[deadlydave]

Hi Angela, hope you had a gr8 time in Japan (how many bags did you bring back ;-)

Right then; So even though the A55 is'nt a "proper" dslr the A77 will undergo the test next time around ?.

Although the A580 is still "just" available it has been discontinued and as you are aware Sony is pushing it's Slt platform like there was no tomorrow, of the 2 (A55 & A580), we both know which is more suited to action photography, 10fps is something the 7d can only dream of. The A55 received firmware 2 in June this year (some 10 months after your review), and as you know firmware updates can change things dramatically, Granted the A55 isn't perfect but then it was Sony's first attempt at something new. As I've said imagine a 7d or a Canon 1d with similar tech, which is exciting, new & with great photographic potential.

As for being a dubious fit, personally I would say; trying to compare the slowest of 2 £500 camera's with a £1100 one was even worse. For me the group test said one thing; want a camera for action then spend as much as you can, because the more you spend the better the camera/results. Now if the A55 had been used I can't but wonder if that would still hold true ?. As I've said WDC did a similar test and according to them the A55 beat the 60d, k5 & d7000 etc, not bad for a camera that is currently available with a kit lens for less than £530

I cannot ever recall seeing a Sony 70-200 F2.8 lens and I don't expect to see one in my life time, so as well as missing an opportunity to slate/praise slt's, for the average man/woman in the street that uses a 70-300 it wasn't a realistic test, e.g Fitting a Tamron 70-300 usd on the Nikon, Sony & Canon would've been very interesting & more realistic, it might have even thrown up a few surprises ?.

It's easy for me/others to criticize, I don't have to work to tight dead lines and bring everything together, but as a buyer of the end product; I do think the test was unfair & a series of missed opportunities, nonetheless I do think the magazine is a cracking read & addressing my concerns over equality etc are greatly appreciated.