The Ultimate Guide to Sony Alpha DSLR-A450: Specs, Features and More

Are you a photography enthusiast looking for the perfect camera to capture stunning shots? Look no further than the Sony Alpha DSLR-A450! With its advanced features and impressive image quality, this camera is a game-changer. In this article, we cover everything you need to know about this powerhouse device, from its technical specifications and performance to its ease of use and price-point.

Written by Victor Chan | Updated: Mon May 01 2023

Sony Alpha DSLR-A450 article cover photo

Key Features

Jan 05 2010

Announced

14 megapixels

Resolution

BrandSony
Sensor TypeAPS-C
SensorCMOS
Weight560g
MSRP$849USD

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Overview of the Alpha DSLR-A450

Photography is all about capturing the perfect moment and bringing it to life through an image. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out on your photography journey, having the right equipment is crucial. And when it comes to cameras, the Sony Alpha DSLR-A450 is one of the most highly rated devices on the market. With its 14.2-megapixel sensor, advanced autofocus system, and lightning-fast shooting speeds, this camera is the perfect companion for any photography project. So, without further ado, let's dive into the world of the Sony Alpha DSLR-A450 and explore why it's a top contender for any photographer looking to elevate their game.

Sony Alpha DSLR-A450 Pros and Cons

Now, we will look more closely at our review of the Sony Alpha DSLR-A450 camera. We will see what it can do and compare it to other cameras like it. We will tell you what's good about it and what's not so good. This way, you'll know if it's the camera for you!

Pros

High-resolution CMOS sensor for sharp images
Quick autofocus system that tracks subjects accurately
Good low-light performance with high ISO sensitivity
Access to a wide range of compatible lenses
Large LCD display for easy image preview and playback
Ergonomic grip for comfortable handling

Cons

Heavy and bulky body compared to some competitors
Limited video capabilities with no HD recording
No built-in image stabilization, relying on lens stabilization instead
May be expensive for beginners or casual photographers
Some reports of autofocus issues in certain lighting conditions

Build and Construction

Body and dimensions

Sony Alpha DSLR-A450

Weather sealed
Dimensions137 x 104 x 81mm
Weight560g
Thickness81mm
Weight
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Max
Thickness
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Weather Sealing

The Sony Alpha DSLR-A450 is not sealed against water and dust, so it's important to be careful when using it in such conditions. If you often shoot in environments with water or dust, it's recommended to check out another camera with weather sealing.

Design and Handling

Main design features

View FinderOptical (pentamirror)
Screen TypeFixed Type
Screen Resolution230k dots
Body typeCompact SLR

Suitable for:

PhotographyAbove Avg.
VideographyAbove Avg.
TravelAbove Avg.

LCD Screen

This camera has a fixed type 2.70" screen, with a display resolution of 230k dots. This makes the Sony Alpha DSLR-A450 not as suitable for those looking for a vlogging camera as you cannot view yourself while shooting selfies easily. Unfortunately, the camera does not have a touch screen, which may make it less user-friendly.

Viewfinder

Alpha DSLR-A450 includes a optical (pentamirror) viewfinder with no electronic viewfinder of resolution with a coverage of 95% and a magnification of 0.53x. This feature enhances the camera's suitability for outdoor photography in bright conditions.

Image Quality

Sony Alpha DSLR-A450 has a 14MP sized CMOS sensor. You can shoot at maximum resolution of 14 pixels. Sony Alpha DSLR-A450 has a native ISO range of 200 - 12800 which can be boosted to null - null. It can also save files in RAW format which gives you a wider room for post processing.

Key Features

Jan 05 2010

Announced

200 - 12800

ISO Range

SensorAPS-C
Extended ISOnull - null
Max resolution4592 x 3056 pixels

DXO Sensor Scores

Overall

66 / 102

Color Depth

21.8 / 26.5

Dynamic Range

11.8 / 14.8

Low Light ISO

769 / 4505

DXO mark sensor scores

The DXOmark rankings indicate that the Sony Alpha DSLR-A450 camera has above average color depth performance, which refers to the number of colors the sensor can distinguish. Additionally, its dynamic range is also average, allowing it to retain low amounts of details in both bright and dark areas of a scene. The camera's low light ISO performance is poor, which is an important factor to consider if you plan to use it in dimly lit indoor environments or at night. Overall the image quality of the Alpha DSLR-A450 is below average

Crop Factor

Camera crop factor (or focal length multiplier) refers to how a camera's sensor size affects the apparent field of view of a lens. Crop factor is determined by comparing the size of a camera's sensor to that of a full-frame sensor, which is a standard reference size for camera sensors.

Size comparison

Medium FormatFull FrameAPS-C (Sony, Nikon)

Crop factor calculator

Crop factor

1x

Full frame equivalent

24mm

This camera: APS-C

24mm

850100150200

Connectivity, storage, battery

StorageSD/ SDHC, Memory Stick Pro Duo/ Pro-HG Duo
Battery Life1050 shots
Battery ModelNP-FM500H
HDMI
USD
Wireless Connectivity

Storage

The Sony Alpha DSLR-A450 supports SD/ SDHC, Memory Stick Pro Duo/ Pro-HG Duo with 1 slots for storage. This may suffice for everyday use. However, for professional applications such as wedding photography, it is not recommended as a memory card malfunction could lead to the loss of all footage.

Battery

The Sony Alpha DSLR-A450 uses the NP-FM500H model of battery pack. This is rated for 1050 shots shots which is high. If you intend to take photos or record videos for an extended period, it might be a good idea to bring along additional batteries.

Photography Features

Flash

The Sony Alpha DSLR-A450 has built in flash which is great for event photography and in low light situations. It also offers a flash shoe that allows you to attach external flashes. This provides more versatility in your lighting choices.

Shutter

The Sony Alpha DSLR-A450 boasts a maximum mechanical shutter speed of 1/4000s, which is ideal for shooting fast-moving subjects in bright environments, such as in sports photography. Faster shutter speeds enable you to freeze the action and capture every detail, making it easier to get the perfect shot.

With a continuous mechanical shutter speed of n/a or an electronic shutter speed of n/a, this camera is not capable of capturing the perfect moment more easily, making it not as suited for wedding, sports, and wildlife photography. Higher shutter speeds make it easier to capture fast-paced action, ensuring that you never miss the perfect shot.

Autofocus

The Sony Alpha DSLR-A450 includes phase detection autofocus (AF), with 9 number of focus points.

While contrast detection is generally more accurate and precise, phase detection autofocus is faster and more effective in most situations, particularly when photographing moving subjects.

Phase detection autofocus works by dividing the incoming light into pairs and then analyzing how they intersect on the camera's sensor. This method allows the camera to determine not only if a subject is in focus but also the direction and distance needed to adjust the focus to achieve perfect sharpness.

On the other hand, contrast detection autofocus works by analyzing the contrast of an image and adjusting the focus until the highest contrast is detected. While this method is very accurate, it can be slow, especially in low light conditions or when photographing moving subjects.

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FAQ

What is the sensor size of the Sony Alpha DSLR-A450?

The Sony Alpha DSLR-A450 features a CMOS sensor

Is the Sony Alpha DSLR-A450 weather sealed?

No the Alpha DSLR-A450 does not have weather sealing.

When was the Sony Alpha DSLR-A450 announced?

The Sony Alpha DSLR-A450 was announced on Jan 05 2010

Does the Sony Alpha DSLR-A450 have in-body image stabilization?

Yes the Alpha DSLR-A450 does have in-body image stabilization that can compensate for camera shake, making it easier to shoot handheld in low light conditions.

What is the ISO range of the Sony Alpha DSLR-A450?

The Alpha DSLR-A450 has a native ISO range of 200-12800, which can be expanded to ISO null-null for even greater sensitivity in low light conditions.

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