Sony Alpha SLT-A33 vs Sony Alpha SLT-A55

      Sony Alpha SLT-A33

      Sony Alpha SLT-A55
      68
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      69
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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 SLT-A33 and the Sony Alpha SLT-A55, 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.

      Both cameras were introduced in August 2010. Let us first list highlights of the models.

      Sony Alpha SLT-A33 Highlights

      • 14.2 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
      • 7.0 fps Continuous Shooting
      • 1920 x 1080 Video Shooting
      • 30 min Video Recording Limit
      • Built-in Flash

      Sony Alpha SLT-A55 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
      Table of Contents
      1. Overview
      2. Pros and Cons
      3. Advantage of Sony Alpha SLT-A33
      4. Advantage of Sony Alpha SLT-A55
      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 SLT-A33 and Sony Alpha SLT-A55.

      PROS

      Sony Alpha SLT-A33

      Sony Alpha SLT-A55

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

      Sony Alpha SLT-A33

      Sony Alpha SLT-A55

      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 14.2 Megapixel
      •   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 GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 340 shots
      •   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

      Sony Alpha SLT-A33

      Sony Alpha SLT-A55

      •   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 - 7.0 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/160 sec
      •   DxO Overall Score - 70
      •   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

      Advantage of Sony Alpha SLT-A33

      Sony SLT-A33
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      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Sony Alpha SLT-A33 over Sony Alpha SLT-A55.

      Sony Alpha SLT-A33 vs Sony Alpha SLT-A55
      Higher DxO Dynamic Range 12.6 vs 12.4

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Sony Alpha SLT-A33.

      Sony SLT-A68
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      APS-C

      24.2 MP

      Sony SLT-A57
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      APS-C

      16.1 MP

      Sony SLT-A35
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      APS-C

      16.2 MP

      Sony SLT-A37
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      APS-C

      16.1 MP

      Sony SLT-A65
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      APS-C

      24.3 MP

      Sony SLT-A99 II
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      Full Frame

      42.4 MP

      Sony SLT-A58
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      APS-C

      20.1 MP

      Sony SLT-A99
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      Full Frame

      24.3 MP

      Sony SLT-A77 II
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      APS-C

      24.3 MP

      Sony SLT-A77
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      APS-C

      24.3 MP

      Sony a9 II
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      Full Frame

      24.2 MP

      Nikon D60
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      APS-C

      10.2 MP

      Advantage of Sony Alpha SLT-A55

      Sony SLT-A55
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      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Sony Alpha SLT-A55 over Sony Alpha SLT-A33.

      Sony Alpha SLT-A33 vs Sony Alpha SLT-A55
      Higher Sensor Resolution 14.2 Megapixel vs 16.2 Megapixel
      Max Image Resolution 4592 x 3056 vs 4912 x 3264
      Higher Max Continuous Shooting 7.0 fps vs 10.0 fps
      Higher DxO Low Light ISO 591 vs 816
      Higher DxO Color Depth 22.8 vs 23.0
      Higher DxO Overall Score 70 vs 73
      Built-in GPS vs
      Longer Battery Life 340 shots vs 380 shots

      Check out other 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
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      APS-C

      24.3 MP

      Sony SLT-A68
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      APS-C

      24.2 MP

      Sony SLT-A57
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      APS-C

      16.1 MP

      Sony SLT-A99
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      Full Frame

      24.3 MP

      Sony SLT-A35
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      APS-C

      16.2 MP

      Sony SLT-A77
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      APS-C

      24.3 MP

      Sony SLT-A65
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      APS-C

      24.3 MP

      Sony SLT-A99 II
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      Full Frame

      42.4 MP

      Canon 1D II N
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      APS-H

      8.2 MP

      Canon 4000D
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      APS-C

      18.0 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 SLT-A33 Sony Alpha SLT-A55
        Video Capture
        Face Detection
        Live View Autofocus
        Image StabilizationSensor ShiftSensor Shift
        Screen TypeFully ArticulatedFully Articulated
        Built-in Flash
        HDMI Output Mini Type C Mini Type C
        Light500 g (1.10 lb / 17.64 oz)500 g (1.10 lb / 17.64 oz)
        Orientation Sensor
      WEAKNESSES Sony Alpha SLT-A33 Sony Alpha SLT-A55
        Timelapse Recording
        Few Cross-type Focus Points33
        Low Resolution Viewfinder1,150k dot1,150k dot
        Low Video Resolution1920 x 10801920 x 1080
        Low Video Recording Limit30 min30 min
        No Headphone Output
        No Built-In Wi-Fi Eye-Fi is possible Eye-Fi is possible
        No Built-In Bluetooth
        No Environmental Sealing
        Short Battery Life340 shots380 shots

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Screen

      Sony Alpha SLT-A33 and Sony Alpha SLT-A55 have 3.0" Fully Articulated screens with 921k dot resolution. Fully articulated screen makes cameras selfie and vlogger friendly and generally very useful for video shooting.

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      Sony Alpha SLT-A33 and Sony Alpha SLT-A55 with Fully Articulated screen


      Viewfinder

      Cameras have built-in Electronic viewfinders with 1,150k dot resolution. They both have 100% coverage and 1.10x (0.73x 35mm equivalent) magnification.

      Sensor

      Sony Alpha SLT-A33 features a 14.2 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. 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 243.4 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 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

      Cameras are equipped with BIONZ processor.


      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

      Built-in GPS on Sony Alpha SLT-A55

      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 Inputs and HDMI Outputs

      Both models have USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) inputs for data transfer. Sony Alpha SLT-A33 has a Mini Type C HDMI and Sony Alpha SLT-A55 has a Mini Type C HDMI connector for video signal output.


      Battery

      Sony Alpha SLT-A33 and Sony Alpha SLT-A55 come with NP-FW50 battery pack with battery life of 340 shots on Sony Alpha SLT-A33 and with battery life of 380 shots on Sony Alpha SLT-A55.


      External Storage Slots

      Cameras have a single SD/SDHC/SDXC, Memory Stick Duo/Pro Duo/Pro-HG Duo card slot.

      Other Features

      Shutter

      Sony Alpha SLT-A33 and Sony Alpha SLT-A55 have Electronically controlled Vertical-traverse Focal-plane. shutter. Shutter speed can go up to 1/4000 sec on Sony Alpha SLT-A33, and up to 1/4000 sec on Sony Alpha SLT-A55. Sony Alpha SLT-A33 can shoot continuously up to 7.0 fps. Sony Alpha SLT-A55 can shoot continuously up to 10.0 fps.


      Flash

      Cameras have built-in flash with maximum range of 10.00 m (@ ISO 100).. They also accept external flash. The fastest flash synchronization speed is 1/160 sec on both cameras.

      Physical Parameters

      Sony Alpha SLT-A33 and Sony Alpha SLT-A55 bodies have the same dimensions of 124 x 92 x 85 mm (4.88 x 3.62 x 3.35") and they both weigh 500 g (1.10 lb / 17.64 oz).

      Sony Alpha SLT-A33

      Sony Alpha SLT-A55

      124 mm

      92 mm

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      124 mm

      92 mm

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      92 mm

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      92 mm

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      85 mm

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      85 mm

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      Size comparisons of Sony Alpha SLT-A33 and Sony Alpha SLT-A55

      Sony Alpha SLT-A33 and Sony Alpha SLT-A55 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 SLT-A33

      Sony Alpha SLT-A55

      GOOD
      70
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      GOOD
      77
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing

      Sports Photography

      Sony Alpha SLT-A33

      Sony Alpha SLT-A55

      AVERAGE
      69
      •   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 - 7.0 fps
      •   Short Battery Life - 340 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      GOOD
      70
      •   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

      Sony Alpha SLT-A33

      Sony Alpha SLT-A55

      AVERAGE
      62
      •   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 - 7.0 fps
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 340 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      AVERAGE
      63
      •   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

      Sony Alpha SLT-A33

      Sony Alpha SLT-A55

      GOOD
      81
      •   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
      GOOD
      81
      •   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

      Sony Alpha SLT-A33

      Sony Alpha SLT-A55

      GOOD
      84
      •   15 Focus Points
      •   3 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fully Articulated Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 500 g (1.10 lb / 17.64 oz)
      EXCELLENT
      86
      •   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

      Sony Alpha SLT-A33

      Sony Alpha SLT-A55

      GOOD
      82
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fully Articulated Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   Low Video Recording Limit
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 500 g (1.10 lb / 17.64 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 340 shots
      EXCELLENT
      85
      •   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

      Evaluations

      We evaluate Sony Alpha SLT-A33 and Sony Alpha SLT-A55 and give them scores of 68 and 69 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 SLT-A33

      Sony Alpha SLT-A55

      OVERALL
      68
      OVERALL
      69

      Sensor

      Sony Alpha SLT-A33

      Sony Alpha SLT-A55

      AVERAGE
      68
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 14.2 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   DxO Overall Score - 70
      AVERAGE
      68
      •   Sensor Resolution - 16.2 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   DxO Overall Score - 73

      Photo

      Sony Alpha SLT-A33

      Sony Alpha SLT-A55

      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
      71
      •   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

      Sony Alpha SLT-A33

      Sony Alpha SLT-A55

      POOR
      45
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   Low Video Recording Limit
      POOR
      45
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   Low Video Recording Limit

      Focusing

      Sony Alpha SLT-A33

      Sony Alpha SLT-A55

      GOOD
      72
      •   15 Focus Points
      •   3 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      GOOD
      72
      •   15 Focus Points
      •   3 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Sony Alpha SLT-A33

      Sony Alpha SLT-A55

      GOOD
      78
      •   Fully Articulated Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   Low Resolution Viewfinder - 1,150k dot
      GOOD
      78
      •   Fully Articulated Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   Low Resolution Viewfinder - 1,150k dot

      Connectivity

      Sony Alpha SLT-A33

      Sony Alpha SLT-A55

      GOOD
      78
      •   HDMI Output
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      GOOD
      81
      •   HDMI Output
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth

      Battery, Storage and Physical

      Sony Alpha SLT-A33

      Sony Alpha SLT-A55

      POOR
      40
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 500 g (1.10 lb / 17.64 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 340 shots
      POOR
      41
      •   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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