The Sony α55 (model variants SLT-A55V with GPS, SLT-A55 without GPS depending on country) is a midrange-level SLT camera, released in August 2010.

Sony α55
SLT-A55V + SAL1680Z
Overview
TypeDigital single-lens translucent camera
Lens
LensInterchangeable, A-mount
Sensor/medium
SensorAPS-C CMOS Sensor
Maximum resolution16.2 megapixels
Film speedISO equivalency 100 to 12,800 in 1.0 EV steps, boost to 25,600 in Multi-Frame Noise Reduction mode
Storage mediaSD/SDHC/SDXC/Memory Stick Pro Duo
Focusing
Focus modesSingle-shot AF, Automatic AF, Continuous AF, Manual Focus
Focus areas15-point (12 line, 3 cross) phase-detection AF system
Exposure/metering
Exposure modesProgrammed AE (AUTO, AUTO – Flash Off, P), Aperture priority, Shutter priority, Manual, Scene selection
Exposure meteringTTL full aperture exposure metering system
1200-zone evaluative
Metering modesMulti-segment, Centre-weighted, Spot
Flash
FlashGN 10 at ISO 100
Flash bracketing+`
Shutter
ShutterElectronically controlled, Vertical-traverse, Focal-plane Shutter
Shutter speed range30 – 1/4000 sec, bulb
Continuous shooting10 FPS / 6 FPS
Viewfinder
ViewfinderEVF, 100% coverage, 1.10× magnification
Image processing
White balanceAuto / 6 presets / Colour Temperature/Colour Filter / Custom WB
General
LCD screen3.0" TFT LCD, 921k dot resolution, variable-angle tilt/swivel
BatteryNP-FW50 Lithium-ion battery rechargeable battery
Optional battery packsUnavailable
Dimensions124 × 92 × 85 mm
Weight441 g (15.6 oz)
Made inThailand
Footnotes
dpreview
A-mount, APS-C CMOS sensor
Sony Alpha 55 with Minolta AF 70-210mm f/4 "Beercan" lens

Its design is novel due to its being the first digital single-lens translucent camera (SLT), along with the Sony α33. As an SLT it employs a semi-transparent mirror instead of an opaque mirror, which enables phase detection autofocus in live view.

The design also replaces the optical viewfinder present in conventional DSLR with a high-resolution electronic viewfinder. The translucent mirror is fixed in position so does not have to flip up to take a still image, enabling rapid continuous shots of up to 10 frames per second. The static mirror also eliminates "mirror slap", the noise produced by the movement of the mirror during a shutter actuation, making the A55 quieter than standard DSLRs.

The A55 is one of the first four Sony Alpha DSLR / SLT cameras with video mode included, capable of 1080i. It is also capable of shooting 1080p at 30fps. The SLT design means that it is capable of using phase-detection autofocus during video recording. It has body-integrated image stabilization, and a 16.2 MPx APS-C CMOS sensor.

The camera's body-integrated image stabilization produces heat, causing the camera to stop video recording after these recording times:

Model name Ambient temperature Image Stabilization
On Off
α55 (SLT-A55V) 20 °C (68 °F) 9 min Approx. 29 minutes
30 °C (86 °F) 6 min 13 minutes
40 °C (104 °F) 3 min 5 minutes
α33 (SLT-A33) 20 °C (68 °F) 11 min Approx. 29 minutes
30 °C (86 °F) 7 min Approx. 22 minutes
40 °C (104 °F) 4 min 9 minutes

Features

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  • Konica Minolta A-mount lens bayonet.

Video

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  • AVCHD 1920/1080 50i or 60i (depending on region)
  • MPEG-4 1080 30p or 25p (depending on region)[1]
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Reviews

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References

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