Sony SLT-A33 Review | 108 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£130
  • Avg. price in US: ~$150
  • Sensor size: APS-C
  • Lens mount: Sony A
  • Main camera pixel size: 5.16 µm
  • Weight: 500 g
  • Battery life (CIPA): 340 shots

Sony SLT-A33 review. Compare 108 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among cameras and if it is worth buying.

5.6

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the camera's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best cameras on the market.

Score components:

90.0%

5.6

Technical Score

10.0%

?

User score

Good
5.6

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the camera's technical performance, covering eight key areas: image quality, autofocus, video features, stabilization, lens compatibility, connectivity, battery, and design.

When it matters: When you want to compare cameras based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

28.0%

6.2

Sensor & Image

25.0%

5.7

Photo Features

18.0%

4.9

Video & Audio

14.0%

6.5

Display & Design

8.0%

5.0

Battery & Power

7.0%

2.6

Connectivity & Storage

Good
?

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the camera.

When it matters: When real-world owner satisfaction and review volume matter to your decision.

Score components:

70.0%

?

User reviews

30.0%

?

Popularity

  • 5.7
    Professional photography

    Score components:

    25.0%

    8.8

    Sensor size

    20.0%

    5.3

    Main camera megapixels

    20.0%

    1.0

    Dual card slots

    15.0%

    1.5

    N. of focus points

    10.0%

    10

    RAW photo capture

    10.0%

    10

    Phase-detection autofocus (photos)

  • 5.8
    Travel

    Score components:

    35.0%

    6.3

    Weight

    30.0%

    4.9

    Battery life (CIPA)

    20.0%

    10

    Sensor-shift stabilization

    15.0%

    1.0

    GPS

  • 7.3
    Beginners

    Score components:

    30.0%

    9.8

    Price

    20.0%

    6.3

    Weight

    20.0%

    10

    AF tracking

    20.0%

    4.9

    Battery life (CIPA)

    10.0%

    1.0

    Touchscreen

  • 8.3
    Landscape photography

    Score components:

    30.0%

    5.3

    Main camera megapixels

    25.0%

    8.8

    Sensor size

    20.0%

    10

    Main camera pixel size

    15.0%

    10

    Sensor-shift stabilization

    10.0%

    10

    RAW photo capture

  • 5.7
    Street photography

    Score components:

    30.0%

    6.3

    Weight

    25.0%

    3.5

    Thickness

    20.0%

    6.7

    AF low-light sensitivity

    15.0%

    10

    Sensor-shift stabilization

    10.0%

    1.0

    Eye detection AF (human)

  • 7.1
    Portraits

    Score components:

    30.0%

    8.8

    Sensor size

    25.0%

    10

    Main camera pixel size

    20.0%

    1.0

    Eye detection AF (human)

    15.0%

    5.3

    Main camera megapixels

    10.0%

    10

    Sensor-shift stabilization

  • 5.3
    Hiking

    Score components:

    30.0%

    6.3

    Weight

    25.0%

    4.9

    Battery life (CIPA)

    20.0%

    2.8

    Min operating temperature

    15.0%

    10

    Sensor-shift stabilization

    10.0%

    1.0

    GPS

  • No image
No image

Best prices in UK

    N/A~ £130

Best rankings

?

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The Sony Alpha SLT-A33 is a compact interchangeable lens camera featuring innovative Translucent Mirror Technology, which enables high-speed performance including a 7 fps burst rate and full-time phase-detection autofocus in both Live View and 1080i HD video modes. It is equipped with a 14.2-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor, a 15-point AF system (with 3 cross-type sensors), and an ISO range of 100–12800. Key pros include its fast and accurate autofocus, built-in sensor-shift image stabilization, a fully articulated 3-inch high-resolution LCD, and a 1.15 million-dot electronic viewfinder with 100% coverage. However, notable cons include a relatively short battery life (approximately 270–340 shots), occasional overheating during extended video recording, a 1/3-stop light loss due to the translucent mirror design, and the lack of a dedicated AF assist lamp.

Technical Specifications of Sony SLT-A33

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the camera's technical performance, covering eight key areas: image quality, autofocus, video features, stabilization, lens compatibility, connectivity, battery, and design.

When it matters: When you want to compare cameras based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

28.0%

?

Sensor & Image

25.0%

?

Photo Features

18.0%

?

Video & Audio

14.0%

?

Display & Design

8.0%

?

Battery & Power

7.0%

?

Connectivity & Storage

5.6
Sony SLT-A33 has a technical score of 5.55 points, which is higher than 65.5% of cameras.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the camera.

When it matters: When real-world owner satisfaction and review volume matter to your decision.

Score components:

70.0%

0.0

User reviews

30.0%

1.0

Popularity

?
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the camera.
When it matters: When you want to see which cameras attract the most buyer attention and review activity.
1.0
Sony SLT-A33 has a popularity of 1 points, which is higher than 0% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the camera's overall rating with its cost.

When it matters: When you want to know how much overall quality you get for the price.

Score components:

60.0%

5.6

Overall score

40.0%

9.8

Price

6.8
Sony SLT-A33 has a quality-to-price ratio of 6.8 points, which is higher than 83.5% of products in this category.
Sensor size
What it is: The sensor format value describes the physical light-collecting area.
When it matters: When you shoot in more difficult lighting.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: Full frame or larger

APS-C
Sony SLT-A33 uses a sensor classified as APS-C; it is larger than the sensor in 57.4% of cameras and the same size as the sensor in 25.7% of cameras.
Main camera megapixels
What it is: The effective resolution of the camera sensor, measured in megapixels (MP). Higher megapixels can capture more detail.
When it matters: When you want high-resolution photos that allow more cropping or larger prints.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: At least 20 MP

14.2 MP
Sony SLT-A33 has a main camera resolution of 14.2 MP, which is lower than that of 73.2% of cameras and equal to that of 2.1% of cameras.
Main camera pixel size
What it is: The physical size of individual pixels on the camera sensor, measured in micrometers. Larger pixels typically capture more light for better low-light performance.
When it matters: When you shoot in low light and want reduced noise in your photos.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: At least 3.5 µm

5.16 µm
Sony SLT-A33 has a main camera pixel size of 5.16 µm which is larger than in 85.2% of cameras and equal to the size in 0.6% of cameras.
Base ISO
What it is: The native ISO setting that delivers the sensor’s standard balance of image quality and dynamic range.
When it matters: When you want the best native image quality and compare cameras at their most optimal sensitivity setting.

Importance: LOW

100
Sony SLT-A33 has a base ISO of 100 which is higher than that of 20.3% of cameras and equal to that of 52% of cameras.
Max ISO
What it is: The ISO ceiling shows the highest sensor sensitivity available for darker scenes.
When it matters: When you shoot in more difficult lighting.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: At least ISO 25,600

12,800
Sony SLT-A33 reaches a maximum sensitivity of ISO 12,800, which is higher than that of 54.5% of cameras and equal to that of 18.7% of cameras.
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Lens mount
What it is: The mechanical and electronic interface that determines which interchangeable lenses the camera can use.
When it matters: When lens availability, upgrade options, and long-term system compatibility are central to your buying decision.

Importance: LOW

Sony A
Built-in focus motor
What it is: Indicates whether the camera body includes an internal autofocus motor for driving compatible lenses.
When it matters: When you plan to use older or budget lenses that depend on the camera body for autofocus drive.

Importance: LOW

yes
Sony SLT-A33 has a built-in focus motor. 10.9% of cameras have a built-in focus motor.
N. of focus points
What it is: The total number of selectable autofocus points available for positioning and tracking focus.
When it matters: When you want more flexibility in placing focus precisely or tracking subjects across the frame.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: At least 200 points

15
Sony SLT-A33 has 15 focus points, fewer than the number offered by 57.5% of cameras and equal to the number offered by 2.8% of cameras.
Phase-detection autofocus (photos)
What it is: Autofocus technology that measures phase differences to lock focus quickly and accurately for still photography.
When it matters: When you want faster and more reliable autofocus for still photos, especially with moving subjects.

Importance: HIGH

yes
Sony SLT-A33 supports phase-detection autofocus for photos. 37.3% of cameras support phase-detection autofocus for photos.
AF tracking
What it is: An autofocus mode that continuously follows a moving subject to keep it sharp during shooting.
When it matters: When your subjects move unpredictably and you need the camera to keep focus on them automatically.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
Sony SLT-A33 supports AF tracking. This feature is available on 88% of cameras.
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Max video resolution
What it is: The highest video resolution the camera can record, defining the maximum level of captured image detail.
When it matters: When you care about recording the highest level of detail for cropping, editing, or future-proof video work.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: At least 3840 px

1920 px
Sony SLT-A33 supports 1920 px video recording which is higher quality than that of 28.7% of cameras and equal to that of 47.1% of cameras.
Video bitrate
What it is: The amount of video data recorded per second, which affects file size and potential recording quality.
When it matters: When you compare potential video quality and want fewer compression artifacts in demanding scenes.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: At least 200 Mbps

17 Mbps
Sony SLT-A33 has a video bitrate of 17 Mbps which is lower than that of 77.1% of cameras and equal to that of 3.6% of cameras.
Video bit depth
What it is: The number of bits used per color channel in recorded video, affecting gradation smoothness and editing flexibility.
When it matters: When you color grade video and want smoother gradients with fewer banding issues.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: At least 10-bit

8 bit
Sony SLT-A33 supports video at 8 bit, a bit depth higher than that of 7.8% of cameras and equal to that of 80.6% of cameras.
Video chroma subsampling
What it is: The color sampling format used in video recording, indicating how much color detail is retained relative to brightness detail.
When it matters: When color grading, keying, or serious post-production work is important in your video workflow.

Importance: LOW

4:2:0
Sony SLT-A33 supports 4:2:0 video chroma subsampling which is more advanced than that of 7.8% of cameras and equal to that of 69.9% of cameras.
Video codecs
What it is: The video compression formats the camera can use when recording, affecting compatibility, efficiency, and workflow.
When it matters: When compatibility, editing performance, and file efficiency matter in the way you handle video.

Importance: LOW

H.264
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Type
What it is: The camera type identifies the overall design, such as mirrorless, DSLR, compact, or bridge.
When it matters: When you want a camera style that matches how you shoot, carry, and swap lenses.

Importance: LOW

slt
Weight
What it is: The total weight of the camera body, which affects comfort while carrying and shooting.
When it matters: When you carry the camera all day, travel often, or prefer a lighter setup.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: 500 g or less

500 g
Sony SLT-A33 weighs 500 g which is heavier than 62.8% of cameras and equal to the weight of 0.2% of cameras.
Width
What it is: The width of the camera body, measured from side to side.
When it matters: When compact packing, grip comfort, or bag fit matters to you.

Importance: LOW

124 mm
Sony SLT-A33 has a width of 124 mm which is wider than 58.9% of cameras and equal to that of 1.9% of cameras.
Height
What it is: The height of the camera body, measured from top to bottom.
When it matters: When you care about how compact the camera feels in a bag or in hand.

Importance: LOW

92 mm
Sony SLT-A33 has a height of 92 mm which is taller than 69.5% of cameras and equal to that of 0.4% of cameras.
Thickness
What it is: The depth of the device profile, excluding the camera bump unless specified.
When it matters: When you prefer a sleek, slim profile that slides easily into tight pockets.

Importance: LOW

84.7 mm
Sony SLT-A33 has a thickness of 84.7 mm which is thicker than 84.3% of cameras and equal to that of 0.4% of cameras.
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Battery life (CIPA)
What it is: The official battery endurance estimate measured under CIPA test methodology, usually expressed in shots per charge.
When it matters: When you need realistic expectations for how many shots you can take before carrying a spare battery.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: At least 400 shots

340 shots
Sony SLT-A33 has a CIPA-rated battery life of 340 shots, which is longer than that of 52.2% of cameras and equal to that of 2.3% of cameras.
Battery capacity
What it is: The amount of electric charge the battery can hold, measured in milliampere-hours (mAh).
When it matters: When you want a general idea of how large the battery is physically.

Importance: LOW

Good value: At least 1,500 mAh

1,080 mAh
Sony SLT-A33 has a battery capacity of 1,080 mAh which is smaller than the batteries in 52.9% of cameras and equal to those in 1.9% of cameras.
Removable battery
What it is: Indicates whether the flight battery can be removed and swapped by the user.
When it matters: When you want to swap batteries quickly between flights.

Importance: LOW

yes
Sony SLT-A33 has a removable battery, and 98.7% of cameras include one.
USB Power Delivery (PD)
What it is: Support for the USB Power Delivery standard for higher-power charging or external power supply over USB-C.
When it matters: When you want faster USB-C charging or the ability to power the camera externally for longer sessions.

Importance: LOW

no
Sony SLT-A33 does not support USB Power Delivery. 10.1% of cameras support USB Power Delivery.
Wi-Fi connectivity
What it is: Indicates whether the camera has built-in Wi-Fi for image transfer, remote control, or network features.
When it matters: When you want to transfer photos wirelessly, control the camera from a phone, or use supported network workflows.

Importance: LOW

no
Sony SLT-A33 does not support Wi-Fi. 47.9% of cameras include this feature.
Wi-Fi version
What it is: The specific generation of Wi-Fi standards supported (e.g., Wi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi 7), determining maximum speed and efficiency.
When it matters: When you have a high-speed router and want faster downloads with less congestion.

Importance: LOW

N/A
Bluetooth connectivity
What it is: Indicates whether the camera supports Bluetooth for pairing, remote control, or file transfer.
When it matters: When you want quick wireless pairing with a phone, remote control, or location syncing.

Importance: LOW

no
Sony SLT-A33 does not have Bluetooth. 22.7% of cameras support Bluetooth.
Bluetooth version
What it is: The Bluetooth version supported by the camera for wireless pairing and low-power connections.
When it matters: When you want more efficient wireless pairing, better range, or newer Bluetooth features.

Importance: LOW

N/A
USB Type-C
What it is: A modern, reversible connector used for charging, data transfer, and sometimes audio or video output.
When it matters: When you want a reversible cable that handles charging, data, and accessories universally.

Importance: LOW

no
Sony SLT-A33 does not include USB Type-C. 14.6% of cameras use USB-C.
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Sony SLT-A33 vs the average camera

  • In-body stabilization
    Sony SLT-A33 supports in-body stabilization, the average camera does not.
    What it is: A stabilization system that physically moves the image sensor to reduce shake during handheld shooting.
    When it matters: When you often shoot handheld and want sharper results at slower shutter speeds without relying only on lens stabilization.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Sony SLT-A33 supports in-body stabilization, the average camera does not.
  • Phase-detect AF for photos
    Sony SLT-A33 supports phase-detection autofocus for photos, the average camera does not.
    What it is: Autofocus technology that measures phase differences to lock focus quickly and accurately for still photography.
    When it matters: When you want faster and more reliable autofocus for still photos, especially with moving subjects.

    Importance: HIGH

    Sony SLT-A33 supports phase-detection autofocus for photos, the average camera does not.
  • Better viewfinder type
    Sony SLT-A33 uses a more advanced viewfinder than the average camera (electronic vs none).
    What it is: The type of viewfinder the camera uses to frame the shot, such as optical, electronic, hybrid, or none.
    When it matters: When you strongly prefer the clarity of an optical finder, the preview benefits of an electronic one, or no viewfinder at all.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Sony SLT-A33 uses a more advanced viewfinder than the average camera (electronic vs none).electronic vs none
  • 1.82 µm larger main-camera pixels
    Sony SLT-A33 has a higher main camera pixel size than the average camera (5.2 µm vs 3.34 µm). The average camera has a main camera pixel size of 3.34 µm.
    What it is: The physical size of individual pixels on the camera sensor, measured in micrometers. Larger pixels typically capture more light for better low-light performance.
    When it matters: When you shoot in low light and want reduced noise in your photos.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: At least 3.5 µm

    Sony SLT-A33 has a higher main camera pixel size than the average camera (5.2 µm vs 3.34 µm). The average camera has a main camera pixel size of 3.34 µm.5.16 µm vs 3.34 µm
  • Has microphone input
    Sony SLT-A33 has microphone input, the average camera does not.
    What it is: Indicates whether the camera has a microphone input for connecting an external mic.
    When it matters: When you record video and want better audio than the built-in microphones can provide.

    Importance: LOW

    Sony SLT-A33 has microphone input, the average camera does not.
  • Fully articulated screen
    Sony SLT-A33 has a fully articulated screen, the average camera does not.
    What it is: A fully articulating display that can swing outward and rotate for flexible framing angles.
    When it matters: When you shoot from awkward angles, vlog, or need to see the screen while standing in front of the camera.

    Importance: LOW

    Sony SLT-A33 has a fully articulated screen, the average camera does not.
  • Sensor cleaning system
    Sony SLT-A33 includes a sensor cleaning system, the average camera does not.
    Sensor-shift dust reduction.
    What it is: A built-in mechanism designed to remove or reduce dust particles from the image sensor surface.
    When it matters: When you change lenses often and want to reduce the chance of dust spots appearing on your images.

    Importance: LOW

    Sony SLT-A33 includes a sensor cleaning system, the average camera does not.
  • Phase-detect AF in video
    Sony SLT-A33 supports phase-detection autofocus in video, the average camera does not.
    What it is: Phase-detection autofocus support while recording video, helping the camera keep moving subjects sharp.
    When it matters: When you record moving subjects and want the camera to refocus smoothly and confidently during video.

    Importance: LOW

    Sony SLT-A33 supports phase-detection autofocus in video, the average camera does not.
  • Better viewfinder type
    Sony SLT-A33 uses a more advanced viewfinder than the average camera (electronic vs none).
  • Fully articulated screen
    Sony SLT-A33 has a fully articulated screen, the average camera does not.
  • 41% higher magnification
    Sony SLT-A33 has a higher viewfinder magnification than the average camera (1.1x vs 0.78x). The average camera has a viewfinder magnification of 0.78x.
  • 1.82 µm larger main-camera pixels
    Sony SLT-A33 has a higher main camera pixel size than the average camera (5.2 µm vs 3.34 µm). The average camera has a main camera pixel size of 3.34 µm.
  • Sensor cleaning system
    Sony SLT-A33 includes a sensor cleaning system, the average camera does not.
  • 6,400 higher max ISO
    Sony SLT-A33 has a higher max ISO than the average camera (12,800 vs 6,400). The average camera reaches a max ISO of 6,400.
  • In-body stabilization
    Sony SLT-A33 supports in-body stabilization, the average camera does not.
  • Phase-detect AF for photos
    Sony SLT-A33 supports phase-detection autofocus for photos, the average camera does not.
  • Built-in AF motor
    Sony SLT-A33 has a built-in focus motor, the average camera does not.
  • 1.3 fps faster mechanical burst
    Sony SLT-A33 has a faster mechanical burst rate than the average camera (7 fps vs 5.7 fps). The average camera shoots at 5.7 fps.
  • Has microphone input
    Sony SLT-A33 has microphone input, the average camera does not.
  • Phase-detect AF in video
    Sony SLT-A33 supports phase-detection autofocus in video, the average camera does not.
  • 1208000 dots lower EVF resolution
    Sony SLT-A33 has a lower EVF resolution than the average camera (1,152,000 dots vs 2,360,000 dots). The average camera has an EVF resolution of 2,360,000 dots.
  • 26.6% heavier
    Sony SLT-A33 is heavier than the average camera (500 g vs 395 g). The average camera weighs 395 g.
  • 38.7 mm thicker
    Sony SLT-A33 is thicker than the average camera (84.7 mm vs 46 mm). The average camera has a thickness of 46 mm.
  • 18.1 mm taller body
    Sony SLT-A33 is taller than the average camera (92 mm vs 73.9 mm). The average camera has a height of 73.9 mm.
  • Lower RAW bit depth
    Sony SLT-A33 supports lower RAW bit depth than the average camera (12-bit vs 14-bit). The average camera supports 14-bit RAW capture.
  • 2 MP lower resolution on the main camera
    Sony SLT-A33 has a lower main camera resolution than the average camera (14.2 MP vs 16.2 MP). The average camera has a main camera resolution of 16.2 MP.
  • 3 older
    Sony SLT-A33 is older than the average camera (2010 vs 2013). The average camera was released in 2013.
    September 2010
  • 251 points lower DxOMark Sports score
    Sony SLT-A33 has a lower DxOMark sports score than the average camera (591 points vs 842 points). The average camera has a DxOMark sports score of 842 points.
  • 3 points lower DxOMark sensor score
    Sony SLT-A33 has a lower DxOMark sensor score than the average camera (70 points vs 73 points). The average camera has a DxOMark sensor score of 73 points.
  • Lower DxOMark portrait score
    Sony SLT-A33 has a lower DxOMark portrait score than the average camera (22.8 vs 23.0). The average camera scores 23.0.
  • Worse low-light autofocus
    Sony SLT-A33 has a worse low-light AF sensitivity than the average camera (-1 EV vs -4 EV). The average camera reaches a low-light AF sensitivity of -4 EV.
  • 1.5 stops lower CIPA stabilization rating
    Sony SLT-A33 has a lower CIPA stabilization rating than the average camera (2.5 stops vs 4 stops). The average camera has a CIPA stabilization rating of 4 stops.
  • No manual exposure control
    Sony SLT-A33 does not support manual exposure, the average camera does. 72% of cameras support manual exposure controls.
  • 8 fewer AF points
    Sony SLT-A33 has fewer focus points than the average camera (15 vs 23). The average camera offers 23 focus points.
  • 43.3% lower video bitrate
    Sony SLT-A33 has a lower video bitrate than the average camera (17 Mbps vs 30 Mbps). The average camera records at 30 Mbps.
  • Older HDMI version
    Sony SLT-A33 uses HDMI 1.3, while the average camera uses HDMI 1.4.
  • Worse low-light autofocus
    Sony SLT-A33 has a worse low-light AF sensitivity than the average camera (-1 EV vs -4 EV). The average camera reaches a low-light AF sensitivity of -4 EV.
    What it is: The lowest light level at which the autofocus system is rated to work reliably.
    When it matters: When you shoot in dim environments and need autofocus that still locks confidently after dark.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Sony SLT-A33 has a worse low-light AF sensitivity than the average camera (-1 EV vs -4 EV). The average camera reaches a low-light AF sensitivity of -4 EV.-1 vs -4
  • 1.5 stops lower CIPA stabilization rating
    Sony SLT-A33 has a lower CIPA stabilization rating than the average camera (2.5 stops vs 4 stops). The average camera has a CIPA stabilization rating of 4 stops.
    What it is: The official stabilization effectiveness rating measured under CIPA standards, usually expressed in stops.
    When it matters: When you compare how effective stabilization really is for handheld shooting at slower shutter speeds.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: At least 5 stops

    Sony SLT-A33 has a lower CIPA stabilization rating than the average camera (2.5 stops vs 4 stops). The average camera has a CIPA stabilization rating of 4 stops.2.5 stops vs 4 stops
  • Lower RAW bit depth
    Sony SLT-A33 supports lower RAW bit depth than the average camera (12-bit vs 14-bit). The average camera supports 14-bit RAW capture.
    What it is: The number of bits used to encode color and tonal information in RAW files captured by the camera.
    When it matters: When you heavily edit RAW photos and want more tonal information for aggressive adjustments.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: At least 14-bit

    Sony SLT-A33 supports lower RAW bit depth than the average camera (12-bit vs 14-bit). The average camera supports 14-bit RAW capture.12-bit vs 14-bit
  • 1208000 dots lower EVF resolution
    Sony SLT-A33 has a lower EVF resolution than the average camera (1,152,000 dots vs 2,360,000 dots). The average camera has an EVF resolution of 2,360,000 dots.
    What it is: The pixel or dot resolution of the electronic viewfinder, which affects sharpness and clarity while composing shots.
    When it matters: When you compose through an electronic viewfinder and want a sharper, more detailed preview of the scene.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: At least 2.36 million dots

    Sony SLT-A33 has a lower EVF resolution than the average camera (1,152,000 dots vs 2,360,000 dots). The average camera has an EVF resolution of 2,360,000 dots.1152000 dots vs 2360000 dots
  • 2 MP lower resolution on the main camera
    Sony SLT-A33 has a lower main camera resolution than the average camera (14.2 MP vs 16.2 MP). The average camera has a main camera resolution of 16.2 MP.
    What it is: The effective resolution of the camera sensor, measured in megapixels (MP). Higher megapixels can capture more detail.
    When it matters: When you want high-resolution photos that allow more cropping or larger prints.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: At least 20 MP

    Sony SLT-A33 has a lower main camera resolution than the average camera (14.2 MP vs 16.2 MP). The average camera has a main camera resolution of 16.2 MP.14.2 MP vs 16.2 MP
  • No manual exposure control
    Sony SLT-A33 does not support manual exposure, the average camera does. 72% of cameras support manual exposure controls.
    What it is: Gives the user control over the overall brightness of the image by adjusting exposure compensation values.
    When it matters: When the automatic settings make the image too bright or too dark for your taste.

    Importance: LOW

    Sony SLT-A33 does not support manual exposure, the average camera does. 72% of cameras support manual exposure controls.
  • 43.3% lower video bitrate
    Sony SLT-A33 has a lower video bitrate than the average camera (17 Mbps vs 30 Mbps). The average camera records at 30 Mbps.
    What it is: The amount of video data recorded per second, which affects file size and potential recording quality.
    When it matters: When you compare potential video quality and want fewer compression artifacts in demanding scenes.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: At least 200 Mbps

    Sony SLT-A33 has a lower video bitrate than the average camera (17 Mbps vs 30 Mbps). The average camera records at 30 Mbps.17 Mbps vs 30 Mbps
  • 3 older
    Sony SLT-A33 is older than the average camera (2010 vs 2013). The average camera was released in 2013.
    September 2010
    What it is: The month and year when the camera was officially announced or released.
    When it matters: When you want a newer camera with more current features, support, or connectivity.

    Importance: LOW

    Sony SLT-A33 is older than the average camera (2010 vs 2013). The average camera was released in 2013.2,010 vs 2,013

Graphic comparison of Sony SLT-A33 and

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Third-party reviews

What customers like about Sony SLT-A33?

  • Extremely fast and precise autofocus thanks to SLT technology
  • Compact and lightweight dimensions compared to traditional reflex cameras
  • High-quality electronic viewfinder (EVF) with real-time display
  • Tilting LCD screen for shooting from particular angles
  • Very useful advanced features such as 'Sweep Panorama' and automatic HDR
  • Excellent noise management at high ISO
  • Smooth, high-quality video shooting with continuous autofocus

What customers dislike about Sony SLT-A33?

  • Limited battery life compared to traditional mirror reflex cameras
  • The camera body may be uncomfortable for those with large hands or when combined with heavy lenses
  • Tendency to overheat during prolonged use in video mode
  • Lack of full manual controls for the most demanding video amateurs
  • The electronic viewfinder may feel unnatural to optical photography purists

Expert reviews

S
stevehuffphoto.com
09/11/2010

Despite his overall enthusiasm, Huff identifies a few specific drawbacks to the camera system. On the physical side, he notes that the A33 feels a little fat and cheap-ish in the hands due to its plasticky build construction. From a technical standpoint, the fixed translucent mirror setup naturally causes the sensor to lose a small amount of light. He also observes that the standard...Read more

C
cnet.com
02/12/2010

The Sony Alpha SLT-A33 is an innovative, entry-level digital SLR camera that utilizes a translucent (pellicle) mirror system instead of traditional SLR mechanics, separating itself from competitors with a high-resolution, 3-inch articulating 16:9 LCD screen and an electronic viewfinder providing a 100% field of view. It delivers an impressive continuous shooting speed of 7 frames...Read more

C
cameralabs.com
17/02/2011

The Sony Alpha SLT-A33 is a unique 14-Megapixel camera that blends the design of a traditional DSLR with a fixed, semi-reflective "translucent" mirror. Unlike regular DSLRs that must flip their mirrors up during video and live view, this innovative technology allows most light to pass directly to the sensor while constantly bouncing a small amount to a speedy 15-point phase-change...Read more

T
t3.com
02/11/2010

The Sony Alpha A33 stands out as an innovative 14.2-megapixel camera that utilises Single Lens Translucent (SLT) technology instead of a traditional moving DSLR mirror mecanismo. This design choice delivers prominent pros, including an instantaneous power-up time, lightning-fast autofocusing, a swift 7fps burst mode, and a high-resolution, 921k-dot 3-inch articulating LCD screen...Read more

D
digitalkamera.de
16/11/2010

The Digitalkamera.de review of the Sony Alpha 33 highlights the camera's transition to Single Lens Translucent (SLT) technology, which uses a fixed mirror to provide fast, continuous phase-detection autofocus and 7 fps burst shooting. Pros include this rapid AF during live view, a high-resolution electronic viewfinder (EVF), and a lightweight, compact body featuring a flexible,...Read more

C
chip.de
23/11/2010

The Sony Alpha 33 is an innovative Single Lens Translucent (SLT) camera that departs from standard DSLR designs by replacing the traditional optical viewfinder with an electronic viewfinder and a permanent Live-View system. Its standout features include a fast phase-detection autofocus system that operates quickly even during video recording, a highly flexible 3-inch dual-axis...Read more

C
connect-living.de
22/10/2010

The Sony Alpha 33 (SLT-A33V) is an innovative APS-C system camera that stands out due to its unique translucent, fixed mirror technology. By redirecting 30% of incoming light to the phase-detection autofocus modules and letting the rest pass directly to the 14-megapixel Exmor-HD CMOS sensor, it enables continuous, rapid autofocusing during both continuous shooting and video...Read more

L
lesnumeriques.com
24/08/2010

of the Sony Alpha 33 and Alpha 55 The Sony Alpha 33 and Alpha 55 are innovative electronic viewfinder cameras based on a fixed translucent mirror architecture rather than a traditional DSLR design. A major benefit of this system is its highly responsive phase-detection autofocus, which completely eliminates the "hunting" common in contrast-detection cameras and tracks fast-moving...Read more

A
alpha-numerique.fr
05/09/2010

The Alpha-numérique review focuses on the digital noise performance of direct JPEG files from the Sony Alpha 33. It highlights the advantages of its innovative fixed semi-transparent mirror system, which allows full-time phase-difference autofocus during video recording—a massive usability improvement over contrast-detection systems. In terms of image quality, color noise (chromatic...Read more

C
camerarace.com
Unknown

The Sony SLT-A33, featuring innovative Single-Lens Translucent (SLT) technology and a 14.2-megapixel APS-C sensor, is a compact 500-gram DSLR evaluated with a balanced global score of 55 out of 100. CameraRace highlights its top 35% ranking in speed, thanks to a 7 fps continuous shooting rate, alongside a 69 score for versatility, making it a capable, lightweight choice for daily...Read more

D
dxomark.fr
24/08/2010

The Sony SLT Alpha 33 is an entry-level camera launched in August 2010 with an original indicative price of $599 USD. It is built around a 14.2-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor and features a 12-bit depth with a 1.5x focal length multiplier. The camera utilizes Sony's unique Single-Lens Translucent (SLT) technology with a fixed mechanical shutter, operating on a Sony Alpha DT mount and...Read more

A
alpha-numerique.fr
13/11/2011

This review outlines the features of the Sony Alpha 33 and Alpha 55, highlighting their use of a revolutionary fixed, semi-transparent translucent mirror. This technology allows approximately one-third of the incoming light to be directed continuously to a phase-detection autofocus sensor. Consequently, these cameras provide the first truly functional, ultra-fast continuous...Read more

X
xataka.com
09/09/2010

This review highlights Sony's innovative step forward in the DSLR market with the introduction of the Alpha A33 and A55 cameras. Built with an advanced fixed translucent mirror design, these models physically redirect 70% of light to the image sensor and the remaining 30% to the autofocus system. This mechanical change enables both bodies to be significantly smaller, more compact,...Read more

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