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(More customer reviews)I've been using the a33 for about a week now, rigorously testing all aspects of the camera as well as pushing the new tech (SLT) to its limits in both video and high-speed shooting. I consider myself a prosumer, currently using Canon 7D. In fact, I've been using canon for the past 10 years. With the recent hype about large sensor video functionality found on almost all new releases, I found myself craving for a more functional AF in DSLRs. Because I'm no pro videographer, manual focusing (follow focusing) is terribly difficult for me, especially for high speed, erratic subjects like my kids running around the backyard. And contrast AF found on most DSLRs is a joke. Then came the SLT technology. A fixed mirror that feeds AF data constantly to dedicated AF sensor full-time, even when shooting video. For the price comparable with other entry-level DSLR's, it sounded like a worthy investment. And being able to shoot 7fps (10fps for a55) with that constant phase-detection AF on a body that sells for 650 - certainly a head-turner if you've been following the DSLR trends the past couple of years.
Well, Sony was able to deliver most of its promises. And I was pleasantly surprised by its PDAF video capability. However, as with all things in life, all that glitters is not gold. There are certainly limitations with this camera, especially noticeable/annoying if you're a prosumer level user. I will not go into details about the specs. Those can be found by just googling "sony a33". And I will not go into in-depth review either. Probably the best source for that is dpreview.com or imaging-resource.com. I will only list the limitations I found using this camera from a user who's been using Canon line (currently the 7D). Don't get me wrong. Overall the camera does deliver in most everything it promises to do (and thus, 4 star rating). All the positives have been pointed out over and over again on various reviews you read online, so I just don't feel the need to repeat them again. I just wanted to point out the major issues that I experienced first-hand. These might be of significance to those who are thinking about getting this camera based on its new technology (like me).
1) First and foremost, battery life is a joke. I guess because the camera is on a live view mode full time, it is inevitable to use up more power than traditional dslr, but sony should've took this into consideration. On paper, a33 is rated to take about 340 images using the LCD (about 270 with EVF), but with a little bit of video and looking through the menus to setup different functions, the battery gets drained VERY VERY QUICKLY. how bad? On a fully charged battery, I've turned on the camera, set the time/date/location info, entered my shooting preference, then took the first shot and about 40 sec video. It was at 83%. Not kidding. After about 2 hours of intense use, it was pretty much depleted. That's how fast the power goes. But YMMV since battery life depends on a lot of different factors. I never really had to think about whether my particular way of shooting would use up more power than necessary because all of the DSLR's I've used to date, I never once had to worry about draining the power quickly. But now its just one more thing I need to keep in mind. Another thing to keep in mind is that this battery takes about 4 to 4.5 hrs to fully recharge, much longer than most others.
2) No dedicated RAW/JPEG conversion. If you're moving up from compact and only use JPEG, this is a non-issue. But if you are half serious about your IQ and PP, then you'll most likely want to use RAW. The reason why a dedicated button to switch RAW/JPEG is so important, IMO, is because all of the fancy new modes - Auto HDR, Panorama, Handheld Twilight mode, high ISO capture - can only be accessed in JPEGs only. Either Sony should include these potentially useful functions in RAW, or at the very least should include a dedicated button to swtich format quickly and efficiently. For me to access sweep panorama, for example, would require me a minimum of 12 button presses. Another thing to keep in mind is that the menu always defaults to the first part of the shooting menu every time. It does not stay at the menu you last used as with Canon cameras. So if the section that you use is hidden inside the middle part of the menu, you are out of luck. Every time you enter into the menu system, you'll have to start from the top (beginning) then move into the section/option you want to change.
- Steadyshot (in-body image stabilization). Coming from Canon where IS is on the lens (and therefore, the effect can be viewed through OVF), I was skeptical of Pentax, Sony, Olympus and other camera makers that place IS function on the imaging sensor itself. Whether one is superior than the other is a whole different topic of discussion. Knowing that a33/a55 is EVF/LCD, I automatically assumed that steadyshot effect can be seen through EVF/LCD with every lens I put on. THIS IS NOT TRUE. For whatever reason, neither EVF or the LCD displays the anti-shake effect. It only tells you that Steadyshot is on through a mere 5-bar indicator on the side of the EVF. Because both EVF/LCD receives data directly from the sensor, I thought WYSWIG - the exposure, dynamic range, color, and steadyshot.
- Lack of manual control during video. If you want to take advantage of the phase detection AF during video, everything else must also be controlled by the camera. There's no way for you to set the speed, ISO, and most importantly, the aperture. That last part is critical since your HD video will look no different than any compact that also takes HD video if you can't control the aperture (depth of field). Why Sony wouldn't allow these manual settings to be controlled by user is beyond me. I doubt these will have significant impact in AF, unless the aperture is so small that no enough light falls on the AF sensor, in which case, Sony should at least give the users an option to pick either (the AF) or (aperture). Anyway, this is a big let down from my point of view.
- Buffer clearing time between shoots. I am honestly puzzled by this one. Sony has provided the public with this awesome, state of the art technology (translucent) implemented into imaging world that could potentially be as significant as when SLR's first turned digital. Yet, the image processing engine is remarkably slow. What's the point of capturing 7 fps images when you have to wait 40 seconds afterwards until the camera becomes fully functional (normal) again? I don't understand why Sony didn't bother to upgrade the processor/imaging algorithms when they proudly put 7 fps constant AF shooting as one of the main headliner. I've heard a55 is even slower with its 10 fps shooting. When shooting RAW at maximum 6 fps (for both a55 and a33), things are even slower and your buffer fills up after about 10 shots or so. And yes, I was using one of the fastest SDHC cards available - the transcend class 10 16gb card. So unless you have a lot of patience and don't mind your camera freezing for 40+ seconds after rigorous action-catching shots, you'll have some serious problem and may potentially miss many opportunities.
- Limited overall customization. I didn't expect this camera to provide the kind of customization that I got from Canon 7D. After all, there is a price difference of about a grand. Nonetheless, many entry DSLR's these days that a33/a55 supposedly should be competing, offers many more practical customization options for users of varying demands. A33/a55 is so limited in customization that you start to wonder whether you're holding a aps-c sensored interchangeable lens camera. The menu and setup options are very very basic (if that). I think Canon powershot G11 provides more customization than a33. For example, under video, one of the most intriguing features that people would buy this camera for, you basically have two formats. Either HD or VGA. No control over frame rate or any other combination. If using AVCHD format, your only option is 1920x1080i. If using MPEG, your options are 1440x1080 or standard VGA (I think 640x480). That's it. Those are your ONLY options. All other areas pretty much lack control and customization similar to video format. Talk about letting your camera to take control of YOUR shooting...
- Lack of options and limited display data. Here's an example - not being able to set ISO in 1/3 increment is one thing. Not DISPLAYING the ISO just because you're in auto ISO mode is just lame. I understand the range is between 100 and 1600, but when in auto ISO, the display just says "AUTO ISO". there's no way what ISO the camera is choosing until after you've taken the shot and reviewing the image (data).
Again, despite these limitations (more like frustrations), the camera does deliver in it's core technology. All the positives cited by online reviews are true. If you are graduating from compacts, this camera, by all means, would make an excellent DSLR alternative. However, those of you who are more experienced DSLR shooters drawn into a33/a55 because of its new technology, my advice is to wait a little longer until Sony comes up with a SLT model that is geared more towards the enthusiast/prosumer market. I heard rumors that early part of 2011 Sony will implement its translucent technology in the alpha 7 series (a77?) that would potentially address many of the concerns I've pointed out. Just wanted to give everyone a head's-up.
Click Here to see more reviews about: Sony Alpha SLTA33L DSLR with Translucent Mirror Technology and 3D Sweep Panorama (Black)
Capture your perfect moments with the world’s first Translucent Mirror Technology DSLR enabling simultaneous focusing and capture. Continuous shooting is 7 frames per second, complete with continuous auto focus. Auto focus is also visibly faster in Live View and HD Movie modes.What's in the Box :SAL - 1855 SAM lens, lens cap(Battery Charger (BC-VW1)Rechargeable battery (NP-FW50)Shoulder strapBody CapUSB cableCD-ROM
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