Sony Alpha DSLR SLT A55 Digital Camera with Sony 18-55mm DT Zoom Lens

2011-09-17T21:00:00

I had decided to upgrade my camera from a point and shoot sony to a more traditional 35mm body digital with interchangable lenses. I had reached the point where I was hampered in the shots i wanted to take by the limitation of a smaller fixed lens camera. I have used it on one small vacation to prepare for a trip I am taking to Egypt. I am very impressed with the ability to switch from auto settings to programmable modes. The panarama mode is a fun add-on. I few minor suggestions. It can be challanging to switch from color to B/W mode. I will probably take everything in color and change in my editor. However, B/W work is aided by being able to compose the picture in b/w. A sepia mode would also be nice, but not as critical as an easy to use B/W mode. Finally, the spring-loaded lens cap can be difficult to hold on to when removing if you have large fingers (picture a flying lens cap while on a rock prometory and a frantic snatch to grab it). I will have to jimmy rig a connector from the cap to the lens or camera body to prevent that from happening. All in all, i am very happy with the purchase.

JOHN S.

2011-09-05T21:00:00

I am a real estate photographer by trade - all types of photography by hobby. The camera is more compact & lighter in weight than other DSLR's in its class - makes it easier to carry around. The LCD display is fabulous (as it was in the R-1!) - great macro with the stock 18-55 lens - buy a good macro & I'm sure wonders will never cease!

Near P.

2011-05-29T21:00:00

I purchased the Sony A55 to replace my aging Konica-Minolta digital camera because I wanted superior extreme low light performance and better resolution; also, my Konica-Minolta accessories work with the Sony alpha series cameras. Features that I really like: Shutter action is very fast compared to my old camera. Very good low light performance in the "Auto" position. I took some photos of my house at night (10:00). The Sony A55 did a surprising good job without flash. Panoramic shots are very good even when the camera is hand held. Indoor photos taken with ambient light are very good and superior to my old camera. The Sony A55 is light and compact. For general shooting, I cannot say anything bad about this camera - only good. I've been doing cave photography for 43 years. With cave photography it is often necessary to use off camera strobes to avoid back scatter from water droplets and/or fog which is very often present. The only light sources I have to illuminate the subject for framing and focusing are my helmet mounted headlamp and a bright LED flashlight. This combination worked well with my old Konica-Minolta digital camera when operating in manual mode. The Electronic View Finder (EVF) on that camera switched from a color image to B&W in extreme low light thus enabling me to frame my shot and focus. Unfortunately on the Sony A55 the EVF goes black in low light when shooting in manual mode with off camera strobes. The work around to this problem is to rotate the selector switch on the top left counter-clockwise one position from M. The EVF then becomes bright enough to frame the subject. Once the subject is framed move the dial back to the M position. Focusing in extreme low light is a problem. Even though I carry a laser range finder and can accurately measure the distance to the subject, the 18 to 55 mm lens supplied does not have a scale on the focusing ring nor does the EVF display the focusing distance as the Konica-Minolta does. I suggest purchasing this camera with a lens that has a focusing scale in feet or meters if one plans to shoot in manual mode. If you plan to use a polarizing filter, be sure to select a lens on which the filter mount does not rotate as the lens focuses and/or zooms. I admit that my cave photography is not the norm. If you plan to shoot outdoors at night and use an off camera strobe, you may want to consider my comments above. In low light situations this camera very good in auto mode but poor in manual mode without getting somewhat creative. Overall - Sweet camera!

WILLIAM W.

2011-03-12T19:00:00

I was worried about the viewfinder at first, but now I love it. The electronic viewfinder allows for the whole menu to be displayed while still looking at the subject. Focus is very fast and the camera itself can improve some of the photos you take. I haven't yet tried all the functions of this great camera. Given the extent of the possibilities, it will probably take a while to do so.

JAMES S.

2011-01-29T19:00:00

I was very excited about this camera. All the reviews made it sound like the second coming. Initial testing was promising. In my work I frequently deal with difficult light conditions that are beyond my control. This camera, and more particularly the non-traditional electronic viewfinder, suffered in these adverse conditions. The viewfinder was overwhelmed by bright light or glare, to the point where it was practically unmanageable. This would be a problem with other cameras as well, but in my experience is still manageable with a traditional prismatic viewfinder. I found the autofocus to be slow and not as solid as the AF on Nikon and Canon cameras that I have used. The camera didn't feel very solid. For my purposes this made me uncomfotable, as I use the camera in harsh conditions. On the plus side the camera was lightweight, and the images were solid. There were many great features that would be perfect for any user from casual to pro, so long as they can control the environment and won't subject the camera to the kind of beating that I would. I don't think that the camera should be discounted because of my review. I use cameras in very harsh and difficult conditions, which would tax any camera. Unfortunately, this camera was hobbled moreso than other cameras I have used.

Jarrod C.

2011-01-24T19:00:00

This amazing camera has replaced my other SLR and Video camera.

RODNEY J.

2011-01-12T19:00:00

I have been through the whole nine yards as far as camera's go, SLR's,Point and shoot's, Photo courses. This camera, in a very short time has made me feel like a PRO. My in-door shots are suitable for frameing, my out of door shots are unbelieveable. 5 Stars for this SONY 55VL.

RODNEY J.

2011-01-12T19:00:00

I use this camera for many nature photos, anywhere from panaromic to macro. The only fast action shots I have taken so far were of my German Shepard running in the yard. They came out great. I haven't had it but a week and can not wait to get some articheture photos. I owned an older Sony DSC-H1 prior to this camera, and wanted to stay with Sony. I did compare other brands, and still stayed with Sony. I am very glad that I did. This camera does not dissapoint.

vguindon

2011-01-12T19:00:00

This is a great, easy to use, high quality camera

JT

2011-01-11T19:00:00

This is a quantum leap from my A-100. Love the movable viewfinder and the movies are first rate.

Jeff W.

2010-12-11T19:00:00

Not for studio use. Studio setups do not currently work properly with it, although there are workarounds. It is a great camera with much to offer, though a little more manual control and a higher build quality would be nice additions to a later version of this camera.

ERIC S.

2010-10-21T21:00:00

My Best thoughts on this camera is that it was designed for small hands & some of the control buttons are really simi-out of reach to use without letting go with your right hand. I purchased this as an upgrade for one of my other Sony cameras & find my hand cramping up when used for a long shoot due to the extremely small grip for the right hand. Some of the buttons to make adjustments with while taking & reviewing photo's are in very undisirable locations without removing your hand from the camera to depress the buttons. I ran a short Video as a test of the camera & was able to shoot 4 minutes & 37 seconds before the warning light came on saying that the camera was over heating. According to the booklet, once the warning light comes on you have Very little time before the camera shuts it's self off to keep from causing damage to the camera it's self. Other than these few things this seems to be a Very Nice camera & am Glad I decided to purchase it; even though I've only had this camera for 2 days today. I shot one photo shoot & took more than 600 pictures on a sigle battery, due to the fact that I was not using live shot mode nor a few of the other added convience features that are on the camera. Very Impressive camera for its Price, Well worth the extra 100 dallors for the 55 version with the 18-55 lens. The lens is Very fast & clear.

GSP