Sony Alpha 450
Sony · DSLR · 14.2 MP · APS-C

Score Breakdown
Scores combine our editorial testing with published lab data.
Independent Lab Scores
General | |
|---|---|
| Brand | Sony |
| Model | Alpha 450 |
Released ⓘRefers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. | 2010 |
Announcement date ⓘRefers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. | January 5, 2010 |
| Camera type | |
| Camera size | 137 x 104 x 81 mm |
| Camera weight | 560 g |
Optics48/100 | |
About the OpticsThe Sony Alpha 450 scores a 44/100 in our evaluation. Its dimensions are 137 x 104 x 81mm, and it weighs 560g or 1.23 lbs. Considering today’s market, the Alpha 450’s specifications are quite dated. The camera’s size and weight are also not as competitive when compared to newer models. While the Sony Alpha 450 has some decent features, it may not be the top choice for photographers in the current market. Sony Alpha 450 Overview and OpticsThe Sony Alpha 450 receives a score of 48/100 in the optics category. This camera features a 14.2-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor, which is paired with a Bionz processor. The DXOMARK score for this sensor is 66, indicating average performance. The Alpha 450 has a shooting speed of 7 frames per second and supports the Sony Alpha DT lens mount. Additionally, the camera offers image stabilization and a 3:2 aspect ratio for its images. These specifications are decent, but they struggle to compete with more advanced models in today’s market. The optics of the Sony Alpha 450 are average, but they may not satisfy the needs of professional photographers or those seeking top-tier performance. Nevertheless, the camera still has merits for users who prioritize other features and are content with its optics capabilities. | |
Megapixels ⓘThe higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. | 14.2 MP050 |
Image resolution ⓘImage resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution. | 4592 x 3056 |
Sensor type ⓘThe camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality. | CMOS |
Sensor size ⓘThe sensor size contributes to the overall quality as well as the dynamic and tonal range a camera can capture. As a rule of thumb, the more surface there is to read the light, the more information it will capture. | 15.6 x 23.4 |
Sensor format ⓘRefers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. | |
Continuous shooting ⓘThe number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode. | 7 fps045 |
Lens mount ⓘThe lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras. | Sony Alpha DT |
Image processor ⓘThe image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card. | Bionz |
Aspect ratio ⓘThe aspect ratio refers to the proportional difference between width and height. The most popular aspect ratios are 3:2 and 4:3. | |
Min ISO ⓘRefers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image. | 20030200 |
Max ISO ⓘRefers to the highest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Higher ISO is necessary for low-light situations or night photography, but higher ISOs often introduce grain or noise. | 128003003280000 |
Min ISO (expanded) ⓘExpanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. | 20030200 |
Max ISO (expanded) ⓘExpanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. | 128003003280000 |
Minimum shutter speed ⓘThe minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory. | 3044080 |
Max shutter speed ⓘThe maximum shutter speed tells you the length inside 1 second the camera will capture. These can sometimes be extended with accessories such as extra external batteries. | 400080032000 |
Autofocus points ⓘAutofocus points show where the camera is focusing graphically as squares or brackets in Live View or on an electronic viewfinder. These points are also used for light meter readings. | 90300 |
In-body stabilisation ⓘIn-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake. | |
Viewfinder type ⓘThe viewfinder type is either electronic or optical. Electronic viewfinders will have a small screen in the viewfinder. Optical viewfinders will use prisms and mirrors to look through the lens. | Optical (pentamirror) |
| Viewfinder dots | N/A |
Video | |
About the VideoThe Sony Alpha 450 lacks video capabilities. This camera focuses solely on photography, not offering any video functionality. | |
Video ⓘIndicates if this camera is capable of recording video. | No |
Max video resolution ⓘThe best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video. | N/A |
Max video format ⓘVideo resolution measured by the greatest number of pixels possible in each frame, width by height. A higher resolution means more detail or clarity in your video. | N/A |
Max video frame rate ⓘHow many frames per second your video will capture. Most cameras have options for multiple frame rates, depending on the resolution you shoot in. For a general video, 24p or 30p is the standard, but more serious filmmakers may need a higher frame rate for creative effect. | N/A |
Timelapse built in ⓘA built in time-lapse mode will allow continuous shooting throughout a prolonged period of time to be compressed into a sped up video. | No |
Video file format ⓘDifferent cameras can record in various video file formats. The File format you record in can impact how you edit and use the files. | N/A |
Features34/100 | |
About the FeaturesThe Sony Alpha 450 features a score of 34/100, which reveals that there is room for improvement in terms of its features. The camera has a screen size of 2.7 inches and a resolution of 230400 dots. While the camera lacks a touchscreen, it does include a flip screen for added versatility. Unfortunately, the Alpha 450 does not come with GPS, WIFI, or Bluetooth capabilities. When comparing the Sony Alpha 450 to other cameras available in today’s market, it falls short in terms of modern features. Many contemporary cameras include touchscreens, GPS, WIFI, and Bluetooth, which greatly enhance the user experience. The absence of these features limits the Alpha 450’s convenience and connectivity. Taking into account these specifications, it is apparent that the Sony Alpha 450 may not be the best choice for those seeking a camera with the latest features and technology. The camera’s feature score reflects its limitations, and potential buyers should consider other options with more advanced capabilities to suit their needs. | |
Builtin flash ⓘA built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it. | |
External flash ⓘExternal flashes are often connected through a hot shoe at the top of a camera, or a cable at the side of the camera. | |
GPS ⓘGPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs. | No |
Weather sealing ⓘWeather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions. | No |
| Screen type | LCD |
Touch screen ⓘTouchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons. | No |
| Screen size | 2.7" |
Screen dots ⓘScreen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel. | 2304001150001500000 |
Flip screen ⓘA flip screen (or articulating screen) is a second screen which can flip out from the side or top of the camera. This rotating screen allows you more freedom to take photos at different angles. | |
Live view ⓘLive View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens. | |
Wi-Fi ⓘBuilt-in Wi-Fi allows you to connect your camera and share images wirelessly. | No |
Bluetooth ⓘBluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices. | No |
Storage & Battery45/100 | |
About the Storage & BatteryThe Sony Alpha 450’s storage and battery receive a score of 45 out of 100. The camera features a single memory card slot, compatible with SD/SDHC cards and Memory Stick Pro Duo/Pro-HG Duo cards. Although this provides flexibility in storage options, having only one slot may be limiting for some users. The battery life of the Sony Alpha 450 is impressive, providing 1050 shots per charge. The camera uses an NP-FM500H battery, which is a reliable and long-lasting option. However, the camera lacks USB charging capabilities, which could be inconvenient for users needing to recharge on-the-go. Considering these specifications, the storage and battery aspects of the Sony Alpha 450 are satisfactory but may not meet the expectations of today’s market. | |
| Memory card | SD / SDHC, Memory Stick Pro Duo / Pro-HG Duo |
| Dual memory card slots | No |
| Battery type | NP-FM500H |
Battery life ⓘApproximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take. | 1050 shots1505000 |
| USB charging | No |