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Sony Alpha 550
44
SCORE
Sony · DSLR · 14.2 MP · APS-C

Sony Alpha 550

General 44Optics 48Features and Benefits 41Storage and Battery 27
From $599.95 — 1 offer
KEY FACTS
BrandSony
ModelAlpha 550
Released2009
Announcement date27/08/2009
Camera typeDSLR

General 44

Brand
Sony
Model
Alpha 550
Released
ⓘ
Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale.
2009
Announcement date
ⓘ
Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera.
27/08/2009
Camera type
DSLR
Camera size
137 x 104 x 84 mm
Camera weight
632 g

Optics 48

Megapixels
ⓘ
The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture.
14.2 MP050
Image resolution
ⓘ
Image resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution.
4592 x 3056
Sensor type
ⓘ
The camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality.
CMOS
Sensor size
ⓘ
The sensor size contributes to the overall quality as well as the dynamic and tonal range a camera can capture. As a rule of thumb, the more surface there is to read the light, the more information it will capture.
15.6 x 23.5
Sensor format
ⓘ
Refers to the most commonly used sensor sizes.
APS-C
Continuous shooting
ⓘ
The number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode.
7 fps045
Lens mount
ⓘ
The lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras.
Sony Alpha DT
Image processor
ⓘ
The image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card.
Bionz
Aspect ratio
ⓘ
The aspect ratio refers to the proportional difference between width and height. The most popular aspect ratios are 3:2 and 4:3.
3:2
Min ISO
ⓘ
Refers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image.
20030200
Max ISO
ⓘ
Refers to the highest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Higher ISO is necessary for low-light situations or night photography, but higher ISOs often introduce grain or noise.
128003003280000
Min ISO (expanded)
ⓘ
Expanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary.
20030200
Max ISO (expanded)
ⓘ
Expanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary.
128003003280000
Minimum shutter speed
ⓘ
The minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory.
3044080
Max shutter speed
ⓘ
The maximum shutter speed tells you the length inside 1 second the camera will capture. These can sometimes be extended with accessories such as extra external batteries.
400080032000
Autofocus points
ⓘ
Autofocus points show where the camera is focusing graphically as squares or brackets in Live View or on an electronic viewfinder. These points are also used for light meter readings.
90300
In-body stabilisation
ⓘ
In-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake.
Yes
Viewfinder type
ⓘ
The viewfinder type is either electronic or optical. Electronic viewfinders will have a small screen in the viewfinder. Optical viewfinders will use prisms and mirrors to look through the lens.
Optical (pentamirror)
Viewfinder dots
N/A
Read our notes on optics

The Sony Alpha 550 earns a score of 44/100 in our evaluation. Introduced on August 27, 2009, this DSLR camera was initially priced at $899. Measuring 137 x 104 x 84mm and weighing 632g (1.39lbs), it has a relatively compact and lightweight design for its time.

However, considering the rapid advancements in camera technology, the Alpha 550’s specifications may not hold up well in today’s market. Despite its solid build and respectable launch price, newer models offer superior performance and features.

Sony Alpha 550 Overview and Optics

The optics of the Sony Alpha 550 receive a score of 48 out of 100. This camera features 14.2 megapixels, a shooting speed of 7, and a CMOS sensor type. Its processor is Bionz, and the DXOMARK score for the sensor is 66. The sensor size is APS-C, with a Sony Alpha DT lens mount. Additionally, the camera has image stabilization and a 3:2 aspect ratio.

In today’s market, the Sony Alpha 550’s specifications are not as competitive as they once were. The 14.2-megapixel count is lower than many current cameras, and the shooting speed of 7 is also not as fast as some newer models. However, the image stabilization feature remains valuable for photographers seeking steady shots.

The Sony Alpha 550 is a solid camera with decent optics, but it may not be the best choice in the current market. Its specifications are somewhat outdated, and there are more advanced options available for photographers seeking top-of-the-line performance.

Sony Alpha 550 Video Performance

Video
ⓘ
Indicates if this camera is capable of recording video.
No
Max video resolution
ⓘ
The best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video.
N/A
Max video format
ⓘ
Video resolution measured by the greatest number of pixels possible in each frame, width by height. A higher resolution means more detail or clarity in your video.
N/A
Max video frame rate
ⓘ
How many frames per second your video will capture. Most cameras have options for multiple frame rates, depending on the resolution you shoot in. For a general video, 24p or 30p is the standard, but more serious filmmakers may need a higher frame rate for creative effect.
N/A
Timelapse built in
ⓘ
A built in time-lapse mode will allow continuous shooting throughout a prolonged period of time to be compressed into a sped up video.
No
Video file format
ⓘ
Different cameras can record in various video file formats. The File format you record in can impact how you edit and use the files.
N/A
Read our notes on sony alpha 550 video performance

The Sony Alpha 550 lacks video functionality so it cannot record videos. This camera focuses solely on still photography.

Sony Alpha 550 Features and Benefits 41

Builtin flash
ⓘ
A built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it.
Yes
External flash
ⓘ
External flashes are often connected through a hot shoe at the top of a camera, or a cable at the side of the camera.
Yes
GPS
ⓘ
GPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs.
No
Weather sealing
ⓘ
Weather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions.
No
Screen type
LCD
Touch screen
ⓘ
Touchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons.
No
Screen size
3"
Screen dots
ⓘ
Screen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel.
9216001150001500000
Flip screen
ⓘ
A flip screen (or articulating screen) is a second screen which can flip out from the side or top of the camera. This rotating screen allows you more freedom to take photos at different angles.
Yes
Live view
ⓘ
Live View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens.
Yes
Wi-Fi
ⓘ
Built-in Wi-Fi allows you to connect your camera and share images wirelessly.
No
Bluetooth
ⓘ
Bluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices.
No
Read our notes on sony alpha 550 features and benefits

The Sony Alpha 550’s features score stands at 41/100. This score reflects the camera’s capabilities when considering its specifications and how they compare to other cameras in today’s market.

The camera has a 3-inch screen size with a resolution of 921,600 dots, providing good image quality on the display. However, it lacks a touchscreen, which is a common feature in modern cameras. The Alpha 550 does include a flip screen, making it convenient for capturing images from different angles.

Despite these features, the Sony Alpha 550 falls short in other aspects. It does not have GPS, WIFI, or Bluetooth capabilities, limiting its connectivity options and making it less convenient for users who rely on these technologies for sharing and geotagging images.

Considering these specifications, the Sony Alpha 550 has its strengths and weaknesses. While its screen size and resolution are commendable, the lack of modern connectivity features may be a drawback for potential buyers.

Sony Alpha 550 Storage and Battery 27

Memory card
SD / SDHC, Memory Stick Pro Duo / Pro-HG Duo
Dual memory card slots
No
Battery type
NP-FM500H
Battery life
ⓘ
Approximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take.
480 shots1505000
USB charging
No
Read our notes on sony alpha 550 storage and battery

The Sony Alpha 550 receives a storage and battery score of 27/100. This camera has only one memory card slot and accepts SD, SDHC, SDXC, Memory Stick Pro Duo, and Pro-HG Duo cards.

The battery life is around 480 shots, which is lower than the average battery life of modern cameras. The camera uses an NP-FM500H battery type, which is common among Sony cameras. It lacks USB charging, a feature that can be useful for on-the-go photographers.