Lab Test: Sony Alpha 33 and 55

Sony A33 Specifications:
IMAGING: 14.2MP effective, APS-C-sized CMOS sensor captures images at 4592x 3056 pixels with 12 bits/color in RAW mode.
STORAGE: Memory Stick PRO Duo, SD, SDHC, SDXC. Stores JPEG, ARW RAW, and RAW + JPEG files.
VIDEO: Up to 1920x1080, 30-fps, AVCHD or up to 1440x1080, 30-fps MP4; built-in stereo mic with optional stereo mic input; continuous phase-detection AF.
BURST RATE: Full-sized JPEGs (Fine mode): Up to 14 images at 6 fps. RAW (12-bit): Up to 7 shots at 6 fps.
AF SYSTEM: TTL phase detection with 15 illuminated focus points (3 crosstype). Single-shot and continuous with tracking. Tested sensitivity down to –2 EV (manufacturer rated to –1 EV) at ISO 100, f/1.4.
SHUTTER SPEEDS: 1/4000 to 30 sec plus B (1/3-EV increments).
METERING: TTL metering using 1200-zone evaluative, centerweighted, and spotmetering. Range –2 to 17 EV (at ISO 100).
ISO RANGE: ISO 100–12,800 (in 1-EV increments).
FLASH: Built-in pop-up with TTL autoflash with +/-2-EV exposure compensation (1/3-EV increments), GN 33 (ISO 100, feet), covers 18mm lens field of view. Flash sync to 1/160 sec. Dedicated Sony/Minolta hot-shoe and wireless control of optional flash.
EVF: Fixed eye-level LCD with 1.44 million-dot resolution; 100% accuracy; 1.1X magnification.
LCD: Tilting, swiveling 3-in. TFT with 921,600-dot resolution.
OUTPUT: Hi-Speed USB 2.0, mini HDMI video.
BATTERY: Rechargeable NP-FW50 Li-ion, CIPA rating, 270 shots with EVF, 340 shots with LCD screen.
SIZE/WEIGHT: 4.9x3.6x3.3 in., 1.1 lb with card and battery.
STREET PRICE: $650, body only; $750 with 18–55mm f/3.5–5.6 Sony DT SAM lens.
FOR INFO: www.sonystyle.com

Sony A55 Specifications:
IMAGING: 16.2MP effective, APS-C-sized CMOS sensor captures images at 4912x3264 pixels with 12 bits/color in RAW mode.
STORAGE: Memory Stick PRO Duo, SD, SDHC, SDXC. Stores JPEG, ARW RAW, and RAW + JPEG files.
VIDEO: Up to 1920x1080, 30-fps, AVCHD or up to 1440x1080, 30-fps MP4; built-in stereo mic with optional stereo mic input; continuous phase-detection AF.
BURST RATE: Full-sized JPEGs (Fine mode): Up to 28 images at 6 fps. RAW (12-bit): Up to 19 shots at 6 fps.
AF SYSTEM: TTL phase detection with 15 illuminated focus points (3 crosstype). Single-shot and continuous with tracking. Tested sensitivity down to –2 EV (manufacturer rated to –1 EV) at ISO 100, f/1.4.
SHUTTER SPEEDS: 1/4000 to 30 sec plus B (1/3-EV increments).
METERING: TTL metering using 1200-zone evaluative, centerweighted, and spotmetering. Range –2 to 17 EV (at ISO 100).
ISO RANGE: ISO 100–12,800 (in 1-EV increments).
FLASH: Built-in pop-up with TTL autoflash with +/-2-EV exposure compensation (1/3-EV increments), GN 33 (ISO 100, feet), covers 18mm lens field of view. Flash sync to 1/160 sec. Dedicated Sony/Minolta hot-shoe and wireless control of optional flash.
EVF: Fixed eye-level LCD with 1.44 million-dot resolution; 100% accuracy; 1.1X magnification.
LCD: Tilting, swiveling 3-in. TFT with 921,600-dot resolution.
OUTPUT: Hi-Speed USB 2.0, mini HDMI video.
BATTERY: Rechargeable NP-FW50 Li-ion, CIPA rating, 330 shots with EVF, 380 shots with LCD screen.
SIZE/WEIGHT: 4.9x3.6x3.3 in., 1.2 lb with card and battery.
STREET PRICE: $750, body only; $850 with 18–55mm f/3.5–5.6 Sony DT SAM lens.
FOR INFO: www.sonystyle.com