Sony SLT-A33

Sony has replaced the SLT-A33 with the A35.

Sony SLT A35 announced June, 2011

	Lower noise at high ISO
	Better image quality
	Better color depth

Compare the new Sony SLT A35 vs the SLT-A33

"The Sony range over either Canon or Nikon is that the A33 features built-in sensor shift image stabilization, hence no need to spend extra on specialist lenses to help combat camera shake."

photographyblog.com | talking about the camera's image-stabilization

"Its a squeeze to fit three fingers around and makes it tricky to hold the camera completely steady for shooting handheld."

photographyblog.com | talking about the camera's feel

"The Sony A33 produced images of excellent quality."

photographyblog.com | talking about the camera's image-quality

Sony SLT-A33 Hands on Review		Sony SLT-A33 Review		SONY SLT-A33 Autofocus Test
	Review Pro Ergonomics		Review Amateur Ergonomics Image quality		Sample video Autofocus Shallow DOF 1080p Full HD

Browse all Sony SLT-A33 videos

The Sony SLT-A33 vs other recent entry-level DSLRs

	Full HD
	1080p @ 30fps

	Wide dynamic range
	12.6 EV

	High resolution screen
	921k dots

	Image stabilization
	Sensor shift

	Good maximum light sensitivity
	12,800 ISO

	In-camera panoramas
	Stitches together multiple photos into a panorama

	External mic jack
	Record higher quality audio with a microphone

	Takes 3D photos
	View photos in 3D on 3D televisions

	Above average sized screen
	3.0"

	Rapid fire
	7 fps

	Flip-out screen
	Great for movies

	Autofocuses shooting video
	Phase detection

	Movie continuous focus
	Makes it easy to get in-focus movies

	In-camera HDR
	Combines multiple exposures

	High boost light sensitivity
	25,600 ISO

	Light
	500 g

The Sony SLT-A33 vs other recent entry-level DSLRs

	Noisy at high ISO
	591 ISO

	Fewer storage slots
	1

	Thick
	3.3"

	Slow shutter speed
	1/4000 of a second

	No 24p movies
	Missing that film look

	Uses battery, see less detail
	Digital

	Shorter battery life
	270 shots

	Not so popular
	Among snapsort users

Image quality data for the Sony SLT-A33 provided by DxOMark

Speech is free, but discussion at Snapsort is moderated! Please discuss your opinion of this camera here, and discuss feedback for Snapsort at our support community.

Showing 25 comments

Ray

(8:11 AM, November 21, 2011)

I also bought the a33 and it does have some impressive features, panoramic, low light, HD video etc but the real killer is the poor over exposed shots you get from using the non-optical veiw finder which is the result of the the inovative SLT over SLR.

After a couple of months and a few holidays im looking at the D7000 or the EOS 60D.
If yhe Sony had a real optical veiw finder it would definitly be a winner. The LCD display is great but in direct sunlight gives very little impression of how the photo will actualy come out.

I did manage to get some decent shots out of the a33 after learning how to compensate for the poor SLT view finder but the standard lens is alo junk and has poor action for zooming expecialy while video recording.

If you cant afford the next level of Pro products then buy the body and get a real minolta lens
should make a world of difference. Overall i would give the a33 6.75 out of 10. Could have been a real winner if not for SLT.

Thanks for the excellent site and great work.

Kishu27

(6:16 PM, November 15, 2011)

Hi Kartik, I am in similar dillema, let me know where are you picking your A33 from as my dealer is asking for 30k

karthik

(4:34 PM, October 02, 2011)

hi snapsort ,
I am stuck in between sony slt a33 and nikon d3100...tell me which is better??? i am getting very gud discount on sony slt a33..after discount it will cost 24.5k...which would u choose ?

Anesa

(2:36 AM, September 05, 2011)

I was thinking about the nikon D3100 too! but i'm in love with my Sony a33 :) the panoramic photos are a great plus.

Anesa

(2:34 AM, September 05, 2011)

When i wanted a camera i was thinking about a canon or a nikon.... I search for a loooot of reviews of similar cameras but in the end i bought a Sony a33. My friends have canon within this range of price and my sony a33 is muuuuch better than theirs. You can take panoramic photos, change colors, and so many things. I couldn't be happier with my sony. If you have a bit more money you should look for the sony a55, although it doesn't have importante differences (gps, more mp and takes faster photos).
The only bad thing i find is the battery life... but with a replacement battery you'll be fine.

TA

(11:13 PM, August 26, 2011)

Technically, it's not a mirrorless camera (like all Sony's SLT) !

Snapsort

(1:14 PM, April 28, 2011)

The a33 has a very high ISO so yes should be able to take night photos. A while back Snapsort put together a infographic on low light photography which is worth taking a look at.

Jerome Aaron Mejia

(6:52 AM, April 28, 2011)

hi please reply, does the a33 produce excellent night time pictures like capturing city skyline and nightlights

Za1n

(3:15 AM, April 27, 2011)

i am getting a very decent discount for this camera
now i am confused between nikon d3100, sony nex3 , sony a55
and sony a 33
please help me with selection

thing fishs

(0:47 PM, April 21, 2011)

Ah, LensHero - Thanks!

Snapsort

(0:44 PM, April 19, 2011)

Glad you found Snapsort helpful. The site you are looking for is our sister site LensHero.

thing fishs

(4:19 AM, April 19, 2011)

Thanks very much for this info Joyce!

thing fishs

(4:18 AM, April 19, 2011)

Hi Snapsort,

thanks heaps for this site. It made the months long, arduous task of camera choice SO much easier - well in a way it made it possible... With a regular flawed human brain, trying to keep in mind the multitude of variables, especially across different classes of camera, is nigh on impossible without such a resource. Ultimately, as someone equally interested in video and stills, it came down to the GH2 or the A33/55. All good, but from a bang for buck POV the A33 was a clear winner (I purchased with the standard 18-55mm lens for $780 AUD). I have been very pleased with the resulting technology - my only issue (rather a significant one), was filming my mate's wedding and the camera overheated and stopped filming 10 seconds before "I now pronounce you..."!! :-( THEN, I found out that I could've filmed for half an hour if I hadn't had the steadyshot on - ah well, live and learn. ;-)

FWIW is a minor error in it's specs - it only has one storage slot. Also I have come across what appears to be a sister site of this, dealing with lens rather than cameras - except I can't find it again. What is this site?

Snapsort

(5:27 PM, April 18, 2011)

Ha ha, we are glad you like your camera

Jakeymarmot

(5:13 PM, April 18, 2011)

This is amazing. When its next to me, or when im holding it
I subconsciously stoke it
its as close to true love as a person can get to a camera

Amir

(10:31 PM, April 02, 2011)

I love my a33 it is better than canon t3i any way I love Sony product , I have 65 inch sony lcd tv , I am really happy with Sony. I love Sony products.

Jen

(6:14 PM, March 24, 2011)

I am impressed with my new a33! I am still getting to know how to use a non point and shoot camera so I can not really compare it to other SLRs. I can tell you I have not experienced it heating up (some blogs mentioned this as a con). After handling the d3100 and the sony a33, I chose the a33 because of its amazing auto focusing video mode – much faster than the d3100.

pal

(0:53 PM, February 28, 2011)

Operating Mode/Number of Shots

Electronic Viewfinder(CIPA standard)/270

Live View LCD(CIPA standard)/340

annysucks

(8:29 AM, February 28, 2011)

what about battery life?
how many shots can i take and compared with others camera's battery ??

Joyce-gene

(6:42 PM, February 23, 2011)

You can buy new replacement batteries for the a33 & a55 on ebay. They heve twice the Mah capacity of the oem battery.
2200 v 1080

Snapsort

(2:32 PM, February 16, 2011)

We are glad we could help you. If you are thinking of buying online Snapsort has a best prices section.
We hope you enjoy your camera.

pal

(2:16 PM, February 16, 2011)

thnx Snapsort ... i m leaning towards Sony SLT A33 cause of its flip out screen and amazing AF during live mode and plus on ur views 8-) ... love ur site keep it up and i wud recommend every 1 to have a look at ur site before buying a camera...

Snapsort

(1:53 PM, February 16, 2011)

If you have not had the opportunity to read our comparison of the Sony A33 vs Nikon d3100 then feel free to take a look. They are both great cameras, if you are willing to spend the extra money then the SLR-A33 appears to be the better camera. The SLT-A33 has a built-in focus motor which means it should be able to autofocuses with all lenses, with the D3100 you will need to buy a lens with a focus motor built into it (which can be more expensive). I do not think you will be disappointed with the D3100 either, its a solid camera.

pal

(4:25 AM, February 16, 2011)

cant decide between sony A33 and nikon d3100 . i no they are different type of cameras but i m getting both around the same price point.. a33 a bit more... pls help me decide :D ... i have never used a dlsr camera earlier

Patty

(0:38 AM, February 10, 2011)

Terry, Would love to know if you made your purchase and what you think. I'm between the A33 and the Nikon D3100 and trying to decide. Not interested in the A55 for the extra megapixels & gps. Heard the battery life on both 33 & 55 is the one "con". Any feedback you can offer on the Sony Alpha series would be appreciated.

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SonySLT-A33

Summary Sony SLT-A33

Replacement

reviewsWhat are people saying about the SLT-A33

Videos

Pros

The Sony SLT-A33 vs other recent entry-level DSLRs

Cons

The Sony SLT-A33 vs other recent entry-level DSLRs

dxomark

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Showing 25 comments