Sony SLT Alpha 55 Specs and Scores
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General
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Sony SLT Alpha 55
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Brand | Sony |
Model | SLT Alpha 55 |
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 Type |  DSLR |
Camera Size | |
Camera Weight |
The Sony SLT Alpha 55 receives a score of 51/100 in our evaluation. This DSLR camera, released in 2010, was initially priced at $750. Measuring 124 x 92 x 85mm and weighing 500g (1.10lbs), it is a compact and lightweight option. In today’s market, the Alpha 55 may fall short in terms of advanced features and performance compared to newer models. However, it still remains a decent choice for beginners or those looking for an affordable DSLR.
Sony SLT Alpha 55 Overview and Optics
The optics of the Sony SLT Alpha 55 receive a score of 58/100. This camera features a 16.2-megapixel sensor, 10 frames per second shooting speed, and a Bionz processor. Its sensor type is CMOS and has a DXOMARK score of 73. The camera uses an APS-C sized sensor and a Sony Alpha DT lens mount. Additionally, it has image stabilization and a 3:2 aspect ratio.
In today’s market, the optics of the Sony SLT Alpha 55 are considered average. While the 16.2-megapixel sensor and 10 fps shooting speed are decent, they are outperformed by newer models. The DXOMARK sensor score of 73 is relatively low compared to more recent cameras. The APS-C sensor size is common, but larger sensors provide better image quality. The Sony Alpha DT lens mount offers a wide range of lenses, but it is not as versatile as other mounts. The presence of image stabilization is a plus, as it helps reduce camera shake and improve image sharpness.
The Sony SLT Alpha 55’s optics may not be the best on the market, but they are suitable for casual photographers or those on a budget. The camera’s features are decent, but users seeking exceptional image quality and performance should consider other options.
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Optics
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Megapixels The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. | 16.2 MP |
Image Resolution Image resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution. | 4912 x 3264 px |
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 mm |
Sensor Format Refers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. |  APS-C |
Frame Rate The number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode. | 10 fps |
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 |
Minimum ISO (Native) Refers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image. | 100 |
Maximum ISO (Native) 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. | 12,800 |
Minimum 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. | 100 |
Maximum 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. | 25600 |
Minimum Shutter Speed The minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory. | 30 s |
Maximum 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. | 1/ 4000 s |
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. | 15 |
In-body Stabilization In-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake. |   |
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 Resolution | 1,150,000 dots |
Sony SLT Alpha 55 Video Performance
The Sony SLT Alpha 55 holds a video score of 56 out of 100. Its video capabilities include a maximum resolution of Full HD (1920 x 1080) and a frame rate of 60fps. However, it lacks built-in time-lapse functionality.
Comparing these specifications to today’s market, the Alpha 55 falls behind more advanced cameras. Full HD video resolution is still common, but 4K resolution has become increasingly popular, offering higher quality footage. The 60fps frame rate is acceptable, but cameras now offer 120fps or even 240fps for smoother slow-motion video. The absence of time-lapse functionality is also a drawback, as it is a sought-after feature in modern cameras.
The Sony SLT Alpha 55’s video capabilities are decent but not exceptional. In the current market, there are more advanced options for videographers.
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Video
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Sony SLT Alpha 55
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Video Indicates if this camera is capable of recording video. |  |
Max Video Resolution The best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video. |  Full HD |
Max Video Dimensions 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 px |
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 p |
Time-Lapse 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. |   |
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. | AVCHD, MP4 |
Sony SLT Alpha 55 Features and Benefits
The Sony SLT Alpha 55’s features receive a score of 41/100. This camera provides a 3-inch screen with a resolution of 921,000 dots. Although it lacks a touchscreen, it compensates with a flip screen, making it versatile for various shooting angles. The Alpha 55 also includes GPS functionality, offering accurate location data for images.
However, the camera falls short in connectivity options, as it does not support WIFI or Bluetooth. This absence may hinder users who require seamless file transfer and remote control capabilities. When compared to modern cameras, the Alpha 55’s feature set is rather limited.
Despite its dated specifications, the Sony SLT Alpha 55 still proves useful for those prioritizing GPS and flip screen functions. But for users seeking advanced connectivity and touchscreen capabilities, exploring other camera options may be worthwhile.
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Features
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Sony SLT Alpha 55
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Built-in Flash A built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it. |  |
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. |  |
GPS GPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs. |  |
Weather Sealing Weather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions. |  |
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. |  |
Screen Size |  3" |
Screen Resolution Screen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel. | 921,000 dots |
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. |  |
Live View Live View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens. |  |
Wi-Fi |  |
Bluetooth Bluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices. |  |
Sony SLT Alpha 55 Storage and Battery
The Sony SLT Alpha 55 receives a storage and battery score of 21/100. It has one memory card slot, accepting SD, SDHC, SDXC cards, as well as Memory Stick Pro Duo and Pro-HG Duo cards. The camera’s battery, NP-FW50, allows for 380 shots before needing a recharge, but it lacks USB charging capabilities.
In today’s market, the storage and battery performance of the Alpha 55 is below average. Many cameras now offer dual memory card slots and longer battery life. Additionally, USB charging has become a standard feature, making the Alpha 55’s lack of it a significant drawback.
Considering these factors, the Sony SLT Alpha 55’s storage and battery capabilities fall short compared to current market standards.
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Storage and Battery
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Memory Card | SD / SDHC / SDXC, Memory Stick Pro Duo / Pro-HG Duo |
Dual Memory Card Slots |  |
Battery Type | NP-FW50 |
Battery Life Approximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take. | 380 shots |
USB Charging |  |
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DXOMARK Scores
Sensor scores tested by DXOMARK |
Sony SLT Alpha 55
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Overall Score DXOMARK overall sensor score. | |
Portrait (Color Depth) As described by DXOMARK 'The Portrait score in our camera sensor reviews defines color depth performance and its unit is a number of bits. A color depth of 22 bits is excellent; differences below 1 bit are barely noticeable.' | 23 bits |
Landscape (Dynamic Range) As described by DXOMARK 'The Landscape score in our camera sensor tests defines the maximum dynamic range of the camera sensor and its unit is an exposure value (EV). A value of 12 EV is excellent with differences below 0.5 EV usually not noticeable.' | 12.4 EVs |
Sports (Low-Light ISO) Described by DXOMARK as 'The maximal value of ISO sensitivity needed to reach a given value of Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR). The greater the value, the better' | 816 |
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Scores
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User Scores
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Sony SLT Alpha 55
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B&H photo video |