Sony Introduces α55, α33 DSLRs with Translucent Mirror (Are They Still DSLRs?)

Sony A55 SLT Digital Camera

The new Sony α55 and Sony α33 are the world’s first SLT cameras utilizing Translucent Mirror Technology which lets the camera focus and shoot simultaneously. They don’t have to raise and lower the mirror like in conventional SLRs, resulting in faster continuous speed shooting, up to 10 frames per second.

Another major benefit of the Translucent Mirror is quick AF Full HD Movie mode, the same fast, precise Phase Detection for movies that you get with stills, according to Sony.

A quick look at the specs and illustration of these new SLT (for single lens translucent) cameras indicates that both the α55 and α33 are now sporting electronic viewfinders, doing away with the optical viewfinder which is a major desirable feature of SLRs.

The 16.2-MP Sony α55 is priced at $850 with an 18-55mm kit lens, while the 14.2-MP Sony α33 will retail at $750 with the same 18-55mm kit lens.

[Site: Sony USA]

Published by Chris Malinao

Chris teaches Lightroom as workflow software to photography students at the FPPF, Federation of Philippine Photographers Foundation. He also teaches smartphone photography.