Sony SLT-A33 Review | 108 Data compared

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 subjects smoothly during Full HD video recording. Performance is a standout strength, as the 14-megapixel Alpha 33 hits burst speeds of 7 frames per second (fps), while the 16-megapixel Alpha 55 includes built-in GPS and reaches a blazing 10 fps. Additionally, the fixed mirror ensures quieter shutter operation and keeps dust away from the sensor. However, the cameras come with several design and functional drawbacks. Ergonomically, the body height has been reduced by a centimeter compared to the Alpha 5 series, making handling uncomfortable for photographers with large hands. While the high-magnification electronic viewfinder offers an excellent layout, it suffers from low contrast and a noticeable rainbow effect when the user's eye moves. Finally, video shooting is limited by the inability to adjust...

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 noise) is exceptionally well controlled, remaining virtually invisible up to ISO 6400 and only slightly appearing at ISO 12800. Based on 100% crop testing, the reviewer notes that images are perfectly sharp and free of detail loss up to ISO 1600. This performance makes the camera fully usable without restriction up to ISO 3200 (where mild smoothing of fine details occurs on-screen but has no consequence for A3 prints). However, the primary drawback of this unique optical design is a physical light loss of 1/3 EV, as a portion of the incoming light is permanently diverted away from the sensor to feed the autofocus array at the top of the body. As a result of this reduced light transmission, the camera exhibits slightly worse noise levels than the mirrorless...

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 photography. Key advantages include full-time phase-detection autofocus in both live view and 1080i video, along with an articulated screen and built-in stabilization. Conversely, disadvantages involve the reliance on an electronic viewfinder, lack of modern 4K/24fps video, potential AF tracking issues in low light, and audible lens motor noise during video recording.

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 powered by a NP-FW50 Li-ion battery. For shooting flexibility, it features a 3-inch articulated LCD screen, an electronic viewfinder providing 100% coverage, a 15-point autofocus system, and built-in sensor-shifting image stabilization. The primary pros of this device include its fast continuous drive performance, which tops out at 7.0 frames per second in Speed Priority mode, alongside full-time continuous autofocus during Full HD video recording (1920 x 1080 / 60i). It also supports modern storage media up to SDXC, includes an integrated sensor cleaning system, and offers external stereo microphone support. On the downside, the cons include its lack of wireless connectivity features like Bluetooth, GPS, or 3G, and the absence of an interactive touchscreen interface. Furthermore, its...

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 autofocus during video recording, alongside an impressive burst shooting rate of up to 10 frames per second with continuous focus on the Alpha 55. The cameras feature a compact body with improved ergonomics over previous models, a highly flexible multi-axis articulating rear screen, 15 autofocus points (including three cross-type), and new Exmor APS HD CMOS sensors (14 MP for the A33 and 16 MP for the A55) that perform exceptionally well in low-light environments up to ISO 3200. However, this innovative mirror design introduces notable drawbacks. The primary disadvantage is the replacement of the traditional optical viewfinder with an electronic viewfinder (EVF). While the EVF offers 100% field coverage, a 1.1x magnification, and can display substantial shooting data, it struggles with tracking moving subjects in high-contrast, sunny outdoor conditions....