• Sony Alpha A500
• Nikon D5000
• Canon EOS 500D ou Rebel T1i

Of course, this test is listed in the list of comparisons/reviews attached to the feature page of each of these cameras (follow the links above).

Source: AlphaMountWorld.com Sony Alpha A500, Nikon D5000, and Canon EOS Rebel T1i- Compared

Ready to celebrate the arrival of 2009 Beaujolais Nouveau, a new version of the RAW conversion utility from Adobe is here: Camera Raw 5.6. It supports a whole lot of recent cameras:

• Canon EOS 7D
• Canon PowerShot G11
• Canon PowerShot S90
• Leaf Aptus II 5
• Mamiya DM22, DM28, DM33, DM56, M18, M22, M31
• Nikon D3s
• Olympus E-P2
• Pentax K-x
• Panasonic FZ38
• Sigma DP1s
• Sony A500
• Sony A550
• Sony A850

It also solves an issue in demosaicing of some Raw files on PowerPC Mac.

Download Adobe Camera Raw 5.6.

Since this is time for the end of the year and its high sales of electronic gadgets and photographic gear, here also comes the time for cashbacks, sales and promotions. The photography market will not forget this in these recession times and there are many offers and promotions or bundles.

Among the offers I tried to identify for you, I want to list the following ones:

• Pentax “Focus on savings” for K-7 system: $100 prepaid card on a choice of over 20 Pentax lenses. From now until January 15, 2010 (Pentax special offers)
• Nikon Canada adjusted its prices to reflect evolution of the exchange rates (November 16, 2009) – From NR
• Pentax opens a European on-line store with Digital River
• Sony launches an “all in one” kit made by bundling the Alpha 850, a Sony 28-75mm f/2.8 SAM lens and the Elite version of DxO Optics Pro, at a listed price of 2700€. (According to AN)
• Sony France cash-back offer of 50€ on the Alpha 330, Alpha 380 with the SAL50F18 lens and 100€ on the Alpha 500 and Alpha 550 with the SAL50F18 lens (Sony 50mm f/1.8 DT), up to December 2009
• Canon cash back offer for Europe and UK: £150/€170 cashback on PowerShot G11, from Canon UK
• Pentax offers up to 250€/£250 of cash-back coupons for purchases all over Europe before the end of 2009. All the details on www.pentax-cashback.com.

You can try and take advantage of them by rushing to your local photography shop or by browsing to one of the on-line shops that support YLovePhoto.

• Buy it from B&H (The Professional’s Source)
• Buy from Amazon.com
• Acheter sur Carrefour online

In any case, you are strongly advised to check case-by-case the exact conditions required (sometimes only applicable in one country; Sometimes against the return of a special coupon) and exact limit dates.

While lacking video capture, they will probably attract the serious photographer who has a recession times budget, but wants to get the best SLR camera.

Sony A500 and A550 press release

Catch the moment in perfect detail with responsive new DSLR cameras from Sony : Easy-to-use α500 & α550 offer enhanced Live View shooting and superb image quality

• New 12.3/14.2 effective megapixel (α500/ α550) CMOS sensor and new enhanced BIONZ processor for detail-packed, low-noise images with high sensitivity up to ISO 12800
• Auto HDR mode for high dynamic range exposures
• High-speed continuous shooting up to 5fps (with optical viewfinder) and 7fps in Speed Priority mode (α550 only)
• Enhanced Quick AF Live View captures fast-moving action, with Face Detection for beautiful portraits
• Manual Focus Check Live View mode for precise, convenient adjustment of focus and composition
• 90º upward and 90º downward tilt-angle 3″ Xtra Fine LCD (α550) and intuitive new interface for clear, simple shooting
• Class-leading shooting stamina (1,000 shots – α500)
• HDMITM output and BRAVIATM Sync for control from TV remote

Two powerful, feature-packed DSLR cameras from Sony make it easier than ever to capture beautiful pictures, carefree family portraits, stunning holiday memories and action-packed scenes.

The DSLR-α500 (12.3 megapixels) and DSLR-α550 (14.2 megapixels) are packed with advanced Sony technology that combine the spontaneity and freedom of Live View shooting with generous possibilities to realise your creative vision.

At the heart of both cameras is a new ExmorTM CMOS sensor that ensures crisp low-noise images, packed with fine detail and vibrant colours. Sharing powerful on-chip noise reduction techniques with the full-frame DSLR-α900, this advanced sensor works with processing algorithms handled by the newly developed and high-speed BIONZTM engine to deliver premium images plus razor-sharp shooting responses. Dramatically reduced picture noise now allows super-sensitive shooting at up to ISO12800, allowing attractive results when shooting handheld in challenging situations like candlelit interiors.

Thanks to the powerful BIONZ image processing engine, Quick AF Live View now supports even speedier shooting responses with rapid, precise autofocus. This makes it easier than ever to capture beautifully relaxed portraits, dynamic action shots and more.

Powered by the BIONZ image processing engine, fast-moving action can now be captured effortlessly with faster continuous shooting speeds. Sustained shooting speeds of up to 4 fps can be achieved in Live View Mode, rising to 5 fps with the optical viewfinder. New Speed Priority mode on the DSLR-α550 raises the bar further still, shooting at an incredible 7 fps (with AF and AE setting maintained from the first frame ). It’s a powerful creative tool for capturing the nuances of a portrait subject’s changing expression or dynamic action sequences.

In a DSLR debut, Quick AF Live View now features Face Detection, prioritising AF on people’s faces and fine-tuning exposure/white balance settings for crisp, beautiful portraits with natural skin tones. Another DSLR first by Sony that’s already featured on many Cyber-shotTM models, Smile Shutter detects faces in Live View mode, automatically firing the shutter at just the right moment to capture happy, relaxed smiles.

A special new Manual Focus Check Live View mode assists with fine-tuning your composition. Low-noise images can be previewed directly from the CMOS sensor, allowing critical assessment of focus and fine detail, even in low light. The live image offers 100% field coverage, assisted by framing grid lines for precise composition. There’s also a selectable 7x/14x zoom function for a close-up confirmation of focus.

The α500 offers a crisp, high-contrast 3-inch Clear Photo LCD Plus screen with a tilt range for clear, comfortable composition and reviewing shots.

The α550 features a superb (921k dot) 3-inch Xtra Fine LCD screen for critical focusing and photo-quality viewing with class-leading colour, contrast and detailing. The screen tilts up or down over a 90º upward and 90º downward , allowing uncompromised ‘free-angle’ live view shooting in any position. An ambient light sensor automatically boosts LCD brightness for extra screen clarity when surrounding light levels are high while both cameras also feature a clear, bright optical viewfinder with wide 95% field coverage for framing and focusing as an alternative to live view shooting.

Operation of both cameras is brilliantly simple, thanks to a redesigned on-screen interface that provides easy access to functions and settings during live view operation. A unique Graphic Display gives a clear, intuitive indication of how shutter speed and aperture adjustments will affect the final image.

Creative options are broadened by new Auto HDR mode that captures a huge range of shadow and highlight detail in landscapes, interiors and other scenes. Previously accessible only to enthusiasts equipped with a tripod and image processing software, HDR (High Dynamic Range) is a specialist technique that combines two or more frames shot at different exposure settings. The α500 and α550 use powerful algorithms to combine and optimise two successive frames in only 2 seconds, correcting any misalignment between frames when shooting handheld, which is a Sony unique technology. The result is a single HDR image emulating the huge natural tonal range of human vision – with no PC or tripod needed.

The D-Range Optimiser featured in previous DSLR models has been enhanced for even better results with backlit portraits and other tricky high-contrast scenes. The powerful BIONZ engine now optimises image data in real time even in continuous shooting mode, processing brightness and contrast in individual areas of each exposure for balanced, natural looking results. Optimisation can also be selected manually from 5 processing levels.

A Smart Teleconvertor button instantly boosts image size by 1.4x or 2x to extend your camera’s zoom lens range further for frame-filling close-ups.

Like all DSLR cameras by Sony, both new models feature SteadyShotTM INSIDE, the powerful optical image stabiliser that cuts the effects of camera shake by up to 4 EV steps while shooting handheld with any lens.

After shooting, it’s easy to connect both cameras to your BRAVIATM television via HDMI (requires optional cable) for a stunning big-screen view of your shots. Compatible BRAVIATM models automatically switch to PhotoTV HD mode for optimised still image playback with incredible detail, colour and clarity. BRAVIA Sync lets you control image slideshows in comfort via your TV’s remote.

Both cameras let you capture even more incredible moments without the worry of running out of power. The InfoLITHIUMTM rechargeable battery pack (NP-FM500H) of the α500 allows up to 1000 shots (CIPA test, approx. figure) – the highest capacity of any α series digital SLR camera battery to date. The battery of the α550 delivers up to 950 shots from a single charge.

If you’re hungry for even more shooting stamina, the new VG-B50AM Vertical Control Grip holds up to two NP-FM500H batteries. This premium grip gives A500 users an incredible 2,000 shot maximum capacity (α550: 1,900 shots), with automatic switchover between batteries and accurate display of power remaining in % increments on the camera’s LCD. An additional shutter release and dual controls support comfortable, accurate shooting in either portrait or landscape positions.

Also, with Memory StickTM at the heart of the Sony alpha, you have every advantage. The advanced Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo HX (4GB, 8GB, 16GB or 32GB) is the perfect tool for continuous shooting mode, with the ideal combination of massive storage capacity and blisteringly fast operation. Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo HX 32GB will never miss the key shot because the number of pictures taken in 1 min is approx 270* photos (in RAW+JPEG/L (12M).Delivered with USB Adaptor, Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo HX 32GB is ideal for users who want to transfer data in high speed: approx. 1700[1] pictures in L (12M) size at RAW+JPEG mode in 26 minutes.

The DSLR-α550 and DSLR-α500 digital SLR cameras are available from the end of October 2009.

• DSLR-A500 body only: 649 Euro
• DSLR-A500L with 3,5-5,6/18-55 mm: 749 Euro
• DSLR-A500Y with 3,5-5,6/18-55 mm + 4,5-5,6/55-200 mm: 949 Euro

• DSLR-A550 body only: 749 Euro
• DSLR-A550L with 3,5-5,6/18-55 mm: 849 Euro
• DSLR-A550Y with 3,5-5,6/18-55 mm + 4,5-5,6/55-200 mm: 1049 Euro

• DSLR-A850 body only: 1999 Euro
• DSLR-A850Q with 2,8/28-75 mm: 2699 Euro

The Sony Alpha 850 will definitely be an inexpensive Full Frame camera at this price level. It could even attract some pros to the Sony logo. The Sony Alpha 500 and Alpha 550 will be bringing very reasonable prices to a market segment where competition is very tough.

Thanks Bernd. What is still left for Sony to announce?

So, Sony is really about to launch (as expected) the following DSLR cameras:

• Sony Alpha 500
• Sony Alpha 550
• Sony Alpha 850

Among the most important or most notable news, I would immediately mention:

• The Sony Alpha 850 will be positioned under the psychologically critical limit of 2000€
• The specification of the Sony Alpha 850, already presented on YLovePhoto, is fully confirmed (still no LiveView).
• The Sony Alpha 500 is inspired by the slim body of the Alpha 380.
• The Sony Alpha 500 abandons fully the CompactFlash memory format in favor of both SD/SDHC and MemoryStick Duo.

• Canon: one announcement would be a definite possibility to replace the Canon 1D Mk III with a Canon 1D Mk IV and maybe also a Canon EOS 7D whose top cover and a detail are visible below (August 25?)
• Nikon: D700x (or D800) to offer a 24 MP full frame sensor.
• Sony: Alpha 500, Alpha 550, Alpha 850 (probably on August 28)
• Pentax: an entry-level SLR

We only have to wait (impatiently) for a few days (maybe a few hours) in order to know all about .

• Several (accidental?) leaks from Sony web sites, showing Sony Alpha 500, 550, 850 (and possibly Alpha 750, but this one may be a counter-fire).
• A German site showing the Alpha 850, with price.
• An Andorra web site showing a supposed Alpha 800, no price.
• The Canon EOS 7D spotted in Best Buy internal catalog system.

I will not fully judge their credibility, but I feel that the order I used goes from most possible to mere rumor.

Everybody expects to see the presentation of the Sony Alpha 850 and maybe also the Sony Alpha 500 and Sony Alpha 550 (if they are not pushed later in 2009).

Source: PR.

This can normally be considered as the sign of its imminent disappearance in favor of a new camera. Or several ones…

• Sony Alpha 500
• Sony Alpha 550
• Sony Alpha 850

Apart from the Sony Alpha 850 already well known from a User Manual leaked on a Sony Hong Kong web site (see below), there is not much to talk about.

Actually, there is currently no DSLRA850 in Sony line of SLR photo cameras, so it’s just expected to be a small error leaking information about the name of one future camera nearing launch.

Of course, this could well be a hoax… But this is going in the same line as the previously rumored Sony Alpha 500 and Sony Alpha 550.

Still no feature list.

But it seems that these relatively small improvements to the mid-range of Sony SLR cameras will be joined soon with two new Full Frame cameras.

More details coming soon, right here.

• 16.2 MP full frame sensor EXMOR R (new technology)
• 100-25600 ISO
• 8 frame/sec
• SSI, same a900 OVF, new AF system,
• GPS and WiFi built-in
• 3.5″ LCD display
• Pop-up flash
• Flash sync: 1/500s
• Camera level
• 23 AF sensors
• Quick Live View
• Video Full HD
• Dust/splashes sealed
• Aluminum-magnesium alloy body
• Released early September 2009

It seems that everybody is now expecting Sony too announce/launch at least one more SLR camera (after the Sony Alpha 230, Alpha 330 and Alpha 380).

I am not sure this leak is real (it looks too much like the wet dream of a techno-geek maniac), but it’s worth waiting for a new SLR photo camera to go and replace or complement the existing Sony Alpha 700.

What seems certain: Sony promised to present two more high-end lenses in 2009 (one super-tele-photo, maybe a 500mm f/4.5, and a beautiful 28-75mm f/2.8 zoom); We expect both lenses and new body to be announced simultaneously.

• DSLRA500 (read Sony Alpha 500 body only)
• DSLRA500S (read Sony Alpha 500 in standard zoom kit)
• DSLRA550 (read Sony Alpha 550 body only)
• DSLRA550S (read Sony Alpha 550 in standard zoom kit)

But, obviously, those cameras do not exist (yet) in the Sony catalog. So, everybody is expecting to see them appearing very soon in a Sony press release. Will it be the opportunity for Sony to launch video-enabled SLR cameras?

The interweb is now filled with this photo which may or may not be a real Sony Alpha 500 picture.

Do you read the sensor resolution written on the body?

And so what? Five Sony SLR cameras launched in a matter of a month! Is that marketing? I would rather say ‘carpet bombing‘?

On photogenius.ru, there are a couple of photos and a feature list for a Sony Alpha 500 which would be the next announcement from Sony.

Features:

• 17.2 MP CCD / CMOS sensor (which technology?)
• 2.7-inch LCD screen (920,000 pixels resolution)
• 9-point Autofocus, with 8 ????
• Viewfinder: 0.98x magnification
• Shutter speed: 1/8000 to 30 seconds
• Sensitivity: ISO 100-12800
• Continuous shooting: 4 fps
• Weight: 516 grams
• Video: 1920×1080 @ 32 fps, with maximum time of 59 minutes 59 seconds / AVI (Motion-JPEG) or MOV (H.264)

Photos:

Honestly, the photos look too good to be true and too similar to some of the official Sony photos of the Sony Alpha 300/350.

Not much about real information (and this may even not be true), but what we learn here is quite interesting and thought-provoking (though quite similar to things that you read previously on YLovePhoto):

• April 2009 availability
• Will replace simultaneously the Alpha 200 and the Alpha 300 (quite normal, since they started to fight a little each other at the entry level)
• Alpha 700 sensor (maybe slightly simplified, no?): 12 MP
• LiveView mode (finally from the lowest end of the Sony range)
• Appearance of a “Touch Quick Edition” which will certainly be one of those Special Effects modes (let’s hope this will include useful photo retouching options and not only ugly artsy picture crushing ideas)

All this is still to be confirmed, of course, but it could well announce a new jump in market share for the Sony dSLR line…