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Introduction
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01.Sample Photos
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02.Design
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03.Product Tour
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04.Hardware
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05.Durability
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06.Photo Gallery
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07.Image Quality
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08.Sharpness
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09.Color
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10.Noise Reduction
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11.Dynamic Range
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12.Low Light
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13.Distortion
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14.Video
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15.Usability
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16.Ease of Use
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17.Handling
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18.Controls
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19.Speed
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20.Features
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21.Extras
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22.Specs & Ratings
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23.Conclusion
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24.Comments
Sony Alpha A550
Previous: Page 10
Noise ReductionNext: Page 12
Low LightDynamic Range
Dynamic Range (9.39)
The A550 is specially built to produce high-dynamic-range photos, using a special shooting mode that combines two images taken at different exposure settings in-camera to create an image that maximizes detail in the highlight and shadow areas (see details in our Exposure section). Even without using this neat trick, though, the camera delivered strong dynamic range performance. In fact, the A550 outscored all the other cameras in our test group by a significant margin.
We test a camera’s dynamic range by shooting a Kodak stepchart, with 20 gradated patches ranging from solid white to solid black, at the full range of available ISO settings. These test shots are analyzed using Imatest to determine the number of visible steps in each photo, then compiled to produce an overall score for the entire test range.
A camera’s dynamic range inevitably declines as the ISO level increases, but the A550 started at a high 7.55 EV rating at ISO 200 and this figure dropped very gradually as we cranked up the light sensitivity. In fact, even at ISO 6400 we still recorded a dynamic range of 4.29 EV, roughly equivalent to what the Panasonic GF1 managed at ISO 800. More on how we test dynamic range.
The closest competitor to the Sony A550 here is the Nikon D5000, but its d-range reading drops to 5.93 EV at ISO 800, where the Sony is still at 6.69 EV. The A550 proves its mettle here against all comers, particularly the small-sensor Olympus and Panasonic, which had trouble with this test.
Shop for the Sony A550
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Sony A550 Manual
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