This 14.2-megapixel DSLR, along with the 16.6-megapixel Alpha 55, represents nothing short of a major advance in how DSLRs perform. At the heart of its innovation is a technology that actually isn't that new at all, but has never featured in a DSLR. Sony calls it a translucent mirror, while those like myself who remember the days of the Canon EOS RT remember it as a pellicle mirror. Basically, it's a mirror that allows more light through it than it actually reflects up into the pentaprism, meaning the mirror never has to move, even during the exposure. We've further details in our innovations panel, but suffice to say that the advantages it brings represent a major step forward in how DSLRs can operate. Aimed at a price point that pitches it against the Canon EOS 500D and Nikon's D5000, it faces strong-selling rivals, but brings with it a number of unique and useful selling points which, so long as it performs as claimed, could give it the edge.

Handling & ease of use
While the A33 looks similar to most other DSLRs, the unconventional shape of the prism housing and the extended viewfinder chamber are an indication that the camera offers a slightly different way of working. By removing the optical viewfinder system, Sony has been able to shave quite a few millimetres off the camera, making it around 23% smaller than previous models like the Alpha 550. This makes it a very compact size, while the rubberised, curved handgrip affords a very good hold. While some parts of the body feel a little plasticky, in general the camera feels solid to hold and well put together, while the subtle changes to the camera's shape give it a more stylish look when compared to its stablemates.
The neat layout of the controls makes the camera fairly straightforward to use, with only the new features taking a bit of getting used to, simply because they're unfamiliar. The top dial handles the exposure modes, with a MENU button just behind it giving access to the main functions. The majority of controls are found on the right side of the top-plate, the edge behind it or on the rear of the camera. The Fn (function) button and four-way control, in particular, speed up and simplify selecting key functions, while a single red Movie button makes it very simple to shoot video.
The 3in LCD panel (16:9 format) is excellent, sporting a 921,600-dot screen with a TruBlack coating for a bright image with good contrast. The swivel mount, located on the bottom side of the LCD, allows you to shoot video or use LiveView from almost every conceivable angle.
The electronic viewfinder is set to be a major talking point and a bone of contention with traditionalists. But, as someone who has always firmly believed that optical is best, I have to admit to being very impressed by the Sony's TruFinder. The screen is bright and sharp and, as well as providing the usual level of exposure information, there are various screen options that can be set, including one with a virtual level to help you keep horizons level when shooting landscapes. My main problem has always been bright parts of the screen bleaching out when there are large areas of dark or black, but this problem has been pretty much overcome. It may not be to everyone's taste, but I'd suggest not being put off by it – I've been pleasantly surprised by how well it works. It also proved better than an optical finder when used with the depth-of-field preview button.

There really is very little I don't like about the handling of the Alpha 33. It's size may prove too small for some, but this shouldn't be an issue for most people. The only real negative point I have is with the location of the card slot on the base of the camera, as this can prove a hindrance when the camera is mounted on a tripod. 22/25

Features
The Alpha 33 is not short of features, many of which can easily be described as innovative, as our panels reveal. Its resolution of 14.2-megapixels is similar to most at this price point, with a maximum image size of 4592x3056 pixels allowing quality prints at up to A3 as long as the image is sharply focused. The exposure mode dial allows access to the various modes including the core four; program, aperture-priority, shutter-priority and manual. There's full auto, scene modes, flash-off and three new modes; Auto +, Sweep Panoramic and Continuous Advance Priority (CAP). Auto + allows complete beginners to have a little extra creativity by taking the standard Auto mode a little further, and allowing functions like Auto HDR to come into play in certain shooting situations. Sweep Panorama allows you to shoot panoramics while hand-holding the A33 or with it tripod-mounted, by simply turning the camera in the direction of the arrow. The A33 fires a sequence of frames and automatically combines them to produce a panoramic image (JPEG only). CAP allows you to shoot sequences at the maximum frame rate of seven frames-per-second (it's 6fps in other modes) but you have certain limitations with the A33 controlling the shutter speed and having to shoot at maximum aperture with the AF set to continuous. There are the standard, three metering options of multi-segment, spot and centre-weighted, but it should be noted that the A33 uses an incredible 1,200 metering zones to assess exposures. Exposure overrides include Auto-Exposure Lock, exposure compensation and D-Range Optimizer for high-contrast scenes.
The 15-point AF system has the three standard options of single-, continuous- and Auto-AF, but as mentioned in the innovations panel, it's the facility to use the AF when shooting movies and LiveView that really stands the Sony system out from others. For most DSLRs you have to rely on either the slower, less responsive contrast-AF system or manual focus in these shooting modes. The mirror system also means that continuous-AF can work more efficiently at tracking subjects. Portrait photographers may also benefit from face detection AF that can locate up to eight faces, 
and the Smile Shutter mode, that fires the shutter automatically when the camera detects a smile!
As mentioned earlier, the translucent mirror allows for the Quick AF system to operate with LiveView and Movie modes, and if you've selected a single AF point, you can move it while recording to shift the point of focus. With the latter, it's also possible to use the Creative Style options, allowing you to shoot in monochrome for example, with the video image displayed in the viewfinder as well as LCD monitor, while a Mic socket allows an external microphone to be attached. It's worth noting that the maximum recording time is an impressive 29 minutes and the SteadyShot image stabiliser also functions during movies. While you can't adjust apertures and shutter speeds with the lens switched to AF, setting manual focus allows you to control these variables.
The ISO range is wider than previous models, with ISO 100-12,600 being available, along with an expandable (Hi) setting of 25,600. Bear in mind that the multi-frame Noise Reduction also claims to reduce apparent noise by two stops, while the image processor has been improved to reduce noise levels when compared to previous models. The integral flash is relatively low-powered, with a Guide Number of ten (ISO 100, m) but offers a good choice of modes including rear-curtain sync, slow-sync and wireless. Other features worth mentioning are the integral sensor-dust reduction system and a depth-of-field preview button. 23/25

Performance
The Alpha 33 delivers high quality results with ease, performing well in all areas. The autofocus and metering systems are excellent, with AF in LiveView proving responsive, although the predictive AF when shooting sequences, while very good, did produce a few out of focus frames within the set. Noise is better controlled than on previous generations and image detail is very high. The upgraded HDR and new facilities like sweep panorama are interesting and innovative and work well, although must be used with care to get the best results. Overall, the A33 is an accomplished model and highly recommended. 23/25

Translucent mirror
As you'll most likely already know, the mirror inside your camera bounces most of the light coming through the lens upwards via the pentaprism to give the image you see in the viewfinder. When you take a picture, the mirror flips up to allow the light to pass by and reach the image sensor. It's a system that works efficiently but has three main drawbacks:
 1) The time taken for the mirror to flip up and down limits the number of frames-per-second.
2) The viewfinder blacks out when the mirror is in motion.
3) The movement of the mirror creates vibration that can lead to camera shake.
The translucent mirror allows around two-thirds of light through and reflects about a third of light upwards to the viewfinder. This eliminates the three problems detailed above, providing a viewfinder image even when you're shooting sequences, giving a faster frame rate and eliminating the risk of shake from mirror movement.

Verdict
The Alpha 33 brings with it a whole new set of innovative features, as well as many tried-and-tested functions and really shakes up the sector with what it has to offer. Its compact size and neat handling, along with its relative ease of use will appeal to beginners, while its extensive range of features, in particular the benefits given by the fixed translucent mirror, really set it apart from its competitors. Performance is very good too in all areas, so it really does present itself as a strong top challenger to models from Canon and Nikon. Its strongest rival, ironically, is the Alpha 55, which only costs £50 more but offers a small jump in resolution and a faster frame rate. Whether you buy the A33 or A55, you can be sure you're investing in the latest DSLR technology.

Sony Alpha 33
BODY ONLY: £700 (Guide) / £600 (Street)
18-55mm kit: £750 (Guide) / £650 (Street)
IMAGE RESOLUTION: 14.2-megapixels
LCD: 3in free-angle mount
STORAGE: SD/SDHC and MemoryStick Duo
WEIGHT: 433g (without battery and card)
PHONE: 08705 111999
WEBSITE: www.sony.co.uk

Handling & ease of use 22/25
Features 23/25
Performance 23/25
Value for Money 22/25
Overall 90/100