LONDON -- (Marketwire) -- 08/24/10 --
- a55 (SLT-A55V) (16.2 megapixels) and a33 (SLT-A33) (14.2 megapixels)
- Ultra-quick shooting up to 10fps with fast, precision phase detection AF
- First ever Quick AF HD Movie with smooth, continuous autofocus during video shooting
- Enhanced Quick AF Live View and 7.5 cm (3") free-angle LCD, plus Tru-Finder (Electronic Viewfinder) with 100% coverage
- Advanced imaging functions including 3D Sweep Panorama, Auto HDR and multi-frame noise reduction
The a (pronounced Alpha) family of interchangeable lens cameras from Sony grows with the compact, ultra-responsive new a55 and a33.
The first-ever Sony digital slr camera range to employ Translucent Mirror Technology showcases an innovative optical system that opens up dramatic new shooting possibilities. In contrast with conventional DSLR cameras, Translucent Mirror Technology uses a fixed, translucent mirror that 'splits' the optical pathway between the main image sensor and a separate phase-detection autofocus sensor.
High-resolution live image preview with rapid, accurate phase detection autofocus is thus available at all times -- either via the angle-adjustable 7.5cm (3") LCD or precision Tru-Finder (electronic viewfinder). This also ensures that even moving objects stay in sharp focus at all times, whether you're shooting Full HD video or stills.
Translucent Mirror Technology overcomes other traditional limitations of a DSLR camera, with its simplified mechanical design shrinking camera size and complexity. This makes the a55 and a33 a compelling choice for casual photographers who want to capture spontaneous family moments and travel scenes with less to carry.
Full-resolution shooting at up to 10fps with precise AF tracking
Ground-breaking Translucent Mirror Technology allows high-speed shooting with the a55 at up to 10fps (a33: 7fps) in Continuous Priority AE mode. This represents the world's fastest burst continuous AF shooting performance of any interchangeable lens camera with an APS-C size sensor.
A newly developed 15-point phase-detection autofocus system assures rapid, accurate AF tracking, keeping even moving subjects in sharp focus during continuous shooting. This enables the a55 and a33 to capture split-second action or fleeting nuances of expression with portrait subjects.
World's first Quick AF Full HD movie shooting 1
The large sensor size Exmor™ APS HD CMOS Sensor inside both cameras lets photographers capture stunning, cinematic HD video footage with beautiful background defocus (bokeh) effects.
The a55 and a33 also mark the debut of Quick AF Full HD movie shooting. Translucent Mirror Technology enables AVCHD 1080i video shooting with smooth, precise phase detection AF tracking of moving subjects. Real-time video image preview is now possible via the viewfinder -- in contrast with other models of DSLR camera, where the raised mirror prevents light from reaching the optical viewfinder during video shooting.
Effortless composition and image viewing
The a55 and a33 enable exciting new possibilities for framing and viewing highest-quality video and still images. Already prized by step-up DSLR users and enthusiasts alike, Sony's Quick AF Live View system is now more effective than ever. High-resolution live image preview is teamed with uncompromised phase detection AF performance -- even with rapidly-moving subjects.
Tilting and swivelling freely (to maximum 270 degrees) for comfortable framing at any shooting angle, the bright 7.5 cm (3.0") (16:9) Xtra Fine LCD offers superb detail and contrast.
There's also a precision electronic viewfinder with 1.15 million dot resolution that delivers a clear, bright image with 100% frame coverage. Adjustments to exposure, depth of field and colour can be previewed instantly, either in the viewfinder or on the LCD. Effortless composition is aided further by switchable grid line in the finder and LCD screen, plus a new digital levelling gauge.
Enriched creative possibilities
The a55 and a33 are compatible with the full range of over 30 A-mount interchangeable dslr lenses and offer SteadyShot INSIDE. This in-body image stabilisation system provides up to 4 exposure steps of anti-shake correction when shooting handheld.
The latest additions to the Sony digital camera range also feature 3D Sweep Panorama, allowing photographers to capture detail-packed extra-wide panoramas with a huge field of view. 3D panoramas can be enjoyed on any compatible 3D HD television. The SLT-A55 is also the first a camera by Sony with integrated GPS, allowing automatic geo-tagging of images and video clips.
The new-generation Exmor™ APS HD CMOS Sensor inside both cameras supports a sophisticated range of digital image compositing and processing functions. This gives even greater artistic possibilities to beginners and photo enthusiasts alike.
Auto HDR is now refined further compared with previous-generation a models. Data from a burst of three frames at bracketed exposure values is automatically combined, creating a single image with extended highlight and shadow detail Multi-frame Noise Reduction 'stacks' a high-speed burst of six frames, creating a single low-noise exposure that boosts effective sensitivity as high as ISO 25600.
The new cameras accept both Memory Stick PRO Duo™ (including Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo™) and SD (including both SDHC and SDXC formats) media (all sold separately). Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo HX 30MB per second transfer rate offers the best performance during cameras' continuous shooting mode or when transferring the data to another media.
The new a55 and a33 Single Lens Translucent mirror cameras by Sony are available starting in mid September 2010.
*1 among consumer oriented interchangeable lens digital cameras as of 24.Aug
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Key Features SLT-?55V / SLT-A33
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Interchangeable lens digital camera with built-in
Type flash
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Sony a lens, Minolta and Konica Minolta AF
Lens Compatibility lens
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Image Sensor A55: A33:
Exmor™ APS HD CMOS 16.2 Exmor™ APS HD CMOS 14.2
effective megapixels effective megapixels
(approx.) (approx.)
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Processor BIONZ™ image processor
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ISO 100 - 12800 (Extended: ISO 25600 in Multi Frame
ISO Sensitivity Range NR Mode)
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Image Quality Modes JPEG (fine, standard), RAW, RAW + JPEG
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HDMI Connector and HDMI mini connector (Type C), BRAVIA Sync (Sync
BRAVIA Sync menu), PhotoTV HD
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Image Size: 3:2 (pixels)A55: A33:
L size: 4912x3264 (16M) L size: 4592x3056 (14M)
M size: 3568x2368 (8.4M) M size: 3344x2224 (7.4M)
S size: 2448x1624 (4M) S size: 2288x1520 (3.5M)
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Quick AF Full HD movie with phase-detection
autofocus AVCHD: 1920 x 1080i (16:9) MP4: 1440 x
HD movie record 1080 (16:9) / 640 x 480 (4:3) Max record time: 29
mins
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Electronic Viewfinder "Tru-Finder" (Xtra Fine)
(1.15 million dots effective resolution), with 100%
Electronic Viewfinder frame coverage Digital level gauge, shooting
information and grid line display modes
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7.5cm (3") TFT (Xtra Fine LCD) with 921k dot
LCD resolution; variable-angle tilt/swivel mechanism
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Live View System Quick AF Live View
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SteadyShot INSIDE YES
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Anti-dust System Coating on low pass filter, plus image-sensor shift
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AF/MF selectable AF modes: Single-shot AF,
Focus Modes Automatic AF, Continuous AF
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TTL 15-point phase detection AF system with 3 cross
Autofocus System sensors
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Programmed AE (AUTO, AUTO - Flash Off, P), Aperture
Exposure Modes priority, Shutter priority, Manual, Scene selection
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Exposure Metering System1200-zone evaluative metering
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Exposure Metering Modes Multi-segment, Centre-weighted, Spot
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Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Sports, Sunset, Night
Scene Selection portrait/Night view, Hand-held Twilight
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Creative Style Settings Standard, Vivid, Portrait, Landscape, Sunset, B/W
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Sweep Panorama YES (2D and 3D)
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Auto HDR YES (available in P/A/S/M modes)
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Shutter Speed 1/4000-30sec, Bulb
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Exposure Bracketing 3 continuous exposures, in 0.3 or 0.7 EV steps
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Auto / 6 presets / Colour Temperature/Colour Filter
White Balance Settings / Custom WB
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Continuous Advance A55: A33:
Shooting
Continuous Priority AE Continuous Priority AE
mode: up to 10fps with mode: up to 7fps with
tracking AF tracking AF
Continuous mode: Up to Continuous mode: Up to
6fps 6fps
*varies according to *varies according to
shooting conditions and shooting conditions and
memory card used memory card used
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Approx. no. of Shots A55: A33:
Approx. 330 images with Approx. 270 images with
viewfinder, approx. 380 viewfinder, approx. 340
images in live view mode images in live view mode
(CIPA standard) (CIPA standard)
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Auto pop-up, GN 12 at ISO 100, FOV coverage up to
Built-in Flash 18mm
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Flash-off, Auto, Fill-flash, Slow sync, Rear Sync.,
Flash Modes Wireless*, Hi-speed sync.*,
*With external flash HVL-F58AM, HVL-F56AM, HVL-
F42AM, HVL-F36AM
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MemoryStick PRO Duo / PRO-HG Duo / SD memory card /
Media SDHC memory card
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Approx. 124.4 x 92 x 84.7mm (W/H/D, excluding
Dimensions (WxHxD) protrusions)
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Weight A55: A33:
Approx. 441g (excluding Approx. 433g (excluding
battery, media and battery, media and
accessories) accessories)
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About Sony:
Sony is a leading global innovator of audio, video, communications and information technology products for both the consumer and professional markets. Sony is renowned for its audio-visual products, such as the BRAVIA™ LCD high-definition television, Cyber-shot™ digital camera, Handycam® camcorder, "a" (pronounced Alpha) digital SLR camera, and Walkman® MP3 player as well as its VAIO™ personal computers and high-definition (HD) professional broadcast equipment, highlighted by the XDCAM® HD. Offering a complete end-to-end HD value chain and with its electronics, music, pictures, game and online businesses, Sony is one of the world's leading digital entertainment brands, employing approximately 170,000 people worldwide.
Through its long-term football partnerships as an official sponsor of the UEFA Champions League until 2012, Official FIFA Partner until 2014 and global sponsor of the FIFA World Cup™ in 2010 and 2014, Sony is inspiring a sense of excitement for the millions of football fans around the world.
For more information on Sony Europe, please visit http://www.sony-europe.com and http://www.sony-europe.com/presscenter
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