Sony A550 Review at DPReview: “Recommended”

The Sony A550 is a 14.2 megapixel digital SLR camera with a 9 point AF system, 3 inch 920K LCD display, and featuring Sony’s well regarded and quite effective Live View implementation. I’ve notice some mixed reviews on the A550, it seems like there’s loads of potential, but at the same time the A550 might be aiming too much to the beginner, at the sake of not pleasing enthusiasts. Making the case for this very argument is DPReview, who’ve fully analyzed the A550 in their trademark style and come to the conclusion:

And whilst I completely understand Sony’s thinking, and agree that it’s nice to have the option of a high end camera without all the complexity, the problem is that I don’t agree that this means key features like Program Shift, Mirror Lock-up, depth of field preview and customizable controls need to be left out. You just need to make sure the user interface is designed to keep the less experienced away from such things until they’re ready to use them. The Alpha 550’s menus are almost comically brief compared to any other SLR at a similar price point, and despite complaining in the past about some manufacturers going too far the other way, the 550 is one of the least flexible cameras I’ve ever seen in this class.

-DPReview

Now, there’s plenty to like about the A550, let’s be clear about that. If you like shooting in live view, like a compact, and 7 fps continuous shooting makes you happy, well the A550 will be right up your alley.

Get the comprehensive review here.

Availability

The Sony A550 is available at our favorite camera retailer, B&H Photo. In addition the Sony A550 can also be had at Amazon

• Sony DSLR-A550 14.2 MP Digital SLR Camera at B&H Photo: $899
• Sony DSLR-A550 14.2 MP Digital SLR Camera at Amazon: $899

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