The Sony α55 (model variants SLT-A55V with GPS, SLT-A55 without GPS depending on country) is a midrange-level SLT camera, released in August 2010.
Its design is novel due to its being the first digital single-lens translucent camera (SLT), along with the Sony α33. As an SLT it employs a semi-transparent mirror instead of an opaque mirror, which enables phase detection autofocus in live view.
The design also replaces the optical viewfinder present in conventional DSLR with a high-resolution electronic viewfinder. The translucent mirror is fixed in position so does not have to flip up to take a still image, enabling rapid continuous shots of up to 10 frames per second. The static mirror also eliminates "mirror slap", the noise produced by the movement of the mirror during a shutter actuation, making the A55 quieter than standard DSLRs.
The A55 is one of the first four Sony Alpha DSLR / SLT cameras with video mode included, capable of 1080i. It is also capable of shooting 1080p at 30fps. The SLT design means that it is capable of using phase-detection autofocus during video recording. It has body-integrated image stabilization, and a 16.2 MPx APS-C CMOS sensor.
The camera's body-integrated image stabilization produces heat, causing the camera to stop video recording after these recording times:
| Model name | Ambient temperature | Image Stabilization | |
|---|---|---|---|
| On | Off | ||
| α55 (SLT-A55V) | 20 °C (68 °F) | 9 min | Approx. 29 minutes |
| 30 °C (86 °F) | 6 min | 13 minutes | |
| 40 °C (104 °F) | 3 min | 5 minutes | |
| α33 (SLT-A33) | 20 °C (68 °F) | 11 min | Approx. 29 minutes |
| 30 °C (86 °F) | 7 min | Approx. 22 minutes | |
| 40 °C (104 °F) | 4 min | 9 minutes | |
Features
- Konica Minolta A-mount lens bayonet.