Sony Alpha DSLR-A550 vs Sony Alpha DSLR-A700

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A550

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A700
      61
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      64
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      Disclosure: We earn money from the affiliate links to products associated with content in this article.

      Overview

      In this comparison, we will evaluate the Sony Alpha DSLR-A550 and the Sony Alpha DSLR-A700, highlighting the advantages of each over the other, discussing their pros and cons, shared strengths and weaknesses, and providing a rating based on their available features and specifications to assist you in choosing the one that best suits your needs.

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A550 was introduced in December 2009 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A700 was introduced in December 2007. Let us first list highlights of the models.

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A550 Highlights

      • 14.2 MP APS-C CMOS Sensor
      • 200 - 12,800 Native ISO
      • 9 Focus Points
      • Image Stabilization
      • 3.0" 922k dot Tilting Screen
      • Optical (pentamirror) Viewfinder
      • 7.0 fps Continuous Shooting
      • Built-in Flash

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A700 Highlights

      • 10.24 MP APS-C CMOS Sensor
      • 100 - 6,400 Native ISO
      • 11 Focus Points
      • Image Stabilization
      • 3.0" 920k dot Fixed Screen
      • Optical (pentaprism) Viewfinder
      • 5.0 fps Continuous Shooting
      • Built-in Flash
      • Wheather Sealed Body
      Table of Contents
      1. Overview
      2. Pros and Cons
      3. Advantage of Sony Alpha DSLR-A550
      4. Advantage of Sony Alpha DSLR-A700
      5. Common Strengths and Weaknesses
      6. Screen and Viewfinder
      7. Sensor
      8. Photography Features
      9. Connectivity, Battery and Storage
      10. Other Features
      11. Physical Parameters
      12. For Different Types of Photography
      13. Evaluations
      14. Specifications  

      Now that we've looked at the most essential specifications and gained a basic understanding of these cameras, we can delve into more details and see the differences between them.

      Pros and Cons

      In this section we present pros and cons of Sony Alpha DSLR-A550 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A700.

      PROS

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A550

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A700

      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Built-in Flash
      •   HDMI Output
      •   Orientation Sensor
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   High Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/8000 sec
      •   Built-in Flash
      •   HDMI Output
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   2 Storage Slots
      •   Orientation Sensor

      CONS

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A550

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A700

      •   No Video Capture
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 14.2 Megapixel
      •   200 Lowest Native ISO
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   No Built-in Microphone
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 480 shots
      •   No Video Capture
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 10.24 Megapixel
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   No Live View
      •   No Built-in Microphone
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth


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

      AVERAGE

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A550

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A700

      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   Tilting Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 922k dot
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 7.0 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/160 sec
      •   DxO Overall Score - 66
      •   Weight - 632 g (1.39 lb / 22.29 oz)
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.0 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/250 sec
      •   DxO Overall Score - 66
      •   Weight - 768 g (1.69 lb / 27.09 oz)

      Advantage of Sony Alpha DSLR-A550

      Sony DSLR-A550
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      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Sony Alpha DSLR-A550 over Sony Alpha DSLR-A700.

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A550 vs Sony Alpha DSLR-A700
      Higher Sensor Resolution 14.2 Megapixel vs 10.24 Megapixel
      Higher Native ISO 12,800 vs 6,400
      Max Image Resolution 4592 x 3056 vs 4272 x 2848
      Face Detection vs
      Live View Autofocus vs
      Screen Type Tilting vs Fixed
      Higher Resolution Screen 922k dot vs 920k dot
      Live View vs
      Higher Max Continuous Shooting 7.0 fps vs 5.0 fps
      Multi-Segment Metering vs
      Center Weighted Metering vs
      Spot Metering vs
      Higher DxO Low Light ISO 807 vs 581
      Lighter 632 g (1.39 lb / 22.29 oz) vs 768 g (1.69 lb / 27.09 oz)

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Sony Alpha DSLR-A550.

      Sony DSLR-A390
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      APS-C

      14.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A350
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      APS-C

      14.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A580
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      APS-C

      16.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A500
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      APS-C

      12.3 MP

      Sony DSLR-A290
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      APS-C

      14.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A900
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      Full Frame

      24.6 MP

      Sony DSLR-A200
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      APS-C

      10.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A330
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      APS-C

      10.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A560
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      APS-C

      14.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A100
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      APS-C

      10.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A300
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      APS-C

      10.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A850
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      Full Frame

      24.6 MP

      Advantage of Sony Alpha DSLR-A700

      Sony DSLR-A700
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      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Sony Alpha DSLR-A700 over Sony Alpha DSLR-A550.

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A550 vs Sony Alpha DSLR-A700
      Lower Native ISO 200 vs 100
      More Focus Points 9 vs 11
      Higher Viewfinder Magnification (35mm equivalent) 0.53x vs 0.60x
      Higher Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) 1/4000 sec vs 1/8000 sec
      Higher Flash Sync Speed 1/160 sec vs 1/250 sec
      Higher DxO Color Depth 21.9 vs 22.3
      Higher DxO Dynamic Range 11.8 vs 11.9
      Environmental Sealing vs
      More Storage Slots 1 vs 2

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Sony Alpha DSLR-A700.

      Sony DSLR-A390
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      APS-C

      14.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A230
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      APS-C

      10.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A580
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      APS-C

      16.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A350
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      APS-C

      14.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A300
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      APS-C

      10.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A330
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      APS-C

      10.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A900
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      Full Frame

      24.6 MP

      Sony DSLR-A850
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      Full Frame

      24.6 MP

      Sony DSLR-A380
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      APS-C

      14.2 MP

      Konica Minolta Maxxum 7D
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      APS-C

      6 MP

      Sony DSLR-A500
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      APS-C

      12.3 MP

      Sony DSLR-A200
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      APS-C

      10.2 MP

      Common Strengths and Weaknesses

      We already listed pros and cons of each model. However, you may also find useful to look at their common strengths and weaknesses shown side-by-side.

      STRENGTHS Sony Alpha DSLR-A550 Sony Alpha DSLR-A700
        Image StabilizationSensor ShiftSensor Shift
        Built-in Flash
        HDMI Output
        Orientation Sensor
      WEAKNESSES Sony Alpha DSLR-A550 Sony Alpha DSLR-A700
        No Video Capture
        Low Resolution Sensor14.2 Megapixel10.24 Megapixel
        Timelapse Recording
        Few Focus Points911
        No Built-in Microphone
        No Microphone Input
        No Headphone Output
        No Built-in GPS
        No Built-In Wi-Fi
        No Built-In Bluetooth

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Screen

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A550 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A700 have 3.0" screens with 922k dot and 920k dot resolutions respectively. Sony Alpha DSLR-A550 has a Tilting screen which makes it very useful for photography purposes but not so useful for video shooting. Sony Alpha DSLR-A700 has a Fixed screen

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      Sony Alpha DSLR-A550 with Tilting screen


      Viewfinder

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A550 has a built-in Optical (pentamirror) viewfinderSony Alpha DSLR-A700 has a built-in Optical (pentaprism) viewfinder. They both have 95% coverage.

      Sensor

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A550 features a 14.2 megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor with dimensions of 23.4 x 15.6 mm and a total area of 365 mm2. Its native ISO range is 200 - 12,800. Sony Alpha DSLR-A700 features a 10.24 megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor with dimensions of 23.5 x 15.6 mm and a total area of 243.4 mm2. Its native ISO range is 100 - 6,400.


      Here is a sensor size comparison chart where you can see how different sensors compare with each other:

      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-C23.6 x 15.6 mm368.2 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

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A550 is equipped with BIONZ processor and can take pictures up to 4592 x 3056 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 4592 x 2576, 3344 x 2224, 3344 x 1872, 2288 x 1520, 2288 x 1280 with 3:2, 16:9 aspect ratios. Sony Alpha DSLR-A700 can take pictures up to 4272 x 2848 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 3104 x 2064, 2128 x 1424 with 3:2, 16:9 aspect ratios.


      Lens Mount

      Cameras have Sony A lens mount. Due to their APS-C sensor their crop factor (also called lens multiplier) is equal to 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 cameras have a built-in Sensor Shift in-body image stabilization (IBIS). This means that you are still getting vibration reduction when cameras are paired with non-image stabilizied lenses. It also works with lenses with optical image stabilization and in combination can achieve even better compensation.

      Connectivity, Battery and Storage

      USB Inputs and HDMI Outputs

      Both models have USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) inputs for data transfer. Both cameras have HDMI connector for video signal output.


      Battery

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A550 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A700 come with NP-FM500H battery pack with battery life of 480 shots on Sony Alpha DSLR-A550.


      External Storage Slots

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A550 has a single SD/SDHC, Memory Stick Duo/Pro Duo/Pro-HG Duo card slot. Sony Alpha DSLR-A700 has two card slots - one for Compact Flash (Type I/II), Memory Stick Duo / Pro Duo and one for .

      Other Features

      Shutter

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A700 has Electronically controlled Vertical-traverse Focal-plane shutter. Shutter speed can go up to 1/4000 sec on Sony Alpha DSLR-A550, and up to 1/8000 sec on Sony Alpha DSLR-A700. Sony Alpha DSLR-A550 can shoot continuously up to 7.0 fps. Sony Alpha DSLR-A700 can shoot continuously up to 5.0 fps.


      Flash

      Cameras have built-in flash with maximum range of 12.00 m.. They also accept external flash which can be connected via Proprietary Hot Shoe (compatible with Minolta and select Sony flashes) to Sony Alpha DSLR-A700. The fastest flash synchronization speed is 1/160 sec on Sony Alpha DSLR-A550 and 1/250 sec on Sony Alpha DSLR-A700.

      Physical Parameters

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A550 body has dimensions of 137 x 104 x 84 mm (5.39 x 4.09 x 3.31") and Sony Alpha DSLR-A700 body has dimensions of 142 x 105 x 80 mm (5.59 x 4.13 x 3.15"). Sony Alpha DSLR-A550 weighs 632 g (1.39 lb / 22.29 oz) and Sony Alpha DSLR-A700 weighs 768 g (1.69 lb / 27.09 oz).

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A550

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A700

      137 mm

      104 mm

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      142 mm

      105 mm

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      104 mm

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      105 mm

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      84 mm

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      80 mm

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      Size comparisons of Sony Alpha DSLR-A550 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A700

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A550 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A700 for Different Types of Photography

      We give scores to the cameras for six types of photography based on their features and specifications. Let us see how suitable they are for each type of photography.

      Landscape Photography

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A550

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A700

      GOOD
      70
      •   Screen Resolution - 922k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      GOOD
      77
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing

      Sports Photography

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A550

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A700

      GOOD
      70
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 922k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 7.0 fps
      •   Short Battery Life - 480 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      AVERAGE
      64
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.0 fps
      •   2 Storage Slots
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Wildlife Photography

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A550

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A700

      AVERAGE
      63
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 922k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 7.0 fps
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 480 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      AVERAGE
      66
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.0 fps
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   2 Storage Slots
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Portrait Photography

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A550

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A700

      GOOD
      82
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 922k dot
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/160 sec
      •   Orientation Sensor
      GOOD
      75
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/250 sec
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Street Photography

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A550

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A700

      GOOD
      82
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Tilting Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 922k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 632 g (1.39 lb / 22.29 oz)
      GOOD
      81
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 768 g (1.69 lb / 27.09 oz)

      Travel Photography

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A550

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A700

      GOOD
      80
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Tilting Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 922k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 632 g (1.39 lb / 22.29 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 480 shots
      GOOD
      83
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 768 g (1.69 lb / 27.09 oz)

      Evaluations

      We evaluate Sony Alpha DSLR-A550 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A700 and give them scores of 61 and 64 out of 100 recpectively. 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.


      Sony Alpha DSLR-A550

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A700

      OVERALL
      61
      OVERALL
      64

      Sensor

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A550

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A700

      AVERAGE
      68
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 14.2 Megapixel
      •   200 Lowest Native ISO
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   DxO Overall Score - 66
      AVERAGE
      68
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 10.24 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   DxO Overall Score - 66

      Photo

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A550

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A700

      GOOD
      71
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 7.0 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/160 sec
      GOOD
      72
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   High Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/8000 sec
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.0 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/250 sec

      Video

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A550

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A700

      BAD
      0
      •   Image Stabilization
      BAD
      0
      •   Image Stabilization

      Focusing

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A550

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A700

      GOOD
      75
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      AVERAGE
      69
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A550

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A700

      GOOD
      74
      •   Tilting Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 922k dot
      GOOD
      72
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot

      Connectivity

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A550

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A700

      AVERAGE
      57
      •   HDMI Output
      •   No Built-in Microphone
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      AVERAGE
      57
      •   HDMI Output
      •   No Built-in Microphone
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth

      Battery, Storage and Physical

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A550

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A700

      POOR
      40
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 632 g (1.39 lb / 22.29 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 480 shots
      GOOD
      84
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 768 g (1.69 lb / 27.09 oz)
      •   2 Storage Slots


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

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