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Sony Alpha SLT-A55VL 16.2-megapixel digital SLR camera with 18-55mm lens & HD movie mode

Item # 158A55VL

Blazing speed at a down-to-earth price Lots of cameras give you rapid-fire continuous shooting, but you'll be hard...

Blazing speed at a down-to-earth price Lots of cameras give you rapid-fire continuous shooting, but you'll be hard...

Item # 158A55VL

Shop all Sony DSLR Cameras

About the Sony Alpha SLT-A55VL

Dave Bar
Blazing speed at a down-to-earth price
Lots of cameras give you rapid-fire continuous shooting, but you'll be hard pressed to find one that's as fast, versatile, and affordable as Sony's 'A55. It shoots up to 10 frames per second at full 16-megapixel resolution. Unlike most SLRs, this camera is always in "live view mode," which means you can see the effects of any changes you make to exposure settings before you take the shot. Its newly designed electronic viewfinder displays comprehensive shooting information, and a flexible tilt-and-swivel LCD screen make it easier than ever to get fantastic looking shots of a fast-moving world.

Blazing speed at a down-to-earth price
Lots of cameras give you rapid-fire continuous shooting, but you'll be hard pressed to find one that's as fast, versatile, and affordable as Sony's 'A55. It shoots up to 10 frames per second at full 16-megapixel resolution. Unlike most SLRs, this camera is always in "live view mode," which means you can see the effects of any changes you make to exposure settings before you take the shot. Its newly designed electronic viewfinder displays comprehensive shooting information, and a flexible tilt-and-swivel LCD screen make it easier than ever to get fantastic looking shots of a fast-moving world.

This kit includes Sony's sharp 18-55mm lens. Its zoom range spans from wide-angle to short-telephoto for versatile everyday shooting. Snap indoor group shots of guests at your child's birthday party, and then follow the guests outside and capture the fun as they cut loose playing games in the backyard. Add optional Sony wide angle, telephoto, and close-up lenses to expand your camera's picture-taking power even further.

How does it work?
Traditional DSLRs rely on a moving mirror that flips out of the way when you press the shutter button. When that happens, the camera momentarily loses its ability to autofocus, and your viewfinder or live view LCD screen go black at the same time — a less than desirable situation. Sony's fixed-position translucent mirror works around the problem by splitting the light coming from the lens, sending it to the camera's imaging sensor and autofocus sensor simultaneously. That means the 'A55 can continue focusing and shooting at the same time. Fast-moving subjects will always stay sharp, whether you're snapping still shots or recording full HD video.

A camera that remembers where you've been (even if you don't)
Snap a photo or shoot a video, and the 'A55 saves location and elevation info for you. When you upload your photos to the web, you can take advantage of the geo-tagging feature of many photo-mapping sites, like Flickr® or Google's Panoramio. That lets you easily distinguish between images you recorded in the Shenandoah mountains from those you captured in the Adirondacks.

Get everyone in the picture, even in 3D
The SLT-A55 also has other cool tricks up its sleeve. The next time you find yourself admiring a stunning mountain vista or beautiful cityscape, you can put Sony's ingenious Sweep Panorama mode to good use. It lets you capture the scene around you by sweeping the camera across your field of view — the camera automatically stitches multiple shots together to form one seamless photo. The 'A55 even lets you record your multi-shot panoramas in stunning 3D for playback on a compatible 3D television. You can connect the camera directly to your compatible HDTV with an optional mini HDMI cable.

This camera doesn't include any memory. Add a Memory Stick PRO Duo™ or SD, SDHC, or SDXC memory card for storing your photos and video.

From the review The Sony Alpha SLT-A55VL: simple operation, great pictures
"If you're photographing sports, or need a great all-around camera at the ready, the Sony A55 would be a great choice... The ten frames per second feature could help you capture those elusive and fleeting moments. It's not as light as a point-and-shoot, but it also didn't make me tired carrying it in my shoulder bag. And carrying that extra bit of weight was well worth it for a camera with so many extra features.

— Meredith, Crutchfield Video Producer and A/V Writer

READ LESS

Product highlights:

  • 16.2-megapixel effective recording
  • APS-C size HD CMOS image sensor (23.5 X 15.6 mm) for superior low-noise and low-light image performance
  • DT 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 Sony zoom lens (35mm equivalent focal length: 27-82.5mm)
  • HD movie mode with dedicated record button and full-time autofocus
  • GPS-enabled for geo-tagging photos
  • built-in sensor-shift SteadyShot INSIDE™ image stabilization (provides image stabilization with all attached lenses)
  • Sony BIONZ™ image processor for accurate, low noise images and responsive shooting
  • high-res 3" tilt-and-swivel LCD screen (921,600 dots) with live view for composing photos and movies on-screen in real-time
  • screen adjusts up to 180 degrees vertically and 270 degrees horizontally for versatile high- and low-level shooting
  • high-res electronic viewfinder (1,440,000 dots) with diopter adjustment
  • built-in digital level gauge for taking better panoramas and portraits
  • 3D Sweep Panorama mode: sweep across the panorama, and the camera captures "right-eye" and "left-eye" versions of the image. 3D TV and 3D glasses required to view images in 3D
  • built-in anti-dust technology to keep image sensor clean for spotless photos
  • 15-point autofocus with three cross-type sensors for accurate, high-speed focusing
  • auto High Dynamic Range (HDR) mode takes three exposures in rapid succession and combines them to capture increased shadow and highlight details
  • Dynamic Range Optimizer for better shadow and highlight detail in high-contrast shooting conditions
  • built-in auto pop-up flash with flash compensation
  • warranty: 1 year
Compatible Lenses:
  • compatible with Sony Alpha, Minolta, and Konica/Minolta A-type bayonet mount autofocus lenses
Exposure Modes and Controls:
  • continuous shooting mode: up to 6 frames per second (10 fps in speed priority mode)
  • burst mode buffer: JPEG Standard (39 shots), JPEG Fine (35 shots), RAW (20 shots), RAW+JPEG (20 shots)
  • shutter speed range: 30-1/4,000 seconds, bulb
  • sensitivity or ISO (film speed equivalent) range: 100-12,800 (up to 25,600 in special auto JPEG mode)
  • program auto, shutter-priority, aperture-priority, manual, flash off auto, scene, and fully automatic exposure modes
  • preset scene modes for accurately exposed images in various shooting environments
  • flash sync at 1/160 second
File Formats and Storage:
  • image storage modes: JPEG, RAW, and RAW+JPEG
  • 3:2 image options (pixels): 4,912 x 3,264; 3,568 x 2,368; 2,448 x 1,624
  • 16:9 image options (pixels): 4,912 x 2,760; 3,568 x 2,000; 2,448 x 1,376
  • accepts Memory Stick® PRO Duo™ or SD, SDHC, or SDXC memory cards
Connections and Dimensions:
  • high-speed USB interface
  • mini HDMI output for sharing images on a compatible HDTV (cable not included)
  • connection for optional Sony RM-L1AM wired remote control
  • input for optional external microphone
  • 5"W x 3-11/16"H x 3-7/16"D (without lens)
  • weight (body only): 15.6 oz.
Supplied Accessories:
  • Sony DT 18-55mm zoom lens
  • rechargeable NP-FW50 lithium ion battery
  • battery charger
  • adjustable neck strap
  • USB cable
  • body cap
  • software CD-ROM
  • MFR # SLTA55VL

What's in the box:

  • SLT-A55V Digital camera body with installed body cap
  • SAL1855 DT18-55mm F3.5-5.6 SAM zoom lens
  • 55mm Lens cap (installed)
  • Clear plastic rear lens cap (installed)
  • BC-VW1 Battery charger (8.4V/0.28A)
  • NP-FW50 rechargeable InfoLithium battery (7.2V/7.7Wh/1080mAh)
  • 56" USB cable (has a USB type A connector on one end and a mini USB connector on the other end)
  • Adjustable camera strap
  • Application software CD-ROM
  • Instruction Manual
  • Interchangeable Lens Operating Instructions
  • Interchangeable Lens Precautions Before Using
  • Warranty Sheet
  • On-line registration sheet
  • Lenses & Accessories brochure

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More details on the Sony Alpha SLT-A55VL

Mark G.

Features & specs

General
LCD Screen Size 3"
Adjustable-angle LCD Yes
Wi-Fi ---
GPS-enabled Yes
Lens 35mm Equivalent 27-82.5mm
Optical Zoom 3x
Digital Zoom N/A
Filter Diameter 55
Manual Focusing Yes
Manual Exposure Yes
Built-in Flash Yes
HDMI Output Mini
Memory
Internal Memory None
Memory Stick MS PRO Duo
CFexpress Cards No
CompactFlash Cards No
SD Cards SD/SDHC/SDXC
XQD Cards No
Image
Sensor Size 23.5mm x 15.6mm
Megapixels 16.2
Image Stabilization Sensor Shift
Highest Resolution 4912 x 3264
4K Video No
Video Resolution 1920 x 1080, 1440 x 1080
Dimensions
Width (inches) 5
Height (inches) 3-11/16
Depth (inches) 5-13/16
Weight With Battery (ounces) 25.1
Warranty
Parts Warranty 1 Year
Labor Warranty 1 Year
The Sony Alpha SLT-A55VL replaces these items:

Product Research

Recording Features
Included Lens
Play And Print Functions
Battery Information
Supplied Software

Recording Features

Zoom Lens Kit: The Sony SLT-A55VL α (alpha series) DSLR camera kit contains the A55V camera body, and the SAL1855 DT18-55mm F3.5-5.6 SAM 3x zoom lens, along with a rechargeable battery, adjustable neck strap, USB cable, and software on CD-ROM. The camera is compatible with Sony A-mount lenses.

Translucent Mirror Technology: The A55V is the first DSLR with Translucent Mirror Technology, which directs light to both the image sensor and the Phase Detection AF sensor simultaneously. This allows the camera to focus and capture the image at the same time. Since the mirror never moves, the time needed to raise and lower the mirror is eliminated.

3" Tiltable LCD Screen: The A55V uses a 3" TFT TruBlack LCD screen with 921,600 dots. The LCD can be tilted and swiveled so you can frame your shots from difficult angles overhead or down low.

Electronic Viewfinder: The 0.46" electronic color viewfinder has 1,440,000 dots (0.43"/1,152,000 dots displayed), and provides approximately 100% field of view. The built-in diopter lets you adjust the viewfinder image to your individual eyesight. The adjustment is -4.0 to +4.0 m-1. If you're using the electronic viewfinder to frame your shots, the LCD turns off automatically when you bring the camera up to your eyes.

Live View: The A55's Live View lets you use the LCD screen and Electronic Viewfinder to frame your photos as you shoot. The Live View image will provide an accurate preview of your photo, including the white balance, focus, depth of field, exposure, and framing. In addition, the on-screen displays will keep you informed on all your settings and recording information.

Built-in GPS: The camera has a built-in GPS system which allows it to acquire location information, and record it onto the images or movies you shoot at that location. Using the supplied Picture Motion Browser (PMB) software, you can import images recorded with location information to a computer, and enjoy them with a map that shows their shooting location. You may also use the GPS to automatically set and maintain the correct time.

Note: The GPS will not operate indoors or near tall buildings.

Still Image Recording Formats: Still images are recorded in JPEG file format in Standard and Fine compression rates. You can also record still images using the RAW format, which is uncompressed with no processing performed in the camera. RAW images must be transferred to a computer for processing, editing, and printing using the supplied Image Data Converter SR software.

Movie Recording Formats: The A55V can record 16:9 Full High Definition movies (FH: 1920 x 1080/60i) in AVCHD mode with MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 video and 2-channel Dolby Digital audio. Movies can also be recorded in MP4 mode (1440 x 1080/30 fps, 640 x 480/30fps) with MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 video and MPEG-4 AAC-LC 2-channel audio. The recording bit rate is 17 Mbps for AVCHD, 12 Mbps for MP4 1080, and 3 Mbps for MP4 VGA.

Panorama Photos: The 3D Sweep Panorama mode lets you record panoramic images by holding down the shutter button as you pan across the scene. Panoramic photos can be taken in 3D or Standard in several different resolution settings:

  • Panorama:
    • Standard:
      • Vertical: 3872 x 2160
      • Horizontal: 8192 x 1856
    • Wide:
      • Vertical: 5536 x 2160
      • Horizontal: 12416 x 1856
  • 3D Panorama (Horizontal):
    • 16:9: 1920 x 1080
    • Standard: 4912 x 1080
    • Wide: 7152 x 1080

Dual Media Options: The A55V camera accepts two types of media for capturing still images: Memory Stick PRO Duo (including Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo), and SD, SDHC, and SDXC Memory Cards. The maximum number of images that can be recorded on a memory card formatted with this camera varies slightly between the two types of media. The number of images that can be stored on a Memory Stick PRO Duo:

Capacity based on images taken at L 16M/Aspect Ratio: 3:2 (4912 x 3264):

Size \ Capacity 2 GB 4 GB 8 GB 16 GB 32 GB
Standard 386 781 1587 3239 6406
Fine 270 548 1116 2279 4510
RAW & JPEG 74 154 319 657 1304
RAW 106 220 452 928 1840

Image Sensor: The SLT-A55V features an APS-C-sized Exmor CMOS image sensor (23.6 x 15.8mm). It has approximately 16.7-million total pixels and 16.2-million effective pixels.

Image Sizes: You can record still images in a 3:2 or 16:9 aspect ratio. The image sizes include:

Aspect Ratio Image Size Resolution
3:2 L: 16M 4912 x 3264
M: 8.4M 3568 x 2368
S: 4.0M 2448 x 1624
16:9 L: 14M 4912 x 2760
M: 7.1M 3568 x 2000
S: 3.4M 2448 x 1376

SteadyShot INSIDE In-Camera Image Stabilization: The SteadyShot INSIDE in-camera image stabilizer shifts the image sensor to compensate for camera shake without sacrificing image quality. The compensation effect is equal to 2.5 to 3.5 shutter speed steps, giving you more creative freedom when shooting in low light. And, because it is integrated into the camera body, SteadyShot INSIDE technology works with all compatible α (alpha) system lenses.

Eye-Start Auto Focus: The camera features the Eye-Start Auto Focus system, which begins precision auto focus adjustments the moment you raise the camera to your eye. This feature can be turned off in the menu, if desired.

15-Point AF System: The A55V's high-performance auto focus system uses 15 focus points to deliver fast and precise focusing. It has a predictive focus control to automatically calculate the position of fast-moving subjects. You can choose from the following Auto/Manual Focus Modes:

  • AF (Auto focus) Mode: You can select between 3 modes:
    • Single-Shot AF: The camera focuses and the focus is locked when you press the shutter button halfway down.
    • Continuous AF: The camera continues to focus while the shutter button is pressed and held halfway down.
    • Automatic AF: This mode automatically switches between single-shot AF and continuous AF depending on the movement of the subject.
  • AF (Auto focus) Area: You can select between 3 settings:
    • Wide: The camera determines which of the nine local focus frames is used in focusing with the wide focus frame.
    • Spot: The camera uses the AF area located in the center area exclusively.
    • Local: You can choose a local focus area from the 15 areas using the controller.
  • Manual Focus: When it is difficult to get the proper focus in auto focus mode, you can adjust the focus manually. This mode allows you to set the distance of a subject by switching to MF on the lens and rotating the focusing ring to achieve a sharp focus.

Focus Lock: If a subject is off-center and outside of the AF area, you can lock the focus of the camera.

AF Illuminator: When you press the shutter button halfway down a red illuminator is emitted until the focus is locked. Under dark lighting conditions or when you shoot a low contrast subject, the AF illuminator allows the camera to focus more easily on the subject. The AF illuminator has a range of approximately 3.3 to 16.4 feet.

Drive Modes: The camera offers the following shooting modes:

  • Single Shot Advance: Default setting for standard picture taking.
  • Shooting Continuously: When you press and hold the shutter button, the camera records the images continuously at a maximum 6 images per second at high speed or 3 images per second at low speed. The maximum number of continuous shots varies with the recording format:
    • RAW: 19 images
    • RAW & JPEG: 19 images
    • Fine: 28 images
    • Standard: 28 images
  • Self-Timer: You can set the camera to two different self-timers:
    • 10 Second: After you press the shutter button, the shutter will be released about 10 seconds later. This is convenient when the photographer wants to appear in a photo.
    • 2 Second: After you press the shutter button, the shutter will be released about 2 seconds later. This is convenient to reduce camera-shake.
  • Exposure Bracket: The camera can shoot three continuous images with the exposures shifted automatically. It uses two settings:
    • Ambient Light: This setting shoots images continuously with exposure value shifted by plus or minus 0.3 steps.
    • Flash Bracket: This setting shoots images continuously with the exposure value shifted by plus or minus 0.7 step, and flash compensation -1.0
  • White Balance Bracket: Based on the selected white balance and the color temperature/color filter, three images are recorded with the white balance shifted by 10 mired* (low) or 20 mired (high). (* mired=a unit to indicate color conversion quality)
  • Wireless Remote Commander: You can shoot using the "SHUTTER" or "2SEC" buttons on the optional RMT-DSLR1 Wireless Remote Commander. Using the Remote Commander reduces camera shake and continues the exposure without pressing and holding the shutter button.

Exposure Modes: The camera offers the following exposure recording modes:

  • Auto: This mode allows easy shooting with settings adjusted automatically.
  • Auto+ (Advanced Auto): The camera recognizes and evaluates the shooting condition and sets the appropriate settings automatically. The camera saves one appropriate image by combining or separating images as necessary.
  • Scene Selection: You can select an appropriate mode for the subject or the shooting conditions to allow you to shoot the image with a suitable setting for the subject:
    • Portrait: blurs away backgrounds and sharpens the subject; expresses skin tones softly
    • Sports Action: for shooting moving subjects outdoors or in bright places.
    • Macro: for shooting close subjects such as flowers, insects, dishes, or small goods.
    • Landscape: shoots the entire range of scenery in sharp focus with vivid colors.
    • Sunset: for shooting the red of the sunset beautifully
    • Night Portrait/View: for shooting portraits in night scenes, or shooting night scenes at a distance without losing the dark atmosphere of the surroundings.
    • Hand-held Twilight: Shoots night scenes with less noise and blur without using a tripod. A burst of shots are taken and image processing is applied to reduce subject blur, camera shake and noise.
  • Sweep Shooting: Shoots expansive scenery or high-rise buildings with dynamic composition.
  • Program Auto: This mode allows you to shoot with the exposure adjusted automatically (both the shutter speed and the aperture value), while keeping the custom settings for ISO sensitivity, Creative Style, D-Range optimizer, etc.
  • Aperture Priority: This mode allows you to shoot after adjusting the aperture value manually, letting the camera set the appropriate shutter speed. This mode gives you greater control over the depth of field.
  • Shutter Speed Priority: This mode allows you to shoot after adjusting the shutter speed manually, letting the camera set the appropriate aperture. With a high shutter speed, the moving subject appears as if it is frozen on the image. With a slow shutter speed, the moving subject appears as if it were flowing.
  • Manual Exposure: This mode allows you to shoot after adjusting the exposure (shutter speed and aperture) manually.
    • Manual Shift: You can change the shutter speed and aperture value combination without changing the exposure in manual mode.
    • Bulb (Long Exposure) Shooting: In this setting as long as the shutter button is pressed, the shutter remains open. You can shoot trails of light, such as fireworks.
  • Movies: Recording movies in Full HD or standard definition in 16:9 or 4:3 aspect ratio.

Exposure Compensation: Exposure compensation is used to alter the camera's standard exposure setting. You can make the image look lighter (increased exposure) or darker (decreased exposure). The exposure compensation amount can be set up to +/-2 EV in 1/3-step increments.

AE Lock: You can fix the exposure before deciding on the composition when taking a picture. This is effective when the metering object and focusing object are different or when you want to shoot continuously while keep the same exposure value.

Metering Mode: A 1200-zone evaluative sensing system provides multi-pattern measuring for superior exposure control accuracy in a wide range of lighting conditions. You can select the method for measuring the brightness of a subject from the following three methods:

  • Multi Segment: This method uses the whole screen divided into 1200 zones to measure light.
  • Center Weighted: While emphasizing the central area of the screen, this method measure the average brightness of the entire screen.
  • Spot: This method measure light only in the spot metering circle in the center of the frame.

White Balance: You can adjust the color tones according to the lighting conditions. You can choose from the following WB options, and adjust the +/- 3 to fine tune the colors:

  • Auto WB: This mode adjusts the white balance automatically.
  • Daylight: This mode adjusts for outdoors and sunlit subjects.
  • Shade: This mode adjust for shady conditions on a clear day.
  • Cloudy: This mode adjust for a cloudy sky.
  • Incandescent: This mode adjusts for incandescent lighting.
  • Fluorescent: This mode adjusts for florescent lighting.
  • Flash: This mode adjusts for flash conditions.
  • Custom: In a scene where the ambient light consists of multiple types of light sources, use of the custom white balance is recommended in order to accurately reproduce the whiteness.

Color Temperature/Color Filter: You can adjust the white balance further by selecting Color Temperature or Color Filter in the Custom White Balance option. With Color Temperature, the higher the number, the more reddish the image, and the lower the number, the more bluish the image. Color Filter achieves the effect of Color Compensation filters for photography. Based on the set color temperature as the standard, the color can be compensated to Green (G) or Magenta (M).

Image Processing (Creative Style): This camera is pre-programmed with image styles optimal for various scenes and purposes. For each setting, you can adjust the contrast, saturation, and sharpness. You can choose from the following settings:

  • Standard: This setting reproduces various scenes with rich gradation and beautiful color.
  • Vivid: This setting reproduces memorable scenery such as blue sky, sunsets, spring greenery, and autumn leaves with deep and vivid colors.
  • Portrait: This setting accentuates the subject and softly reproduces skin tones.
  • Landscape: This setting reproduces the scenery with vivid and sharp colors.
  • Sunset: This setting beautifully reproduces the red of the sunset.
  • B & W: This setting is for monochrome images.

ISO Settings: ISO is a unit of measurement of sensitivity to light. The larger the number, the higher the sensitivity. The camera's ISO can be set manually or automatically, depending upon the exposure mode:

  • Auto or Scene Selection: When the exposure mode is set to Auto, Auto+, Sweep Panorama, or Scene Selection, the ISO is fixed to Auto.
  • P/A/S: When the exposure mode is set to Program, Aperture Priority, or Shutter Priority, and ISO is set to Auto, the ISO speed is automatically set between 100 and 1600.
  • Manual: When the exposure mode is changed to Manual, the ISO is automatically changed to 100, and you can set it according the shooting conditions to between 100 and 12800. Auto ISO is not an option in the Manual shooting mode.

Built-in Flash: In a dark location, using the built-in flash, or optional flash, allows you to shoot the subject brightly, and it also helps prevent blurred photos due to camera shake. The SLT-A55V features a pop-up flash, and an accessory shoe for attaching an optional external flash. The range of the built-in flash depends on the ISO sensitivity and aperture value. The A55V offers the following flash modes:

  • Autoflash: In auto mode the flash automatically fires if it is dark or against light.
  • Fill-Flash: In this mode the flash fires every time the shutter is released.
  • Slow Sync: Slow sync shooting allows you to shoot a clear image of both the subject and the background by slowing the shutter speed.
  • Rear Sync: In rear sync mode, the objects illuminated by other light sources are captured first, then the flash is fired right before the exposure is completed.
  • Wireless: The camera can use the flash light to transmit signal to an external off-camera flash to produce a more three-dimensional image. (Requires optional wireless flash unit such as HVL-F58AM, HVL-F42AM, HVL-F56AM, or HVL-F36AM).

Noise Reduction: The camera offers Long Exposure and High ISO Noise Reduction (NR) to automatically reduce the grainy noise found in photos during long exposures or high ISO settings.

Anti-Dust Technology: Changing lenses in a DSLR can allow dust to enter the camera. To help keep the image sensor cleaner for better pictures, the A55V utilizes a static-free anti-dust coating on the imager's filter. The camera also has a cleaning function which vibrates the image sensor for a short time to knock off any dust that may have settled on the imager.

Included Lens

Optics: The Sony DT 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 SAM lens is compatible with Sony α-series (Alpha) DSLR cameras. The DT lens is a compact, lightweight lens, designed specifically for the APS-size CCD imager used in most Sony α-series cameras. The lens employs a Smooth Autofocus Motor (SAM) to deliver smooth and silent autofocus operation, and offers a flexible focal range that allows you to capture everything from wide angle to midrange telephoto shots with ease.

Zooming: The lens allows you to rotate the zooming ring to set the desired focal length. The 18-55mm lens features a 3.0x optical zoom.

Focusing: The lens can be used in the auto-focus or manual focus mode. You can switch between focusing modes using the 2-way switch on the lens barrel.

Dimensions: The lens has the following dimensions: Diameter=2.727", Length=3.027" to 3.441" (without lens caps).

Specifications:

  • 35mm Equivalent: 27-82.5mm
  • Angle of View: 76° to 29°
  • Minimum Focus: 0.82' (9.84")
  • Filter Diameter: 55mm
  • Maximum Aperture: f/3.5-5.6
  • Minimum Aperture: f/22-36
  • Weight: 7.5 ounces
Play And Print Functions

Playback Options: You can view images on the LCD monitor with 3 options: with recording data displayed, without recording data, or histogram display. A histogram is the luminance distribution that shows how many pixels of a particular brightness exists in a picture. The histogram display of this camera shows the brightness on the horizontal axis (left side is black, right side is white) and the number of pixels on the vertical axis.

Auto Review: After an image is recorded, you can have the camera automatically display it on the LCD monitor for two, five or 10 seconds. You can also turn off auto review.

Image Rotation: Vertical shots can be rotated automatically so that they are displayed upright during playback. This can be done manually or automatically.

Playback Screen: You can view your photos back as a single image on the LCD monitor, as an Index or as a Slide Show . During Index View mode, you can view 6 or 12 images at once. You can adjust the Slide Show mode interval from 1, 3, 5, 10, or 30 seconds.

D-Range Optimizer/Auto HDR: The camera allows you to correct the brightness and contrast of an image automatically, using the D-Range Optimizer (DRO) and Auto High Dynamic Range functions. The DRO optimizes the gradations of a recorded image in each area of the image; you select the optimal level from Lv1 (weak) and Lv5 (strong). When Auto HDR is selected, the camera shoots three images with different exposures, then overlays them to create one image with the correct exposure and an overlaid image.

Image Enlargement: During single image playback you can enlarge an entire image or a select area of an image from 1.1 to 11.8x depending upon the image size. Small images can be enlarged up to 6x, Medium images to 8.8x, and Large images up to 11.8x. Once you have enlarged the image, you can pan around the image to view the desired portion.

Rotating Images: Images can be rotated counter-clockwise 360-degrees on the camera's LCD monitor during single image playback.

Protect Images: You can protect all images on your memory card or select only certain images to be protected from accidental erasure.

HDMI Output: The SLT-A55V provides direct mini-HDMI output to your HDTV screen, so you can view and share photos in clarity and detail. You can choose between standard 3:2 or widescreen 16:9 aspect ratio. When connected to a Sony BRAVIA TV, you can control the image playback using the TV remote. A mini-HDMI-to-HDMI cable is not supplied.

Printing Options: The camera offers the following printing options.

  • DPOF Compatible: Using the camera, you can specify the images and the number of images to print before you print images at a photo-shop or with your printer.
  • Memory Card: You can print images with a Memory Stick or SD card compliant printer.
  • Computer: You can copy images to a computer using the supplied "Picture Motion Browser" software and print the images.
Battery Information

InfoLithium Battery: The SLT-A55V is powered by the NP-FW50 InfoLithium battery (supplied). The battery communicates data to the camera, so that the percentage of battery power remaining can be displayed. The approximate number of images that can be recorded with the supplied battery is as follows:

  With Flash Without Flash
LCD Monitor 380 images 430 images
Viewfinder 330 images 370 images

Charging: The supplied InfoLithium battery requires approximately 250 minutes for a full charge. The battery should be fully charged before initial use.

Power Save: You can set different time intervals for the camera to switch to Power Save mode. You can set the interval to 10 seconds, 20 seconds, 1 minute, 5 minutes, or 30 minutes. Once the camera goes into Power Save mode, you can return to the shooting mode by pressing the shutter button halfway. When the camera is connected to a TV or the drive mode is set to Remote Commander, the power save mode defaults to 30 minutes regardless of the setting.

Supplied Software

Application Software CD-ROM: The following software is included with the SLT-A55V:

Picture Motion Browser Ver.5.3: Windows Only

  • Import images shot with the camera and display them on the computer.
  • Organize images on the computer on a calendar by shooting date to view them.
  • Retouch, print, and send images as e-mail attachments and change the shooting date.
  • Print or save still images with the date.
  • You can create a data disc using a CD burner driver or DVD burner drive.

Image Data Lightbox SR Ver.2.2: Windows and Macintosh

  • Display and compare RAW/JPEG images recorded with this camera
  • Rate the images on a scale of five
  • Set the color labels
  • Display an image in "Image Data Converter SR" and make adjustments to it

Image Data Converter SR Ver.3.2: Windows and Macintosh

  • You can edit images recorded in RAW mode with various corrections, such as tone curve, and sharpness.
  • Adjust images with white balance, exposure, creative style, etc.
  • Save the images displayed and edited on a computer. You can save the image as RAW format, or save it in the general file format.

Windows Requirements:

  • Sony Image Data Suite (Image Data Converter SR and Image Data Lightbox SR):
    • OS Pre-Installed:
      • Microsoft Windows XP SP3 (64-bit editions and Starter editions are not supported)
      • Windows Vista SP2 (Starter edition is not supported)
      • Windows 7
    • CPU/Memory: Pentium 4 or faster is recommended, RAM 1GB or more is recommended
    • Display: 1024 x 768 dots or more
  • Sony Picture Utility (Picture Motion Browser):
    • OS Pre-Installed:
      • Microsoft Windows XP SP3 (64-bit editions and Starter editions are not supported)
      • Windows Vista SP2 (Starter edition is not supported)
      • Windows 7
    • CPU/Memory: Pentium III 800 MHz or faster, 512 MB of RAM or more (1 GB or more for playing/editing High Definition movies)
    • Hard Disk Space: 500 MB or more (for installation)
    • Display: 1024 x 768 dots or more

Macintosh Requirements (Sony Image Data Suite only):

  • OS Pre-Installed: Mac OS X v10.4, v10.5, v10.6 (Snow Leopard)
  • CPU: Power PC G4/G5 series (1.0 GHz or faster is recommended) Intel Core Solo/Core Duo/Core 2 Duo or faster
  • Memory: 1 GB or more is recommended
  • Display: 1024 x768 dots or more

Note: For USB Connection, Mac OS X v10.3, v10.4, v10.5 or v10.6 required

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