High Technology Product Reviews | Trends and News

On the surface, the 16.2-megapixel, Sony Alpha55 ($849.99 with 18-55mm lens) looks, feels, and shoots like a traditional D-SLR, but it's different on the inside. Sony uses Translucent Mirror Technology in the Alpha55, which gives the camera always-on access to its phase detect autofocus sensor, so it can autofocus between still shots faster than most traditional D-SLRs. It also allows for blazing-fast continuous autofocus during video recording—something no D-SLR can do. Image quality is also D-SLR caliber. But there's one major trade-off here: the Alpha55 doesn't have a true optical viewfinder. Translucent-mirror cameras use only electronic viewfinders (EVFs), which could be a dealbreaker for some photo enthusiasts. Specifications Type D-SLR Megapixels 16.2 MP Media Format Secure Digital High Capacity, Memory Stick Pro Duo, Secure Digital Extended Capacity 35-mm Equivalent (Wide) 18 35-mm Equivalent (Telephoto) 55 Optical Zoom 3 x LCD size 3 inches Wireles...