a55 DSLR Camera with 18-55mm zoom lens

This camara intrigued me enough to switch from Canon. I have only used it for 500 exposures, so I'm still getting use to this camara, but here are my first impressions: 1. I love the Geo tagging (gps info added to the images) As far as I know this is the first DSLR/SLT camara that has this build in - Canon requires a very expensive grip and you still need an external GPS receiver. Nikon has a slightly better solution, but it is still external. 2. The view finder is cool, but I come from a full frame camera which also had a good view finder. 3. The image quality is on par or better with this price range camera. I'm using "EX" sigma lenses not Sony (Also very happy with the lenses) 4. Love the rotating rear display. I shoot some glammour this weekend and all the Canon and Nikon guys where laying on the floor to get low angles, then there where all looking at me when I just fliped the screen to see it from top, held the camara low and started firing away, it was a subject of conversation. 5. Build in image Stabilazation is another great feature to this and other Alpha cameras. I had to spend so much extra money when I had my Canon to get IS featueres, not here. 6. The video was probalbly one of the other things that made me switch. My Canon took outstanding full HD1080p video, but focusing was a big issue as well as video transfere to my Mac, to do it right you had to import it with the Canon software and the export it from there - what a pain. I can work stright with the AVCHD video in Imovie or Final Cut Express (it is only 1080I or 760p) The 760p can be directly imported into aprature (AVCHD is not recognized?) 7. Panorama and HDR fetures are outstanding and blow my Canon away Things that I do not like: 1. Video has very limited time before you have to take a breake or it overheats (9min +/-) - they do not advertise that ;) . So do not think that you can through away your camcorder just yet. There are lot's of discussions about the lack of manual control, it is not a big deal to me. 2. It is not a good studio camara. When I put the camera into manual control and set the settings to work with my studio strobes, I hardly see my model in the viewfinder or display. I have to use low aptreture settings or high ISO to be able to see anything, missing out on details. Now this camera is not advertised as a pro camera and it is a great alaround and travel camera, but I thing this is just a limitation of the SLT technology, since the viewfinder is a mini display and not a glass prism. (I will edit this review, should I find a work around for this) - Edit: Listed in the comments are some discussions in reguards of this point. 3. Tha lack of a grip - I have big hands and this is a compact camera and I love grips even for bigger cameras. All around I thing this is a lot of bang for the buck and has unique features theat easily off set the down sides. I can't wait to see how Sony is going to further develop this and their other Alhpa cameras.

Finally got the A55 couple of days ago. There are a lot of features in this camera (I am a slow learner). Just some quick feedback from a newbie. This is my first DSLR - my last SLR was a Canon AE1 - which I really enjoyed (talk about ancient!). I have had a couple of digital P&S (Canon G2 and sd860). I bought this to build a system around the alpha mount, if I didn't like it I figured I could just sell this and move on to another system. 1. Size/weight: Quite a difference in "heft". It is even lighter than the Canon G2. I don't think it is a bad thing though. It is easier to carry around. 2. Feel: It does feel somewhat cheap (with the kit lens). Not sure if it this is an indication of build quality. So long as it withstands the inevitable "bumps" I am okay. Only time will tell. I guess if one is careful, it should be okay. 3. Pictures/IQ: I have not had a lot of chances to explore the different modes yet. Like I said above, there are way too many choices for me. My only experience so far has been at the Saturday soccer game, mid-afternoon, outdoors, sunny. Really liked the 10 fps, I felt that the camera did not track the subject as I had wanted it to (I may be doing something wrong here). Unfortunately, I only had a class 4 SDHC with me (not the limit though, as I never held the shutter down long enough to get more than 8 shots. jpeg/fine mode). The kit lens (18-55mm) is not the best choice here (for sports/action). I do not pixel peep, but like to view it on my 23" full screen and found the images to be quite nice. Never ran into any overheat issues during the shooting. 4. Video: This seems to be the overarching concern with this camera with the sensor overheat issues. Did a simple test, shot video inside the home (about 69 deg F/21 deg C), and the overheat warning came on at ~7:45min and camera shut down at ~8:45min. The SSS was on and I handheld the camera (let it AF on various objects). I don't think this to be a limitation. The video quality was good, but the mic did pick up some noise from the SAM motor (in the lens). 5. Battery: The battery runs out fairly quickly. It is somewhat weak to support this camera/features. I would like a new battery, but am waiting to see if I can find some good batteries from the third party manufacturers (reviews found here show them to have some size issues). Sony battery is too expensive. 6. LCD/EVF: It will take me a while to get used to the EVF. For whatever reason keeping my eye on the EVF, then defocusing, makes me feel dizzy. I had become very reliant on the LCD (from my digital P&S), I guess. The LCD smudges very easily, but is really nice. Final thoughts: I have nothing more to add than what has already been said. I am being guarded in my comments till I have had a chance to play/explore with all options on this camera, and will update this review. This is a keeper for me. My experience so far has prompted me to buy the following (haven't got them yet): a) Panasonic 8 GB High Speed 22MB/s SDHC Class 10 Memory Card RP-SDW08GU1K b) Digital Camera Anti-Fingerprint Display Protection Film (Pro Guard AF) for Sony Alpha NEX-5 / NEX-3 and Alpha 55 / 33 c) Sony 55-200mm f/4-5.6 SAM DT Telephoto Zoom Lens for Sony Alpha Digital SLR Cameras I would like to add more lenses. I am concerned about the size of camera - will the mount be stressed by the heavier lenses? I am interested in getting the Tamron/Sigma 70-200mm/f2.8 (more appropriate for sports/action), then a few primes (CZ 135, Sony 50/1.4) to start with. I will update after I get these lenses/try them with this camera.

I am back to removeable lenses again. That's not a bad thing. I had ventured away when I traded in my Nikon film camera for a Nikon Coolpix 5700 - all 5 megapixels! I shot weddings and family pictures for years. I replaced that with a Panasonic ZS3 - which was a great camera for what it did, small, great zoom, 10.1 meg sensor. When the ZS10 came out, I treated myself to the upgrade, and passed the ZS3 on - and quickly wished I hadn't - the ZS10 had a 14.1 CMOS sensor that just set Panasonic back years! I was ready for a really great camera and churned thru reviews for weeks - I decided on the Sony a55 with a Sigma 18-250 zoom - and I am never looking back! I will return to complete the review, but just have to say - right now - what a great combination! For the money, this camera is the best in class... Crisp, clear, beautiful shots every time - the camera has a wonderful help feature that just begs to be used. I did get the fastest memory card I could find! SanDisk Extreme Pro 32 GB SDHC - UHS Class 1 Flash Memory Card SDSDXP1-032G Edit - 10/18/2011 - Very happy with the a55/Sigma 18-250 combination. I have not been tempted to purchase a strobe, the camera is amazing. The software inside has enough tricks up its sleeve to pull good photos from dark places, Sony's Hand-Held Nightshot feature is worth the price on it's own! There are times when the camera will not take the picture, but it is always when it tells me to turn off auto-focus and twist the lens by hand. The picture could be sharper - if I coughed up 2K for a prime lens. The camera satisfies, and my wallet still has $$$ in it! Edit - 2/22/12 - This camera is so good that I now have purchased two prime lenses. The Sony/Carl Zeiss partnership has impressed me, and now I have the 24mm (actual: 36mm) and the 85mm (actual: 127.5mm). Sony SAL-24F20Z 24mm f/2.0 A-mount Wide Angle Lens Sony SAL-85F14Z 85mm f1.4 Carl Zeiss Planar T Coated Telephoto Lens for Sony Alpha Digital SLR Camera I also now own the Sony HVL-F58AM High-Power Digital Camera Flash Sony HVL-F58AM High-Power Digital Camera Flash with Wireless Ratio Control and Quick Shift Bounce for Sony Alpha Digital SLR - what a combo! My collection will keep me busy for years, these items are heirloom material - that good! update 6/26/12 - My purchase of the prime lenses has revealed a slight problem with the Sony a55... all outside landscapes have a slightly out-of-focus horizon, as if all my lenses cannot quite focus at infinity. In some internet research, I have found others with the same observation - which has me slightly puzzled. It seems the Sony autofocus program might be a little off, choosing to use a nearer focus to average the entire focal plane - I found a great set of user-adjustments which can easily be done with a 1.5mm mini-wrench and will try doing this soon. I will get back here to review how this affects focus. Shooting close-ups and mid-range the camera is rock-solid in providing crisp clear images, only the landscapes show the softness, with all my lenses. I admit to pixel-peeping, you will not see the problem under normal use... update 1/10/13 - I did adjust the sensor distance-to-lens, and am happy with the auto-focus. I would leave this to the pros, but if you send the body in for tis service, they use a boot when a tickle will suffice... I downloaded some focus targets especially made for the task, and had them professionally printed, kind of a large job... Update 1/20/14 - :( It appears the shutter broke while shooting yesterday. If this is true, I scold Sony on their design on the a55, as there are other disappointed internet-savvy customers complaining about this particular problem. I cannot financially justify sending the body in for repair, as a replacement body - used - is around $250. I just ordered a used a77 on Amazon for what the repair may have cost... onwards... Update 8/14/14 - The replacement a77 I purchased from Amazon works perfectly! The a77 is such a far better camera body than the a55. Spend the money and purchase quality the first time...

I own this camera. I'm a Nikon owner from way back and own a Nikon d90, but researched this camera and it's technology, and after using it I rate it 5 stars because it does everything but butter your bread! Unbelievable images!!!!!! I'll not review the attributes of this Sony because it's already been done previously, but honestly, it's probably the most awesome buy on the market now! No, I'm SURE it is!!!!!! Be aware though that this camera is substantially smaller than your average DSLR, and may take some getting used to, but I like it as a quick shooting alternative. I'll let you know more when I receive my new Nikon D7000, for a comparison. But in summary if you're contemplating purchasing this Sony, GO FOR IT! UPDATE: November 12, 2010- Just returned from Italy with this camera and My Nikon d90, and I will have to say this camera is AMAZING! Yes, the d90 takes amazing shots and deserves praise, but this new Sony also deserves alot of praise. The Sony is lighter, easier to handle (for me, I have average-size hands), is FAST, SUPER EASY TO NAVIGATE AND OPERATE, and most importantly, takes awesome shots!!! After going over 1000 shots and interpreting the quality, the Sony performed with 5 stars, plus it's just so damn easy to shoot, and the added features were really very useful. I still rate it 5 stars, but will update when I receive my new d7000.

I bought this camera specifically for my trip to Central America. My hope was that the camera would be durable enough to bring it to the beach...I was wrong. I literally was able to bring it to the beach once (trying my best to not expose it to ocean mist or sand) and the next day the camera wouldnt take pictures, only video. Now Sony is telling me that the repairs will cost $450!!!! More than half the cost of the camera! I guess if you are taking pictures of flowers in your garden or in controlled environments where nothing can go wrong, this is a good camera. If your plan is to bring it on an adventure, I would stay away from this camera...it is way to fragile.

I purchased a Sony A55 (with lens) whilst in the USA (i reside in the UK) as i travel there frequently. After around 2 months i had noticed that this model (I had previously purchased a Sony A300 btw) didnt take shots at night correctly - very frequently blurring (i have 6 lenses which i tried against it - all started to do the same eventually)... Being a long term Sony user and supporter i thought that maybe it was myself (as i'm not a pro camera user) and i needed to understand the settings , etc... exactly 32 days later - the Sony A55 decided to stop working... i couldnt anymore attach a lense of any kind - because once i did - the camera body started going into a continous loop as if it was autofaocusing (to which i turned off all auto focus features and lenses)... howeer this didnt help... with a lense attached - very stranegly the camera would not let me go into any menu option... almost like the software was working oddly... anyway - to cut a long story short - i contact amazon as i purchased it from here and they sold this directly to me - to which they would no longer exchange it - despite the fact it was a few days after i purchased it and it went out of the 30 days warranty .. As i travel frequently and havent been able to get back to the states (been in far east for a while) - i now sit with a camera which costs $799.00 and cannot be used under any circumstances.... Sony a55 DSLR Camera with 18-55mm zoom lens

Great Image Quality with kit lens. Fast Auto Focus in all modes. Compact & Light Weight. One reviewer has compared to Canon 7D,that is at least twice the price for camera & lenses. Good Ergonomic bridge between point & shoot & larger DSLR. Live View & EVF are superb. A FUN camera for working settings. Sony has a real winner. UPDATE I purchased this camera when it was introduced six months ago, and have read a number of different reviews. Here is my take. One reviewer said this camera is not for everyone. {AGREE} Here are +&- from my use. Cons- 1. This is not a studio camera. 2. Movie Mode is for 4-5 min. clips. 3. Does not have all features of Canon or Nikon. 4. Small size. Positives. 1. Great out door action. I have taken some great pics of dogs & kids. Fast Focus is unbelievable. Also some great landscape photos with a Tokina 11-16. Image quality is Excellent. 2.Movie Clips are fine for me. Great Quality. 3. I also use Canon 5D Mark 2 for features. 4.I stated in my initial review, camera is great bridge in size between point & shoot and full size DSLR. I like this. You will not get similar Image Quality with any Point & Shoot. Camera has won D Preview Gold & Pop Photo Camera of the year. If the positives are important, this camera is for you & 5 STARS.

I had some serious doubts at the time on buying an Alpha or a Canon. In my opinion, Sony has more interesting features for amateurs while Canon has a greater variety of accessories at a cheaper price. I have no regrets; despite having to pay a bit higher price on accessories such as lens and batteries, I really like it mainly because I can use it on manual for full control, or enjoy the great automatic features such as panoramic, 3D, HDR, colorize when I'm in the mood just for fun. High speed is also great for taking photos of children. GPS had not inspired me at first but now I find it great to see the photos on a map. The only downside on my opinion is the lack of an optical viewfinder, which I find drains the battery a bit. Limited video recording time due to heating is also not so great, especially where I live, but I can live with it since my videos are usually short duration.