It's all about speed and precision. Capture the decisive moment with the α55V, Sony's top-of-the-line Translucent Mirror Technology™ DSLR. Now you can focus and shoot simultaneously for fast, precise performance. And because the mirror never moves, the time needed to raise and lower the mirror is eliminated. This all helps continuous shooting up to 10 frames per second, complete with continuous auto focus. Auto focus is also visibly faster in Live View and HD Movie modes. There's also built-in GPS photo tagging that lets you map your memories on your compatible computer.

Features:

• Unprecedented Image Capture

  Unlike other DSLRs that can either shoot or focus with the speed and precision of Phase Detection AF, the SLT-A55V is the world's first DSLR that can do both simultaneously(1). Featuring an unprecedented Translucent Mirror, the α55V DSLR camera is able to feed both the image sensor and the Phase Detection at the same time.

• Professional Class Shooting Speeds

  By transforming the fundamental way DSLR cameras work, you'll experience best-in-class speed(3), up to 10 fps continuous shooting at full 16.2MP resolution with exposure fixed at the first frame. This is made possible by a Translucent Mirror that always stays in place. You also get standard continuous shooting at up to 6 fps.

• Astonishing HD Video Capture

  Experience a revolutionary breakthrough in video capture when shooting fast-moving subjects. The α55V is the world's first camera with the precision of Phase Detection auto focus (AF) for HD Movies(1). Translucent Mirror Technology not only enables full-time phase-detection AF for photos, it also delivers the same speed and precision for Full HD movies.

• Spectacular Resolution and Detail

  Featuring a large 16.2-megapixel Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor, you'll achieve beautiful image quality during both still-photo and movie shooting. Rich tonal gradation and highlight/shadow detail are assured by the BIONZ image processing engine which supports high-speed continuous shooting, advanced digital compositing, and Full HD movie recording.

• Advanced Still Shooting Features

  Expand your creativity with advanced imaging features including built-in Auto HDR, which captures more scene contrast by combining the best highlight detail from one shot and the best shadow detail into one unbelievable shot. Map your journey via an integrated GPS receiver, or use 3D Sweep Panorama Mode to automatically capture expansive landscapes.

• Versatile Shooting Options

  Use both the LCD monitor and Electronic Viewfinder to compose your shots. An all-electronic design enables a wide range of shooting information to be displayed in the finder and on the LCD monitor. Both provide a what-you-see-is-what-you-get preview of white balance, focus, depth of field, exposure and 100% framing accuracy, plus on-screen displays.

Translucent Mirror Technology™

Other DSLRs can shoot. Or they can focus with the speed and precision of Phase Detection AF. They cannot do both at once. The SLT-A55 is the world’s first DSLR with Translucent Mirror Technology™ that directs light to both the image sensor and the Phase Detection AF sensor simultaneously.

16.2 megapixel resolution

You get incredible detail and gorgeous enlargements. Thanks to the 16.2 megapixel APS-C sensor size and Sony® Exmor™ APS HD CMOS technology, the camera achieves high resolution with no penalty in low-light sensitivity or sensor noise.

Full HD 1080/60i movies(1)

This is one of the very few DSLRs with 1080/60i Full HD, exactly the same resolution and frame rate as most broadcast and cable HDTV channels. Records in 1080/60i AVCHD™ format, 1080/30p high definition in PC-friendly MP4 format and standard definition 480/30p in MP4 format.(1)

Auto HDR built into camera

Captures more scene dynamic range than a single exposure can handle—and more range than photo film. Combines the best highlight detail from one shot, the best mid-tones from a second and the best shadow detail from a third for one incredible shot. Captures in a split second. (Recommended for still subjects.)

Eye-Level Electronic Viewfinder

The Tru-finder™ Electronic Viewfinder (EVF) is super bright, easy to see with 1.1x magnification, ultra-sharp with 1.44 million dots (1.15 effective) and provides 100% frame coverage. Exposure preview and informative overlays make operation easy.

Tilt/swivel 3” LCD screen(2)

Tilt it up or down to frame high- and low-angle shots that would otherwise be hit-or-miss. Tilt and swivel under the camera for self-portraits. Fold it flush to the camera with the LCD exposed for shooting or protected for travel.

Live View in LCD or EVF

You can use both the LCD monitor and Electronic Viewfinder for composing shots. Both provide a what-you-see-is-what-you-get preview of white balance, focus, depth of field, exposure and 100% framing accuracy, plus informative on-screen displays.

AUTO+ (Advanced Auto) mode

Get cleaner, more dynamic pictures and fewer missed shots. Unifies and simplifies Sony intelligent technologies, the camera automatically recognizes the correct scene mode, then quickly shoots and combines up to six shots to produce images with greater clarity, optimum dynamic range using Auto HDR technology and lower image noise using 6 shots layering technology.

Pro-style “rack focus” movie effect

A hallmark of today’s movies is the “rack focus” effect, when the cinematographer changes focus between background and foreground subjects. This usually involves careful planning, a tape measure and dedicated a crew member for “pulling” focus. With the SLT-A55V, you can perform this pro-style effect simply by changing the selected AF Area within the frame.

Graphic Display

Clarifies the relationship between aperture and shutter speed, as well as the effect each has on photographic results.

1200-Zone exposure metering

Reads exposure directly from the main image sensor. Choice of Multi, Center and Spot metering accommodates a full range of shooting situations.

Powerful supplied software

To help you refine and manage your images and video, the camera is equipped with computer software including Image Data Converter SR, Image Data Lightbox SR and Picture Motion Browser (PMB).(8)

HDMI™ output for HD viewing

Enjoy HD movies and stunning still images on a compatible HDTV. The camera includes an HDMI™ output(9). In addition, the BRAVIA® Sync system works with compatible Sony® BRAVIA HDTVs enabling you to control camera playback using the television's remote(4).

Up to 330 Shots of battery life(5)

Take up to 330 shots on a single charge with Sony® Stamina™ battery power.(5) Sony's InfoLITHIUM® battery system enables you to see the percent of power remaining, so you can keep shooting in confidence.

Built-in Auto Pop-Up Flash

To help you shoot more effectively, the built-in flash automatically pops up and fires as needed when the camera is set to certain scene selection modes. The built-in flash can also trigger a wireless accessory flash (sold separately). The integrated hot shoe enables you to expand your lighting options with a range of accessory flashes (sold separately).

PhotoTV HD compatibility(6)

Optimizes compatible BRAVIA® televisions for gorgeous display of digital pictures.(6)

Quick AF for Full HD Movie(3) Capture

When most DSLRs shoot video, their Contrast AF is slow and visibly “hunts” for focus. The Quick AF Full HD Movie(1) retains the same fast, precise Phase Detection you enjoy for still images. It’s a decisive advantage for tracking fast-moving subjects and a major benefit of Translucent Mirror Technology™.

Sony® Exmor™ technology

Conventional image sensors use only a handful of analog-to-digital (A/D) converters, which can slow you down. The Exmor™ sensor provides more than 4,000 column-parallel A/D converters. This helps enable continuous shooting at up to 10 frames per second.

Hand-held Night Shot

Get cleaner and sharper nighttime pictures—beyond the capability of traditional cameras—without using flash or a tripod. The camera captures six images in a fraction of a second. Combining the data with separate algorithms for still and moving parts of the picture reduces blur, minimizes noise and enables extraordinary detail.

Built-in GPS

An integrated GPS receiver records the location and time of every shot you take and lets you view your images on a map with compatible computer and Internet applications, so you can remember where you took your favorite shots.

15-point Auto Focus

To maximize the value of Translucent Mirror Technology™, Sony incorporates Phase Detection AF of great sophistication. Three cross sensors maximize precision.

Main Sensor Quick AF Live View

This the world’s first DSLR to combine the optimum focus of Phase Detection with high quality Live View images right from the main sensor. This is made possible by Sony® Translucent Mirror Technology™. You get accurate images and 100% framing on the LCD monitor or eye-level viewfinder.

ISO 12800 sensitivity

Incredibly clear low-light pictures without sacrificing detail, made possible by the low-noise Exmor™ APS HD CMOS image sensor and refined BIONZ® image processor.

Powerful creative control over movies

While the camera offers fully automatic movie shooting(1), you can also control aperture (A mode w/ MF only), white balance and select Creative Style. During a movie shot, you can change the metering mode and adjust exposure compensation.

Help Guide

Provides ready reference to advanced camera functions, helping to develop your confidence and skills as a photographer.

Dynamic Range Optimizer (DRO)

Improves results with backlit subjects and recovers details hidden in shadows. Settings include Auto, Level with a choice of five operating levels and Off.

SteadyShot™ INSIDE stabilization

Image stabilization reduces blur by compensating for camera shake. Typical DSLR systems build image stabilization into selected lenses only. SteadyShot™ INSIDE image stabilization is built into the camera body itself. You'll reduce blur with every a-mount lens, including macro and wide-aperture standard zoom lenses.

Smile Shutter™ technology

Captures a smile the moment it happens. Simply select the Smile Shutter™ mode and the camera takes the picture automatically. You can prioritize children or adults and adjust the smile sensitivity.

Six Creative Style settings

Control how the camera processes your images with six finishing styles: Standard, Vivid, B&W, Sunset, Portrait and Landscape. You can even fine-tune contrast, saturation, and sharpness to your personal taste.

Anti-Dust Technology

Anti-Dust Technology helps keep the CMOS sensor clean, resulting in consistently clear pictures. First a static-free coating on the sensor's low-pass filter helps repel dust. Then vibration automatically dislodges dust from the sensor.

Slot for two media types

For cost-effective, convenient storage and sharing of your images, the camera accepts Memory Stick PRO Duo™/Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo™ and SD/SDHC/SDXC media (Class 4 or higher recommended). (Memory card is required. All are sold separately.)

Remote capability

Works with the RMT-DSLR1 Remote Commander® wireless remote control, sold separately.

10 frames per second continuous

The translucent mirror makes it far easier to capture the decisive soccer kick or your baby at her absolute cutest. The Sony® SLT-A55V camera shoots full, 16.2 MP resolution pictures at up to 10 fps while maintaining continuous auto focus and auto exposure.

APS-C size HD CMOS image sensor

With 19.5 times the area of the typical camcorder image sensor(7), APS-C makes the difference between amateur and professional-looking video, delivering an exceptional combination of high resolution, high sensitivity and gorgeous, blurred backgrounds.

Multi-frame NR

Experience incredible low-light shooting without a flash. The camera captures six images in a fraction of a second. Combining the data from all six, it creates a single image with a reduction in noise equivalent to two additional steps of ISO sensitivity. Sensitivity selectable up to ISO 25600. (Recommended for still subjects.)

3D Sweep Panorama™ Mode(3)

Capture vast scenic vistas and 16:9 shots in spectacular 3D. As you sweep across the panorama, the camera records separate right-eye and left-eye images that make landscapes come alive on your 3D television(3). Records both JPEG and MPO file formats.

Eye-level finder for HD Movie

The eye-level finder is one of the reasons people love DSLRs. But that finder goes dark whenever you shoot HD Movies. Until now. The Sony® SLT-A55V enables you to shoot movies with the added stability you get holding the camera up to your face and using the eye-level finder for framing a scene and focus.

921K dot TruBlack™ LCD screen

Sony's Xtra Fine LCD™ monitor has 921K dots for superb resolution. The TruBlack™ screen includes a special resin layer to suppress internal reflections, increasing contrast compared to conventional LCDs. Sunny Weather mode boosts visibility even further in bright sunlight.

Phase Detection Auto Focus

While Contrast Detection AF often hunts for correct focus, Phase Detection AF knows exactly where correct focus is, and goes straight for it. The Sony® SLT-A55V is the world’s first consumer camera to provide Phase Detection AF when capturing HD movies as well as during still image capture, either using the viewfinder or Live View on the LCD.

Sweep Panorama™ Mode

Capture expansive landscapes automatically. Press the shutter and sweep vertically or horizontally. The camera does the rest, continuously shooting images and stitching them together. Up to 23 MP image size.

Compact, lightweight deign

Eliminating the moving mirror also reduces the camera’s size and weight. It’s not just remarkably advanced; it’s notably small and light.

BIONZ® image processor

The brains of the camera is a refined version of Sony's BIONZ® image processor. Its chroma noise reduction delivers high-resolution, low-noise photos even at ISO 12800 sensitivity. Also enables 10 fps continuous shooting at full resolution, Sweep Panorama™ mode and more.

RAW image capture

Saves your pictures as compact JPEG files or ultra-high quality RAW files or both. RAW files save images prior to de-mosaicing, white balance, sharpness and color enhancement. This retains maximum latitude for enhancing the image on your PC.

Face Detection technology

The camera can automatically detect up to eight individual faces and adjust focus, exposure, white balance and flash to help deliver crisp, properly lit images of family and friends. Can prioritize children or adults.

Eight Scene Selection Modes

These help you get the shot by optimizing the camera for specific shooting situations. Select from Portrait, Sports Action, Macro, Landscape, Sunset, Night View, Night Portrait and Handheld Twilight Shot modes.

P/A/S/M exposure modes

The camera offers a full range of controls from the beginner's AUTO+ mode to P/A/S/M: Program, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority and Manual. On-screen prompts help you refine your skills, build your confidence and exercise greater creative control.

Versatile on-screen displays

Informative displays in the LCD monitor and electronic viewfinder include digital level gauge, graphic display of exposure settings.

Index and Slide Show Display

Quickly review your photos using 6- or 12-frame index views, or as an automatic slide show with fade-in/fade-out effect.

1. Movie recording is limited to segments of 29 minutes, maximum. When using movie mode Memory Stick PRO Duo with MARK2 logo, Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo, or Class 4 or higher for SD/SDHC media are recommended.

2. Viewable area measured diagonally

3. 3D viewing requires 3D HDTV, a high speed HDMI™ cable (supporting at least 10.2 Gbps) connection and 3D glasses (all sold separately).

4. Works with other BRAVIA® Sync or Theatre Sync™ labeled HDTVs when connected via HDMI interface. Mini-HDMI-to-HDMI cable required, sold separately.

5. When fully charged. Actual results may vary based on product settings, usage patterns and environmental conditions.

6. PhotoTV HD viewing requires compatible BRAVIA® HDTV and HDMI™ or component cable (all sold separately).

7. More than 19.5 times the area of 1/2.88-inch type sensor of the Sony HDR-CX550V.

8. PMB requires Microsoft® Windows® XP SP3/ Windows Vista® SP2/ Windows 7. Mac OS® not supported. Movie format is compatible with iMovie® ‘09 or later versions.

9. HD Viewing requires a mini-HDMI-to-HDMI cable and compatible HDTV, both sold separately.