Today, Sony announced their A55 and A33 DSLR cameras that use translucent mirror technology and that get rid of the optical viewfinder. For those that don’t like EVFs, the A560 is the A550 but adds full HD video amongst other features like continuous Phase Detect AF in video mode. Also announced were a bunch of lenses announced earlier on in Europe this year. While you’re at it, be sure to check out our Sony NEX-5 review so far that includes some of the features in these DSLRs.

Editor’s Note: I’ve now had hands-on time with the cameras.

Editor’s Note: before we go on, it is interesting to note that the Sony product images were shot with a Phase One P45 +.

And now to the news!

A33

– 14.2 MP

– Continuous Phase Detect AF

– 100% viewfinder

– Translucent mirror means no more mirror slapping when shooting.

– 7fps

– New 15 points AF system

– Smaller than most DSLRs

– Continuous phase detect AF in video shooting

– 3-inch 921,600 Xtra Fine LCD with TruBlack technology

– 1.15 million dot EVF

– SDHC and Sony Memory Stick

– 3D Sweep panorama

A55

– 16.2 MP

– Continuous Phase Detect AF

– 100% viewfinder

– 10 fps shooting

– Translucent mirror means no more mirror slapping when shooting.

– New 15 point AF system

– Smaller than most DSLRs

– Continuous phase detect AF in video shooting

– 3-inch 921,600 Xtra Fine LCD with TruBlack technology

– Built in GPS

– 1.15 million dot EVF

– SDHC and Sony Memory Stick

– 3D Sweep Panorama

– The α55 and α33 cameras will cost about $750 and $650 (respectively) for the body only and about $850 and $750 (respectively) for the body and 18-55mm zoom lens. Theα33 camera will be available in September and theα55 model will be available in October at Sony Style retail stores www.Sonystyle.com/retail) and at authorized dealers nationwide.

– Press release here: A55 Draft 11

A560

– Multi-frame Noise Reduction, Sweep Panorama™ mode, 3D Sweep Panorama and Full HD 1920×1080 60i video capture (AVCHD)

– 14.2 MP

– ISO 25,600

– 3 inch LCD that tilt up or down

– 921,600 pixel Xtra Fine LCD

– In-camera HDR

– The α560 model with the camera body and 18-55mm kit lens will cost about $750 and will be available in October. With the body only, it will cost about $650. The Carl Zeiss Distagon T* 24mm F2 SSM (model SAL24F20Z), DT 35mm F1.8 SAM (model SAL35F18) and 85mm F2.8 SAM (model SAL85F28) lenses will be available in October for about $1,250, $200, $250 respectively.

– Since the lenses were announced earlier this year, you can read them in the press release here (A560 Lenses Draft 6) or go check them out at DPReview.

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