Well it's true a550 has better high ISO performance but the feel of holding an a700 is just phenomenal. =p So what if a550 has 7fps? How often do you even shoot at 5fps? LOL.

That is why .... I purchase it at the Official Sony Shop in China >_< likewise I almost took 2 hours for checking the camera .... they always offer their 'best price' when you want to leave the shop >.<

Surprisingly the reason why China selling so cheap is because the black version of A550 was being announced at China (after I checked their handbook) and was bringing it to the market directly during September (Earlier before we get the announcement) so as the time they given special offer for the Model of A500 and A550 in Christmas event ....

A500 and A550 there were black in color compared with the Silver color, A500 sell at RM2200~RM2400 with Kit Lens while A550 sell at RM2500~RM2700

lenses have different gearings. like the sal16-105 has short gearings. even with longer range, it's faster at focusing compare to shorter 18-70mm kit lens. slightly faster than 16-80mm zeiss.
sony 18-250 is faster focusing compare to its tamron 18-250 sibling