Sony launches another consumer-level DLSR camera - Alpha A500 and A 550.
The α550 (14.2 megapixels) and α500 (12.3 megapixels) cameras provide excellent picture quality, particularly in low-light scenarios. A new generation of Sony® Exmor CMOS image sensors employ new low-noise processing for high-quality pictures. The BIONZ image processor has color-noise reduction that helps achieve low noise up to ISO 12800, without sacrificing fine detail.
Alpha DSLR-A500
* 12.3 Megapixel CMOS sensor
* Supports all Minolta/Sony A-mount lenses, with a 1.5X focal length conversion ratio
* Sensor-shift image stabilization
* 3-inch LCD display with 230,000 pixels can tilt 90 degrees up or down
o Refined live view system uses a dedicated CCD near the viewfinder to provide fast AF, face detection, and smile detection
o Camera can also use the main sensor for precise focusing in manual focus situations; frame can be enlarged by 7 or 14 times
* Optical viewfinder has 95% coverage and 0.80X magnification
* Full manual controls, with an ISO range of 200 - 12,800; shutter speed range is 30 - 1/4000 sec (plus bulb)
* 9-point autofocus system
* Continuous shooting rate of 4 fps (live view) or 5 fps (viewfinder)
* Auto high dynamic range feature combines two exposures into one for improved dynamic range; camera can compensate for slight differences in composition
* Hot shoe for external flash
* Dual memory card slots support SD/SDHC and Memory Studio Duo media
* Optional battery grip
* HDMI output
* Uses NP-FM500H li-ion battery; 480 shots per charge with live view, 950 shots with the optical viewfinder
* Ships in October for $750 body only, or $850 with an 18 - 55 mm lens
Alpha DSLR-A550
* 14.2 Megapixel CMOS sensor
* 3-inch LCD has 921,600 pixels
* Speed-priority continuous mode allows for 7 fps shooting
* Priced at $950 body only or $1050 with the 18-55 lens
===Digital Photography Secrets!===