Sony Alpha DSLR Models For Advanced Users
When the Sony Alpha range of cameras was first announced, many photographers were excited by the potential that an electronics giant like Sony could bring to the digital camera market. Up until recently, Sony has spent most of its time and energies developing entry level Alpha cameras, but that strategy is now beginning to change, and Sony now looks committed to expanding its range of midrange and professional level cameras. The DSLR-A700 is a great step down that path, and the DSLR-A500 and A550 take it even further to show Sony’s determination to continue to grow the Alpha DSLR series.
When Sony released the A700 in September 2007, it was clear from the spec sheet that this was a camera that they wanted to be taken seriously. The A700 has a 12.4 MP CCD and rugged metal body which serves to protect the sensetive electronics onboard. There are 11 AF points that also include some precision focus sensors that are designed to maximize performance in this area. Weather sealing was added around the buttons to keep out moisture and dust, and a dual card slot is used to give you the choice of Sony’s proprietary memory stick, or compact flash memory cards. It comes with a useful wireless remote, a 3″ hi-res LCD screen, and the obligatory Sony anti-shake system, Super SteadyShot. The DSLR-A700 shoots 5 FPS, but comes without Live View, doesn’t have a rotating LCD screen and cannot record HD movies. A replacement 7 series is expected soon, and will likely address at least one of these concerns. If you are looking for a business that offers Sony DSLR-A700 camera repair you should be able to find a reputable repair shop with a couple quick Google searches.
With the A500 and A550, Sony has continued its tradition of releasing two versions of the what is essentially the same camera. The A500 was unveiled alongside the A550 in October 2009, and sports a 12.3 megapixel CMOS sensor with sensitivity up to ISO 12,800. The same tilting 2.7 inch LCD found on the A300 series cameras are also on the A500 series, like the twin sensor live view. However, improvements mean that it is now capable of shooting up to 4 frames per second in live view mode, or 5 frames through the viewfinder. You also have face detection in the new live view, and the smile shutter feature developed for Cyber-shot cameras. A great new feature of the camera is built in HDR (High Dynamic Range) functionality that combines three photos of different exposure settings into one image to produce spectacular effects.
A DSLR-A550 costs around $200 more than the DSLR-A500; so what’s the difference between the two? Well, the A550 has a much higher resolution, tilting 3-inch LCD screen. It also has a larger 14.2 megapixel sensor. The A550 has a speed improvement that lets you shoot at up to 7 frames per second if you lock the exposure in advance, and this alone may make sports photographers think that it is worth the extra $200 over the A500. If you are looking for a business that offers Sony DSLR-A500 camera repair you should be able to find a reputable repair shop with a couple quick Google searches.
The Sony A500 and Sony A550 are very capable digital cameras that fit in well with the Sony Alpha range, but the lack of an HD movie mode may well make some consumers look towards the midrange models from Nikon or the semi pro Canon EOS range. If this isn’t a feature you would miss, then these are Sony DSLRs that you should consider.
We hope this helps shed some light on the different advanced models of Sony Alpha digital cameras! When you want to have your Sony DSLR camera repair done by a reputable shop there is one shop that not only can repair them, but you can buy one through their Amazon store as well. The store is called Darntoothysam.com.
