A couple of days ago, Sony announced new DSLR model Alpha 550 (A550), together with Alpha 550.
The new models employs a new Exmor™ CMOS sensor (like Canon that always used CMOS sensor in DSLR) and enhances live view mode with Face Detection and the possibility of having a focus confirmation when in manual focus.
Other addition/improvements:
- Auto HDR (high dynamic range): a very cool features that captures two shots and in just a couple of seconds it align them automatically to create a high range image. This is a unique feature so far: just Pentax K7 has an auto HDR function but without the auto-alignment so you have to shoot on a tripod.
- sensitivity up to ISO 12800 - most probably quite useless for high noise, this extremely high ISO is a recent trend also from Canon, unfortunately;
- improved noise reduction algorithm.
- sensor: 14.2 megapixels and 921'000 pixels LCD. Here you have the differences between A550 and A500 that has less pixels on sensor and on LCD.
Initial price around $ 1000 with 18-55 mm kit lens.
The camera offers the useful tilte-angle LCD, a handy feature to shoot in awkward positions, taken from the compact cameras into DSLR world: Sony and Olympus wisely did that, while Nikon and Canon not yet (hopefully one day).
It should be available in stores from next October.