Sony Alpha A550

Less is more?

The other way is the slightly 'catch-up' Live View. There are several things that you can do in this mode but not with the viewfinder. In Smart Teleconverter mode, a quick press and further press of the button next to the viewfinder crops the image size 1.4x or 2x zoom but only when shooting JPEG. Assume that image quality won’t be paramount here, yet on screen it looks very acceptable. Clearly not to be used all the time, though it doesn't automatically reset after every frame, so not discouraged by the manufacturer.

The 3in LCD panel supports Live View mode and displays additional details when OVF is used

Speaking of previewing images, it's made very easy to zoom and move around the image using cursor keys; so critical focus can be checked quickly. An alternative is the Manual Focus Check LV. Basically, in Live View mode you can use this feature from the button before you shoot to utilise the sensor in the highest resolution.

Quite rightly Sony has decided that if you are checking focus with an excellent 14x zoom into the pixels, you might as well focus it yourself. It's a Pro feature really so don't sully it with an Auto and complicate matters. Assuming you are shooting on tripod with the subject not moving, use this feature and achieve critical focus.

One thing to do when hand holding the camera, above you head, for instance in crowds is to use the Flip Out Screen; it pivots from the bottom of the screen 90 degrees. That 3in LCD screen sure is pretty; with 920k dots it gives you a sense of pride about the shot you just took. With the functions and integration of Live View being very much a part of this system, it may not be attached to one's face very often.

The Function button in camera mode takes you to the most useful parameters you may want to change. It also provides a helpful note when each is selected. A genuine help, no doubt, if you are attempting to understand cause and effect of changing ISO, flash compensation or different metering modes.

The tilting LCD panel is one of those niceties that helps compensate for the lack of video

There is no top screen. This takes no time to adjust to, and for most newcomers will make absolute sense. With the advent of Live View, why look anywhere else but the back of the device? So all information is displayed here, or duplicated in the viewfinder. In place of a top screen are buttons for ISO, drive mode, and D-Range with the four-way controller on the back for AF-point selection. Everything else is handled by the function menu including AF point behaviour, autofocus mode, white balance or metering mode.