SLT-principle
Peculiarity of the A55 is the stationary, semi-transparent mirror (SLT). As a result, even in Live View (when display is used as a viewfinder) and (usual DSLR) rapid phase-detect autofocus system used when filming the. This does not have to be folded but the mirror to trigger (as usual with DSLRs), extremely rapid series image sequences can be achieved which uses Sony for a few more gimmicks.
Viewfinder
Since the semi-transparent mirror is not enough hergibt brightness for an optical viewfinder, is an electric. Viewfinder used.
Disadvantage: When fast pan streaks on.
Advantage: large, bright, displays information that a classic optical viewfinder can not show. So you can also check pictures equal in the viewfinder and more information can be displayed (as in live view as well.)
Display
Folding / swiveling. Displays the one left out works I find better, but the display is large, very good resolution, brightness regulates itself automatic. depending on the ambient light.
Image Quality
Top, and noise at high ISO. Details and pictures
* Links have been deleted *, just google for "dpreview.com", "dcresource.com" imaging-resource.com "
Lt. relevant test Reported loose at the level of Nikon or Canon. Dynamic range even better. I think just once. However, the exposure measurement is sometimes not optimal, that was kind of in my Canon foolproof.
Particularities:
Sweep Panorama
Simply hold shutter button and swing the camera case. The individual images are automatic. assembled in the camera to create a panoramic. Is also on edge to accommodate large buildings for example. Funzt surprisingly good and very simple.
HDR function
Apart from the usual dynamic range optimization, the A55 also true HDR images can create camera-internally. These 3 differently exposed images are superimposed and offset. But I still have no application had me where that would have helped.
MultiNR-Noise Reduction
Again, 3 images are taken in quick succession and settled at a, but this time to the noise to reduce at high ISO values. The result is very good. However, it is important that the subject is not moving. The ISO Empfinlichkeit can be increased to ISO12800 (at full Auflösungm so 16MP)!
Serie pictures
The Super Fast mode delivers 10 frames / sec, Full-time AF is thanks SLT possible ISO, aperture and Verschluszeit but always automatic. elected. I am therefore of the normal continuous shooting mode prefer. Here you can select 3-6 frames / second. That's still very fast and you have full impact on ISO, aperture and shutter speed!
Autofocus
Due to the principle, the a55 take advantage of the fast Phasendetekt autofocus for LiveView. Excellent! By the way 15 AF points, including 3 cross sensors, face recognition helps (supposedly) can not at the exposure, focus the. Because it's just rather classic DSLR.
Service
I miss a program shift function and the auto and scene modes can be set even a little, so I suppose almost always P or A - mode. Stupid is also the selected ISO value is not shown on the display (after recording).
In addition, the Auto mode (when he switches on the flash) sometimes chooses an unusually low shutter speed. While that is certainly well-intentioned at the cozy atmosphere not wegzublitzen "only if the subject moves not very helpful. One more reason to always take pictures with P mode.
The main functions to call via Fn key and are clearly displayed side of the image. That's absolutely perfect. All the stupid only that one has this view not for the viewfinder is available, technically wär`s no problem .. Here you can press the Fn button, then you see it and can even run the same set.
GPS
I thought it was totally unnecessary for before I find it now but really fascinating. In particular, the accuracy. Amazing. Absolutely stupid, however, that just at non-existing GPS reception the last GPS coordinates are taken. In this case, nothing more should be added! Dear GPS data in the image as false! This is my dearest wish for a firmware update!
Software
I do still my old programs and sorting methods, super tool is the way Picture Information Extractor (freeware). The RAW converter Sony is useful, here you can get even from what many poor absorption. To evaluate the EXIF data and GPS references of PIE is dearer to me than the Sony tool.
Operating instructions
Beginners had advised a good book (eg DigitalPro-Line series from Data Becker). The guide is not enough there!
Accumulator
The battery pack is exhausted after a day of intensive use. That's very little. Battery sense.
Lens
The kit lens 18-55 is of course only a transitional state. I have the 16-105 from Sony, where I might be more Sony 18-250mm would take now. Both nearly 600 as inexpensive alternative the Sigma 18-200 is of interest to 200. Cheap because without image stabilization and AF motor, but that has a55 yes both in the body!
Alternatives
Most likely the Lumix GH2: AF system a bit more sophisticated, better film, but significantly worse bezügl. Continuous advance, image quality, and so features like Schenk Panorama, Multi-frame NR, GPS's also not all.
Canon and Nikon EOS600 5100: Picture quality about the same, but autofocus in Live View considerably slower than the A55 and above peculiarities of course also eliminates all ...
So therefore, the A55 a very good and really innovative camera at a fair price!
Update 11/07/2012:
Alternative is clearly the new a57 or a37.
The images are again noticeably better (less noise at high ISO, somehow sharper), the viewfinder a bit better, with the new fast processor is also used in the A65 / A77, the image post-processing is better and faster.
The GPS is alleridings ceased at a57 / a37. Since you have now access to the A65 ...
