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Sony's Alpha DSLR-A100 digital SLR. Courtesy of Sony, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Sony announces Alpha DSLR-A100
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(Monday, June 5, 2006 - 18:17 EDT)

Sony Electronics Inc. has today announced its first single-lens reflex digital camera, dubbed the α (greek lower-case letter "Alpha") DSLR-A100.

Sony - a dominant force in the point-and-shoot digicam market - first announced its plans to launch a digital SLR last January, shortly after purchasing parts of Konica Minolta's camera business including the rights to the company's Maxxum / Dynax lens mount system. The Alpha A100 sees Sony continuing a tradition started before the Konica Minolta merger, when Minolta launched its first autofocus SLR camera in 1985. Although that camera (and the other SLR models that followed it) bore the "Maxxum" brandname in North America, and were known as "Dynax" in Europe, Minolta's SLRs were known by the "Alpha" brandname in the company's home market of Japan.

The Sony A100 offers a pretty impressive feature set, coupling the Sony Alpha lens mount (which is said to be compatible with "most" lenses sold for Konica Minolta's Maxxum camera line in the USA) with a 10.2-megapixel APS CCD image sensor that - as with Konica Minolta's past DSLRs - offers image stabilisation by moving the entire sensor. Sony says it has further developed the system, which it is calling Super SteadyShot, to now offer from two to 3.5 stops of latitude in exposure. Interestingly, it is also using the same mechanism (along with an indium tin oxide coating above the sensor to reduce static) as a dust prevention system - something which until now has been the exclusive domain of Olympus' Four Thirds system cameras.

The Sony DSLR-A100 is based around an image processing engine called "Bionz", which looks to be pretty speedy - allowing continuous three frames per second shooting in JPEG mode for as long as there's available card space and battery life. The A100 also includes what Sony is calling Dynamic Range Optimizer - a hardware solution that improves dynamic range and color tonality. According to Sony, the A100 is the first digital SLR to perform this function in hardware, rather than in software.

Other significant features of the Sony Alpha A100 include a 2.5" LCD display with 230,000 pixels, 9-point phase detection autofocus (with one cross-type sensor, the remainder being linear sensors), ISO sensitivity to a maximum of 1600, shutter speeds from 30 to 1/4000 second plus bulb, and three metering choices - 40-segment honeycomb pattern, center-weighted, and spot. A built-in popup flash with a guide number of 12 meters at ISO 100 and a hot shoe cater for times when you need a little extra light, and images are stored on CompactFlash cards (including Type-II and Microdrives), although Sony will be bundling a Memory Stick Duo to CompactFlash adapter with the camera. Power comes from a proprietary NP-FM55H lithium ion rechargeable battery.

Alongside the DSLR-A100, Sony has announced a wide range of lenses and accessories, including three lenses co-developed with Carl Zeiss - an ultra-wide, 16-80 mm Vario-Sonnar T* zoom, a Planar T* 85 mm and a Sonnar T* 135 mm. There's also Sony branded flash strobes, cable releases, viewfinder accessories, carrying cases, and more. The Sony Alpha DSLR-A100 will ship in July, with two bundles available - camera body only for $900, or the DSLR-A100K kit, which includes both the camera body and an 18-70mm zoom lens, priced at $1,000.

Sony α (Alpha) DSLR-A100
Sony's Alpha DSLR-A100 digital SLR. Courtesy of Sony, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
General
Camera Type SLR
Manufacturer Sony
Model Number DSLR-A100
Dimensions 5.2 x 3.7 x 2.8"
133.1 x 94.7 x 71.3mm
Weight 545.0 g
19.1 oz
Image Capture
Sensor Type APS-C CCD
10.80 megapixels (total)
10.20 megapixels (effective)
Filter Type RGBG
Aspect Ratio 3:2
Image Dimensions 3872 x 2592 (10.0 megapixels) 2896 x 1936 (5.6 megapixels) 1920 x 1280 (2.5 megapixels)
Image Preview / Review
Viewfinder Yes, Fixed eye-level, roof-mirror type
95% field of view
LCD 2.5", 230,000 pixels
Playback Zoom 12.0x max
Lens
Lens Type Interchangeable Lens
Lens Mount Sony Alpha
Image Stabilization Yes
Focusing System 9-point TTL phase detection (one cross-type sensor) with eye-start AF with AF assist lamp
Manual Focus possible (0) steps
Exposure
ISO Sensitivity Auto, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600
Shutter Speed 30 - 1/4000 second
Exposure Modes Aperture, Shutter, Manual
Metering Modes 40-segment honeycomb pattern, center-weighted, spot
Exposure Compensation +/- 2.0EV in 1/3EV increments
White Balance Image Sensor - Auto, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent, Flash, Color temperature, Custom, Manual
Internal Flash Guide Number: 12
Modes: Automatic, Fill, Red-eye reduction, Rear sync, Wireless, High-speed sync, Slow sync
Range: 12 meters at ISO 100
Flash Exposure Compensation +/- 2.0EV in 1/3EV increments
Creative
Scene Modes Portrait, landscape, macro, sports, evening, night, night portrait
Self Timer Yes, 2 or 10 seconds
Storage
Recording Medium CompactFlash Type 1, CompactFlash Type 2
Power
Battery Type Lithium Ion rechargeable
Battery Form Factor Proprietary NP-FM55H
Product Bundle
Flash Memory 0.0MB
Other
Tripod Mount Yes
Remote Control Yes, RM-S1AM or RM-L1AM remotes
More Photos
Sony's Alpha DSLR-A100 digital SLR. Courtesy of Sony, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
Sony's Alpha DSLR-A100 digital SLR. Courtesy of Sony, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
Sony's Alpha DSLR-A100 digital SLR. Courtesy of Sony, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
Sony's Alpha DSLR-A100 digital SLR. Courtesy of Sony, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
Sony's Alpha DSLR-A100 digital SLR. Courtesy of Sony, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
Sony's Alpha DSLR-A100 digital SLR. Courtesy of Sony, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
Sony's Alpha DSLR-A100 digital SLR. Courtesy of Sony, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
Sony's Alpha DSLR-A100 digital SLR. Courtesy of Sony, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
Sony's Alpha DSLR-A100 digital SLR. Courtesy of Sony, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
 

Original Source Press Release:

SONY ENTERS THE D-SLR CAMERA MARKET WITH INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGIES TO EXPAND THE CREATIVE POSSIBILITIES

New α (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 ? (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 α (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 α (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 α (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 α (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.

For online support, such as drivers and other documents, former Konica-Minolta users can also visit http://ca.konicaminolta.com/support/index.html.

# # #

Editor’s Notes: Camera performance is measured using Camera Imaging Product Association (CIPA) standards. The viewable area of LCD displays is measured diagonally. For additional information about Sony products, your readers can call toll-free (888) 222-SONY, or visit Sony's web site at: www.sonystyle.com.

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