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SLT-A55VL w/18-55mm

Translucent Mirror Technology™

Other DSLRs can shoot. Or they can focus with the speed and precision of Phase Detection AF. They cannot do both at once. The SLT-A55 is the world’s first DSLR with Translucent Mirror Technology™ that directs light to both the image sensor and the Phase Detection AF sensor simultaneously.

10 frames per second continuous

The translucent mirror makes it far easier to capture the decisive soccer kick or your baby at her absolute cutest. The Sony® SLT-A55V camera shoots full, 16.2 MP resolution pictures at up to 10 fps while maintaining continuous auto focus and auto exposure.

Quick AF for Full HD Movie1 Capture

When most DSLRs shoot video, their Contrast AF is slow and visibly “hunts” for focus. The Quick AF Full HD Movie1 retains the same fast, precise Phase Detection you enjoy for still images. It’s a decisive advantage for tracking fast-moving subjects and a major benefit of Translucent Mirror Technology™.

16.2 megapixel resolution

You get incredible detail and gorgeous enlargements. Thanks to the 16.2 megapixel APS-C sensor size and Sony® Exmor™ APS HD CMOS technology, the camera achieves high resolution with no penalty in low-light sensitivity or sensor noise.

APS-C size HD CMOS image sensor

With 19.5 times the area of the typical camcorder image sensor7, APS-C makes the difference between amateur and professional-looking video, delivering an exceptional combination of high resolution, high sensitivity and gorgeous, blurred backgrounds.

Sony® Exmor™ technology

Conventional image sensors use only a handful of analog-to-digital (A/D) converters, which can slow you down. The Exmor™ sensor provides more than 4,000 column-parallel A/D converters. This helps enable continuous shooting at up to 10 frames per second.

Full HD 1080/60i movies

This is one of the very few DSLRs with 1080/60i Full HD, exactly the same resolution and frame rate as most broadcast and cable HDTV channels. Records in 1080/60i AVCHD™ format, 1080/30p high definition in PC-friendly MP4 format and standard definition 480/30p in MP4 format.

Multi-frame NR

Experience incredible low-light shooting without a flash. The camera captures six images in a fraction of a second. Combining the data from all six, it creates a single image with a reduction in noise equivalent to two additional steps of ISO sensitivity. Sensitivity selectable up to ISO 25600. (Recommended for still subjects.)

Hand-held Night Shot

Get cleaner and sharper nighttime pictures—beyond the capability of traditional cameras—without using flash or a tripod. The camera captures six images in a fraction of a second. Combining the data with separate algorithms for still and moving parts of the picture reduces blur, minimizes noise and enables extraordinary detail.

Auto HDR built into camera

Captures more scene dynamic range than a single exposure can handle—and more range than photo film. Combines the best highlight detail from one shot, the best mid-tones from a second and the best shadow detail from a third for one incredible shot. Captures in a split second. (Recommended for still subjects.)

3D Sweep Panorama™ Mode3

Capture vast scenic vistas and 16:9 shots in spectacular 3D. As you sweep across the panorama, the camera records separate right-eye and left-eye images that make landscapes come alive on your 3D television3. Records both JPEG and MPO file formats.

Built-in GPS

An integrated GPS receiver records the location and time of every shot you take and lets you view your images on a map with compatible computer and Internet applications, so you can remember where you took your favorite shots.

Eye-Level Electronic Viewfinder

The Tru-finder™ Electronic Viewfinder (EVF) is super bright, easy to see with 1.1x magnification, ultra-sharp with 1.44 million dots (1.15 effective) and provides 100% frame coverage. Exposure preview and informative overlays make operation easy.

Eye-level finder for HD Movie

The eye-level finder is one of the reasons people love DSLRs. But that finder goes dark whenever you shoot HD Movies. Until now. The Sony® SLT-A55V enables you to shoot movies with the added stability you get holding the camera up to your face and using the eye-level finder for framing a scene and focus.

15-point Auto Focus

To maximize the value of Translucent Mirror Technology™, Sony incorporates Phase Detection AF of great sophistication. Three cross sensors maximize precision.

Tilt/swivel 3” LCD screen2

Tilt it up or down to frame high- and low-angle shots that would otherwise be hit-or-miss. Tilt and swivel under the camera for self-portraits. Fold it flush to the camera with the LCD exposed for shooting or protected for travel.

921K dot TruBlack™ LCD screen

Sony\'s Xtra Fine LCD™ monitor has 921K dots for superb resolution. The TruBlack™ screen includes a special resin layer to suppress internal reflections, increasing contrast compared to conventional LCDs. Sunny Weather mode boosts visibility even further in bright sunlight.

Main Sensor Quick AF Live View

This the world’s first DSLR to combine the optimum focus of Phase Detection with high quality Live View images right from the main sensor. This is made possible by Sony® Translucent Mirror Technology™. You get accurate images and 100% framing on the LCD monitor or eye-level viewfinder.

Live View in LCD or EVF

You can use both the LCD monitor and Electronic Viewfinder for composing shots. Both provide a what-you-see-is-what-you-get preview of white balance, focus, depth of field, exposure and 100% framing accuracy, plus informative on-screen displays.

Phase Detection Auto Focus

While Contrast Detection AF often hunts for correct focus, Phase Detection AF knows exactly where correct focus is, and goes straight for it. The Sony® SLT-A55V is the world’s first consumer camera to provide Phase Detection AF when capturing HD movies as well as during still image capture, either using the viewfinder or Live View on the LCD.

ISO 12800 sensitivity

Incredibly clear low-light pictures without sacrificing detail, made possible by the low-noise Exmor™ APS HD CMOS image sensor and refined BIONZ® image processor.

AUTO+ (Advanced Auto) mode

Get cleaner, more dynamic pictures and fewer missed shots. Unifies and simplifies Sony intelligent technologies, the camera automatically recognizes the correct scene mode, then quickly shoots and combines up to six shots to produce images with greater clarity, optimum dynamic range using Auto HDR technology and lower image noise using 6 shots layering technology.

Sweep Panorama™ Mode

Capture expansive landscapes automatically. Press the shutter and sweep vertically or horizontally. The camera does the rest, continuously shooting images and stitching them together. Up to 23 MP image size.

Powerful creative control over movies

While the camera offers fully automatic movie shooting1, you can also control aperture (A mode w/ MF only), white balance and select Creative Style. During a movie shot, you can change the metering mode and adjust exposure compensation.

Pro-style “rack focus” movie effect

A hallmark of today’s movies is the “rack focus” effect, when the cinematographer changes focus between background and foreground subjects. This usually involves careful planning, a tape measure and dedicated a crew member for “pulling” focus. With the SLT-A55V, you can perform this pro-style effect simply by changing the selected AF Area within the frame.

Compact, lightweight deign

Eliminating the moving mirror also reduces the camera’s size and weight. It’s not just remarkably advanced; it’s notably small and light.

Help Guide

Provides ready reference to advanced camera functions, helping to develop your confidence and skills as a photographer.

Graphic Display

Clarifies the relationship between aperture and shutter speed, as well as the effect each has on photographic results.

BIONZ® image processor

The brains of the camera is a refined version of Sony\'s BIONZ® image processor. Its chroma noise reduction delivers high-resolution, low-noise photos even at ISO 12800 sensitivity. Also enables 10 fps continuous shooting at full resolution, Sweep Panorama™ mode and more.

Dynamic Range Optimizer (DRO)

Improves results with backlit subjects and recovers details hidden in shadows. Settings include Auto, Level with a choice of five operating levels and Off.

1200-Zone exposure metering

Reads exposure directly from the main image sensor. Choice of Multi, Center and Spot metering accommodates a full range of shooting situations.

RAW image capture

Saves your pictures as compact JPEG files or ultra-high quality RAW files or both. RAW files save images prior to de-mosaicing, white balance, sharpness and color enhancement. This retains maximum latitude for enhancing the image on your PC.

SteadyShot™ INSIDE stabilization

Image stabilization reduces blur by compensating for camera shake. Typical DSLR systems build image stabilization into selected lenses only. SteadyShot™ INSIDE image stabilization is built into the camera body itself. You\'ll reduce blur with every a-mount lens, including macro and wide-aperture standard zoom lenses.

Powerful supplied software

To help you refine and manage your images and video, the camera is equipped with computer software including Image Data Converter SR, Image Data Lightbox SR and Picture Motion Browser (PMB).8

Face Detection technology

The camera can automatically detect up to eight individual faces and adjust focus, exposure, white balance and flash to help deliver crisp, properly lit images of family and friends. Can prioritize children or adults.

Smile Shutter™ technology

Captures a smile the moment it happens. Simply select the Smile Shutter™ mode and the camera takes the picture automatically. You can prioritize children or adults and adjust the smile
sensitivity.

HDMI™ output for HD viewing

Enjoy HD movies and stunning still images on a compatible HDTV. The camera includes an HDMI™ output9. In addition, the BRAVIA® Sync system works with compatible Sony® BRAVIA HDTVs enabling you to control camera playback using the television\'s remote4.

Eight Scene Selection Modes

These help you get the shot by optimizing the camera for specific shooting situations. Select from Portrait, Sports Action, Macro, Landscape, Sunset, Night View, Night Portrait and Handheld Twilight Shot modes.

Six Creative Style settings

Control how the camera processes your images with six finishing styles: Standard, Vivid, B&W, Sunset, Portrait and Landscape. You can even fine-tune contrast, saturation, and sharpness to your personal taste.

Up to 330 Shots of battery life5

Take up to 330 shots on a single charge with Sony® Stamina™ battery power.5 Sony\'s InfoLITHIUM® battery system enables you to see the percent of power remaining, so you can keep shooting in confidence.

P/A/S/M exposure modes

The camera offers a full range of controls from the beginner\'s AUTO+ mode to P/A/S/M: Program, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority and Manual. On-screen prompts help you refine your skills, build your confidence and exercise greater creative control.

Anti-Dust Technology

Anti-Dust Technology helps keep the CMOS sensor clean, resulting in consistently clear pictures. First a static-free coating on the sensor\'s low-pass filter helps repel dust. Then vibration automatically dislodges dust from the sensor.

Built-in Auto Pop-Up Flash

To help you shoot more effectively, the built-in flash automatically pops up and fires as needed when the camera is set to certain scene selection modes. The built-in flash can also trigger a wireless accessory flash (sold separately). The integrated hot shoe enables you to expand your lighting options with a range of accessory flashes (sold separately).

Versatile on-screen displays

Informative displays in the LCD monitor and electronic viewfinder include digital level gauge, graphic display of exposure settings.

Slot for two media types

For cost-effective, convenient storage and sharing of your images, the camera accepts Memory Stick PRO Duo™/Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo™ and SD/SDHC/SDXC media (Class 4 or higher recommended). (Memory card is required. All are sold separately.)

PhotoTV HD compatibility6

Optimizes compatible BRAVIA® televisions for gorgeous display of digital pictures.6

Index and Slide Show Display

Quickly review your photos using 6- or 12-frame index views, or as an automatic slide show with fade-in/fade-out effect.

Remote capability

Works with the RMT-DSLR1 Remote Commander® wireless remote control, sold separately.
Camera

Lens Compatibility: Sony A-mount lens
Lens Mount: Sony A-mount
Camera Type: Sony α A-mount interchangeable lens digital camera

Imaging Sensor

Imaging Sensor: Exmor™ APS HD CMOS sensor (23.5 X 15.6mm)
Processor: BIONZ™ image processor
Anti-Dust: Charge protection coating on Low-Pass Filter and Image Sensor-Shift mechanism
Pixel Gross: Approx. 16.7 megapixels
Effective Picture Resolution: Approx. 16.2 megapixels
Focal Length Conversion Factor: 1.5x
Color Filter System: RGB primary color filters

Recording

Media Type: Memory Stick PRO Duo™/Pro-HG Duo™ media; SD, SDHC and SDXC memory card
Color Space: sRGB, AdobeRGB
Still Image Mode: JPEG (Standard, Fine), RAW, RAW+JPEG
Still Image Size 16:9: L size: 4912 x 2760 (14M) M size: 3568 x 2000 (7.1M) S size: 2448 x 1376 (3.4M)
Still Image Size 3:2: L size: 4912 x 3264 (16M) M size: 3568 x 2368 (8.4M) S size: 2448 x 1624 (4M)
Panorama Still Image Size: Horizontal Wide: 12,416 x 1,856 (23M) Horizontal Std.: 8,192 x 1,856 (15M) Vertical Wide: 2,160 x 5,536 (12M) Vertical Std.: 2,160 x 3,872 (8.4M) 3D Sweep Panorama: Horizontal Wide: 7152 X 1080 (7.7M) Horizontal Std.: 4912 X 1080 (5.3M) 16:9: 1920 X 1080 (2.1M)
Video Format: AVCHD / MP4 (MPEG-4 AVC (H.264))
Video Mode: AVCHD: 1920 x 1080/ 60i (59.94i Interlace recording, 29.97 progressive image sensor output) Approx. 17Mbps (Average bit-rate) MP4 HD: 1440 x 1080/ 30p (29.97 Progressive) Approx. 12Mbps (Average bit-rate) MP4 VGA: 640 x 480/ 30p (29.97 Progressive) Approx. 3Mbps (Average bit-rate)
Video Resolution: 1920x1080/60i (59.94i, 29.97p sensor output)
Video Signal: NTSC color, EIA standards
Audio Format: Stereo Dolby Digital (AC-3) / MPEG-4 AAC-LC
Microphone/Speaker: Built-in Stereo Microphone

Optics/Lens

Lens Type: Sony A-mount
Lens Mount Type: DT 18-55mm F3.5-5.6
Aperture: F3.5 - F5.6
Aperture (Max.): F3.5 - F5.6
Aperture (Min.): F22 - F36
Focal Length (35mm equivalent): 27mm - 82.5mm
Filter Diameter: 55mm
Lens Construction: Plastic
Lens Groups-Elements: 7 groups, 8 elements (2 aspheric surface)
Minimum Focus Distance: 9.84\" (0.25m)
Angle of View: 76゚ - 29°
Aperture Blade: 7 blades (Circular aperture)
Aspheric Elements: 2 (3 surface)
Dimensions (Max. Diameter x Length): 2-3/4 x 2-3/4\" (69.5x69mm)
Distance Encoder: Yes
Internal Motor: Yes (SAM motor)
Lens Weight: 7-4/8 oz (210g)
Maximum Magnification: 0.34x (APS-C)

Viewfinder

Type: 0.46\" Xtra Fine EVF (Electronic viewfinder) (1,440,000 pixels)
Diopter Adjustment: -4.0~+4.0m-1
Field of View: 100%
Magnification: 1.10x (with 50mm lens at infinity, -1m-1 )

LCD Display

LCD Type: 3” TFT Xtra Fine LCD w/TruBlack™ (921,600 pixels)2
Angle Adjustment: 180 degrees from the camera back, leftward rotation in 270 degrees with LCD monitor facing forward
Brightness Control: Auto/Manual (5 steps between -2 and +2)/Sunny Weather
Coverage: 100%
Live View: Continuous Live View (LCD/EVF Auto, selectable)
Real-time image adjustment display: Reflects: exposure compensation, white balance, creative style
Histogram: Yes (On/off)
Grid Display: Yes (On/off)
Customization: Grid, Histogram display, Digital Level Gauge, Grid Line, Magnified display for playback

Focus Control

Focus System: TTL phase detection AF (CCD line sensors)
Focus Points: 15 points (3 points cross type)
AF Modes: Single-shot AF, Automatic AF, Continuous AF, Manual Focus
Focus Area: Wide, Spot, Local (15 local areas selectable)
Focus Sensitivity: -1 EV to +18 EV (at ISO100 equivalent)
Focus Features: Predictive Focus Control, Focus Lock
AF Illuminator: Built-in flash, Range: approx. 3\' - 15\' (1m-5m)

Exposure System

Metering: Advanced 1200-zone evaluative metering
Metering Modes: Multi-segment, Center-weighted, Spot
Metering Sensitivity: -2EV to 17EV (at ISO 100 equivalent w/ f/1.4 lens)
Exposure Compensation: ±2EV (in .03EV steps)
Exposure Settings: Auto (AUTO), Auto Advanced (AUTO+), Program Auto (P), Aperture priority (A), Shutter-speed priority (S), Manual (M), Sweep Panorama (2D/3D), Continuous Advance Priority AE
Scene Mode(s): Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Sports action, Sunset, Night portrait, Night View, Handheld Twilight
D-Range Optimizer: Yes: (Auto, Level 1-5, off
Auto Exposure Lock: Yes (AE Lock button)
Color Temperature: 2500 - 9900 k with 19-step Magenta / Green compensation
Creative Style: Standard, Vivid, Portrait, Landscape, Sunset, B/W (Contrast, Saturation, Sharpness adjustable in +/-3 steps)
ISO: Auto: 100 - 1600; Selectable: 100 - 12800; Multi Frame NR (up to ISO 25600)
Noise Reduction: Long exp. NR: (On/Off, available of shutter speeds longer than 1 sec.) High ISO NR: (Auto/Weak) Multi Frame NR: (Auto/ISO100-25600)
White Balance Mode: Auto,Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Incandescent, Fluorescent, Flash, Setting the color temperature, Custom

Drive System

Burst Buffer: JPEG Standard (39 shots) JPEG Fine (35 shots) RAW (20 shots) RAW+JPEG (20 shots)
Continuous Shooting Speed: Continuous (up to 6fps) Speed Priority (10fps)
Drive Mode: Single-shot, Continuous shooting (Hi/Lo selectable), Self-timer (10/2 sec delay selectable), Remote commander (RMT-DSLR1 Sold Separately)
Flash Sync Speed: 1/160 seconds
Self-timer: 2-sec. or 10-sec. delay,
Shutter Speeds: 1/4000 to 30 seconds, bulb
Shutter Type: Electronically-controlled, vertical-traverse, focal-plane shutter

Flash

Flash Compensation: +/-2EV in 0.3EV steps
Flash Coverage: 18mm (focal-length printed on the lens body)
Recycling Time: Approx. 4 sec.
Flash Bracketing: 3 exposures in 0.3/0.7 EV steps
Flash Metering System: ADI, Pre-flash TTL
Flash Modes: Flash off, Autoflash, Fill-flash, Slow Sync., Rear Sync., Hi-speed sync., Red-eye reduction (on/off selectable for Autoflash and fill-flash mode), Wireless
Flash Type: Built-in, Pop-up Auto
Guide Number: 10 (in meters at ISO100)

Advanced Features

Advanced User Interface: Easy-to-understand Graphic Display and on-screen Help Guide User-friendly function menu
Anti Motion Blur: 6-image layering
Auto High Dynamic Range: Yes, (Off/On, Auto Exposure Difference, Exposure difference Level (1-6 EV at 1.0 EV step)
Embedded GPS: Yes
Sweep Panorama: Yes (2D/3D)
Face Detection: Off, Auto, Child Priority, Adult Priority (up to 8 faces detectable)
Smile Shutter™ technology: Yes - Off, Slight, Normal, Big
Image Stabilization: SteadyShot INSIDE in-body image stabilization

Interface

Microphone Input: Yes
Accessory Shoe: Yes (Alpha)
BRAVIA® Sync™: Yes, via HDMI with compatible BRAVIA HDTV
DVDirect: Yes, via USB
HD Output: HDMI (TypeC mini)
Memory Card Slot: Dual memory card slot: - Memory Stick PRO Duo™/Pro-HG Duo™ media - SD, SDHC and SDXC memory card
PhotoTV HD: Yes, with BRAVIA Sync™ enabled HDTV and HDMI cable
USB Port(s): USB2.0 Hi-speed (mass-storage, PTP)

Power

Battery Type: InfoLitium NP-FW50 (7.2V)
Number of Still Images: Approx. 330 images with viewfinder, 380 images with LCD monitor (CIPA standard)

Software

Supplied Software: PMB (Picture Motion Browser) 5.3.01 Image Data Converter SR 3.2 Image Data Lightbox SR 2.2
Operating System Compatibility: Windows XP SP3 (64-bit and Starter Editions are not supported,Windows Image Mastering API(IMAPI)Ver.2.0 or later is required to use the function for creating discs.) Windows Vista SP2 (Starter Edition is not supported) Windows 7; Mac OS X(v10.4-v10.6) (Image Data Converter & Image Data Lightbox only, PMB is not Mac compatible)

Service and Warranty Information

Limited Warranty Term: 1 Year Parts & Labor



Whats in the Box

- Sony Alpha DSLR-SLT-A55 Digital Camera
- SAL1855 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 DT AF Zoom Lens
- DSLR SLT-A55 Body
- Rechargable Battery (NP-FW50)
- Battery Charger (BC-VW1)
- Shoulder Strap
- Body Cap
- USB Cable
- CD-ROM
- 1-Year Parts and Labor Warranty