm (W/H/D, excluding protrusions)

Weight

A55:

Approx. 441g (excluding battery, media and accessories)

A33:

Approx. 433g (excluding battery, media and accessories)