Camera Test: Sony Alpha 550

Specifications

Imaging: 14.2MP effective, APS-C sized CMOS sensor captures images at 4592x3056 pixels with 12 bits/color in RAW mode.
Storage: SD/SDHC or MemoryStick Pro Duo stores JPEG, ARW RAW, and RAW + JPEG files.
Burst Rate: Full-sized JPEGs (fine mode), up to 32 shots at 5 fps; RAW, up to 14 shots at 5 fps; RAW + JPEG, up to 7 shots at 5 fps.
AF System: TTL phase detection with 9 illuminated focus points (single center crosstype); single-shot and continuous AF. Tested sensitivity down to EV 0 (at ISO 100, f/1.4).
Live View: TTL phase detection.
Shutter Speeds: 1/4000 to 30 sec, plus b (1/3-eV increments); 100,000-cycle rating.
Metering: 40-segment honeycomb pattern TTL metering, evaluative, centerweighted, and spot (approx. 3% of viewfinder), EV 2–20 (ISO 100).
ISO Range: ISO 200–12,800 (in 1/3-EV increments).
Flash: Built-in pop-up with ADI autoflash and wireless triggering of optional flash units, GN 39 (ISO 100, feet); flash sync to 1/160 sec; dedicated Sony Alpha hot-shoe.
Viewfinder: fixed eye-level pentamirror.
LCD: 3-in. TFT with 921,600-dot resolution.
Output: Hi-Speed USB 2.0, mini-HDMI video, 3-pin remote terminal.
Battery: Rechargeable NP-FM500H Li-Ion, CIPA rating 1,000 shots (with optical viewfinder) or 520 shots (live view).
Size/Weight: 5.4x4.1x3.3 in., 1.6 lb with an SD card and battery.
Street Price: $950, body only; $1,050, with 18–55mm f/3.5–5.6 DT AF lens.
Info: www.sonystyle.com

Viewfinder Test: Accuracy, 95% (excellent); Magnification, 0.8X (Very good)