Sony Alpha 55

The Sony α55 (model variants SLT-A55V with GPS, SLT-A55 without GPS depending on country) is a midrange-level SLT camera, released in August 2010.

A-mount, APS-C CMOS sensor

Sony Alpha 55 with Minolta AF 70-210mm f/4 "Beercan" lens

Sony α55

SLT-A55V + SAL1680Z
Overview
Type	Digital single-lens translucent camera
Lens
Lens	Interchangeable, A-mount
Sensor/medium
Sensor	APS-C CMOS Sensor
Maximum resolution	16.2 megapixels
ASA/ISO range	ISO equivalency 100 to 12,800 in 1.0 EV steps, boost to 25,600 in Multi-Frame Noise Reduction mode
Storage	SD/SDHC/SDXC/Memory Stick Pro Duo
Focusing
Focus modes	Single-shot AF, Automatic AF, Continuous AF, Manual Focus
Focus areas	15-point (12 line, 3 cross) phase-detection AF system
Exposure/metering
Exposure modes	Programmed AE (AUTO, AUTO – Flash Off, P), Aperture priority, Shutter priority, Manual, Scene selection
Exposure metering	TTL full aperture exposure metering system 1200-zone evaluative
Metering modes	Multi-segment, Centre-weighted, Spot
Flash
Flash	GN 10 at ISO 100
Flash bracketing	+`
Shutter
Shutter	Electronically controlled, Vertical-traverse, Focal-plane Shutter
Shutter speed range	30 – 1/4000 sec, bulb
Continuous shooting	10 FPS / 6 FPS
Viewfinder
Viewfinder	EVF, 100% coverage, 1.10× magnification
Image processing
Custom WB	Auto / 6 presets / Colour Temperature/Colour Filter / Custom WB
General
Rear LCD monitor	3.0" TFT LCD, 921k dot resolution, variable-angle tilt/swivel
Battery	NP-FW50 Lithium-ion battery rechargeable battery
Optional battery packs	Unavailable
Dimensions	124 × 92 × 85 mm
Weight	441 g (15.6 oz)
Made in	Thailand
Footnotes
dpreview

Its design is novel due to its being the first digital single-lens translucent camera (SLT), along with the Sony α33. As an SLT it employs a semi-transparent mirror instead of an opaque mirror, which enables phase detection autofocus in live view.

The design also replaces the optical viewfinder present in conventional DSLR with a high-resolution electronic viewfinder. The translucent mirror is fixed in position so does not have to flip up to take a still image, enabling rapid continuous shots of up to 10 frames per second. The static mirror also eliminates "mirror slap", the noise produced by the movement of the mirror during a shutter actuation, making the A55 quieter than standard DSLRs.

The A55 is one of the first four Sony Alpha DSLR / SLT cameras with video mode included, capable of 1080i. It is also capable of shooting 1080p at 30fps. The SLT design means that it is capable of using phase-detection autofocus during video recording. It has body-integrated image stabilization, and a 16.2 MPx APS-C CMOS sensor.

The camera's body-integrated image stabilization produces heat, causing the camera to stop video recording after these recording times: