Sony a550 DSLR Camera, 14.2 Megapixel with CMOS Image Sensor, Face Detection, 3.0" LCD Screen & 18-55mm DT Zoom Lens

2012-01-01T19:00:00

I have moved from an a100 to an a350 to this and although nothing was wrong with the preceding model I thought each was much better than the previous. In retrospect I should have bought the a560 to gain the option of video, not that I would use the video often but at least I would have the option. Every once in a while I have the single "black frame" issue but not enough to send it back. I have used this camera for everything from studio work to holiday shooting.

THOMAS S.

2011-09-03T21:00:00

Quick picture taking. Great for shooting my grandkids. I have used it for low light church photos also with great success. High ISO really helps when a flash is not desired or allowed.

Bill

2011-01-23T19:00:00

I do a lot of travel photography - especially old buildings. Also family photography and some landscape work. Also do some photography for my local Red Cross chapter. Drills, emergency responses, etc.

WILLIAM B.

2010-08-22T20:00:00

Before I start my review, I'll point out I didn't just click away at all the 5 star ratings just to see them light up. I wouldn't bother writing a review if I weren't to be honest about it. The first thing I noticed about the camera is it's significant weight, it's not heavy but it's clearly built better than comparable Nikon/Canon models after holding them both and has great structure design in comparison. I also love the synthetic rubber on most of the body. Button placement and menu UI couldn't be designed any better - very simple, very quick & easy to change settings on the go. Also very easy & efficient to go through your pictures on the camera itself - you won't have to flip through them on your computer. Lens switching is incredibly fast with the alpha series cameras, you can get one off and another one on in less than 10 seconds. Not much more I can say about it, it's a fantastic camera. It reeks of quality. Here are a few pictures I took with it within a few hours of opening the box. To sum it up, I'd say it's the absolute best entry level DSLR you can get. It's easy enough for any photography student to use, but with it you'll definitely have the ability to take mid-level+ pictures. No one will know you're an amateur because of your camera - it won't hold you back.

Aileka

Originally posted at

2010-08-17T20:00:00

This is my first Digital camera, have alway used Minolta 35 mm. This camera has put two world of photorghaphy into one camera. the 7fps is awsome and the quality of the workmanship is great. The fact that you can use your Minolta lenses was a big factor in my purchase of the A550. It is very easy to use. Thank you Sony for making a Digital camera that is more like a 35MM with the fast start up time. Would recomend this camera to everyone.

Shutterbug49

Originally posted at

2010-05-26T20:00:00

I needed fast actions shot and it came in good. lot quick than my a350

Aviles

Originally posted at

2010-05-14T20:00:00

Crisp , Sharp photos , Great High Iso performance are only some of the great features of this camera

Luis9464

Originally posted at

2010-04-30T20:00:00

The a550 is my first DSLR. I've been a loyal Sony customer for many years, and after comparing to similar Canon and Nikon models, I decided to go with my gut and give it a try. I'm glad I did! I've taken some amazing pictures, and it's very easy to use.

Travis24

Originally posted at

2010-04-25T20:00:00

Well its time sony matures! dslr ranges are very competing and sony stands no chance at present in mid range dslr. A230 to A 550 i rate them all to be a basic entry level dslrs. As an avid sony user I request sony to come up with a Sturdy dslr range with good features like 100% view finder, wider body, dof preview higher fps, an extra digital display on the top (like other competitive models in the market) sony has been avoiding this for a long time. It necessary to have a second display on the top which will aid during shooting at harsh sunny conditions. Please sony don't make a dslr look like a toy!! with minimized buttons and smaller plastiky body!! remember we call it professional when its meant for professionals!!! so create something professional you have good range of domestic cameras in the name of cyber shot! so please don't incorporate those simple controls in professional range!. A700 was a good solid mid range dslr, so sony come up with some good improvement over such cameras rather than taking it off completely and introducing a fancy toy! I hope to see good professional releases before I invest on sony dslrs

Vineet

Originally posted at

2010-04-17T20:00:00

PROBABLY THE BEST DSLR FOR THE MONEY SONY MAKES I RECOMMEND THIS TO ANYONE LOOKING FOR A GREAT CAMERA BEGINNER OR PRO

stanleytools

Originally posted at

2010-03-06T19:00:00

I just bought this camera about a week ago and have already taken thousands of photos. I have a Minolta film camera and a Nikon D80 and from having the Nikon I was expecting a low color quality from other DSLR cameras. Since adding the A550 to my collection, Sony has brought the color quality of a film camera and incorporated it in to digital. The first thing I noticed about this camera was how crisp it takes pictures. I am use to taking many action photos, and with a fast camera like the A550 I can take more pictures without having to deal with motion blur. When I first was expecting the camera I thought the screen frame would be cheap plastic when in fact it is metal. I like how they didn’t skimp in quality on this camera. I would recommend it to anyone with a passion for photography.

Eagle13

Originally posted at

2010-01-24T19:00:00

I bought this camera from B&H Photo/Video. Opened the box up and found out that it is missing a hot shoe cover and the included lens doesn't include a lens hood or rear lens screw-on cap. Being a long time Minolta customer and an owner of a Maxxum 7 film camera, I find this disappointing that Sony doesn't include roughly $25 worth of basic accessories on a $1050 camera rig. I now have to buy these pieces to make my rig complete...thanks Sony for being cheap! :( Minolta never was this way (I know my Maxxum 7 came with all of these accessories included)!!!

JJB1

Originally posted at

2010-01-10T19:00:00

HAD LENSES THAT WILL FIT THIS CAMERA

wild t.