Sony Alpha SLT-A55

    69
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    Highlights

    • 16.2 MP APS-C CMOS Sensor
    • 100 - 12,800 Native ISO
    • 15 Focus Points (15 Cross-type)
    • Image Stabilization
    • 3.0" 921k dot Fully Articulated Screen
    • 1,150k dot Electronic Viewfinder
    • 10.0 fps Continuous Shooting
    • 1920 x 1080 Video Shooting
    • 30 min Video Recording Limit
    • Built-in Flash
    • Built-in GPS
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    Disclosure: We earn money from the affiliate links to products associated with content in this article.

    Overview

    Sony Alpha SLT-A55 was announced in 2010 and is an APS-C (23.5 x 15.6 mm) SLT camera with 16.2 Megapixel CMOS sensor. Its native ISO ranges from 100 to 12,800 and expands to 100 - 25,600 in boosted mode. The camera has a Fully Articulated 3.0" screen with 921k dot resolution and built-in Electronic viewfinder with 1,150k dot resolution. It has a built-in Sensor Shift in body image stabilization.

    Sony Alpha SLT-A55 can capture video up to 1920 x 1080 resolution.

    Table of Contents
    1. Overview
    2. Pros and Cons
    3. Successor
    4. Screen and Viewfinder
    5. Sensor
    6. Photography Features
    7. Connectivity, Battery and Storage
    8. Other Features
    9. Physical Parameters
    10. For Different Types of Photography
    11. Evaluation
    12. Specifications  

    Here is the Sony Alpha SLT series lineup, where you can view and compare the main specifications of the cameras within the same series.

    Sony Alpha SLT series lineup
    Model Date Sensor Native ISO Screen Price
    Image cannot be found Sony SLT-A99 II
    Compare
    		September
    2016    		 42.4 MP
    Full Frame    		 100 - 25,600 Articulated 3.0"
    1,229k dot
    Image cannot be found Sony SLT-A68
    Compare
    		November
    2015    		 24.2 MP
    APS-C    		 100 - 25,600 Tilting 2.7"
    461k dot
    Image cannot be found Sony SLT-A77 II
    Compare
    		May
    2014    		 24.3 MP
    APS-C    		 50 - 25,600 Articulated 3.0"
    1,229k dot
    Image cannot be found Sony SLT-A58
    Compare
    		November
    2013    		 20.1 MP
    APS-C    		 100 - 16,000 Tilting 2.7"
    460k dot
    Image cannot be found Sony SLT-A99
    Compare
    		December
    2012    		 24.3 MP
    Full Frame    		 100 - 25,600 Articulated 3.0"
    1,229k dot
    Image cannot be found Sony SLT-A57
    Compare
    		September
    2012    		 16.1 MP
    APS-C    		 100 - 16,000 Articulated 3.0"
    921k dot
    Image cannot be found Sony SLT-A37
    Compare
    		May
    2012    		 16.1 MP
    APS-C    		 100 - 25,600 Tilting 2.6"
    230k dot
    Image cannot be found Sony SLT-A65
    Compare
    		November
    2011    		 24.3 MP
    APS-C    		 100 - 12,800 Articulated 3.0"
    921k dot
    Image cannot be found Sony SLT-A77
    Compare
    		October
    2011    		 24.3 MP
    APS-C    		 50 - 16,000 Articulated 3.0"
    921k dot
    Image cannot be found Sony SLT-A35
    Compare
    		September
    2011    		 16.2 MP
    APS-C    		 100 - 25,600 Fixed 3.0"
    921k dot
    Image cannot be found Sony SLT-A33
    Compare
    		August
    2010    		 14.2 MP
    APS-C    		 100 - 12,800 Articulated 3.0"
    921k dot
    Image cannot be found Sony SLT-A55 August
    2010    		 16.2 MP
    APS-C    		 100 - 12,800 Articulated 3.0"
    921k dot

    You can view their side-by-side comparison here: Sony Alpha SLT-A99 II vs Alpha SLT-A68 vs Alpha SLT-A77 II vs Alpha SLT-A58 vs Alpha SLT-A99 vs Alpha SLT-A57.

    Pros and Cons

    In this section we present pros and cons of Sony Alpha SLT-A55.

    PROS

    •   Video Capture
    •   Face Detection
    •   Live View Autofocus
    •   Image Stabilization
    •   Fully Articulated Screen
    •   Built-in Flash
    •   HDMI Output
    •   Built-in GPS
    •   Light - 500 g (1.10 lb / 17.64 oz)
    •   Orientation Sensor

    CONS

    •   Timelapse Recording
    •   3 Cross-type Focus Points
    •   Low Resolution Viewfinder - 1,150k dot
    •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
    •   Low Video Recording Limit
    •   No Headphone Output
    •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
    •   No Built-In Bluetooth
    •   No Environmental Sealing
    •   Short Battery Life - 380 shots

    And here are some specifications which fall into average criteria and are neither in PROs nor in CONs category:

    AVERAGE

    •   Sensor Resolution - 16.2 Megapixel
    •   100 Lowest Native ISO
    •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
    •   15 Focus Points
    •   Screen Size - 3.0"
    •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
    •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
    •   Max Continuous Shooting - 10.0 fps
    •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/160 sec
    •   DxO Overall Score - 73

    Successor

    In 2012 Sony Alpha SLT-A55 was replaced by Sony Alpha SLT-A57. Let us now have a look at some important differences between Sony Alpha SLT-A55 and its successor.

    UPGRADES Sony Alpha SLT-A57 vs Sony Alpha SLT-A55
    Higher Native ISO 16,000 vs 12,800
    Tracking Autofocus vs
    Higher Resolution Viewfinder 1,440k dot vs 1,150k dot
    Higher Max Continuous Shooting 12.0 fps vs 10.0 fps
    Higher DxO Color Depth 23.4 vs 23.0
    Higher DxO Dynamic Range 13.0 vs 12.4
    Higher DxO Overall Score 75 vs 73
    Speaker Mono vs
    Longer Battery Life 550 shots vs 380 shots
    DOWNGRADES Sony Alpha SLT-A57 vs Sony Alpha SLT-A55
    Lower Sensor Resolution 16.1 Megapixel vs 16.2 Megapixel
    Lower Viewfinder Magnification (35mm equivalent) 0.69x vs 0.73x
    Lower DxO Low Light ISO 785 vs 816
    Built-in GPS vs
    Heavier 618 g (1.36 lb / 21.80 oz) vs 500 g (1.10 lb / 17.64 oz)

    For more detailed comparison between the models please visit Sony Alpha SLT-A55 vs Alpha SLT-A57.

    Screen and Viewfinder

    Fully Articulated screen

    Sony Alpha SLT-A55 has a 3.0" Fully Articulated screen with 921k dot resolution. Fully articulated screen makes this camera selfie and vlogger friendly and generally very useful for video shooting.

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    Sony Alpha SLT-A55 with Fully Articulated screen


    Electronic Viewfinder

    Camera has a built-in Electronic viewfinder with 1,150k dot resolution. It has a 100% coverage and 1.10x (0.73x 35mm equivalent) magnification.

    Sensor

    Sony Alpha SLT-A55 features a 16.2 megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor with dimensions of 23.5 x 15.6 mm and a total area of 366.6 mm2. Its native ISO range is 100 - 12,800 and expands to 100 - 25,600 in boosted mode.


    Here is a sensor size comparison chart where you can see how Sony Alpha SLT-A55's APS-C sensor compares with other types of sensors:

    Sensor size chart
    Sensor Dimensions Area Aspect Ratio Crop Factor
    Image cannot be displayedMedium Format44 x 33 mm1452 mm24:30.79x
    Image cannot be displayedFull Frame36 x 24 mm864 mm23:21x
    Image cannot be displayedAPS-H27 x 18 mm486 mm23:21.3x
    Image cannot be displayedAPS-C23.5 x 15.6 mm366.6 mm23:21.5x
    Image cannot be displayedAPS-C (Canon)22.3 x 14.9 mm332.3 mm23:21.6x
    Image cannot be displayedMicro Four Thirds17.4 x 13 mm226.2 mm24:32x
    Image cannot be displayed1-inch13.2 x 8.8 mm116.2 mm23:22.7x
    Image cannot be displayed1/1.7-inch7.44 x 5.58 mm41.5 mm24:34.7x
    Image cannot be displayed1/2.3-inch6.17 x 4.55 mm28.1 mm24:35.6x

    Photography Features

    Camera is equipped with BIONZ processor and can take pictures up to 4912 x 3264 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolutions like 3568 x 2368, 3568 x 2368, 2448 x 1624, 2448 x 1376 with 3:2, 16:9 aspect ratios.


    Lens Mount

    Sony Alpha SLT-A55 has Sony A lens mount. Due to APS-C sensor its crop factor (also called lens multiplier) is 1.5x. This means that a 35mm equivalent focal length of the mounted lens will be equal to its actual focal length times 1.5.


    In-Body Image Stabilization

    The camera has a built-in Sensor Shift in-body image stabilization (IBIS). This means that you are still getting vibration reduction when camera is paired with non-image stabilizied lenses. It also works with lenses with optical image stabilization and in combination can achieve even better compensation.

    Check out the cameras which are frequently compared to Sony Alpha SLT-A55.

    Sony SLT-A37
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    APS-C

    16.1 MP

    Sony SLT-A58
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    APS-C

    20.1 MP

    Sony SLT-A77 II
    Image cannot be found

    APS-C

    24.3 MP

    Sony SLT-A68
    Image cannot be found

    APS-C

    24.2 MP

    Sony SLT-A57
    Image cannot be found

    APS-C

    16.1 MP

    Sony SLT-A77
    Image cannot be found

    APS-C

    24.3 MP

    Sony SLT-A99
    Image cannot be found

    Full Frame

    24.3 MP

    Sony SLT-A35
    Image cannot be found

    APS-C

    16.2 MP

    Sony SLT-A65
    Image cannot be found

    APS-C

    24.3 MP

    Sony SLT-A33
    Image cannot be found

    APS-C

    14.2 MP

    Sony SLT-A99 II
    Image cannot be found

    Full Frame

    42.4 MP

    Canon 1D II N
    Image cannot be found

    APS-H

    8.2 MP

    Connectivity, Battery and Storage

    Built-in GPS

    Sony Alpha SLT-A55 has a built-in GPS (Global Positioning System) technology which allows you to automatically tag the location where you took your photos. You can later categorize, organize, and search for photos based on location. This is very useful for travel and outdoor photographers for documenting the locations where images were captured.
      Check out the cameras in our database that have built-in GPS.


    USB Input and HDMI Output

    Sony Alpha SLT-A55 has a USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) input for data transfer. There is a Mini Type C HDMI connector for video signal output.


    Battery

    Sony Alpha SLT-A55 comes with NP-FW50 battery pack with battery life of 380 shots.


    External Storage Slots

    The camera has a single SD/SDHC/SDXC, Memory Stick Duo/Pro Duo/Pro-HG Duo card slot.

    Other Features

    Shutter

    Sony Alpha SLT-A55 has Electronically controlled Vertical-traverse Focal-plane shutter. Shutter speed can go up to 1/4000 sec. Camera can shoot continuously up to 10.0 fps.


    Flash

    Sony Alpha SLT-A55 has a built-in flash with maximum range of 10.00 m (@ ISO 100) and also accepts external flash. The fastest flash synchronization speed is 1/160 sec.

    Physical Parameters

    Sony Alpha SLT-A55 has dimensions of 124 x 92 x 85 mm (4.88 x 3.62 x 3.35"). It weighs 500 g (1.10 lb / 17.64 oz), so it is a lightweight camera.

    124 mm (4.88")

    92 mm (3.62")

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    92 mm (3.62")

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    85 mm (3.35")

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    Sony Alpha SLT-A55 dimensions

    Sony Alpha SLT-A55 for Different Types of Photography

    We give scores to the camera for different type of photography based on its features and specifications. Let us see how Sony Alpha SLT-A55 is suitable for six different types of photography.


    Landscape Photography

    GOOD
    77

    Sony Alpha SLT-A55 gets a score of 77 and is GOOD choice for Landscape photography.

    •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
    •   Built-in GPS
    •   No Environmental Sealing

    Sports Photography

    GOOD
    70

    Sony Alpha SLT-A55 gets a score of 70 and is GOOD choice for Sports photography.

    •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
    •   15 Focus Points
    •   3 Cross-type Focus Points
    •   Face Detection
    •   Image Stabilization
    •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
    •   Low Resolution Viewfinder - 1,150k dot
    •   Max Continuous Shooting - 10.0 fps
    •   Short Battery Life - 380 shots
    •   Orientation Sensor

    Wildlife Photography

    AVERAGE
    63

    Sony Alpha SLT-A55 gets a score of 63 and is AVERAGE choice for Wildlife photography.

    •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
    •   15 Focus Points
    •   3 Cross-type Focus Points
    •   Image Stabilization
    •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
    •   Low Resolution Viewfinder - 1,150k dot
    •   Max Continuous Shooting - 10.0 fps
    •   No Environmental Sealing
    •   Short Battery Life - 380 shots
    •   Orientation Sensor

    Portrait Photography

    GOOD
    81

    Sony Alpha SLT-A55 gets a score of 81 and is GOOD choice for Portrait photography.

    •   15 Focus Points
    •   3 Cross-type Focus Points
    •   Face Detection
    •   Image Stabilization
    •   Screen Size - 3.0"
    •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
    •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/160 sec
    •   Orientation Sensor

    Street Photography

    EXCELLENT
    86

    Sony Alpha SLT-A55 gets a score of 86 and is EXCELLENT choice for Street photography.

    •   15 Focus Points
    •   3 Cross-type Focus Points
    •   Image Stabilization
    •   Fully Articulated Screen
    •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
    •   Built-in GPS
    •   No Environmental Sealing
    •   Light - 500 g (1.10 lb / 17.64 oz)

    Travel Photography

    EXCELLENT
    85

    Sony Alpha SLT-A55 gets a score of 85 and is EXCELLENT choice for Travel photography.

    •   Image Stabilization
    •   Fully Articulated Screen
    •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
    •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
    •   Low Video Recording Limit
    •   Built-in GPS
    •   No Environmental Sealing
    •   Light - 500 g (1.10 lb / 17.64 oz)
    •   Short Battery Life - 380 shots

    Sony Alpha SLT-A55 Evaluation

    We evaluate Sony Alpha SLT-A55 and give score of 69 out of 100. We also give separate scores for 7 different categories according to the available features and specifications some of which are listed below. These evaluations are relative and may change each time a new camera is added to the database.


    OVERALL
    69

    Sensor

    AVERAGE
    68

    We give Sony Alpha SLT-A55 a score of 68 for Sensor parameters.

    •   Sensor Resolution - 16.2 Megapixel
    •   100 Lowest Native ISO
    •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
    •   DxO Overall Score - 73

    Photo

    GOOD
    71

    We give Sony Alpha SLT-A55 a score of 71 for Photo parameters.

    •   Timelapse Recording
    •   Image Stabilization
    •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
    •   Max Continuous Shooting - 10.0 fps
    •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/160 sec

    Video

    POOR
    45

    We give Sony Alpha SLT-A55 a score of 45 for Video parameters.

    •   Image Stabilization
    •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
    •   Low Video Recording Limit

    Focusing

    GOOD
    72

    We give Sony Alpha SLT-A55 a score of 72 for Focusing parameters.

    •   15 Focus Points
    •   3 Cross-type Focus Points
    •   Face Detection
    •   Live View Autofocus

    Screen and Viewfinder

    GOOD
    78

    We give Sony Alpha SLT-A55 a score of 78 for Screen and Viewfinder parameters.

    •   Fully Articulated Screen
    •   Screen Size - 3.0"
    •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
    •   Low Resolution Viewfinder - 1,150k dot

    Connectivity

    GOOD
    81

    We give Sony Alpha SLT-A55 a score of 81 for Connectivity parameters.

    •   HDMI Output
    •   No Headphone Output
    •   Built-in GPS
    •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
    •   No Built-In Bluetooth

    Battery, Storage and Physical

    POOR
    41

    We give Sony Alpha SLT-A55 a score of 41 for Battery, Storage and Physical parameters.

    •   No Environmental Sealing
    •   Light - 500 g (1.10 lb / 17.64 oz)
    •   Short Battery Life - 380 shots


    For a full specification list please go to the specifications page:

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