Sony Alpha 55
Encyclopedia
The Sony α55 is a midrange-level SLT
camera, released in August 2010.
Its design is novel due to its being the first digital single-lens translucent camera, along with the Sony α33. As an SLT it employs a semi-transparent mirror instead of an opaque mirror, which enables phase detection auto focus in live view. The design also replaces the optical viewfinder
present in conventional DSLR with a high-resolution electronic viewfinder. The translucent mirror is fixed in position so does not have to flip up to take a still image, enabling rapid continuous shots of up to 10 frames per second. The static mirror also eliminates "mirror slap", the noise produced by the movement of the mirror during a shutter actuation, making the A55 quieter than standard DSLRs. The A55 is one of the first four Sony Alpha DSLR / SLT cameras with video mode included, capable of 1080i
. The SLT design means that it is capable of using phase-detection autofocus during video recording. It has body-integrated image stabilization
, and a 16.2 MPx APS-C
CMOS
sensor.
Notice of Video Recording Time
Single-lens translucent camera
Single-Lens Translucent cameras stand in-between digital single-lens reflex cameras cameras and mirrorless interchangeable-lens cameras ....
camera, released in August 2010.
Its design is novel due to its being the first digital single-lens translucent camera, along with the Sony α33. As an SLT it employs a semi-transparent mirror instead of an opaque mirror, which enables phase detection auto focus in live view. The design also replaces the optical viewfinder
Viewfinder
In photography, a viewfinder is what the photographer looks through to compose, and in many cases to focus, the picture. Most viewfinders are separate, and suffer parallax, while the single-lens reflex camera lets the viewfinder use the main optical system. Viewfinders are used in many cameras of...
present in conventional DSLR with a high-resolution electronic viewfinder. The translucent mirror is fixed in position so does not have to flip up to take a still image, enabling rapid continuous shots of up to 10 frames per second. The static mirror also eliminates "mirror slap", the noise produced by the movement of the mirror during a shutter actuation, making the A55 quieter than standard DSLRs. The A55 is one of the first four Sony Alpha DSLR / SLT cameras with video mode included, capable of 1080i
1080i
1080i is the shorthand name for a high-definition television mode. The i means interlaced video; 1080i differs from 1080p, in which the p stands for progressive scan. The term 1080i assumes a widescreen aspect ratio of 16:9, implying a frame size of 1920×1080 pixels...
. The SLT design means that it is capable of using phase-detection autofocus during video recording. It has body-integrated image stabilization
Image stabilization
Image stabilization is a family of techniques used to reduce blurring associated with the motion of a camera during exposure. Specifically, it compensates for pan and tilt of a camera or other imaging device. It is used in image-stabilized binoculars, still and video cameras, and astronomical...
, and a 16.2 MPx APS-C
APS-C
Advanced Photo System type-C is an image sensor format approximately equivalent in size to the Advanced Photo System "classic" size negatives...
CMOS
CMOS
Complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor is a technology for constructing integrated circuits. CMOS technology is used in microprocessors, microcontrollers, static RAM, and other digital logic circuits...
sensor.
Notice of Video Recording Time
| Model name | Ambient temperature | Image Stabilization | |
|---|---|---|---|
| On | Off | ||
| α55 (SLT-A55V) | 20 °C (68 °F) | 9 min | Approximately 29 minutes |
| 30 °C (86 °F) | 6 min | 13 minutes | |
| α33 (SLT-A33) | 20 °C (68 °F) | 11 min | Approximately 29 minutes |
| 30 °C (86 °F) | 7 min | Approximately 22 minutes | |