Sony Alpha DSLR-A550 Kit (18-55mm)

Outstanding picture quality begins with the Sony α550 DSLR camera. Featuring 14.2 mega-pixel resolution for incredible detail and gorgeous enlargements, the α550 also has an Exmor™ CMOS image sensor and BIONZ™ image processor with chroma noise reduction to help achieve crystal clear photos with low noise all the way up to ISO 12800. Empower your photography with a different point of view thanks to a tilt-able 3.0` LCD. Additional features include Quick Auto Focus Live View for composing shots in the LCD monitor and Manual Focus Check Live View which enables critical focus in macro and tripod shooting.

14.2 mega-pixels; amazing pictures

This camera`s 14.2 mega-pixel resolution makes for incredible detail and gorgeous enlargements. The all-new Sony^® Exmor™ CMOS image sensor ensures state-of-the-art response. The large, APS-C format means high sensitivity, powerful depth-of-focus control.

Quick Auto Focus Live View

Unlike competing cameras, the DSLR-A550 is just as responsive in Quick Auto Focus Live View mode as in optical viewfinder mode. That`s because, unlike the others, the α550 uses the same `phase detection` auto focus for Live View as for the optical viewfinder. While other Live View systems are severely restricted, Sony`s performs superbly any time—even if you`re shooting hand-held or chasing after moving subjects like kids or pets.

Smile Shutter™ technology

Another Quick AF Live View enhancement, Smile Shutter™ technology automatically takes the shot when your subject smiles. Works with Quick Auto Focus Live View to capture spontaneous moments, making the difference between a missed shot and a cherished memory.

Auto HDR built into camera

High Dynamic Range (HDR) photography captures more scene contrast than a single exposure can handle by combining two exposures into one incredible shot. Until recently, you needed a computer and editing software to enjoy HDR. Now the α550 has Auto HDR built in. Handles severe back-lighting and other high-contrast scenes. Captures in a split second. (Recommended for still subjects.)

Smart Tele converter 2x Digital Zoom

In Quick Auto Focus Live View mode, you can extend the optical zoom of your lens with digital zoom. One touch zooms in at 1.4x, while a second touch advances to 2x zoom. The system reproduces pixels on a 1:1 basis so there`s no degradation in picture quality.

Help Guide and Graphic Display

An informative on-screen Help Guide and Graphic Display provide ready reference to advanced camera functions. The Help Guide explains the camera`s modes and settings, while the Graphic Display clarifies the relationship between aperture and shutter speed, as well as the effect each has on photographic results.

9-Point AF Sensor

This camera`s 14.2 mega-pixel resolution makes for incredible detail and gorgeous enlargements. The all-new Sony^® Exmor™ CMOS image sensor ensures state-of-the-art response. The large, APS-C format means high sensitivity, powerful depth-of-focus control.

Anti-Dust Technology

Anti-Dust Technology helps keep the CMOS imagery clean, resulting in consistently better pictures. First a static-free coating on the CMOS filter helps repel dust. Then vibration automatically dislodges dust from the CMOS each time you shut off the camera.

Six Scene Selection Modes

To help you get the shot, Scene Selection Modes optimize the camera settings for common shooting situations. Just turn the Mode Dial to select from Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Sports, Sunset, and Night View modes.

More responsive Live View

All DSLR Live View systems enable you to compose shots in the LCD monitor, just as you would with a point-and-shoot camera. But not all Live View systems are created equal. Some take a painfully long time to focus. Some even black out the LCD before focus. Either can cause you to miss shots. Sony`s Quick Auto Focus Live View solves these problems, making it easier to get the best shot.

Face Detection technology

The α550 enhances Quick AF Live View shooting with Face Detection technology, which helps you get the best shot by recognizing faces and applying the proper focus, exposure and white balance. World`s first Face Detection system to work with fast, high-precision `phase detection` Auto Focus.

Up to 7 fps of continuous shooting

Up to 7 frames per second (with optical viewfinder in Speed Priority mode) can capture the decisive moment in sports or get the ideal baby photo. You can also shoot at up to 4 fps with Quick Auto Focus Live View.

Steady-shot INSIDE™ stabilization

Image stabilization helps you take blur-free shots by compensating for camera shake. Typical DSLR systems build image stabilization into selected lenses only. Steady-shot INSIDE™ image stabilization is built into the camera body itself. You`ll reduce blur with every a-mount lens, including macro and wide-aperture standard zoom lenses.

BIONZ™ image processor

A newest version of Sony`s BIONZ image processor uses chroma noise reduction to deliver high-resolution, low-noise photos even at ISO 12800 sensitivity. This powerful Sony Large Scale Integrated circuit (LSI) also delivers fast processing for quick response on data-intensive 14.2 mega-pixel images.

Eye-Start Auto-focus

For maximum speed, Eye-Start Auto-focus begins focusing as soon as you raise the camera to your eye. So the camera is ready to catch the perfect moment.

Built-in Auto Pop-Up Flash

To help you shoot more effectively, the built-in flash automatically pops up and fires as needed when the camera is set to certain scene selection modes. The built-in flash also triggers a wireless accessory flash (sold separately). The integrated hot shoe enables you to expand your lighting options with a range of accessory flashes (sold separately).

Photo-TV HD compatibility

Photo-TV HD compatibility enables you to automatically create high-resolution thumbnails optimized for viewing on a compatible Sony^® BRAVIA^® HDTV.

Dual Media Slots

For cost-effective, convenient storage and sharing of your images, the α550 accepts Memory Stick PRO Duo™/Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo™ and SD/SDHC media (sold separately).

Superb in low light (ISO 12800)

An all-new Sony`s Exmor™ CMOS image sensor employs new low-noise processing, for uncommonly clear pictures. The BIONZ™ image processor with chroma noise reduction helps achieve low noise all the way up to ISO 12800, without sacrificing resolution.

Manual Focus Check Live View

For critical focus in macro and tripod shooting, the α550 also offers Manual Focus Check Live View. Temporary 7x and 14x zoom views enable you to focus on extremely fine detail while the 1x view shows 100% framing in the LCD.

Tilt-able 3.0` LCD

Even if you`re completely comfortable with the optical viewfinder, Sony`s tilt-able LCD empowers your photography with a different point of view. Helps you frame high and low-angle shots that would otherwise be hit or miss. The LCD tilts up or down 90 degrees to capture a child`s first steps or shoot over a crowd. The 3.0`LCD features 921,600 pixels and Sony`s Clear Photo LCD™ display technology.

Dynamic Range Optimizer

Dynamic Range Optimizer improves results with back-lit subjects and recovers details hidden in shadows. Normal DRO improves detail using standard gamma curves for fast shot-to-shot response time, while Advanced DRO adjusts dynamic range area-by-area for greater accuracy.

Powerful Supplied Software

To help you refine and manage your images, the α550 is equipped with comprehensive computer software, including Image Data Converter SR, Image Data Light-box SR and Picture Motion Browser (PMB).(Compatible computer required, not included)

HDMI™ output for HD viewing

Connect your camera to a compatible HDTV and play back your images in stunning high definition. The α550 includes an HDMI™ output (HDMI cable required, sold separately). In addition, the BRAVIA^® Sync system works with compatible Sony^® BRAVIA HDTVs to let you control camera playback using the television`s remote.

Six Creative Style settings

Control how the camera processes your images with six finishing styles: Standard, Vivid, Portrait, Landscape, Sunset and B&W. You can even fine-tune contrast, saturation, and sharpness to your personal taste.

Up to a 950 Shots of battery life

Take up to 950 shots on a single charge (optical viewfinder mode); up to 480 shots (Live View mode) with Sony® Stamina™ battery power. Sony`s Info LITHIUM® battery system enables you to see the percent of power remaining, so you can keep shooting in confidence.

Index and Slide Show Display

Quickly review your photos using 4- or 9-frame index views, or as an automatic slide show with fade-in/fade-out effect.

Product Specifications

Viewfinder

• • Diopter Adjustment : -2.5 - +1.0m-1

  • Eye relief : Approx. 19 mm from the eyepiece, Approx. 15 mm from the eyepiece frame at -1 diopter

  • Field of View : 95%

  • Focusing Screen : Spherical Acute Matte Screen

  • Magnification : 0.80x (with 50mm lens at infinity)

• Type : Fixed eye-level, penta-Dach-mirror

LCD Display

• • Angle Adjustment : Yes(upward by up to 90 degrees, downward by up to 90 degrees)

  • Brightness Control : Auto Brightness Control (Auto setting in 2 steps, manual setting in 5 steps)

  • Coverage : 100% (Playback), 90% (Live View)

• Type : 3” TFT Xtra Fine™ LCD (921,600 pixels)

Operating Conditions

• Operating Temperature : 32 - 104 degrees F (0 - 40 degrees C)

Service and Warranty Information

• Limited Warranty Term : 1 Year Parts & Labor

Weights and Measurements

• • Dimensions (Approx.) : Approx. 137 X 104 X 84mm (W/H/D, excluding protrusions)

• Weight (Approx.) : Approx. 597g (without battery, memory card, accessories)

Power

• • Battery Type : NP-FM500H

• Number of Shots : Approx. 950 images with viewfinder, approx. 480 images in live view mode (CIPA standard)

Flash

• • Flash Compensation : ±2EV (in 1/3 EV-stop increments)

  • Flash Coverage : 18mm in focal-length of lens attached

  • Flash Metering System : ADI flash (automatic change for Pre-flash TTL)

  • Guide Number : 12 (in meters at ISO100)

  • Modes : Auto, Fill-flash, Slow sync, Rear sync, Wireless

  • Recycling Time : Approx. 4 sec.

• Type : Auto Pop-up

Inputs and Outputs

• • Memory Card Slot : Dual memory card slot: Memory Stick PRO Duo™ media SD and SDHC memory card

  • Tripod Mount : Yes, 1/4`-20

• USB Port(s) : USB2.0 Hi-speed (mass-storage, PTP)

Convenience

• • Anti-dust function : Charge protection coating on low pass filter and image-sensor shift mechanism

  • BRAVIA® Sync™ : Yes, via HDMI with compatible BRAVIA HDTV

  • Creative Style : Standard, Vivid, Portrait, Landscape, Sunset, B/W Setting Adj. for; Contrast, Saturation, Sharpness

  • Dynamic Range Optimizer : DRO; off, Auto/Level (Lv1-5) Auto HDR; off, Auto Exp. (Up to 3EV between 1.0-3.0EV in 0.5EV steps)

  • Live View : Quick Auto Focus Live View Manual Focus Check Live View

  • Scene Mode(s) : Flash Off, Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Sports Action, Sunset, Night portrait

• User Interface : `Easy-to-understand Graphic Display and on-screen Help Guide User-friendly function menu`

General

• • Camera Type : Sony α Digital SLR camera with built-in flash and inter-changeable lenses

  • Color Filter System : RGB primary color filters

  • Effective Picture Resolution : Approx. 14.2 mega-pixels

  • Imaging Sensor : APS-C size Exmor™ CMOS sensor (23.5 X 15.6mm)

  • Lens Mount Type : Sony α lens, Minolta and Konica Minolta AF lens

  • Pixel Gross : Approx. 14.6 mega-pixels

  • Processor : BIONZ™ image processor

  • Recording Media Type : Memory Stick PRO Duo™ media, SD and SDHC memory card

  • Recording Mode : RAW, RAW+JPEG, JPEG Fine, JPEG Standard

  • Still Actual 16:9 : L (12M): 4592 X 2576 M (6.3M): 3344 X 1872 S (2.9M): 2288 X 1280

• Still Actual 3:2 : L (14M): 4592 X 3056 M (7.4M): 344 X 2224 S (3.5M): 2288 X 1520

Software

• • Operating System Compatibility : Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional Windows XP*SP2 Windows Vista Mac OS X(v10.1.3) or later

• Supplied Software : PMB (Picture Motion Browser) 4.3.01 Image Data Converter SR 3.1 Image Data Light-box SR

Control

• • AF modes : Single-shot AF, Automatic AF, Continuous AF, (AF/MF selectable)

  • Drive Mode : Single-shot, Continuous, Speed Priority, Self-timer, Bracketing; Cont./ WB, Remote Commander

  • Exposure Compensation : ±2EV (in 1/3 EV steps)

  • Exposure settings : Auto, Auto Flash Off, Program Auto (P), Aperture priority (A), Shutter priority (S), Manual (M)

  • Focus Area : Wide (Up to 9 active focus points), Spot, Local (9 local areas selectable)

  • Focus Features : Manual Focus Check Live View Predictive control, Focus lock, Eye-start AF, AF illuminator

  • Focus Points : 9 points

  • Focus Sensitivity : EV0 - 18 (ISO100)

  • Focus System : TTL phase detection system

  • ISO : Auto, 200 to 12800

  • Metering : TTL metering w/ 40-segment honeycomb-pattern SPC

  • Metering Modes : Multi-segment, Center-weighted, Spot

  • Metering Sensitivity : 2EV to 20EV (4EV to 20EV with Spot metering), (at ISO 100 conversion with F1.4 lens)

  • Scene Selection Modes : Flash Off, Portrait,Landscape,Macro,Sports action,Sunset,Night portrait

• White Balance : Auto,Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Incandescent, Fluorescent, Flash, Color temp.,Color Filter, Custom

In the Box

• • Power Cord

• Software CD-ROM

  • BC-VM10 Battery Charger

  • Shoulder strap

• USB cable

  • NP-FM500H Rechargeable Battery

• Body cap