Beautiful High colour and contrast images

if you are upgrading from another Sony, buy the a77.  I upgraded to an a77 from an a300, all of my lenses are interchangeable, (including Tamron, because all of the stabilization is in-camera, meaning after-market lenses, even from old Minolta auto-focus lenses work) batteries are interchangeable (not sure of batteries with the a550)...  because of that, I can always carry a back-up camera to photoshoots without carrying double equipment. The autofocus is VERY quick, the colour depth is amazing (especially shooting in RAW), high ISO performance is really good (I was one of a few people to get great pics in bad light at my son's grad) ...  and my favourite feature is when you are light metering in manual, you get a real-time preview of approximately how your shot will turn out through the OVF and LCD viewer.  

It is rated very well against the Canon- and at some point, I think we have to accept that the differences are subtle.... I think if you stick with brand, over time you'll spend less on equipment- and you can invest in lenses etc. that work with both your "best' camera and  your "back up" camera.  The real difference in photos between these cameras is in the hands of the photographer.  I have a good friend with a 5D Mark II- and I bet if we exchanged cameras this minute, our photos would still retain our own unique signatures.

Hello Sharif,

If you haven't purchased your camera yet, go for the A77.  Its a great camera and you already have the Ziess 50mm to start. I have shot with the Canon 7D for several projects and I prefer the A77 to the 7D. does not do.

Don't forget about the in camera stabilization like you have int eh A550.  Its great because ALL of your lenses gain IS immediately.  This lowers the cost of new glass!

One other poster mentioned the performance of the Canon IS in comparison.  This may be true, but.. why are you shooting video with a big tele handheld anyway? (go figure)

You can check out my film here  watch at www.youtube.com .

We got an honorable mention for Cinematography, sound, wardrobe and writing.438667642838036 at www.facebook.com

I post a directors cut in the near future.

Enjoy!

I have used them both, including the Mark III, I could see why with the A550 you are asking the question. I swore to myself I would never buy a less than full frame camera which the A77 is, but, The focus on the Ziess lenses and even just the sony lenses is so sharp and the operation on the A77 is so unbelievably fast and natural, go to the store and try it before going over to Canon... 

Signed,

An old time Canon user, who now uses an A77 and is having an absolute ball and smiling all the time...  

I have the a77 and love it. There are many lenses to choose from. Not only Sony but Tamron and Sigma make great lenses for Sony as well. The UI on the Sony is so user friendly. More effects and freakin perfect for video. 

I'd go for A77, it packs a lot of new tech inside, i don't care about a brand's reputation, i don't think someone looks silly for not using Canon/Nikon gear. I also do not recommend a professional camera unless you're a pro, making money out of it.

I'm not at all familiar with Sony's lineup of cameras and lenses... but between the 5D Mark II and the SLT A77 I would have to recommend the Canon because it's a full-frame camera.  It will give much lower noise images at high ISO.

I have a 5DII and love it.  But yes, the lenses are really expensive.