- APS-C 369.7mm2
- 16.2 megapixels
- ISO 100 - 12,800
- Go in depth with our full Sony A55 Review.
- See real-world photos taken with the A55.
| Links | ||
|---|---|---|
| Prices: | ||
| Manufacturer URL: | Manufacturer website | Manufacturer website |
| Predecessor: | ||
| Successor: | ||
| General | ||
| Model Number: | GXR | A55 |
| Alternate Model Number(s): | SLT-A55 (w/o GPS) | |
| Camera Format: | Other | SLR |
| Currently Manufactured: | No | No |
| Retail Price: | $1380.00 | $849.99 |
| Street Price: | $733.99 | |
| Date Available: | 2009-12-31 | 2010-10-15 |
| Tripod Mount: | Yes | Yes |
| Weight: | 14.9 oz (423 g) |
25.6 oz
(727 g)
includes batteries, kit lens |
| Size: |
4.5 x
2.8 x
3.0 in. (114 x 70 x 77 mm) |
4.9 x
3.6 x
3.3 in. (124 x 92 x 85 mm) |
| Waterproof: | No | No |
| Waterproof Depth: | n/a | n/a |
| Image Sensor | ||
| Sensor Type: | CMOS | CMOS |
| Sensor Manufacturer: | Sony | |
| Effective Megapixels: | 12.3 | 16.2 |
| Sensor Format: | APS-C | APS-C |
| Sensor size: | 369.72mm2 (23.7mm x 15.6mm) | 369.72mm2 (23.7mm x 15.6mm) |
| Approximate Pixel Pitch: | 5.53 microns | 4.82 microns |
| Focal Length Multiplier: | n/a | 1.5x |
| Aspect Ratio: | 4:3 | 3:2, 16:9 |
| Color Filter Type: | RGBG | |
| Anti Aliasing Filter: | Fixed | |
| Self-Cleaning: | No | Yes |
| Sensor shift image stabilization: | No | Yes |
| On-Sensor Phase Detect: | No | No |
| DxO Sensor Score: | 73 | |
| DxO Color Depth Score (bits): | 23.0 | |
| DxO Dynamic Range Score (evs): | 12.4 | |
| DxO Maximum Effective ISO Score (iso): | 818 | |
| Image Capture | ||
| Image Resolution: |
4288 x 2848
(12.2 MP,
Other), 3776 x 2832 (10.7 MP, 4:3), 4288 x 2416 (10.4 MP, Other), 2848 x 2848 (8.1 MP, 1:1), 3456 x 2304 (8.0 MP, 3:2), 3072 x 2304 (7.1 MP, 4:3), 3456 x 1944 (6.7 MP, 16:9), 2304 x 2304 (5.3 MP, 1:1), 2592 x 1944 (5.0 MP, 4:3), 2048 x 1536 (3.1 MP, 4:3), 1280 x 960 (1.2 MP, 4:3), 640 x 480 (0.3 MP, 4:3) |
4912 x 3264
(16.0 MP,
3:2), 4912 x 2760 (13.6 MP, 16:9), 3568 x 2368 (8.4 MP, Other), 3568 x 2000 (7.1 MP, 16:9), 2448 x 1624 (4.0 MP, Other), 2448 x 1376 (3.4 MP, 16:9), 12416 x 1856 (23.0 MP, Other), 8192 x 1856 (15.2 MP, Other), 2160 x 5536 (12.0 MP, Other), 2160 x 3872 (8.4 MP, Other), 7152 x 1080 (7.7 MP, Other), 4912 x 1080 (5.3 MP, Other), 1920 x 1080 (2.1 MP, 16:9) |
| Image File Format: | JPEG (EXIF v2.21), .DNG Raw | JPEG, RAW (ARW 2.2), RAW+JPEG |
| Continuous-mode frames/second: | 3.0 | 9.0 |
| Video Capture | ||
| Can take movies: | Yes | Yes |
| Movie Resolution: |
1280x720 (24)
640x480 (24) 320x240 (24) |
1920x1080 (60i/50i)
1440x1080 (30/25) 640x480 (30/25) |
| Movie File Format: | AVI (OpenDML Motion JPEG) | AVCHD, MP4 |
| Composite Video Out: | Yes | No |
| NTSC/PAL Switchable Video: | Yes | n/a |
| Video Usable as Viewfinder: | n/a | |
| HD Video Out: | Yes | Yes |
| HD Video Connection: | HDMI | HDMI |
| Lens & Optics | ||
| Lens Mount: | Ricoh GXR | Sony Alpha (Minolta A) |
| Lens: | n/a | Sony 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 DT SAM |
| Focal Length (35mm equivalent): | 27 - 83mm | |
| Focal Length (actual): | 33 - 50mm | 18 - 55mm |
| Zoom Ratio: | 3.00x | |
| Aperture Range: | f/2.5 - f/22 | f/3.5 - 22 (W), f/5.6 - ?? (T) |
| Integrated ND Filter: | No | No |
| Normal Focus Range: |
30 cm to Infinity 11.8 in to Infinity |
|
| Macro Focus Range: |
7 cm to Infinity 2.8 in to Infinity |
|
| Filter Thread: | n/a | 55.0mm |
| Thread Type: | n/a | n/a |
| Optical Image Stabilization: | No | No |
| Digital Zoom: | Yes | No |
| Digital Zoom Values: | 4x (3.6x for movies) | n/a |
| Auto Focus | ||
| Auto Focus: | Yes | Yes |
| Auto Focus Type: | Contrast detection multi / spot | Phase Detection: 15 points (3 points cross type); Wide, Spot, Local. |
| Auto Focus Assist Light? | No | Yes |
| Manual Focus: | Yes | Yes |
| Viewfinder | ||
| Viewfinder: | LCD | EVF / LCD |
| Viewfinder Type: | EVF type; 1.1cm (0.43") 1,152Kdots, 100% coverage, 1.10x mag., 19mm eyepoint, -4 to +4 diopter | |
| Focus Peaking: | No | No |
| EVF Resolution: | n/a | |
| Viewfinder Magnification (35mm equivalent): | 0.73x | |
| Viewfinder Magnification (nominal/claimed): | 1.10x | |
| Display | ||
| Eye-level Viewfinder: | No | Yes |
| Rear Display: | Yes | Yes |
| Rear Display Size (inches): | 3.0 | 3.0 |
| Rear Display Resolution: | 920,000 dots | 921,600 dots |
| Touchscreen: | No | No |
| Articulating Screen: | No | Yes |
| Tilt Swivel Screen: | No | |
| Selfie Screen: | No | |
| Max Playback Zoom: | 16.0x | 11.8x |
| Top Deck Display: | No | |
| Exposure | ||
| Maximum ISO (native): | 12800 | |
| Minimum ISO (native): | 100 | |
| ISO Settings: | Auto, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200 | Auto (100-1600), 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200, 6400, 12800. (Multi-frame NR mode up to ISO 25600) |
| Auto ISO Mode: | No | Yes |
| White Balance Settings: | Auto, Multi-P AUTO, Outdoors, Cloudy, Incandescent Lamp, Fluorescent Lamp, Manual Setting | Auto, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Incandescent, Fluorescent, Flash, Custom, Color Temp./ Filter (2500 – 9900K with 19-step Magenta/Green compensation) |
| Shutter Speed Range: | 1/3200 - 180 sec | 1/4000 - 30 sec |
| Bulb Mode: | No | Yes |
| Exposure Compensation: | +/- 4.0EV in 0.3EV steps | +/- 2.0EV in 0.3EV steps |
| Metering Modes: | TTL by CCD, 256-segment multi, center-weighted or spot | 1200-zone Evaluative, Center-weighted, Spot |
| Program Auto Exposure: | Yes | Yes |
| Aperture Priority: | Yes | Yes |
| Shutter Priority: | Yes | Yes |
| Full Manual Exposure: | Yes | Yes |
| Creative Exposure Modes: | Movie, portrait, sports, landscape, nightscape, skew correction | Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Sports action, Sunset, Night portrait, Night view, Hand-held Twilight, Sweep Panorama (2D/3D) |
| Self Timer: | 2 or 10 seconds | 2 or 10 seconds |
| Time Lapse (intervalometer): | Yes | |
| High Resolution Composite: | No | No |
| Flash | ||
| Built-in Flash: | Yes | Yes |
| Flash Modes: | Auto, red-eye, on, slow sync, manual (FULL, 1/1.4, 1/2, 1/2.8, 1/4, 1/5.6, 1/8, 1/11, 1/16, 1/22, 1/32, 1/64), off | Auto, Off, Fill-flash, Rear sync, Wireless, High-Speed sync, Slow sync, Red-eye reduction: On/Off |
| Flash Guide Number (ISO 100): | n/a | 10.0 m / 32.8 ft. |
| Flash Range Description: | 20cm - 3m (ISO AUTO) | Lens dependent |
| Max Flash Sync: | 1/160 | |
| Flash Exposure Compensation: | +/- 2.0 EV in 0.3EV steps | +/- 2.0 EV in 0.3EV steps |
| External Flash Connection: | Hot shoe | Hot shoe |
| Built-In Wireless Flash Control: | Full TTL exposure | |
| Image Storage | ||
| Usable Memory Types: | SD / SDHC | MS PRO Duo / SD / SDHC / SDXC |
| UHS Support: | ||
| Other Memory: | ||
| Dual Card Slots: | No | No |
| RAW Capture Support: | Yes | Yes |
| Uncompressed Format: | .DNG Raw | RAW (ARW 2.2), RAW+JPEG |
| Movie File Format: | AVI (OpenDML Motion JPEG) | AVCHD, MP4 |
| Included Memory: | 86.0 MB | |
| Included Memory Type: | built-in memory | |
| Connectivity | ||
| Built-In Wi-Fi: | No | No |
| NFC: | No | |
| Bluetooth: | No | No |
| Built-In GPS: | No | Yes |
| Microphone Jack: | No | Yes |
| Headphone Jack: | No | No |
| External Connections: | USB 2.0 High Speed | USB 2.0 High Speed |
| PictBridge Compliant: | No | Yes |
| DPOF Compliant: | No | Yes |
| Remote Control: | No | Yes |
| Remote Control Type: | Optional Wireless or Wired | |
| Connections (extended): | Type-C HDMI Mini Connector (BRAVIA Sync, PhotoTV HD); Wired Remote Terminal, 3.5mm External Stereo Micophone Jack | |
| Performance Timing | ||
| Cycle time for JPEG shooting in single shot mode (seconds per frame, max resolution): | 0.52 | |
| Cycle time for RAW shooting in single shot mode (seconds per frame): | 0.52 | |
| Buffer size for RAW shooting in single shot mode (frames): | 28 | |
| Cycle time for RAW+JPEG shooting in single shot mode (seconds per shot): | ||
| Camera penalizes early shutter press? | No | |
| JPEG shooting speed in burst mode (fps, max resolution): | 3.0 | 9.0 |
| Buffer size for JPEG shooting in burst mode (frames, max resolution): | 15 | 32 |
| RAW shooting speed in burst mode (fps): | ||
| Buffer size for RAW shooting in burst mode (frames): | ||
| RAW+JPEG shooting speed in burst mode (fps): | ||
| Buffer Size for RAW+JPEG shooting in burst mode (frames): | ||
| Shutter lag (full AF, wide/mid): | 0.22 seconds | |
| Shutter lag (full AF, tele): | ||
| Shutter lag (full AF, live view - DSLR): | ||
| Shutter lag (prefocused, live view - DSLR): | ||
| Shutter Lag (manual focus): | 0.214 seconds | |
| Shutter lag (full AF, with flash): | 0.48 seconds | |
| Shutter Lag (prefocused): | 0.103 seconds | |
| Shutter Lag (notes): | Full AF, wide-area mode = 0.218s | |
| Startup Time: | 0.9 seconds | |
| Play -> Record Time: | 0.6 seconds | |
| Flash cycle time, full power: | 3.7 seconds | |
| Power | ||
| Battery Life, Stills (CIPA Rating Monitor/Live View): | 320 shots | |
| Battery Life, Still (CIPA Rating OVF/EVF): | 330 shots | |
| Battery Life, Video: | ||
| Battery Form Factor: | Proprietary DB-90 | Proprietary NP-FW50 |
| Usable Battery Types: | 3.6V Lithium-ion rechargeable | Lithium-ion rechargeable |
| Batteries Included: | 1 x Proprietary NP-FW50 Lithium-ion rechargeable | |
| Battery Charger Included (dedicated charger or AC/USB adapter): | No | Yes |
| Dedicated Battery Charger Included: | ||
| Internal Charging Supported: | ||
| Software | ||
| Included Software: | DL-10, Irodio Photo and Video Studio, Adobe Reader, VM-1 for Mac | Software CD-ROM (includes Picture Motion Browser, Image Data Converter SR, Image Data Lightbox SR) |
| OS Compatibility: | Windows, Mac OS | Windows XP SP3/Vista SP2/7, Mac OS X (v.10.3 +) |
| Miscellaneous | ||
| Notes & Features: | Sensor and lens are interchangeable as one unit. Specs above are with the 12.3 megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor and 33mm (50mm equivalent) fixed focal length lens. Also available is a 1/1.7" ten megapixel CCD sensor with 5.1-15.3mm (24-72mm equivalent) lens. With this combination, maximum aperture varies from f/2.5 to f/4.4 across the zoom range, macro shooting distance drops to 1cm, sensor shift image stabilization becomes available, fastest shutter speed falls to 1/2000 sec., minimum ISO sensitivity is expanded to 100, flash range is 20cm-4.5m at wide angle and 15cm to 2.7m at telephoto, zoom macro scene mode is added, noise reduction is automatically applied above ISO 800, burst rate drops to 1.6 frames per second, HD movie mode is dropped and framerate increases to 30fps, battery life increases to 410 shots, body depth drops to 44.4mm, and body-only weight falls to 325 grams. Price estimate is based on US street pricing at launch - $550 for the camera body plus $830 for the APS-C fixed lens block. The 1/1.7" zoom lens block is another $440. | SteadyShot INSIDE Image Stabilization, Articulating LCD, 1080i HD Video, Multi-frame NR, Hand-held Twilight, Auto HDR, D-Range Optimizer, 2D/3D Sweep Panorama, Smile Shutter, DOF Preview, 10fps Burst Mode, Built-in GPS. SLT-A55 is identical but without GPS. |
