| Links | ||
|---|---|---|
| Prices: | Compare Prices | |
| Manufacturer URL: | Manufacturer website | Manufacturer website |
| Predecessor: |
Panasonic GH2
GH2 vs GH3 |
|
| Successor: |
Panasonic GH4
GH3 vs GH4 |
|
| General | ||
| Model Number: | A55 | GH3 |
| Alternate Model Number(s): | SLT-A55 (w/o GPS) | |
| Camera Format: | SLR | Compact System Camera |
| Currently Manufactured: | No | No |
| Retail Price: | $849.99 | $1299.99 |
| Street Price: | $733.99 | $797.99 |
| Date Available: | 2010-10-15 | 2012-12-30 |
| Tripod Mount: | Yes | Yes |
| Weight: |
25.6 oz
(727 g)
includes batteries, kit lens |
19.6 oz
(555 g)
includes batteries |
| Size: |
4.9 x
3.6 x
3.3 in. (124 x 92 x 85 mm) |
5.2 x
3.7 x
3.2 in. (133 x 93 x 82 mm) |
| Waterproof: | No | No |
| Waterproof Depth: | n/a | n/a |
| Image Sensor | ||
| Sensor Type: | CMOS | Live MOS |
| Sensor Manufacturer: | Sony | Panasonic |
| Effective Megapixels: | 16.2 | 16.1 |
| Sensor Format: | APS-C | 4/3 |
| Sensor size: | 369.72mm2 (23.7mm x 15.6mm) | 224.9mm2 (17.30mm x 13.00mm) |
| Approximate Pixel Pitch: | 4.82 microns | 3.75 microns |
| Focal Length Multiplier: | 1.5x | 2.0x |
| Aspect Ratio: | 3:2, 16:9 | 4:3 |
| Color Filter Type: | RGBG | RGBG |
| Anti Aliasing Filter: | Fixed | Fixed |
| Self-Cleaning: | Yes | Yes |
| Sensor shift image stabilization: | Yes | No |
| On-Sensor Phase Detect: | No | No |
| DxO Sensor Score: | 73 | 71 |
| DxO Color Depth Score (bits): | 23.0 | 22.7 |
| DxO Dynamic Range Score (evs): | 12.4 | 12.4 |
| DxO Maximum Effective ISO Score (iso): | 818 | 812 |
| Image Capture | ||
| Image Resolution: |
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) |
4608 x 3456
(15.9 MP,
4:3), 4608 x 3072 (14.2 MP, 3:2), 4608 x 2592 (11.9 MP, 16:9), 3456 x 3456 (11.9 MP, 1:1), 3264 x 2448 (8.0 MP, 4:3), 3264 x 2176 (7.1 MP, 3:2), 3264 x 1840 (6.0 MP, Other), 2448 x 2448 (6.0 MP, 1:1), 2336 x 1720 (4.0 MP, Other), 2336 x 1560 (3.6 MP, 3:2), 1920 x 1080 (2.1 MP, 16:9), 1744 x 1744 (3.0 MP, 1:1), 1824 x 1368 (2.5 MP, 4:3), 1824 x 1216 (2.2 MP, 3:2), 1824 x 1024 (1.9 MP, 16:9), 1712 x 1712 (2.9 MP, 1:1) |
| Image File Format: | JPEG, RAW (ARW 2.2), RAW+JPEG | JPEG (EXIF 2.3), MPO, RAW, RAW + JPEG |
| Continuous-mode frames/second: | 9.0 | 6.1 |
| Video Capture | ||
| Can take movies: | Yes | Yes |
| Movie Resolution: |
1920x1080 (60i/50i)
1440x1080 (30/25) 640x480 (30/25) |
1920x1080 (60p/60i/30p/24p)
1280x720 (60p/30p) 640x480 (30p) 1920x1080 (Slow: 60p/50p/30p) 1920x1080 (Fast: 15p/12p/8p) |
| Movie File Format: | AVCHD, MP4 | MOV (ALL-I and IPB), AVCHD 2.0, MP4; with stereo audio |
| Composite Video Out: | No | Yes |
| NTSC/PAL Switchable Video: | n/a | No |
| Video Usable as Viewfinder: | n/a | |
| HD Video Out: | Yes | Yes |
| HD Video Connection: | HDMI | HDMI |
| Lens & Optics | ||
| Lens Mount: | Sony Alpha (Minolta A) | Micro Four Thirds |
| Lens: | Sony 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 DT SAM | n/a |
| Focal Length (35mm equivalent): | 27 - 83mm | |
| Focal Length (actual): | 18 - 55mm | |
| Zoom Ratio: | 3.00x | |
| Aperture Range: | f/3.5 - 22 (W), f/5.6 - ?? (T) | |
| Integrated ND Filter: | No | No |
| Normal Focus Range: | ||
| Macro Focus Range: | ||
| Filter Thread: | 55.0mm | n/a |
| Thread Type: | n/a | n/a |
| Optical Image Stabilization: | No | No |
| Digital Zoom: | No | Yes |
| Digital Zoom Values: | n/a | 2x, 4x; Magnification ratio depends on recording pixels and aspect ratio |
| Auto Focus | ||
| Auto Focus: | Yes | Yes |
| Auto Focus Type: | Phase Detection: 15 points (3 points cross type); Wide, Spot, Local. | Contrast Detection: Face detection, AF Tracking, 23-area-focusing, 1-area-focusing, Pinpoint (Full area touch is available) |
| Auto Focus Assist Light? | Yes | Yes |
| Manual Focus: | Yes | Yes |
| Viewfinder | ||
| Viewfinder: | EVF / LCD | EVF / OLED |
| Viewfinder Type: | EVF type; 1.1cm (0.43") 1,152Kdots, 100% coverage, 1.10x mag., 19mm eyepoint, -4 to +4 diopter | EVF: 1,746K-dot OLED, 100% coverage, 1.34x / 0.67x (35mm eq.) magnification, 21mm eyepoint, -4 to +4 diopter, eye sensor |
| Focus Peaking: | No | No |
| EVF Resolution: | 1,746,000 dots | |
| Viewfinder Magnification (35mm equivalent): | 0.73x | 0.67x |
| Viewfinder Magnification (nominal/claimed): | 1.10x | 1.34x |
| Display | ||
| Eye-level Viewfinder: | Yes | Yes |
| Rear Display: | Yes | Yes |
| Rear Display Size (inches): | 3.0 | 3.0 |
| Rear Display Resolution: | 921,600 dots | 614,000 dots (204,600 px) |
| Touchscreen: | No | Yes |
| Articulating Screen: | Yes | Yes |
| Tilt Swivel Screen: | Yes | |
| Selfie Screen: | Yes | |
| Max Playback Zoom: | 11.8x | 16.0x |
| Top Deck Display: | No | No |
| Exposure | ||
| Maximum ISO (native): | 12800 | 12800 |
| Minimum ISO (native): | 100 | 200 |
| ISO Settings: | Auto (100-1600), 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200, 6400, 12800. (Multi-frame NR mode up to ISO 25600) | Auto, Intelligent ISO, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200, 6400, 12800; in 1/3 or 1 EV steps; expandable to ISO 125 and ISO 25600; Up to ISO 3200 in Auto |
| Auto ISO Mode: | Yes | Yes |
| White Balance Settings: | Auto, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Incandescent, Fluorescent, Flash, Custom, Color Temp./ Filter (2500 – 9900K with 19-step Magenta/Green compensation) | Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, Shade, Incandescent, Flash, White Set 1/2, Color Temperature Setting (2,500-10,000K in 100K steps) |
| Shutter Speed Range: | 1/4000 - 30 sec | 1/4000 - 60 sec |
| Bulb Mode: | Yes | Yes |
| Exposure Compensation: | +/- 2.0EV in 0.3EV steps | +/- 5.0EV in 0.3EV steps |
| Metering Modes: | 1200-zone Evaluative, Center-weighted, Spot | 144-zone Intelligent Multiple, Center-weighted, Spot |
| Program Auto Exposure: | Yes | Yes |
| Aperture Priority: | Yes | Yes |
| Shutter Priority: | Yes | Yes |
| Full Manual Exposure: | Yes | Yes |
| Creative Exposure Modes: | Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Sports action, Sunset, Night portrait, Night view, Hand-held Twilight, Sweep Panorama (2D/3D) | Clear Portrait, Silky Skin, Backlit Softness, Clear in Backlight, Relaxing Tone, Sweet Child's Face, Distinct Scenery, Bright Blue Sky, Romantic Sunset Glow, Vivid Sunset Glow, Glistening Water, Clear Nightscape, Cool Night Sky, Warm Glowing Nightscape, Artistic Nightscape, Glittering Illuminations, Clear Night Portrait, Soft Image of a Flower, Appetizing Food, Cute Dessert, Freeze Animal Motion, Clear Sports Shot, Monochrome |
| Self Timer: | 2 or 10 seconds | 2, 10, 3 shots after 10 seconds |
| Time Lapse (intervalometer): | Yes | |
| High Resolution Composite: | No | No |
| Flash | ||
| Built-in Flash: | Yes | Yes |
| Flash Modes: | Auto, Off, Fill-flash, Rear sync, Wireless, High-Speed sync, Slow sync, Red-eye reduction: On/Off | Auto, Auto/Red-eye Reduction (when iA, iA+), Forced On, Forced On/Red-eye Reduction, Slow Sync., Slow Sync./Red-eye Reduction, Off; Built-in flash supports wireless mode (4 channels, 3 groups) |
| Flash Guide Number (ISO 100): | 10.0 m / 32.8 ft. | 12.0 m / 39.4 ft. |
| Flash Range Description: | Lens dependent | Lens dependent; GN = 17m (ISO 200) |
| Max Flash Sync: | 1/160 | 1/160 |
| Flash Exposure Compensation: | +/- 2.0 EV in 0.3EV steps | +/- 3.0 EV in 0.3EV steps |
| External Flash Connection: | Hot shoe | Hot Shoe, PC Sync Socket |
| Built-In Wireless Flash Control: | Full TTL exposure | |
| Image Storage | ||
| Usable Memory Types: | MS PRO Duo / SD / SDHC / SDXC | SD / SDHC / SDXC |
| UHS Support: | UHS-I | |
| Other Memory: | ||
| Dual Card Slots: | No | No |
| RAW Capture Support: | Yes | Yes |
| Uncompressed Format: | RAW (ARW 2.2), RAW+JPEG | RAW, RAW + JPEG |
| Movie File Format: | AVCHD, MP4 | MOV (ALL-I and IPB), AVCHD 2.0, MP4; with stereo audio |
| Included Memory: | No memory included | |
| Included Memory Type: | ||
| Connectivity | ||
| Built-In Wi-Fi: | No | Yes |
| NFC: | No | |
| Bluetooth: | No | No |
| Built-In GPS: | Yes | No |
| Microphone Jack: | Yes | Yes |
| Headphone Jack: | No | Yes |
| External Connections: | USB 2.0 High Speed | USB 2.0 High Speed,WiFi |
| PictBridge Compliant: | Yes | Yes |
| DPOF Compliant: | Yes | Yes |
| Remote Control: | Yes | Yes |
| Remote Control Type: | Optional Wireless or Wired | Optional wired DMW-RSL1 |
| Connections (extended): | Type-C HDMI Mini Connector (BRAVIA Sync, PhotoTV HD); Wired Remote Terminal, 3.5mm External Stereo Micophone Jack | Mini HDMI (Type-C), 2.5mm Remote Jack, 3.5mm Mic Jack, 3.5mm Headphone Jack |
| Performance Timing | ||
| Cycle time for JPEG shooting in single shot mode (seconds per frame, max resolution): | 0.52 | 0.48 |
| Cycle time for RAW shooting in single shot mode (seconds per frame): | 0.52 | 0.48 |
| Buffer size for RAW shooting in single shot mode (frames): | 28 | Unlimited |
| Cycle time for RAW+JPEG shooting in single shot mode (seconds per shot): | 0.46 | |
| Camera penalizes early shutter press? | No | No |
| JPEG shooting speed in burst mode (fps, max resolution): | 9.0 | 6.1 |
| Buffer size for JPEG shooting in burst mode (frames, max resolution): | 32 | Unlimited |
| RAW shooting speed in burst mode (fps): | 5.1 | |
| Buffer size for RAW shooting in burst mode (frames): | 24 | |
| RAW+JPEG shooting speed in burst mode (fps): | 5.2 | |
| Buffer Size for RAW+JPEG shooting in burst mode (frames): | 20 | |
| Shutter lag (full AF, wide/mid): | 0.22 seconds | 0.21 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 | 0.086 seconds |
| Shutter lag (full AF, with flash): | 0.48 seconds | 0.38 seconds |
| Shutter Lag (prefocused): | 0.103 seconds | 0.079 seconds |
| Shutter Lag (notes): | Full AF, wide-area mode = 0.218s | Full Autofocus lag, Multi-area AF mode = 0.202s |
| Startup Time: | 0.9 seconds | 0.8 seconds |
| Play -> Record Time: | 0.6 seconds | 0.7 seconds |
| Flash cycle time, full power: | 3.7 seconds | 4.1 seconds |
| Power | ||
| Battery Life, Stills (CIPA Rating Monitor/Live View): | 540 shots | |
| Battery Life, Still (CIPA Rating OVF/EVF): | 330 shots | |
| Battery Life, Video: | ||
| Battery Form Factor: | Proprietary NP-FW50 | Proprietary |
| Usable Battery Types: | Lithium-ion rechargeable | 7.2v 1860 mAh Lithium-ion rechargeable |
| Batteries Included: | 1 x Proprietary NP-FW50 Lithium-ion rechargeable | 1 x Proprietary Lithium-ion rechargeable |
| Battery Charger Included (dedicated charger or AC/USB adapter): | Yes | Yes |
| Dedicated Battery Charger Included: | Yes | |
| Internal Charging Supported: | No | |
| Software | ||
| Included Software: | Software CD-ROM (includes Picture Motion Browser, Image Data Converter SR, Image Data Lightbox SR) | PHOTOfunSTUDIO 8.5 PE, SILKYPIX Developer Studio 3.1 SE, Super LoiloScope (trial) |
| OS Compatibility: | Windows XP SP3/Vista SP2/7, Mac OS X (v.10.3 +) | |
| Miscellaneous | ||
| Notes & Features: | 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. | |
