- 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 | ||
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Prices: | Compare Prices | |
Manufacturer URL: | Manufacturer website | Manufacturer website |
Predecessor: | ||
Successor: | ||
General | ||
Model Number: | A55 | K-S1 |
Alternate Model Number(s): | SLT-A55 (w/o GPS) | |
Camera Format: | SLR | SLR |
Currently Manufactured: | No | No |
Retail Price: | $849.99 | $799.95 |
Street Price: | $733.99 | $501.65 |
Date Available: | 2010-10-15 | 2014-09-15 |
Tripod Mount: | Yes | Yes |
Weight: |
25.6 oz
(727 g)
includes batteries, kit lens |
27.0 oz
(765 g)
includes batteries, kit lens |
Size: |
4.9 x
3.6 x
3.3 in. (124 x 92 x 85 mm) |
4.8 x
3.7 x
2.8 in. (121 x 93 x 70 mm) |
Waterproof: | No | No |
Waterproof Depth: | n/a | n/a |
Image Sensor | ||
Sensor Type: | CMOS | CMOS |
Sensor Manufacturer: | Sony | |
Effective Megapixels: | 16.2 | 20.1 |
Sensor Format: | APS-C | APS-C |
Sensor size: | 369.72mm2 (23.7mm x 15.6mm) | 366.6mm2 (23.50mm x 15.60mm) |
Approximate Pixel Pitch: | 4.82 microns | 4.29 microns |
Focal Length Multiplier: | 1.5x | 1.5x |
Aspect Ratio: | 3:2, 16:9 | 3:2 |
Color Filter Type: | RGBG | RGBG |
Anti Aliasing Filter: | Fixed | Optional |
Self-Cleaning: | Yes | Yes |
Sensor shift image stabilization: | Yes | Yes |
On-Sensor Phase Detect: | No | No |
DxO Sensor Score: | 73 | 78 |
DxO Color Depth Score (bits): | 23.0 | 23.5 |
DxO Dynamic Range Score (evs): | 12.4 | 13.0 |
DxO Maximum Effective ISO Score (iso): | 818 | 1,061 |
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) |
5472 x 3648
(20.0 MP,
3:2), 4224 x 2816 (11.9 MP, 3:2), 3072 x 2048 (6.3 MP, 3:2), 1920 x 1280 (2.5 MP, 3:2) |
Image File Format: | JPEG, RAW (ARW 2.2), RAW+JPEG | JPEG (EXIF 2.30), 12-bit RAW (.PEF, .DNG) |
Continuous-mode frames/second: | 9.0 | 5.4 |
Video Capture | ||
Can take movies: | Yes | Yes |
Movie Resolution: |
1920x1080 (60i/50i)
1440x1080 (30/25) 640x480 (30/25) |
1920x1080 (30p/25p/24p)
1280x720 (60p/50p) |
Movie File Format: | AVCHD, MP4 | MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 (MOV) |
Composite Video Out: | No | |
NTSC/PAL Switchable Video: | n/a | n/a |
Video Usable as Viewfinder: | n/a | n/a |
HD Video Out: | Yes | Yes |
HD Video Connection: | HDMI | HDMI |
Lens & Optics | ||
Lens Mount: | Sony Alpha (Minolta A) | Pentax K (KA/KAF/KAF2) |
Lens: | Sony 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 DT SAM | smc Pentax-DA L 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AL |
Focal Length (35mm equivalent): | 27 - 83mm | 27 - 83mm |
Focal Length (actual): | 18 - 55mm | 18 - 55mm |
Zoom Ratio: | 3.00x | 3.06x |
Aperture Range: | f/3.5 - 22 (W), f/5.6 - ?? (T) | f/3.5 - f/22 (wide) / f/5.6 - f/40 (tele) |
Integrated ND Filter: | No | No |
Normal Focus Range: |
25 cm to Infinity 9.8 in to Infinity |
|
Macro Focus Range: | ||
Filter Thread: | 55.0mm | 52.0mm |
Thread Type: | n/a | n/a |
Optical Image Stabilization: | No | No |
Digital Zoom: | No | |
Digital Zoom Values: | n/a | |
Auto Focus | ||
Auto Focus: | Yes | Yes |
Auto Focus Type: | Phase Detection: 15 points (3 points cross type); Wide, Spot, Local. | SAFOX IX i+, TTL phase-matching -11 point (9 cross type focus points in the center) |
Auto Focus Assist Light? | Yes | Yes |
Manual Focus: | Yes | Yes |
Viewfinder | ||
Viewfinder: | EVF / LCD | Optical / LCD |
Viewfinder Type: | EVF type; 1.1cm (0.43") 1,152Kdots, 100% coverage, 1.10x mag., 19mm eyepoint, -4 to +4 diopter | SLR type; eye-level pentaprism, ~100% coverage, 0.95x mag., 20.5mm eyepoint, -2.5 to +1.5 diopter |
Focus Peaking: | No | Yes |
EVF Resolution: | n/a | |
Viewfinder Magnification (35mm equivalent): | 0.73x | 0.63x |
Viewfinder Magnification (nominal/claimed): | 1.10x | 0.95x |
Display | ||
Eye-level Viewfinder: | Yes | Yes |
Rear Display: | Yes | Yes |
Rear Display Size (inches): | 3.0 | 3.0 |
Rear Display Resolution: | 921,600 dots | 921,600 dots (307,200 px) |
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 | No |
Exposure | ||
Maximum ISO (native): | 12800 | 51200 |
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, 100-51200 (1, 1/2 or 1/3 EV steps) |
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, Multi Auto, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Fluorescent Light (D: Daylight Color, N: Daylight White, W: Cool White, L: Warm White), Tungsten Light, Flash, CTE, Manual, Color Temperature |
Shutter Speed Range: | 1/4000 - 30 sec | 1/6000 - 30 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 | TTL open-aperture: 77 segment Multi, 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) | Sensitivity Priority, Shutter & Aperture Priority (Tav); Scene: Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Moving Object, Night Scene Portrait, Sunset, Blue Sky, Forest, Night Scene, Night Scene HDR (JPEG only), Night Snap, Food, Pet, Kids, Surf & Snow, Backlight Silhouette, Candlelight, Stage Lighting, Museum; Effect: Faded Color, Clear Tone, Brilliant Color, Unicolor Bold, Vintage Color, Cross Processing, Warm Fade, Tone Expansion, Bold Monochrome, Infrared Filter, Vibrant Color Enhance; Digital filters (capture): Extract Color, Replace Color, Toy Camera, Retro, High Contrast, Shading, Invert Color, Unicolor Bold, Bold Monochrome; HDR: Auto, HDR1, HDR2, HDR3 |
Self Timer: | 2 or 10 seconds | 2 or 12 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 Flash Discharge, Auto Flash + Red-eye Reduction (Auto Picture, Scene) Flash On, Flash On+ Red-eye Reduction, Slow-speed Sync, Trailing Curtain Sync, Manual Flash Discharge (Full-1/128) |
Flash Guide Number (ISO 100): | 10.0 m / 32.8 ft. | 10.0 m / 32.8 ft. |
Flash Range Description: | Lens dependent | Depends on lens |
Max Flash Sync: | 1/160 | 1/180 |
Flash Exposure Compensation: | +/- 2.0 EV in 0.3EV steps | -2 to +1 EV in 0.5EV steps |
External Flash Connection: | Hot shoe | Hot Shoe |
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: | UHS-I compliant | |
Dual Card Slots: | No | No |
RAW Capture Support: | Yes | Yes |
Uncompressed Format: | RAW (ARW 2.2), RAW+JPEG | 12-bit RAW (.PEF, .DNG) |
Movie File Format: | AVCHD, MP4 | MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 (MOV) |
Included Memory: | No memory included | |
Included Memory Type: | ||
Connectivity | ||
Built-In Wi-Fi: | No | No |
NFC: | No | |
Bluetooth: | No | No |
Built-In GPS: | Yes | No |
Microphone Jack: | Yes | No |
Headphone Jack: | No | No |
External Connections: | USB 2.0 High Speed | USB 2.0 High Speed |
PictBridge Compliant: | Yes | No |
DPOF Compliant: | Yes | Yes |
Remote Control: | Yes | Yes |
Remote Control Type: | Optional Wireless or Wired | Optional IR |
Connections (extended): | Type-C HDMI Mini Connector (BRAVIA Sync, PhotoTV HD); Wired Remote Terminal, 3.5mm External Stereo Micophone Jack | Micro (Type D) HMDI |
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 | 5.4 |
Buffer size for JPEG shooting in burst mode (frames, max resolution): | 32 | 20 |
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): | ||
Battery Life, Still (CIPA Rating OVF/EVF): | 330 shots | 480 shots |
Battery Life, Video: | ||
Battery Form Factor: | Proprietary NP-FW50 | Proprietary D-LI109 |
Usable Battery Types: | Lithium-ion rechargeable | Lithium-ion rechargeable |
Batteries Included: | 1 x Proprietary NP-FW50 Lithium-ion rechargeable | 1 x Proprietary D-LI109 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) | Digital Camera Utility 5 Software CD-ROM |
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. | The K-S1 comes in 3 standard colors: black, blue, and white. In addition, two separate color collections are available; The Fabric Collection, containing 4 unique colors such as cotton beige and tweed gray – and the Night Sky Collection, with 5 more elegant colors like Sunset Orange, Dawn Purple, and Midnight Black. |