August 28, 2010

Sony A33 vs. A55 - What's the difference between the two cameras?


On 24, August 2010, Sony has announced two new translucent mirror (SLT) cameras, the Sony SLT-A55 (α55) and Sony SLT-A33 (α33). I have heard many people asking about the differences between the A33 and the A55, and how they compare one against each other. So in this post, you can understand the differences between them.



Sensor
Sony A55 is the more expensive from the two. Sony α55 has a higher resolution CMOS sensor with 16.2MP (effective), vs the Sony α33 has a 14.6MP (effective) CMOS sensor. It's actually the same Exmor™ APS HD CMOS Sensor, but with different pixel densities. This is an excellent sensor, which its technology was used in the Sony NEX-5 & NEX-3 EVIL cameras. Its performance in high ISO is excellent, according to earlier reviews and hands-on previews.

Furthermore, the A55 offers a maximum resolution of 4912 x 3264 pixels, and a minimum resolution of 2448 x 1376 pixels. On the other hand, the Sony A33 offers a maximum resolution of 4592 x 3056 pixels, and minimum resolution of 2288 x 1280 pixels. The both have identical sensor size. However, because the α55 hs more pixels on the same size sensor, the pixel density of the Sony SLT-A55 is 4.4 MP/cm². In the A33, the pixel density is lower, 3.9 MP/cm². Furthermore, both digital SLT (single lens translucent) cameras support the same High ISO sensitivities, from 100, up to 25600 with boost.

Continuous Shooting
There is also a difference in continuous shooting burst rates. With the Sony Alpha A33, you can shoot 6fps (AE: max 7ps), while in the Sony Alpha A55, you can shoot 6fps (AE: max 10fps). That means that at their basic settings, the A33 & A55 can both achieve 6fps, but in Continuous Priority AE mode, The α55 can reach a maximum burst of 10fps (with tracking AF), while the α33 can reach 7fps (with tracking AF).

Sony Alpha A33 has a continuous shooting buffer, which allows it to store 16 frames (JPEG Fine), 20 frames (JPEG Standard), 7 frames (RAW) and 7 frames (RAW+JPEG). On the Sony Alpha A55, the buffer can store up to 35 frames (JPEG Fine), 39 frames (JPEG Standard), 20 frames (RAW) and 20 frames (RAW+JPEG). Taking into consideration that the A55 has higher resolution, it is a really nice achievement in my opinion. Take into consideration taht the continuous shooting burst rate might vary, according to the memory card speed and the available shooting conditions.

Battery Life
Both Sony Alpha Translucent Mirror cameras, are not the best in the field, in terms of battery life. Even so, the Sony Alpha A33 gives you a battery life (CIPA standard) with approximately up to 340 images. The Sony Alpha A55 give you a battery life up to 380 images.

Weight
Although exactly the same size, the Sony A33 weights 433g, and the A55 weights 441g.


Price
Sony Alpha A33 is cheaper, it's retail price stands on $649.99, while the A55 retail price stands on $749.99, according to SonyStyle.com website. Prices may change, so make sure you visit SonyStyle.com for updated prices.

Summary
Well, apparently, that's it. You can see from the above comparison, that they almost the same cameras. The differences are minor. The A55 has a slight advantage in terms of battery life, burst rate, and megapixels. The Sony A33 is a bit lighter than the A55. I am also waiting to see the difference in image quality. Maybe because this A33 has less pixels, maybe it will outperform the A55 in terms of high-ISO performance, just maybe.


14 comments:

  1. Thanks for the post, I have been waiting for sony's video ready dslr for a year now. I bought a Sony A200 2 years ago and have invested in some good lenses. To be honest its about the video for me, and if the image quality between the two camera's are the same I would probably go for a33 and use the savings to get a nice shoulder rig.
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  2. The A-55 also has GPS tagging if anyone cares. I don't and pan to get the A-33.
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  3. I was waiting several years for a replacement of my 6 years old Konica-Minolta Dynax 7D, and for the first time there is a camera with moveable, high resolution screen, manual focusing aid (the enlargement of the center screen) and full AF video recording. I have invested in large number of lens, and this can be the first true answer. About the controversy, I prefers the lower pixel density of the A33, as the GPS included in the A55 is of marginal interest for me, but battery life is another thing. Maybe invest in a replacement pair of extra batteries is a good use for the money saved electing the A33 instead of the A55!
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  4. I hear many photographers who are a very disappointed that Sony didn't enable a 24p frame rate HD video recording. I think that people who will buy the Sony A55/A33, will probably do it for the in-camera GPS and Image stabilization, 1080p/60i HD movie recording and the 10fps continuous shooting.

    For my next online project, in-camera GPS receiver can really help shortening my workflow. Of course we still need to see if the in-camera GPS receiver is good accurate and have a good signal, compared to external GPS devices.

    Sony has a very "aggreive" approach to innovation. Sony has probably set itself a target for 2010/2011, to grab a larger share in the DSLR & Mirrorless market. The Sony A55 is a great little camera. Amateur photographers will like it because it is fully packed with everything you want in an entry-level camera and the price is just right.

    The difference in price between the A33 and the A55 is $100. So you pay a bit more for better burst speed (7fps vs 10fps), built-in GPS receiver and higher resolution. I am eager to see new Sony A55 in-depth reviews. I guess we will be a bit smarter when those lab test reviews come out.

    Happy shooting.
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  5. I bought the A33, after careful consideration the continually in tune focus was really the selling point for me. None of the similarly priced cameras, from what I read, will come close to the accuracy of the autofocus when it is necessary, meaning I will not hear "come on already, we are tired of waiting, take the shot already".

    I wanted to gain experience with the camera prior to taking it on a Panama Canal cruise, hopefully it will meet all my expectations
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  6. Review fails to point our that A55 has GPS, whereas A33 does not.
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  7. just wondering they both offer live view (full)correct??
    also do eithe roffer face detection,smile detection and panarama options??
    do lcd screens still swivel ect??
    Thanks
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  8. Only a55v has gps. That model is only sold in US.
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  9. A55 has much better sensot (dxomark)
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  10. The A55 does not have a "much better sensor" at all. Both resolve the same amount of detail really.

    The A33 suffers less from overheating, which is a problem while recording video with the stabilizer enabled. The A33 allows for longer video recording.
    I have *actually* seen the A33 cop out while recording with an overheating message.
    This was indoors in the winter. But only once.

    I think the a33 is the better choice.
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  11. so can some of you folks come to the conclusion? which is the better one ?
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  12. the more expensive one is obviously better but the question is, is it worth the extra bit of money?
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  13. i would go for the a33...as gps is not a necessity from my point of view...cause i wud obviously know where i took the picture
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  14. I shoot my 11 and 9 year old playing hockey. IS the a55 that much better for that?
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