Sony DSLR-a500 and Sony DSLR-a550

Two powerful, feature-packed DSLR cameras from Sony make it easier than ever to capture beautiful pictures, carefree family portraits, stunning holiday memories and action-packed scenes.

The DSLR-α500 (12.3 megapixels) and DSLR-α550 (14.2 megapixels) are packed with advanced Sony technology that combines the spontaneity and freedom of Live View shooting with exciting new features that help to realise creative vision.

At the heart of both cameras is a new, unique to Sony, Exmor™ CMOS sensor that ensures crisp low-noise images, packed with fine detail and vibrant colours. Sharing powerful on-chip noise reduction techniques with the full-frame DSLR- α900, this advanced sensor works with processing algorithms handled by the newly developed high-speed BIONZ™ engine to deliver premium images plus razor-sharp shooting responses. Dramatically reduced picture noise now allows super-sensitive shooting at up to ISO12800, achieving great results when shooting handheld in challenging situations like candlelit interiors.

Thanks to the powerful BIONZ image processing engine, Quick AF Live View now supports even speedier shooting responses with rapid, precise autofocus. This makes it easier than ever to capture beautifully relaxed portraits, dynamic action shots and more.

Powered by the BIONZ image processing engine, fast-moving action can now be captured effortlessly with faster continuous shooting speeds. Sustained shooting speeds of up to 4 fps can be achieved in Live View Mode, rising to 5 fps with the optical viewfinder. New Speed Priority mode on the DSLR-α550 raises the bar further still, shooting at an incredible 7 fps (with AF and AE setting maintained from the first frame ). It’s a powerful creative tool for capturing the nuances of a portrait subject’s changing expression or dynamic action sequences.

Auto HDR/DRO
The α500 offers a crisp, high-contrast 3-inch Clear Photo LCD Plus screen with the same tilt range for clear, comfortable composition and reviewing shots.

The α550 features a superb (921k dot) 3-inch Xtra Fine LCD screen for critical focusing and photo-quality viewing with class-leading colour, contrast and detailing. The screen tilts up or down over a full 180 degree range, allowing uncompromised ‘free-angle’ live view shooting in any position. An ambient light sensor automatically boosts LCD brightness for extra screen clarity when surrounding light levels are high while both cameras also feature a clear, bright optical viewfinder with wide 95% field coverage for framing and focusing as an alternative to live view shooting.

Creative options are broadened by new Auto HDR mode that captures a huge range of shadow and highlight detail in landscapes, interiors and other scenes. Previously accessible only to enthusiasts equipped with a tripod and image processing software, HDR (High Dynamic Range) is a specialist technique that combines two or more frames shot at different exposure settings. The α500 and α550 use powerful algorithms to combine and optimise two successive frames in only 2 seconds, correcting any misalignment between frames when shooting handheld, which is Sony unique technology. The result is a single HDR image emulating the huge natural tonal range of human vision – with no PC or tripod needed.

The D-Range Optimiser featured in previous DSLR models has been enhanced for even better results with backlit portraits and other tricky high-contrast scenes. The powerful BIONZ engine now optimises image data in real time even in continuous shooting mode, processing brightness and contrast in individual areas of each exposure for balanced, natural looking results. Optimisation can also be selected manually from 5 processing levels.

In a DSLR debut, Quick AF Live View now features Face Detection, prioritising AF on people’s faces and fine-tuning exposure/white balance settings for crisp, beautiful portraits with natural skin tones. Another DSLR first by Sony is Smile Shutter, already featured on many Cyber-shot™ models, Smile Shutter detects faces in Live View mode, automatically firing the shutter at just the right moment to capture happy, relaxed smiles.

A special new Manual Focus Check Live View mode assists with fine-tuning your composition. Low-noise images can be previewed directly from the CMOS sensor, allowing critical assessment of focus and fine detail, even in low light. The live image offers 100% field coverage, assisted by framing grid lines for precise composition. There’s also a selectable 7x/14x zoom function for a close-up confirmation of focus.

Operation of both cameras is brilliantly simple, thanks to a redesigned on-screen interface that provides easy access to functions and settings during live view operation. A unique Graphic Display gives a clear, intuitive indication of how shutter speed and aperture adjustments will affect the final image.

A Smart Teleconvertor button instantly boosts image size by 1.4x or 2x to extend your camera’s zoom lens range further for frame-filling close-ups.

Like all DSLR cameras by Sony, both new models feature SteadyShot™ INSIDE, the powerful optical image stabiliser that cuts the effects of camera shake by up to 4 EV steps while shooting handheld with any lens.

After shooting, it’s easy to connect both cameras to your BRAVIA™ television via HDMI (requires optional cable) for a stunning big-screen view of your shots. Compatible BRAVIA™ models automatically switch to PhotoTV HD mode for optimised still image playback with incredible detail, colour and clarity. BRAVIA Sync lets you control image slideshows in comfort via your TV’s remote.

Both cameras let you capture even more incredible moments without the worry of running out of power. The InfoLITHIUM™ rechargeable battery pack (NP-FM500H) of the α500 allows up to 1000 shots (CIPA test, approx. figure) – the highest capacity of any α series digital SLR camera battery to date. The battery of the α550 delivers up to 950 shots from a single charge.

If you’re hungry for even more shooting stamina, the new VG-B50AM Vertical Control Grip holds up to two NP-FM500H batteries. This premium grip gives α500 users an incredible 2,000 shot maximum capacity (α550: 1,900 shots), with automatic switchover between batteries and accurate display of power remaining in % increments on the camera’s LCD. An additional shutter release and dual controls support comfortable, accurate shooting in either portrait or landscape positions.

Also, with Memory Stick™ at the heart of the Sony alpha, you have every advantage. The advanced Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo HX (4GB, 8GB, 16GB or 32GB) is the perfect tool for continuous shooting mode, with the ideal combination of massive storage capacity and blisteringly fast operation. Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo HX 32GB will never miss the key shot because the number of pictures taken in 1 min is approx 270* photos (in RAW+JPEG/L (12M).Delivered with USB Adaptor, Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo HX 32GB is ideal for users who want to transfer data in high speed: approx. 1700 pictures in L (12M) size at RAW+JPEG mode in 26 minutes.

The DSLR-α550 and DSLR-α500 digital SLR cameras are available from the end of October 2009.

Specifications:

Features α500 α550
Effective Megapixels Approx. 12.3 Approx. 14.2
Lens compatibility Sony α lens, Minolta and Konica Minolta AF lens Sony α lens, Minolta and Konica Minolta AF lens
Image sensor APS-C size (23.5x15.6mm) CMOS sensor "Exmor" with RGB primary color filters APS-C size (23.4x15.6mm) CMOS sensor "Exmor" with RGB primary color filters
Processor BIONZ™ image processor BIONZ™ image processor
Maximum ISO Sensitivity AUTO (ISO 200-1600), 200 to 12800 selectable (in 1EV step, Recommended Exposure Index) AUTO (ISO 200-1600), 200 to 12800 selectable (in 1EV step, Recommended Exposure Index)
Image Quality Modes RAW, RAW+JPEG, Fine, Standard RAW, RAW+JPEG, Fine, Standard
HDMI connector and Bravia Sync HDMI mini connector (Type C), BRAVIA Sync (Sync menu), PhotoTV HD HDMI mini connector (Type C), BRAVIA Sync (Sync menu), PhotoTV HD
Image Size: 3:2 (pixels) L size: 4272x2848 (12M), M size: 3104x2072(6.4M), S size: 2128x1416 (3.0M) L size: 4592x3056 (14M), M size: 3344x2224 (7.4M), S size: 2288x1520 (3.5M)
Viewfinder Type Fixed eye-level, penta-Dach-mirror Fixed eye-level, penta-Dach-mirror
LCD 3.0-inch type, TFT Clear Photo LCD Plus (230,400 dots) 3.0-inch type, TFT Xtra Fine LCD (921,600 dots)
Quick AF Live View YES YES
Manual Focus Check
Live View YES YES
SteadyShot INSIDE YES YES
Anti-dust System Coating on low pass filter, plus image-sensor shift Coating on low pass filter, plus image-sensor shift
Focus Modes AF/MF selectable.
AF modes: Single-shot AF, Automatic AF, Continuous AF AF/MF selectable.
AF modes: Single-shot AF, Automatic AF, Continuous AF
Autofocus TTL phase detection system; CCD line sensors TTL phase detection system; CCD line sensors
Focus Points 9 9
Exposure Modes Programmed AE (AUTO, AUTO - Flash Off, P), Aperture priority, Shutter priority, Manual, Scene selection Programmed AE (AUTO, AUTO - Flash Off, P), Aperture priority, Shutter priority, Manual, Scene selection
Exposure Metering Modes Multi-segment, Centre-weighted, Spot Multi-segment, Centre-weighted, Spot
Exposure Metering Sensor 40-segment honeycomb-pattern SPC 40-segment honeycomb-pattern SPC
Scene Selection Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Sports, Sunset, Night portrait Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Sports, Sunset, Night portrait
Creative Style Settings 6 6
Shutter Speed 1/4000-30sec 1/4000-30sec
Exposure Bracketing 3 continuous exposures, in 0.3 or 0.7 EV steps 3 continuous exposures, in 0.3 or 0.7 EV steps
White Balance Settings Auto / 6 presets / Colour Temperature/Colour Filter / Custom WB Auto / 6 presets / Colour Temperature/Colour Filter / Custom WB
Continuous Advance Shooting Up to 5 fps with optical viewfinder, 4 fps with live view Up to 5 fps with optical viewfinder, 4 fps with live view and 7 fps in speed priority mode.
Approx. no. of shots * Approx. 1000 shots (with viewfinder) Approx. 950 shots (with viewfinder)
Built-in Flash Auto pop-up – GN 12 at ISO 100 conversion up to 18mm Auto pop-up – GN 12 at ISO 100 conversion 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 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 "Memory Stick PRO Duo", "Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo", SD memory card, SDHC memory card "Memory Stick PRO Duo", "Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo", SD memory card, SDHC memory card
Dimensions (W x H x D) Approx. 137 x 104 x 84mm (5-1/2 x 4 1/8 x 3 3/8 in.) (W/H/D, excluding protrusions) Approx. 137 x 104 x 84mm (5-1/2 x 4 1/8 x 3 3/8 in.) (W/H/D, excluding protrusions)
Weight Approx. 597g Approx. 599g

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