Sony A33 Performance

A mixed bag when it comes to performance.

Startup and shutdown times are slower than average compared to a consumer SLR. Buffer clearing times are about average for a consumer model.

Mode switching times are average to slower than average for a consumer SLR.

Looking at the Sony A33's ability to determine that it's properly focused when shooting the same target multiple times, its speed is a bit faster than average for a consumer model SLR. The A33 required 0.215 second for full AF using the center focus point. Lag increased slightly to 0.219 second in wide-area AF mode. Enabling the flash raised the lag to 0.470 second (this is because the flash metering preflashes add delay). Continuous autofocus mode lag time was 0.212 second and manual focus was only slightly faster at about 0.208 second. When prefocused, shutter lag was 0.102 second which is good but a bit slower than average for an SLR these days, and somewhat of a surprise for a camera that doesn't need to wait for a mirror to be raised before taking the shot. Keep in mind that the shutter is normally open though, so it needs to be closed and re-opened to take the exposure.

To minimize the effect of different lens' focusing speed, we test AF-active shutter lag with the lens already set to the correct focal distance. We also use the same Sigma 70mm f/2.8 macro with every camera (on all platforms except Four Thirds/Micro Four Thirds and Nikon consumer models lacking an in-body focus motor), to further reduce variation, and because our tests showed that focus-determination time with this lens was close to the fastest, across multiple camera bodies from different manufacturers. Being an older design with a non-ultrasonic motor, it wouldn't be the fastest at slewing from one focus setting to another, but that's exactly the reason we measure focus determination speed, which is primarily a function of the camera body, vs focus adjustment speed, which is primarily a function of the lens.

Single shot cycle times are slower than average for an SLR, at just under one second per frame for any quality. Continuous mode speeds are however very good for a consumer SLR, at about 6.3 frames-per-second for large/fine JPEGs, 5.9 fps for RAW and 6.7 fps for RAW + JPEG. Advance Priority mode is exceptionally fast for a consumer model, at about 7.1 frames per second in any quality. A 2.5 frames-per-second burst mode is also offered.

Buffer depths are about average for a consumer model, with 14 frames for JPEG frames with a fast SDHC card, 7 RAW frames and 6 RAW + JPEG frames. Buffer depths are similar in Advance Priority mode, at 13 large/fine JPEGs, 7 RAW and 7 RAW + JPEG frames. The flash takes 3.4 seconds to recharge after a full-power shot, which is good, though the flash isn't as powerful as most built-in SLR flash units.

Connected to a computer or printer with USB 2.0, download speeds are very fast; definitely fast enough that you will likely not feel the need for a card reader.

Bottom line, the Sony A33's performance is a mixed bag. Startup, shutdown, some mode switching times and single-shot cycle times are slower than average, autofocus speed is slightly faster than average, and continuous burst mode and download speeds are well above average. Overall, the Sony SLT-A33 should do fine for its intended target market, and should even do well shooting sports because of its good burst speed and focus tracking. Those wanting faster burst mode (up to 10 fps) and deeper buffers for longer bursts should consider the A33's more expensive siblings, the A55 and A55V.

Battery
Below average battery life compared to a traditional consumer SLR, but decent battery life for an interchangeable lens camera with EVF.

The Sony SLT-A33 uses a custom rechargeable lithium-ion battery for power, and ships with a charger. Battery life compared to a consumer SLR with optical viewfinder is below average, but reasonable for an SLR-class camera that depends on electronic viewfinders. We recommend you pick up a spare battery and keep it freshly charged and on-hand for extended outings.

The table above shows the number of shots the camera is capable of (on either a fresh set of disposable batteries or a fully-charged rechargeable battery as appropriate), based on CIPA battery-life and/or manufacturer standard test conditions.

(Interested readers can find an English translation of the CIPA DC-002 standards document here. (180K PDF document))

Storage
The Sony A33 accepts SD cards including SDHC and SDXC types, or Memory Stick Pro Duo memory cards. No card is included with the camera.

We strongly recommend buying either a large capacity SDHC, or a large capacity Memory Stick Pro Duo card, at least a 2GB card, preferably a 4-8GB one, to give yourself extra space for extended outings or shooting video. (Check the shopping link above, cards are really cheap these days, so no reason to skimp.)