- 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.
- 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
- 18.1 megapixels
- 24.00mm - 720.00mm (35mm eq.)
- Go in depth with our full Panasonic ZS40 Review.
| Links | ||
|---|---|---|
| Prices: | Compare Prices | |
| Manufacturer URL: | Manufacturer website | Manufacturer website |
| Predecessor: | ||
| Successor: | ||
| General | ||
| Model Number: | A55 | ZS40 |
| Alternate Model Number(s): | SLT-A55 (w/o GPS) | TZ60 |
| Camera Format: | SLR | Compact |
| Currently Manufactured: | No | No |
| Retail Price: | $849.99 | $449.99 |
| Street Price: | $733.99 | $379.99 |
| Date Available: | 2010-10-15 | 2014-02-01 |
| Tripod Mount: | Yes | Yes |
| Weight: |
25.6 oz
(727 g)
includes batteries, kit lens |
8.5 oz
(240 g)
includes batteries |
| Size: |
4.9 x
3.6 x
3.3 in. (124 x 92 x 85 mm) |
4.4 x
2.5 x
1.4 in. (111 x 64 x 34 mm) |
| Waterproof: | No | No |
| Waterproof Depth: | n/a | n/a |
| Image Sensor | ||
| Sensor Type: | CMOS | CMOS |
| Sensor Manufacturer: | Sony | |
| Effective Megapixels: | 16.2 | 18.1 |
| Sensor Format: | APS-C | 1/2.3 inch |
| Sensor size: | 369.72mm2 (23.7mm x 15.6mm) | 28.0735mm2 (6.17mm x 4.55mm) |
| Approximate Pixel Pitch: | 4.82 microns | 1.26 microns |
| Focal Length Multiplier: | 1.5x | n/a |
| Aspect Ratio: | 3:2, 16:9 | 4:3 |
| Color Filter Type: | RGBG | RGBG |
| Anti Aliasing Filter: | Fixed | |
| Self-Cleaning: | Yes | No |
| Sensor shift image stabilization: | Yes | No |
| On-Sensor Phase Detect: | No | No |
| DxO Sensor Score: | 73 | 36 |
| DxO Color Depth Score (bits): | 23.0 | 19.0 |
| DxO Dynamic Range Score (evs): | 12.4 | 10.6 |
| DxO Maximum Effective ISO Score (iso): | 818 | 117 |
| 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) |
4896 x 3672
(18.0 MP,
4:3), 4896 x 3264 (16.0 MP, 3:2), 4896 x 2752 (13.5 MP, 16:9), 3664 x 3664 (13.4 MP, 1:1), 4000 x 3000 (12.0 MP, 4:3), 4000 x 2672 (10.7 MP, 3:2), 4000 x 2248 (9.0 MP, 16:9), 2992 x 2992 (9.0 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), 2560 x 1920 (4.9 MP, 4:3), 2560 x 1712 (4.4 MP, 3:2), 2560 x 1440 (3.7 MP, 16:9), 1920 x 1920 (3.7 MP, 1:1), 2048 x 1536 (3.1 MP, 4:3), 2048 x 1360 (2.8 MP, Other), 1920 x 1080 (2.1 MP, 16:9), 1536 x 1536 (2.4 MP, 1:1), 640 x 480 (0.3 MP, 4:3), 640 x 424 (0.3 MP, Other), 640 x 360 (0.2 MP, 16:9), 480 x 480 (0.2 MP, 1:1) |
| Image File Format: | JPEG, RAW (ARW 2.2), RAW+JPEG | JPEG (EXIF v2.3), MPO, RAW, RAW+JPEG |
| Continuous-mode frames/second: | 9.0 | 10.0 |
| Video Capture | ||
| Can take movies: | Yes | Yes |
| Movie Resolution: |
1920x1080 (60i/50i)
1440x1080 (30/25) 640x480 (30/25) |
1920x1080 (60p/60i/30p)
1280x720 (60p/30p) 640x480 (30p) 1280x720 (120p) 640x480 (240p) |
| Movie File Format: | AVCHD, MP4 | AVCHD or 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) | n/a |
| Lens: | Sony 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 DT SAM | LEICA DC VARIO-ELMAR, 12 elements in 9 groups with 5 Aspherical elements, 10 Aspherical surfaces and 3 ED elements |
| Focal Length (35mm equivalent): | 27 - 83mm | 24 - 720mm |
| Focal Length (actual): | 18 - 55mm | 4.3 - 129mm |
| Zoom Ratio: | 3.00x | 30.00x |
| Aperture Range: | f/3.5 - 22 (W), f/5.6 - ?? (T) | f/3.3 - 8.0 (W) / f/6.4 - 8.0 (T) Multistage Iris Diaphram |
| Integrated ND Filter: | No | No |
| Normal Focus Range: |
50 cm to Infinity 19.7 in to Infinity |
|
| Macro Focus Range: |
3 cm to Infinity 1.2 in to Infinity |
|
| Filter Thread: | 55.0mm | n/a |
| Thread Type: | n/a | n/a |
| Optical Image Stabilization: | No | Yes |
| Digital Zoom: | No | Yes |
| Digital Zoom Values: | n/a | Up to 4x |
| Auto Focus | ||
| Auto Focus: | Yes | Yes |
| Auto Focus Type: | Phase Detection: 15 points (3 points cross type); Wide, Spot, Local. | Contrast Detect: Face / AF Tracking / 23pt / 1pt / Spot / Touch Area |
| Auto Focus Assist Light? | Yes | Yes |
| Manual Focus: | Yes | Yes |
| Viewfinder | ||
| Viewfinder: | EVF / LCD | EVF / LCD |
| Viewfinder Type: | EVF type; 1.1cm (0.43") 1,152Kdots, 100% coverage, 1.10x mag., 19mm eyepoint, -4 to +4 diopter | EVF: 0.2-inch, 200K dots equiv. LCD; 100% Coverage, Lens 19.6x Magnification: Approx. 2.56x / 0.46x (35 mm camera equivalent) |
| Focus Peaking: | No | Yes |
| EVF Resolution: | ||
| Viewfinder Magnification (35mm equivalent): | 0.73x | 0.46x |
| Viewfinder Magnification (nominal/claimed): | 1.10x | 2.56x |
| Display | ||
| Eye-level Viewfinder: | Yes | Yes |
| Rear Display: | Yes | Yes |
| Rear Display Size (inches): | 3.0 | 3.0 |
| Rear Display Resolution: | 921,600 dots | 920,000 dots |
| Touchscreen: | No | No |
| Articulating Screen: | Yes | No |
| Tilt Swivel Screen: | No | |
| Selfie Screen: | No | |
| Max Playback Zoom: | 11.8x | 16.0x |
| Top Deck Display: | No | |
| Exposure | ||
| Maximum ISO (native): | 12800 | 3200 |
| Minimum ISO (native): | 100 | 100 |
| ISO Settings: | Auto (100-1600), 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200, 6400, 12800. (Multi-frame NR mode up to ISO 25600) | Auto, iISO, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200, 6400*, High Sensitivity mode (ISO 1600-6400); *Extended ISO |
| 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, White Set |
| Shutter Speed Range: | 1/4000 - 30 sec | 1/2000 - 30 sec |
| Bulb Mode: | Yes | No |
| Exposure Compensation: | +/- 2.0EV in 0.3EV steps | +/- 2.0EV in 0.3EV steps |
| Metering Modes: | 1200-zone Evaluative, Center-weighted, Spot | 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) | Panorama Shot, Scene (Portrait, Soft Skin, Scenery, Sports, Night Portrait, Night Scenery, Handheld Night Shot,Food, Baby1, Baby2, Pet, Sunset, High Sensitivity, Glass Through, HDR, Starry Sky, High Speed Video, 3D Photo ), Creative Control (Expressive, Retro, Old Days, High Key, Low Key, Sepia, Dynamic Monochrome, Impressive Art, High Dynamic, Cross Process, Toy Effect, Miniature Effect, Soft Focus, Star Filter, One Point Color (15 filters)) |
| Self Timer: | 2 or 10 seconds | 2 or 10 seconds |
| Time Lapse (intervalometer): | ||
| 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, Forced On, Slow Sync./Red-eye Reduction, Forced Off |
| Flash Guide Number (ISO 100): | 10.0 m / 32.8 ft. | n/a |
| Flash Range Description: | Lens dependent | Auto ISO: 0.6 - 6.4m (Wide), 1.0 - 3.3m (Tele) |
| Max Flash Sync: | 1/160 | |
| Flash Exposure Compensation: | +/- 2.0 EV in 0.3EV steps | |
| External Flash Connection: | Hot shoe | n/a |
| Built-In Wireless Flash Control: | Full TTL exposure | |
| Image Storage | ||
| Usable Memory Types: | MS PRO Duo / SD / SDHC / SDXC | SD / SDHC / SDXC |
| UHS Support: | ||
| 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 | AVCHD or MP4 with stereo audio |
| Included Memory: | 12.0 MB | |
| Included Memory Type: | Internal | |
| Connectivity | ||
| Built-In Wi-Fi: | No | Yes |
| NFC: | ||
| Bluetooth: | No | No |
| Built-In GPS: | Yes | Yes |
| Microphone Jack: | Yes | No |
| Headphone Jack: | No | No |
| 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 | Via Wi-Fi |
| Connections (extended): | Type-C HDMI Mini Connector (BRAVIA Sync, PhotoTV HD); Wired Remote Terminal, 3.5mm External Stereo Micophone Jack | Micro (Type-D) HDMI, Built-in GPS, Built-in Wi-Fi with NFC |
| 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): | 9.0 | 10.0 |
| Buffer size for JPEG shooting in burst mode (frames, max resolution): | 32 | 6 |
| 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): | 300 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 | 3.6V, 1250mAh 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: | ||
| Internal Charging Supported: | ||
| Software | ||
| Included Software: | Software CD-ROM (includes Picture Motion Browser, Image Data Converter SR, Image Data Lightbox SR) | PHOTOfunSTUDIO 9.3 PE, LoiLoScope (trial version), Adobe Reader |
| 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. | 30x zoom with optical image stabilization, EVF, 1080p60 video, 10fps full-res burst shooting, built-in Wi-Fi with NFC, built-in GPS. |
