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Digital Camera News, Reviews and Tips

 

Sony A55 and A33 Announced

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The Sony A55 and A33 are two new cameras that benefit from Translucent Mirror Technology (as Sony calls it), whereby the mirror does not move during video or image capture.  This translucent mirror allows the A55 and A33 to continuously focus using the cameras’ fast “phase detection” AF sensors.

The A55 is capable of capturing up to 10 frames per second, while the A33 weighs in at 7 frames per second.  Both cameras feature Sony’s Exmor APS HD CMOS sensors – 16.2MP for the A55 and 14.2 for the A33.

The cameras also feature a 3-inch 921k dot resolution LCD and a 100% coverage electronic viewfinder at 1.1x magnification.  Because of the new translucent mirror technology, the A33 and A55 allow the use of the eye-level viewfinder while recording video – something no other DSLR has managed to do yet.  Additionally, those looking forward to the film-making potential of these new cameras will appreciate the ability to add external mics via a 3.5mm mic-in port.

Sony A55 and A33 Key Specs

  • 16.2MP (A55) and 14.2MP (A33)
  • 3″ Vari-angle LCD (921k dot resolution)
  • 100% Coverage EVF (1.15M dot resolution)
  • 1920 x 1080 at 60i Video Capture
  • ISO 100-12800
  • Auto HDR
  • Sweep Panorama
  • Built-in GPS (A55 only)
  • Memory Stick / SDXC Compatibility

The Sony A55 should be available in October at an initial retail price of $750 for body only.  Check availability on Amazon.com.

The Sony A33 should be available in September at an initial retail price of $650 for body only. Check availability on Amazon.com.

More details in the press release below. [Read more…]

Sony A560 Announced

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The Sony A560 is the successor to the popular A550 DSLR, and features a 14.2MP and HD video capture at 1080i.  The A560 also offers Multi-frame Noise Reduction, Sweep Panorama, 3D Sweep Panorama and other familiar features such as Auto HDR and Quick Live View AF.

The Sony A560 should be available in October 2010 with an 18-55mm kit lens at an initial retail price of $750.  A body-only version will be available for $650.  Check availability on Amazon.com.

More details in the press release below. [Read more…]

Sony A580 Announced (in Europe)

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The Sony A580 has been announced by Sony UK, but no word from Sony US on the camera yet.  The A580 features a 16.2MP Exmor CMOS sensor, 7fps image capture, AVCHD 1080i video capture and an articulating 3″ LCD.  Like the A560, the A580 also offers Sweep Panorama, 3D Sweep Panorama and Sony’s Quick AF Live View system.

The A580 should be available in October in Europe, and is unknown whether it will be available in the US.

More details in the Sony UK press release below. [Read more…]

Sony A560 and A580 Promo Images Leak Out

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Another day, another Sony product leak.  This time up, product images of the new Sony A560 and A580 (replacements for the A500 and A550) have surfaced – just a day after the A33 and A55 were revealed.

The Sony A560 and A580 are rumored to feature 14MP and 16MP sensors, along with the ability to capture AVCHD video at 1080i.  More images of the A560 and A580 below. [Read more…]

Sony A33 and A55 Promo Images Leak Out

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It looks like the Sony A55 and A33 have leaked out into the open via a Chinese forum. Recall that the Sony A55 and A33 are rumored to be just two of four DSLRs that are impending release (the other two being the A560 and A580), all of which supposedly will feature the ability to capture AVCHD movie footage.

As you will see in the following images, the swivel LCD looks to remedy one of the features that I have taken issue with in previous Sony DSLR models – that being the ability to move the LCD when shooting in portrait orientation.

Check out the rest of the images below. [Read more…]