CameraReview

Sony SLT Alpha 33

Sony · DSLR · 14.2 MP · APS-C · Full HD video

Sony SLT Alpha 33

Score Breakdown

Scores combine our editorial testing with published lab data.

Optics 51
Video 56
Features 41
Storage & Battery 16
46
SCORE /100
Independent Lab Scores
THIRD-PARTY LAB DATA · DXOMARK
70
Overall score
22.8
Color depth
12.6
Dynamic range
591
Low light ISO
Independent measurement — not part of our /100 score.
Buying Options

General

BrandSony
ModelSLT Alpha 33
Released
ⓘ
Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale.
2010
Announcement date
ⓘ
Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera.
August 24, 2010
Camera typeDSLR
Camera size124 x 92 x 85 mm
Camera weight500 g

Optics

51/100
About the Optics

Sony SLT Alpha 33 Overview and Optics

The optics of the Sony SLT Alpha 33 receive a score of 51 out of 100. The camera features 14.2 megapixels and a shooting speed of 7 frames per second. It is equipped with a CMOS sensor, Bionz processor, and a DXOMARK score of 70 for the sensor. The sensor size is APS-C, and the lens mount is Sony Alpha DT. The camera also offers image stabilization and a 3:2 aspect ratio.

In today’s market, the Sony SLT Alpha 33 has decent specifications, but it may not stand out among competitors. The 14.2-megapixel resolution is sufficient for casual photography, but professional photographers may prefer higher resolutions. The shooting speed of 7 frames per second is adequate for capturing fast-moving subjects, but it falls behind some newer models. The image stabilization feature is a valuable addition, as it helps reduce camera shake and improve image quality.

Therefore, the Sony SLT Alpha 33 provides decent optic performance but may not be the top choice for professional photographers or those seeking cutting-edge technology. However, it can still be a reliable option for hobbyists and casual users.

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 23.4
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.
10030200
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.
10030200
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.
256003003280000
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.
150300
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.
Electronic
Viewfinder dots115000009900000

Video

56/100
About the Video

The video capabilities of the Sony SLT Alpha 33 earn a score of 56/100. This camera offers Full HD video resolution with maximum dimensions of 1920 x 1080. The frame rate reaches up to 60fps, providing smooth video capture. However, the Alpha 33 does not include built-in time-lapse functionality.

Comparing the Alpha 33’s video features to modern cameras, it falls short in some areas. Many current models now offer 4K resolution and advanced video features. Despite this, the Alpha 33’s Full HD resolution and 60fps frame rate still produce quality videos for casual users.

The Sony SLT Alpha 33 is a decent option for video capture but may not satisfy the needs of professionals or those seeking cutting-edge technology. It remains a suitable choice for hobbyists and those who prioritize other camera features.

Video
ⓘ
Indicates if this camera is capable of recording video.
Yes
Max video resolution
ⓘ
The best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video.
Full HD
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.
1920 x 1080
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.
60 fps
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.
MP4, AVCHD

Features

41/100
About the Features

The Sony SLT Alpha 33 scores 41/100 in the features department. With a screen size of 3 inches and a resolution of 921,000 dots, the camera falls short in providing the latest technological advancements. The lack of a touchscreen further limits its user-friendliness and adaptability in today’s market.

Although the Alpha 33 has a flip screen, it does not possess GPS, WIFI, or Bluetooth capabilities. These missing features make it less competitive among modern cameras, as connectivity and ease of use are essential factors for photographers.

The Sony SLT Alpha 33’s feature set is not up to par with its contemporaries, making it a less desirable choice for those seeking a camera with advanced specifications and seamless connectivity.

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 typeLCD
Touch screen
ⓘ
Touchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons.
No
Screen size3"
Screen dots
ⓘ
Screen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel.
9210001150001500000
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

Storage & Battery

16/100
About the Storage & Battery

The Sony SLT Alpha 33 scores a low 16/100 in storage and battery. This camera has only one memory card slot, accepting SD/SDHC/SDXC and Memory Stick Pro Duo/Pro-HG Duo cards. In today’s market, cameras often have multiple card slots for better storage options, making the Alpha 33 less competitive in this aspect.

The battery life of the Alpha 33 is also below average, providing only 270 shots per charge. The camera uses an NP-FW50 battery type and does not support USB charging. Many modern cameras offer longer battery life and convenient charging options, making the Alpha 33’s battery performance less desirable.

Considering these factors, the storage and battery capabilities of the Sony SLT Alpha 33 do not stand out in the current market.

Memory cardSD / SDHC / SDXC, Memory Stick Pro Duo / Pro-HG Duo
Dual memory card slotsNo
Battery typeNP-FW50
Battery life
ⓘ
Approximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take.
270 shots1505000
USB chargingNo