Sony Alpha a500 and a550
Aug 29, 2009 – The 12.3MP a500 and the 14.2MP a550 come with the new generation of Exmor™ CMOS sensors and BIONZ™ image processors which enable these cameras to capture with excellent picture quality in low-light. The low-noise processing and color-noise reduction helps achieve fine detail up to ISO 12,800.
HDR or High Dynamic Range shooting is becoming very popular. The a500 and a550 offer an in-camera HDR feature that will capture for the highlights and shadows and process the image within 2 seconds. Using Sony’s unique positional interpolation technology the cameras can overcome slight changes in camera position to align individual shots.
Both cameras have a 3” LCD screen that tilts 90 degrees up and down for optimal viewing. Sony’s Quick AF Live View has been developed with Face Detection technology to help you get the best shot by recognizing and adjusting for up to 8 faces. These are Sony’s first DSLRs to include their Smile Shutter™ technology in Live View, which takes the shot when your subject smiles. Additionally the a500 and a550 have SteadyShot INSIDE™ image stabilization built into the camera body which gives you an equivalent of faster shutter speeds from 2.5 to 4 stops. Both cameras are compatible with Sony’s new 32GB Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo™ HX media for high-bandwidth read and write speeds.
Look for these camera bodies at the SonyStyle retail stores in October for $750 for the a500 and $950 for the a550. The kit price will be $850 and $1050 respectively and will include an 18-55mm lens. Sony’s new DT 30mm f/2.8 macro lens will be available for about $200. Read More→
Founder of Current Photographer, co-host of The Digital Photography Cafe Show, Designer, Photographer, and overall tech geek.
May 15, 2010 – Sony is developing a new AVCHD high-definition camcorder featuring an interchangeable lens system. The camcorder, which will be available this fall, will be compatible with “E Mount” interchangeable lenses developed for Sony’s newest digital still cameras (model NEX-5, NEX-3), as well as many “A Mount” interchangeable lenses used by the existing “α” DSLR camera lineup via a mount adapter. It will also be equipped with the same “Exmor” APS HD CMOS sensor used in the NEX-5 and NEX-3 models.
