Sony was a maker of some of the earliest digital cameras back in the mid to late 1990s, but the high end digital SLR cameras has been dominated by Canon, Pentax, and others -- makers of traditional film SLR cameras. Single Reflex Lens cameras (SLR) differ from standard cameras in that they use a reflecting mirror to bounce exactly what the lens is seeing onto the eye piece or LCD viewing screen, so the photographer sees exactly what the final picture will look like, prior to pressing the button. Sony recently made a big leap into the digital SLR foray with the new Sony Alpha DSLR (they use the Greek letter "a" alpha in their literature and ads). Below, we will take look at the specs of the new camera, learn about its features, and read some early reviews of this hot new Sony DSLR camera.
Sony Alpha DSLR-A100K Digital SLR features
The first thing that sets the Alpha apart is its 10 MP CCD. Most other leading DSLR cameras, like the Canon Digital Rebel, have 8 megapixel sensors, so the jump to 10MP is a 25% increase in resolution and detail. Sony has also added Super SteadyShot Image Stabilized technology into the camera, not the lens. Speed and motion sensors built into the camera help adjust for any shake of the camera when the shutter is pressed. That means closeups and low-light shots turn out crisper, less blurry. The best part of this is that unlike some other cameras with anti-shake lenses, Sony has made this a feature of the camera, so you can use existing expensive lenses and still get the same great results, without buying specialized lens upgrades. If you've ever tried to take pictures in a museum or using a telephoto lens, you will appreciate this. View all Sony Alpha digital SLRs here.
Like all SLR camers, the Alpha is made to handle interchangeable lenses. Sony also made the Alpha compatible with existing Konica Minolta Maxxum (A-mount) lenses, so if you are a photographer with a film SLR and an investment in lenses, this makes it an easy transition into the digital SLR world. If you don't have extra lenses, Sony offers a collection to aid you in most photography situations. They have macro lenses like the SAL-50M28 - 50mm f/2.8 or the SAL-100M28 telephoto macro lens. They also offer wide angles, telephoto, and standard zoom lenses. The Alpha DSLR-A100K also features anti-dust technology to help keep the CCD clean during lens changes. A special tin oxide coating on the CCD repels dirt and dust, so your photos remain crisp even in the smallest details. A final feature is the DRO, or Dynamic Range Optimizer, where Sony balances out exposure in your photo, highlighting objects or people in the foreground instead of washing them out in shadow when a bright background is present. A top seller these days is the Sony Alpha A200K with 18-70mm f/3.5-5.6 lens, image stabilization, and 10.2 MP.
How much does the Sony Alpha DSLR-A100L Digital SLR Camera cost?
The Sony Alpha is priced at $999, and it comes with one basic lens. You can buy additional lens or use any compatible Konica Minolta Maxxum SLR lens.
Sony Alpha DSLR-A100K Digital SLR Specs:
Image Sensor: 10.2 (effective) APC CCD Sensor; 23.6 x 15.8 mm; RGB primary color filter
Chip Set: Bionz Processor LSI with Dynamic Range Optimizer
Storage: Memory Stick Duo/Memory Stick PRO (up to 4GB) or CompactFlash Type I/ CompactFlash Type II / media
Dimensions: (W x H x D) 5 1/4" x 3 3/4" x 2 7/8" , 19oz
Verdict: If you are a professional photographer, you will want more than the basic lens that come with the Alpha body for the $1000 price. The camera as a whole meets or exceeds what you would get from the Rebel lines, but falls short of the more expensive DSLR in terms of continuous shooting burst modes and other features. For someone moving up to the world of DSLRs, this is a camera that makes it hard to make mistakes -- you get good pictures under almost all conditions, and we found that the SteadyShot techology really made a difference in low light conditions. At $1000 this is not a kids toy and not a minor investment, but if you are serious about photography and need more than the $200-$400 pocket sized point and shoot models, put the Alpha on your shopping list.
Do you have a quality site or product that belongs in this guide? We are always happy to evaluate or review new products and websites. Feel free to contact us at the email address below and let us know about you. If you have a demo product you'd like us to look at, please contact us before sending anything. Thank you.
BUYING GUIDES
has been dominated by Canon, Pentax, and others -- makers of traditional film SLR cameras. Single Reflex Lens cameras (SLR) differ from standard cameras in that they use a reflecting mirror to bounce exactly what the lens is seeing onto the eye piece or LCD viewing screen, so the photographer sees exactly what the final picture will look like, prior to pressing the button. Sony recently made a big leap into the digital SLR foray with the new Sony Alpha DSLR
with 18-70mm f/3.5-5.6 lens, image stabilization, and 10.2 MP.