Sony Alpha DSLR-A100
Aiming for 20% share of global digital-camera market Sony has revealed the details of its new ten mega pixels Digital camera. The camera seems to be an evolution of the prior line of Konica Minolta digital SLR cameras with strong similarities to Konica Minolta 5D
Sony Alpha DSLR-A100 uses ten mega pixel CCD sensor which is mounted on a CCD-shift Anti-Shake mechanism (referred to as Super SteadyShot). This technology provides camera based image stabilization, which means it will be available regardless of the lens choice. Secondly it is used as dust removal system, which shakes the particles off at camera shut down time. Sony has also announced that at the heart of the camera there is a new image processor offering hardware based dynamic range optimization. On initial reports it seems that image quality at ISO 800 or higher suffers a lot. It is noteworty to point out that best image quality is produced by Canon digital SLRs, which use CMOS sensors in preference to CCD. Along with the camera announcement SONY has listed a very impressive range of lenses and accessories. Some of the lenses are destined to become new photograpic classics such as:
- Carl Zeiss® Planar® T* 85mm f/1.4.
- Carl Zeiss Sonnar® T* 1APS f/1.8.
SONY's press release:
SONY ENTERS THE D-SLR CAMERA MARKET WITH INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGIES TO EXPAND THE CREATIVE POSSIBILITIES
New a (Alpha) DSLR-A100 Camera Makes Its Debut
SAN DIEGO, June 5, 2006 — Sony is jumping into the digital single lens reflex (D-SLR) camera market with today’s introduction of the a (alpha) DSLR-A100 system. The system combines advanced SLR features with other Sony digital imaging innovations.
With its 10.2-megapixel APS CCD image sensor, the DSLR-A100 camera is expected to have the highest resolution available in its class. It will be introduced with 19 high-quality Sony lenses, and will be compatible with most of the former Konica-Minolta Maxxum® mount lenses. The system will include a wide range of accessories as well.
Sony developed a new Dynamic Range Optimizer image analysis technology to provide exceptional picture quality and natural color reproduction, along with a new Bionz image processing engine. This new engine supports a continuous burst mode for fast-action shooting and performs intelligent power management.
“Our system will be attractive to people who are ready for something beyond what’s available in D-SLR cameras today,” said James Neal, director of marketing for digital imaging products at Sony Electronics. “Sony enthusiasts who want to upgrade from point-and-shoot cameras, as well as former Konica-Minolta digital and film SLR camera users who have already made substantial investments in lenses, will welcome this initiative.”
Fight Blur With Your Camera, Not Your Lens
The DSLR-A100 camera is engineered to combat blurry pictures through high light sensitivity (up to ISO 1600) and Super SteadyShot® image stabilization, a Sony technology that shifts the image sensor to compensate for camera movement.
Because Super SteadyShot is built into the camera body, all compatible telephoto, wide-angle, standard and macro lenses are automatically image-stabilized. This also allows from two to 3-1/2 stops of latitude in exposure, which supports hand-held shooting at longer shutter speeds than would otherwise be possible. In the end, you have more opportunities to shoot in natural lighting without a tripod or a flash.
Innovative Approach to Deliver Exceptional Image Quality
The a (alpha) DSLR-A100 will be the only D-SLR camera that can optimize dynamic range, meaning the range from highlights to shadows, including gain and contrast, through in-camera hardware processing.
Sony’s Dynamic Range Optimizer (DRO) analyzes the captured image data and instantly determines the best exposure and color tonality of an image before JPEG compression. Unlike software optimization of a processed image, DRO is performed in the hardware. It is the first hardware-based DRO solution with the speed required for high-speed shooting.
Now You Can Really Catch The Action
The high-speed Bionz image processing engine allows you to capture pictures at lightning speed. The camera will offer high-speed burst shooting at up to three frames per second continuously, at 10.2-megapixels and the finest JPEG compression. For those action shots, you’re limited only by the speed of your media card.
The new camera will also have a long battery life. The supplied lithium ion battery gives you up to 750 shots per full charge, depending on usage patterns and environmental conditions.
Get Dust under Control
“For D-SLR camera users,” Neal said that, “dust is the enemy.”
Dust collects on the image sensor, usually when lenses are changed, and appears as annoying spots in photos, which then need to be retouched later. Sony’s new system offers a novel, two-pronged approach to fighting dust.
The camera’s CCD image sensor has an indium tin oxide coating to avoid static build-up so that dust does not readily adhere. Additionally, when you turn the camera on or off, an anti-dust feature is activated to literally shake off dust particles.
A Flexible System for Creative Possibilities
Sony is continuing its long-standing relationship with Carl Zeiss® to deliver superior optical performance for the a (alpha) camera system. The two companies have co-developed three lenses, including an ultra-wide, 16-80 mm Vario-Sonnar T* zoom model and two fixed focal length telephoto models - a Planar T* 85 mm and Sonnar T* 135 mm.
The system will also be supported with a full range of accessories, including a line-up of flashes, cable releases, rechargeable battery packs and several styles of carrying cases.
Convenience and Simplicity
The a (alpha) camera also features eye-start auto focus, which starts focusing your picture before you even press the shutter; a 2.5-inch Clear Photo LCD Plus™ screen for wide-angle viewing and exceptional color reproduction; JPEG and RAW file format support; and a comfortable camera grip with easily-accessible function and mode dials.
There is a slot for CompactFlash Type I/II and Microdrive® media cards. The camera also accepts Memory Stick PRO™ and Memory Stick PRO Duo™ media cards through a supplied adaptor.
The DSLR-A100 camera body will be available for about $900. The DSLR-A100K kit, which includes the camera body along with an 18-70mm zoom lens, will be available for about $1,000. Both ship in July and will be available at SonyStyle.com, Sony Style retail stores (www.sonystyle.com/retail), and authorized dealers nationwide. Pre-orders begin online today at www.sonystyle.com/dslr.
Full-service product support for the a (alpha) DSLR-A100 system will be available at http://esupport.sony.com. Sony is also offering service to former Konica-Minolta customers. More service information is available at www.esupport.sony.com/EN/KM/service.html.
Sony Alpha DSL-A100 Specifications
| Imaging Device | 10.2 (effective) APC CCD Sensor; 23.6 x 15.8 mm; RGB primary color filter |
| Chipset | Bionz™ Processor LSI with Dynamic Range Optimizer (DRO/DRO+) |
| Recording Media | Memory Stick® Duo/Memory Stick PRO™ Duo media (via MSAC-MCF1N adaptor); CompactFlash™ Type I/ CompactFlash Type II / Microdrive™ media |
| Shutter Speed | 30 ~ 1/4000 sec, with Bulb |
| Exposure | Manual Exposure: Yes, w/EV indicator |
| EV Compensation | ±2.0 EV, 1/3 EV Steps |
| ISO | Auto/100/200/400/800/1600/Lo80/Hi200 |
| LCD | 2.5-inch (measured diagonally) TFT (230k pixels) LCD with Clear Photo LCD Plus ™ design |
| Histogram | Yes, Playback |
| Microphone/Speaker | No/ No |
| Red-Eye Reduction | Yes: On/ Off |
| White Balance | Auto, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent, Flash ( with custom White Balance color temperature adjustments) |
| Burst Mode | Continuous burst mode at 3 FPS to limit of media; Up to 6 RAW images in burst. |
| Color Mode(s) | Black & White, Standard, Vivid, Adobe RGB (Except for Adobe RGB, all other color modes use the sRGB color space) |
| Scene Modes | Portrait, Landscape, Sunset, Night View/Night Portrait |
| Self Timer | Yes (10 seconds, 2 seconds, Off) |
| Still Image Mode(s) | Normal (JPEG Fine/Standard), High-speed Burst (JPEG, RAW, RAW + JPEG), RAW (.ARW) |
| Memory Stick PRO™ Media Compatibility | Tested to support up to 4GB media capacity; does not support Access Control security function |
| Flash Modes | Manual Pop-up: Auto, Fill-flash, Rear flash sync, Wireless off camera flash (with Flash HVL-F56AM, F36AM) |
| Flash Effective Range | GN12 at ISO 100 (39 feet/ 12 meters) |
| Output(s) | Video: Yes, NTSC/PAL Selectable |
| USB Port(s) | Yes, Supports USB 2.0 Hi-speed |
| Battery Type | NP-FM55 Lithium-ion rechargeable battery |
| Battery Capacity | 7.2V, 1600 mAh; CIPA standard: approx. 750 pictures |
| Supplied Software | Picture Motion Browser for Sony v1.1 (Windows), Image Data Converter SR Ver. 1.1 (Windows & Macintosh), USB Driver Operating System Compatibility: Microsoft® Windows® 2000 Professional, ME, XP Home and Professional; Macintosh® OS X (v 10.3 or later). OS must be installed at the factory. |
| Limited Warranty | 1 Year Parts & Labor |
| Weight | 1 lb., 3 oz (545 g) body, not including battery, lens and media |
| Dimensions (WHD) | (WHD) 5 1/4" x 3 3/4" x 2 7/8" (133 x 95 x 71 mm) |
SAL1870 DT18-70mm F3.5-5.6 Lens Specifications
- DT 18-70mm f/3.5-5.6 Standard Zoom
- DT Lens Design for optimum DSLR performance
- Superb wide-angle to mid-range telephoto shots
- Aspherical Lens Elements for wide-angle accuracy
- ED Glass for telephoto shots with well defined colors
- Circular Aperture for pleasing defocused effects
| Focal Length | 35mm Equivalent: 18-70 mm |
| Focal Length | APS: 27-105 mm |
| Angle of View | 35mm Equivalent: N/A |
| Angle of View | APS: 76 - 23 degrees |
| Min Focus Distance | 1’ 2.4" (38 cm) |
| Aperture – Maximum | f3.5-5.6 |
| Aperture – Minimum | f22-36 |
| Maximum Magnification | 0.25X |
| Lens Construction | 11 elements in 9 groups with 7 aperture blades |
| Filter Diameter | 55 mm |
| Dimensions | 2-5/8 x 3-1/8” (66 x 77 mm) |
| Weight | 8.3 oz (235 g) |
| Supplied Accessories | Front and rear lens cap, SH0006 lens hood |
Supplied Accessories
- NP-FM55 Lithium-Ion Battery
- BC-VM10 Battery Charger
- Video Cable
- USB Cable
- Shoulder strap with eyepiece cap and Remote Commander clip
- MSAC-MCF1N MS-Duo to CF Adaptor
- Body cap
- Accessory shoe cap
- Image Data Converter SR Ver.1.1/Picture Motion Browser Ver.1.1 CD-ROM
- NOTE: No Memory Stick media or adapters are included.
2 comments June 7th, 2006
