Unique approach to DSLR tech design.
Furiously fast autofocus—in video, too.
Fastest burst rate in its class.
Extremely High image quality.
Fully articulating LCD monitor.
Sharp, fine-grained electronic viewfinder.
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A really good measure of the strength of a technology company is how well it does things that can’t be done.
Sony, confronted with a vexing glitch of DSLR video, dipped into a bag of old and new tricks to come up with a remarkably simple solution. Along the way, it invented essentially a new type of camera, one for which we don’t quite have a name yet. What we can call it is the Alpha 55, and the Camera of the Year for 2010.
The A55 views through the lens and has a reflex mirror, so it could be considered a single-lens reflex. But what you see in the eyepiece is an electronic viewfinder, rather like an interchangeable-lens compact—though bigger.
The reasoning behind this hybrid? When DSLR makers added video capture to their cameras, they ran into a little problem with that reflex mirror. In modern cameras, the mirror does more than just bounce the image up into a prism viewfinder. It also directs the image into a phase-detection autofocus module, the little engine that enables DSLRs not only to focus in a blink but also to track moving subjects throughout the frame. But during video capture, the mirror must be flipped up and out of the way. Which means—oops—bye-bye autofocus. Yes, a few DSLRs can autofocus, sort of, using contrast-detection AF—the pokey, nonpredictive kind of AF you get in a compact camera. So you’re usually left manually focusing your DSLR during video—not exactly the sort of experience you were expecting with that pricey camera.
GET THE FULL SPECS ON SONY'S A55 IN THE POPPHOTO.COM BUYING GUIDE
Sony’s solution? Simple. Don’t move the mirror out of the way. By using a semi-transparent reflex mirror, the A55 lets you shoot both stills and video right through the mirror. And with the image also partly reflected up to the AF module, the A55 can maintain fast autofocus during video capture. Including continuous AF. And tracking AF. And dynamic AF across the frame.
This tidy innovation provides advantages for still shooting, too. With no flapping mirror to slow things down, the A55 can take burst shots at 6 frames per second—with autoexposure and autofocus on each shot. And in Speed Priority, which focuses and meters just the first frame of a burst, the camera will click along at 10 frames per second (JPEGs only)—unmatched in this class.
As we noted when the camera came out this fall, the fixed mirror idea has been around for quite a while—the Canon Pellix of 1965 successfully used such a semi-transparent mirror. But Sony’s take on the technology is definitely 21st century. Light loss through the mirror is very slight, and, by using an EVF in place of an optical finder, the A55 lets you change any menu item with the camera at eye level.
As a whole package, the A55 ($750, street, body only; $850 with 18–55mm f/3.5–5.5 lens) drew raves from every member of the Popular Photography staff who used it. Very compact, and lighter than a conventional DSLR in this class, the camera has great ergonomics, well-placed controls, and that big LCD that tilts and swivels—a boon for videography or odd-angle still shooting.
By keeping a mirror box in the camera, Sony ensured that any Alpha DSLR lens—and for that matter, most any Minolta Maxxum lens—will fit on the body. This puts it way ahead of ILC cameras (including Sony’s own NEX models), which still have very limited lens lines.
The A55 also has some shooting modes that not long ago would be considered the realm of science fiction. Afavorite is Sweep Panorama, which lets you take a stitched panoramic simply by moving the camera through an arc. The A55 can also arrange the stitched slices into a 3-D panoramic that can be viewed on compatible HDTVs. Auto HDR and Handheld Twilight modes combine several images to produce, respectively, high-dynamic-range images or reduced-noise low-light shots. GPS is built in. Gripes? We have a few. While the A55 produces fine image quality, it’s not quite what we’d expect from 16.2 megapixels. We’re not happy (as usual with midlevel and consumer-oriented DSLRs) about the lack of a second command wheel. During bursts, the EVF blanks out momentarily, making high-speed sequence shots trickier than when using an optical finder. And we wonder about the long-term integrity of the semi-transparent mirror—the old pellicle mirrors darkened over time.
But a camera is more than a bundle of specs and features. In the end, it all comes down to the pictures you can take with it, and how easily.
Consider the experience of one of our staffers who was asked by his son’s school to shoot the dreaded Elementary School Recital. The rare nonphotographer among us, he knew a compact camera wouldn’t do, but at the same time had tried several DSLRs at previous events with mixed results. So we lent him the A55 and gave a few minutes’ worth of instructions.
He came back with a card full of sharp stills and video. “The autofocusing was very quick—which was exactly what I needed for the kids,” he told us. “And it was very simple, very easy to use.” The only problem? “Now I’m Mr. Photographer—and the school wants me to shoot everything.”
That’s what refinement and redefinition can do sometimes.
Wow That sony camera takes perfect pictures what I read from the reviews.... thats awesome ...I love photography!!!!
Great, camera of the year because they figured out a problem that a video camera (which I am not buying) has no issue with.
Congrats to Sony and one small correction for Dan Richards. In speed priority, the A55 still maintains full autofocus and metering when shooting at 10fps (if you select AF-C). You're probably confused with the A5xx series, which lock focus and metering after the first frame when shooting in its fastest 7fps mode.
PS: it can shoot 10fps in RAW aswell with a fast enough card (Imaging Resource measured 10.17 RAW fps).
As some one has already stated, one of the big advantage of the SLT design is that it does auto focus and meter even in the 10fps mode. A truly breakthrough camera at its price point, and a great choice for Camera of the Year.
Whoever wrote this article got his facts wrong. A55 does AF in 10 fps if the focus is set to AF-C.
Holly Molly, now I going to return my Canon T2i for this one... nice!
"Submitted by Anonymous on Dec 07, 2010
Whoever wrote this article got his facts wrong. A55 does AF in 10 fps if the focus is set to AF-C."
this guy is right. You should fix it :) You mixed something up....
There is a mistake in the camera description. The A55 will autofocus continuously and adjust exposure while in 10fps mode. I know because I own one.
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This is a great camera. I can't wait for the more robust pro versions of this concept to come out in 2011. (A77, A99?)
THOSE will be camera(s) of the year!
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I really like reading your site. You folks need to check into specs and reviews of the Pentax K-5 !
Thanks!
Nice to see positive review about Sony DSLR. Besides the mentioned strong points I would add in-body SSS (Super-Steady-Shot) that allow EVERY lens put on the body to be stabilized!
Sony is so awesome. I love their cameras, and love using them exclusively. :)
Can we not convince manufactures that people that really love still photography do not need video.
A dedicated video camera is much better at what it does and a dedicated DSLR would be much better at what it does at a much better price.
I have a non-video dslr and will probably have it till I can't have it repaired anymore because I refuse to buy an all in one complex piece of junk .
Amen to that tgooch. There's nothing worse than getting into a good review on the latest DSLR and finding the comments section infested with criticisms of the video function. This is just a marketing gimmick that most serious photographers ignore, anyway.
This is supposed to be Camera of the Year. The best camera is the one with the best complete package. The best features and, overall, the best image quality. Everything I read about semi-transparent mirror cameras says image quality suffers in comparison to mainstream DSLR's. The D3S is an amazing upgrade to what was the greatest DSLR of all time - the D3. Yet you insist on focusing on "groundbreaking technology" and pick this mediocre, low-end DSLR because its new mirror makes for better video?? I've lost a lot of respect for the reviewers at PopPhoto.
Very good news! As an old and faithfull Minolta user, I have to confess that I had some doubts when Sony got Konica-Minolta.
After buying, trying and approving the A100, it came the A350, A700 and A850. I am keeping these last two in my bag and this A55 is really a temptation to replace my beloved A700.
Camera of the year because it has solved a video problem? I want to see the camera that produces the best still images as camera of the year, not because it can shoot good video.
Pop Photo why have you completely forgotten medium format and large format digital. wheres the Hasselblads and Mamiyas in your magazine?
I miss the old magazine that wasn't stuck promoting inferior image quality.
Yes Nikon, Canon and Sony are great (I personally shoot Nikons) but I want to see state of the art in ALL formats, not just the smaller ones.
Agree with Rich.......but then again, maybe Sony is the Camera of the Year because they throw more advertising dollars at PP than anyone else.
I have been a photog since the age of 14; enough of the "gimmicks"...........just give me solid, well-built camera that takes great "still's" and I am happy.
If I wanted a Camcorder I would buy one!
Nice to see Sony be a Camera of the Year but would like to know more about the long-term integrity of the semi-transparent mirror and if it will darkened over time before I'll buy one.
Also, why isn't anyone mentioning that having the LCD hinged on the bottom is really stupid! Though they may be others, I know Nikon, Olympus also have models like this: WHY? There is not one video camera with the LCD hinged on the bottom, why then on still cameras? It is maddeningly wrong like it won't be needed on a tripod!! Engineers or Adim who approve this design are idiot's!!!! Stop doing it!
Did you write this article three months ago? Because I am wondering why there is no mention of the Nikon D7000 or Pentax K-5, both of which could lay waste to anything produced by Sony in a heartbeat. You also neglect to mention the slight overheating issue that the A55 has come out with- not too reassuring in a camera designed for video. I didn't bother to flip through all 41 pages of your Best of 2010 guide/click farm, but among the parts I made it through I didn't see anything that has been released since last summer (60D anyone? K-r?). I was considering buying the A55... until I held one in my hand. Then I saw that it is fatter than other consumer SLRs (despite the absence of a flipping mirror), has a jumpy viewfinder, and feels like awfully cheap construction. Every article besides for this one has also cited it for tracking focus issues. What's the use of 10 frames per second if it can't hold it's focus? I agree revisiting pellicle technology is brilliant... and I look forward to it being done by Someone Other Than Sony. As for camera of the year, I'm a Canon user myself but everyone knows that 2010 Camera of the Year goes to any one of the three amazing devices released by Pentax.
Remember everyone, these articles (all of them) are for the benefit of the person paying for the advertising...........there is bias in all of the camera reviews, because they want to please the advertisers!
I just ordered one of these cameras, along with an 18-250mm zoom, after trying out the A33. I'm looking forward to getting it - but not primarily for the reasons stated in the Pop Photo "headlines". 40 years ago, I used to shoot Nikon, but I lost interest because of my limited ability to shoot lots of pictures and process negatives (no time/space/money for a color darkroom and lots of rolls of film) and I grew tired of carying heavy camera bags. I bought a point and shoot a while back, discovered I could take lots of pictures cheap and didn't need lots of lenses, bought a better point and shoot, discovered Photoshop Elements, and upgraded to a Fuji S9100. Reached a point where I wasn't happy with Fuji picture quality because of small sensor. I wanted a better camera, but with tilt/swivel lcd (agree it should be side mount - my Canon A620 has it, why not others), image stabilization, higher iso capabilities, etc. etc. I use tilt in conjunction with monopod and remote to shoot over heads of crowds, fences, etc. I also like the EVF - lots of data, and better correlation to what the image will look like (dim view in EVF=underexposed, etc.). The GPS is a plus - too many vacation pictures where we can't identify location. I looked at the Nikon D5000 - and among other things, Manfrotto quick release interferes with tilt/swivel. I wonder how many of the buyers who are creating demand for this product are people like me - not (yet?) hardcore, but want convenience and high image quality.
nice choice for selecting a55 against other brand. your verdict is great. it just happen that fanboys hates if their brand were not selected and they say bad things about the winner well its common. accept the latest technology and admit that DSLR already have videos, nikon and canon have it also, it so happens that sony grab the award..
Some comments are neglect an important pivoting moment of contemporary photography: it is getting closer and closer to video production. Similar pre-production, more on-site lighting, and a much more entangled request for video and photography for the same product/concept/event from clients. Not to mention the driving force made by internet. So, now I hear "old schoolers" outcrying that a video feature is not essential for their work. Well, similar comments were abundant when the first digital cameras appeared...
Times changed, and Sony is ahead in time with this technology. I love my a55. :)
This sounds like a nice innovation. I have always been attracted to Sony's cameras, but have been unhappy mainly with color reproduction and some general image quality. I hope that more recently they have improved this. Right now I am a Pentax guy, who isn't too happy about the rising costs of once bargain priced lenses.
You guys out there, just please speak for yourselves.
Who told you we the other guys out here wanted cameras that shot stills and only stills. I , for one, am tired of carrying my Pentax k7 and Canon hf s21 when travelling. I would pay anything to have both's features into just one camera. Get it? Only the best will do. This explains the popularity of phones that can shoot stills, video, sms, internet etc I'm just waiting for Pentax k5 to include AF for video to upgrade. You guys can continue to love you Canons and Nikons and enjoy your hobby. Cheers
I'm getting more serious about digital photography and have been looking closely for the ideal interchangable lense camera to allow me more flexibility, low light picture quality and superior video quality to a top rated Nikon point and shoot camera that I purchased earlier this year.
I shopped the Canon T2i, Nikon D7000, Sony A55 and considered (but could not find) the Pentax K-5. I bought the A55 because in one relatively small body, at a comparatively fair price, I have a technologically advanced package that shoots great video and 10 fps.
Right out of the box, after charging the battery, I attached an aged Minolta beercan lense I bought on eBay for less than $200 and took some terrific photos the likes of which I was never able to take before. Photos and focusing were very fast. In fact, photographing my dog playing in the snow yielded more interesting and quality shots in 10 minutes of shooting than I had experienced in the prior 6 years of photographing this animal (and that includes using my Son's Canon Rebel from time-to-time).
The A55's fast burst rate was amazing. Most of the photos were in focus and captured action shots never before accessible to this photographer. My intentions in buying this camera are to improve the quality of photographs and video of action (specifically, my kids sports). My secondary purpose is to have a terrific travel camera for global travels. The GPS tagging will be great for that.
I appreciate the history and well earned reputations of both Nikon and Canon in the still market, however Sony really has something terrific here for my purposes. Anyone not recognizing that this camera changes the game simply needs to watch sales in the marketplace shift over the next few years.
By the way, for the Nikon and Pentax lovers here, the D7000 and K-5 have a terrific sensor....thanks to Sony. It works great in the A55.
Nothing New. Canon had such a mirror in the 1n RS. That mirror enabled 10 frames per second and auto-focus with film. Sony is just the first to use it in digital.
I am so happy to see that the Sony A55 got the camera of the year award. It really deserved it.
And just for those Nikon and Canon die-hard fans. Sony Camera's just look a LOT nicer than any other camera's on the market. Especially Pentax, i would puke when i saw one of those cameras HAHA
I almost threw my magazing across the room when I started reading this article. I didn't buy a subsciption to a cinematography magazine. I was completely disappointed to see such a mediocre camera picked as what "refined or redefined photography in 2010".
Obvious from above comments that you will never be able to please everyone.
Solution: Why not have separate categories for COTY: POS: DLSR; medium format: new innovation;, etc.
Makes me laugh that Sony is shaking the Temple for all of those die-hard Nikon and Canon users.
Because the Niks and Cans cannot do video with Sony's blazing-fast focus, they knock it down!
Photography, for me at least, is all about capturing moments in time. Precious moments. If you are taking photos of your holiday and are in front of breathtaking scenery, of taking photos of your young ones playing sports, the ability to capture live action - beautifully- can only be seen as a bonus to capturing the moment. I used to carry both a cam and a camcorder, and I am no less a photographer for it - unless you are stuck in the past with the old school, while your'e at it, why not shoot with film and have your 12-shot rool processed at the drugstore? Nothing wrong with that, but don't know on those who appreciate the freedom that technology brings us, like in these great Sony products.
The Sony a55 and a33 can take breathtaking sweeping panorama photos, focus lightning-fast in BOTH photo and video, and instantly stabilize every lens you put on it. It is small, light, beautifully made, has the best LCD for viewing in direct sunlight, a reversible LCD panel, and more scene options and gizmos you can shake a stick at, yet is the most easy to use camera around if you have to let someone take the click.
What's not to like? It cracks me up to hear people ''wanting to wait until the technology is mature'' Hell, it's not real estate, a boat or a new Porshe you are buying, its just a camera. But for those who think this way, your best choice would probably be the Nikon D90, a very safe, very proven camera with great photo quality and still part of the current Nikon line - with it's first-generation video implementation and a clumsy one at that. (funny, Nikon thinks, as Canon does too, that video IS important to their fans).
But, choosing a Sony A33 or A55 is of course a more daring choice- but you only live once, right?
So, congrats for the audacity of naming the Sony a55 camera of the year - its a product that thinks ''outside the box'', and a refreshing one at that in an otherwise growing DSLR museum of me-too-pixel-count-race products (and we have not even started on Sony's NEX cameras, just as innovative in it's own right).
These new Sony's prove that photo quality and enjoyement are not mutually exclusive factors. And I don't really care if my a33 doesn't hold up it's value 4 years down the line as my ex-Nikon did. There will always be a market for used cameras with the name ''Nikon'' on them (and to a lesser extend, Canon). Considering what I am getting for a borderline-ridiculous price all things considered, this Sony is nothing less than your proverbial steal. And, my next 10,000 photos and videos (and the fun taking and sharing them) are more important to me than any future resale value.
Thanks for the opportunity given to me in voicing my opinion, and a healthy 2011 to all !
A1++ !
This isn't the camera of the year, pretty weak. Look at the Pentax K-5 versus the 2 new Sony bodies, DXOMark.
http://www.dxomark.com/index.php/en/Camera-Sensor/Compare-sensors/(appareil1)/673|0/(appareil2)/675|0/(appareil3)/676|0/(onglet)/0/(brand)/Sony/(brand2)/Sony/(brand3)/Pentax
2010 Camera of the year- Pentax K-5
Runner up Nikon D7000.
Pentax K-5 is also about $1,000.00 more than the Sony A55. So,
2010 Camera of the year - Sony A55.
I guess 90% of those who say A-55 dun deserve the award have not touched or used A-55 before. I am using one and absolutely satisfied with my purchase and i really like to take still pics, panorama pics and video with it. Almost bought 550D but A-55 is actually delighting me always.
KEEP ON ROCKING SONY!! I CANT WAIT FOR MY A55.
I ALSO SEE A LOT OF SORE LOSERS HERE.
SO BASICALLY YOU ARE SAYING PHONES SHOULDNT HAVE CAMERAS...OR LITTLE KEYBOARDS TOO RIGHT? OR IS THAT NOT A PROBLEM FOR YOU...HAHAHA.
This is one awesome camera!! I'm definitely going to get it for my first DLSR!!
I see some post talking in favor of Pentax K5, and the K5 its an outstanding camera and its no doubt on that, but I think the reason for POP Photo make the selection is for the price. The K5 cost $1,600.00 BODY and Sony A55 only 850.00 with lens kit. Maybe the comparison between those 2 is similar in image quality otherwise the K5 superbs Sony in all rounds but for the money you spend on A55 you gonna have a great image and fast response. Remember that, before Canon and Nikon were Canon and Nikon they have to be Sony First, I mean maybe in the begining those Brands (Nikon, Canon), were babies and with the time they wears the names that already has today.
Have purchased a A55 6 months ago. The camera has lots of cool features that work well and the 10fps is very impressive, however I have had a few problems with it. The zoom ring on the standard lens is stiff and its hard to zoom smoothly. Also with a 300mm lens and image stabilizer switched on, after the cameras been on for a while it can only take as little as 45 seconds of video before it overheats and switches off.
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Wow That sony camera takes perfect pictures what I read from the reviews.... thats awesome ...I love photography!!!!
Great, camera of the year because they figured out a problem that a video camera (which I am not buying) has no issue with.
Congrats to Sony and one small correction for Dan Richards. In speed priority, the A55 still maintains full autofocus and metering when shooting at 10fps (if you select AF-C). You're probably confused with the A5xx series, which lock focus and metering after the first frame when shooting in its fastest 7fps mode.
PS: it can shoot 10fps in RAW aswell with a fast enough card (Imaging Resource measured 10.17 RAW fps).
As some one has already stated, one of the big advantage of the SLT design is that it does auto focus and meter even in the 10fps mode. A truly breakthrough camera at its price point, and a great choice for Camera of the Year.
Whoever wrote this article got his facts wrong. A55 does AF in 10 fps if the focus is set to AF-C.
Holly Molly, now I going to return my Canon T2i for this one... nice!
"Submitted by Anonymous on Dec 07, 2010
Whoever wrote this article got his facts wrong. A55 does AF in 10 fps if the focus is set to AF-C."
this guy is right. You should fix it :) You mixed something up....
There is a mistake in the camera description. The A55 will autofocus continuously and adjust exposure while in 10fps mode. I know because I own one.
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This is a great camera. I can't wait for the more robust pro versions of this concept to come out in 2011. (A77, A99?)
THOSE will be camera(s) of the year!
--------------
I really like reading your site. You folks need to check into specs and reviews of the Pentax K-5 !
Thanks!
Nice to see positive review about Sony DSLR. Besides the mentioned strong points I would add in-body SSS (Super-Steady-Shot) that allow EVERY lens put on the body to be stabilized!
Sony is so awesome. I love their cameras, and love using them exclusively. :)
Can we not convince manufactures that people that really love still photography do not need video.
A dedicated video camera is much better at what it does and a dedicated DSLR would be much better at what it does at a much better price.
I have a non-video dslr and will probably have it till I can't have it repaired anymore because I refuse to buy an all in one complex piece of junk .
Amen to that tgooch. There's nothing worse than getting into a good review on the latest DSLR and finding the comments section infested with criticisms of the video function. This is just a marketing gimmick that most serious photographers ignore, anyway.
This is supposed to be Camera of the Year. The best camera is the one with the best complete package. The best features and, overall, the best image quality. Everything I read about semi-transparent mirror cameras says image quality suffers in comparison to mainstream DSLR's. The D3S is an amazing upgrade to what was the greatest DSLR of all time - the D3. Yet you insist on focusing on "groundbreaking technology" and pick this mediocre, low-end DSLR because its new mirror makes for better video?? I've lost a lot of respect for the reviewers at PopPhoto.
Very good news! As an old and faithfull Minolta user, I have to confess that I had some doubts when Sony got Konica-Minolta.
After buying, trying and approving the A100, it came the A350, A700 and A850. I am keeping these last two in my bag and this A55 is really a temptation to replace my beloved A700.
Camera of the year because it has solved a video problem? I want to see the camera that produces the best still images as camera of the year, not because it can shoot good video.
Pop Photo why have you completely forgotten medium format and large format digital. wheres the Hasselblads and Mamiyas in your magazine?
I miss the old magazine that wasn't stuck promoting inferior image quality.
Yes Nikon, Canon and Sony are great (I personally shoot Nikons) but I want to see state of the art in ALL formats, not just the smaller ones.
Agree with Rich.......but then again, maybe Sony is the Camera of the Year because they throw more advertising dollars at PP than anyone else.
I have been a photog since the age of 14; enough of the "gimmicks"...........just give me solid, well-built camera that takes great "still's" and I am happy.
If I wanted a Camcorder I would buy one!
Nice to see Sony be a Camera of the Year but would like to know more about the long-term integrity of the semi-transparent mirror and if it will darkened over time before I'll buy one.
Also, why isn't anyone mentioning that having the LCD hinged on the bottom is really stupid! Though they may be others, I know Nikon, Olympus also have models like this: WHY? There is not one video camera with the LCD hinged on the bottom, why then on still cameras? It is maddeningly wrong like it won't be needed on a tripod!! Engineers or Adim who approve this design are idiot's!!!! Stop doing it!
Did you write this article three months ago? Because I am wondering why there is no mention of the Nikon D7000 or Pentax K-5, both of which could lay waste to anything produced by Sony in a heartbeat. You also neglect to mention the slight overheating issue that the A55 has come out with- not too reassuring in a camera designed for video. I didn't bother to flip through all 41 pages of your Best of 2010 guide/click farm, but among the parts I made it through I didn't see anything that has been released since last summer (60D anyone? K-r?). I was considering buying the A55... until I held one in my hand. Then I saw that it is fatter than other consumer SLRs (despite the absence of a flipping mirror), has a jumpy viewfinder, and feels like awfully cheap construction. Every article besides for this one has also cited it for tracking focus issues. What's the use of 10 frames per second if it can't hold it's focus? I agree revisiting pellicle technology is brilliant... and I look forward to it being done by Someone Other Than Sony. As for camera of the year, I'm a Canon user myself but everyone knows that 2010 Camera of the Year goes to any one of the three amazing devices released by Pentax.
Remember everyone, these articles (all of them) are for the benefit of the person paying for the advertising...........there is bias in all of the camera reviews, because they want to please the advertisers!
I just ordered one of these cameras, along with an 18-250mm zoom, after trying out the A33. I'm looking forward to getting it - but not primarily for the reasons stated in the Pop Photo "headlines". 40 years ago, I used to shoot Nikon, but I lost interest because of my limited ability to shoot lots of pictures and process negatives (no time/space/money for a color darkroom and lots of rolls of film) and I grew tired of carying heavy camera bags. I bought a point and shoot a while back, discovered I could take lots of pictures cheap and didn't need lots of lenses, bought a better point and shoot, discovered Photoshop Elements, and upgraded to a Fuji S9100. Reached a point where I wasn't happy with Fuji picture quality because of small sensor. I wanted a better camera, but with tilt/swivel lcd (agree it should be side mount - my Canon A620 has it, why not others), image stabilization, higher iso capabilities, etc. etc. I use tilt in conjunction with monopod and remote to shoot over heads of crowds, fences, etc. I also like the EVF - lots of data, and better correlation to what the image will look like (dim view in EVF=underexposed, etc.). The GPS is a plus - too many vacation pictures where we can't identify location. I looked at the Nikon D5000 - and among other things, Manfrotto quick release interferes with tilt/swivel. I wonder how many of the buyers who are creating demand for this product are people like me - not (yet?) hardcore, but want convenience and high image quality.
nice choice for selecting a55 against other brand. your verdict is great. it just happen that fanboys hates if their brand were not selected and they say bad things about the winner well its common. accept the latest technology and admit that DSLR already have videos, nikon and canon have it also, it so happens that sony grab the award..
Some comments are neglect an important pivoting moment of contemporary photography: it is getting closer and closer to video production. Similar pre-production, more on-site lighting, and a much more entangled request for video and photography for the same product/concept/event from clients. Not to mention the driving force made by internet. So, now I hear "old schoolers" outcrying that a video feature is not essential for their work. Well, similar comments were abundant when the first digital cameras appeared...
Times changed, and Sony is ahead in time with this technology. I love my a55. :)
This sounds like a nice innovation. I have always been attracted to Sony's cameras, but have been unhappy mainly with color reproduction and some general image quality. I hope that more recently they have improved this. Right now I am a Pentax guy, who isn't too happy about the rising costs of once bargain priced lenses.
You guys out there, just please speak for yourselves.
Who told you we the other guys out here wanted cameras that shot stills and only stills. I , for one, am tired of carrying my Pentax k7 and Canon hf s21 when travelling. I would pay anything to have both's features into just one camera. Get it? Only the best will do. This explains the popularity of phones that can shoot stills, video, sms, internet etc I'm just waiting for Pentax k5 to include AF for video to upgrade. You guys can continue to love you Canons and Nikons and enjoy your hobby. Cheers
I'm getting more serious about digital photography and have been looking closely for the ideal interchangable lense camera to allow me more flexibility, low light picture quality and superior video quality to a top rated Nikon point and shoot camera that I purchased earlier this year.
I shopped the Canon T2i, Nikon D7000, Sony A55 and considered (but could not find) the Pentax K-5. I bought the A55 because in one relatively small body, at a comparatively fair price, I have a technologically advanced package that shoots great video and 10 fps.
Right out of the box, after charging the battery, I attached an aged Minolta beercan lense I bought on eBay for less than $200 and took some terrific photos the likes of which I was never able to take before. Photos and focusing were very fast. In fact, photographing my dog playing in the snow yielded more interesting and quality shots in 10 minutes of shooting than I had experienced in the prior 6 years of photographing this animal (and that includes using my Son's Canon Rebel from time-to-time).
The A55's fast burst rate was amazing. Most of the photos were in focus and captured action shots never before accessible to this photographer. My intentions in buying this camera are to improve the quality of photographs and video of action (specifically, my kids sports). My secondary purpose is to have a terrific travel camera for global travels. The GPS tagging will be great for that.
I appreciate the history and well earned reputations of both Nikon and Canon in the still market, however Sony really has something terrific here for my purposes. Anyone not recognizing that this camera changes the game simply needs to watch sales in the marketplace shift over the next few years.
By the way, for the Nikon and Pentax lovers here, the D7000 and K-5 have a terrific sensor....thanks to Sony. It works great in the A55.
Nothing New. Canon had such a mirror in the 1n RS. That mirror enabled 10 frames per second and auto-focus with film. Sony is just the first to use it in digital.
I am so happy to see that the Sony A55 got the camera of the year award. It really deserved it.
And just for those Nikon and Canon die-hard fans. Sony Camera's just look a LOT nicer than any other camera's on the market. Especially Pentax, i would puke when i saw one of those cameras HAHA
I almost threw my magazing across the room when I started reading this article. I didn't buy a subsciption to a cinematography magazine. I was completely disappointed to see such a mediocre camera picked as what "refined or redefined photography in 2010".
Obvious from above comments that you will never be able to please everyone.
Solution: Why not have separate categories for COTY: POS: DLSR; medium format: new innovation;, etc.
Makes me laugh that Sony is shaking the Temple for all of those die-hard Nikon and Canon users.
Because the Niks and Cans cannot do video with Sony's blazing-fast focus, they knock it down!
Photography, for me at least, is all about capturing moments in time. Precious moments. If you are taking photos of your holiday and are in front of breathtaking scenery, of taking photos of your young ones playing sports, the ability to capture live action - beautifully- can only be seen as a bonus to capturing the moment. I used to carry both a cam and a camcorder, and I am no less a photographer for it - unless you are stuck in the past with the old school, while your'e at it, why not shoot with film and have your 12-shot rool processed at the drugstore? Nothing wrong with that, but don't know on those who appreciate the freedom that technology brings us, like in these great Sony products.
The Sony a55 and a33 can take breathtaking sweeping panorama photos, focus lightning-fast in BOTH photo and video, and instantly stabilize every lens you put on it. It is small, light, beautifully made, has the best LCD for viewing in direct sunlight, a reversible LCD panel, and more scene options and gizmos you can shake a stick at, yet is the most easy to use camera around if you have to let someone take the click.
What's not to like? It cracks me up to hear people ''wanting to wait until the technology is mature'' Hell, it's not real estate, a boat or a new Porshe you are buying, its just a camera. But for those who think this way, your best choice would probably be the Nikon D90, a very safe, very proven camera with great photo quality and still part of the current Nikon line - with it's first-generation video implementation and a clumsy one at that. (funny, Nikon thinks, as Canon does too, that video IS important to their fans).
But, choosing a Sony A33 or A55 is of course a more daring choice- but you only live once, right?
So, congrats for the audacity of naming the Sony a55 camera of the year - its a product that thinks ''outside the box'', and a refreshing one at that in an otherwise growing DSLR museum of me-too-pixel-count-race products (and we have not even started on Sony's NEX cameras, just as innovative in it's own right).
These new Sony's prove that photo quality and enjoyement are not mutually exclusive factors. And I don't really care if my a33 doesn't hold up it's value 4 years down the line as my ex-Nikon did. There will always be a market for used cameras with the name ''Nikon'' on them (and to a lesser extend, Canon). Considering what I am getting for a borderline-ridiculous price all things considered, this Sony is nothing less than your proverbial steal. And, my next 10,000 photos and videos (and the fun taking and sharing them) are more important to me than any future resale value.
Thanks for the opportunity given to me in voicing my opinion, and a healthy 2011 to all !
A1++ !
This isn't the camera of the year, pretty weak. Look at the Pentax K-5 versus the 2 new Sony bodies, DXOMark.
http://www.dxomark.com/index.php/en/Camera-Sensor/Compare-sensors/(appareil1)/673|0/(appareil2)/675|0/(appareil3)/676|0/(onglet)/0/(brand)/Sony/(brand2)/Sony/(brand3)/Pentax
2010 Camera of the year- Pentax K-5
Runner up Nikon D7000.
Pentax K-5 is also about $1,000.00 more than the Sony A55. So,
2010 Camera of the year - Sony A55.
I guess 90% of those who say A-55 dun deserve the award have not touched or used A-55 before. I am using one and absolutely satisfied with my purchase and i really like to take still pics, panorama pics and video with it. Almost bought 550D but A-55 is actually delighting me always.
KEEP ON ROCKING SONY!! I CANT WAIT FOR MY A55.
I ALSO SEE A LOT OF SORE LOSERS HERE.
SO BASICALLY YOU ARE SAYING PHONES SHOULDNT HAVE CAMERAS...OR LITTLE KEYBOARDS TOO RIGHT? OR IS THAT NOT A PROBLEM FOR YOU...HAHAHA.
This is one awesome camera!! I'm definitely going to get it for my first DLSR!!
I see some post talking in favor of Pentax K5, and the K5 its an outstanding camera and its no doubt on that, but I think the reason for POP Photo make the selection is for the price. The K5 cost $1,600.00 BODY and Sony A55 only 850.00 with lens kit. Maybe the comparison between those 2 is similar in image quality otherwise the K5 superbs Sony in all rounds but for the money you spend on A55 you gonna have a great image and fast response. Remember that, before Canon and Nikon were Canon and Nikon they have to be Sony First, I mean maybe in the begining those Brands (Nikon, Canon), were babies and with the time they wears the names that already has today.
Have purchased a A55 6 months ago. The camera has lots of cool features that work well and the 10fps is very impressive, however I have had a few problems with it. The zoom ring on the standard lens is stiff and its hard to zoom smoothly. Also with a 300mm lens and image stabilizer switched on, after the cameras been on for a while it can only take as little as 45 seconds of video before it overheats and switches off.