Sony introduces three D-SLRs, four lenses and a flash
19 May 2009
Sony today announced three new entry-level digital SLRs. The new Alpha DSLR-A230, A330, and A380 replace the A200, A300, and A350, respectively. Some of the new features on these models include smaller and lighter bodies, a more intuitive interface, support for SD/SDHC cards (did I just see a pig fly by?), HDMI output, and new lens and flash options. Here are the highlights for all three of these cameras:
Alpha DSLR-A230 [specs]
- 10.2 effective Megapixel CCD
- Alpha (α) lens mount supports both Minolta and Sony lenses, with a 1.5X focal length conversion ratio
- SteadyShot sensor-shift image stabilization gives you shake reduction on every lens
- Dust reduction system
- 2.7″ LCD display with 230,400 pixels (does not have live view)
- Optical viewfinder has 0.83X magnification, 95% coverage
- 9-point autofocus system
- Auto and scene modes, plus full manual controls
- RAW, RAW+JPEG support
- Continuous shooting at 2.5 frames/second
- In-camera help system
- Dual memory card slots: Memory Stick Duo + SD/SDHC
- HDMI output
- Uses NP-FH50 lithium-ion battery; 510 shots per charge
- Ships in July for $550 with an 18 – 55 mm lens, or $750 with 18 – 55 mm and 55 – 200 mm lenses
Alpha DSLR-A330 [specs] – changes:
- Tilting 2.7″ LCD display (230,400 pixels), with a wider range of motion than on previous models
- Live view and super-fast autofocus thanks to a dedicated sensor in the viewfinder chamber
- Optical viewfinder is considerably smaller than the A230, with a 0.74X magnification; coverage is the same
- Continuous shooting rate of 2.5 fps with the viewfinder, and 2.0 fps with live view
- Same battery life with the viewfinder; live view battery life rated at 230 shots
- Priced at $650 with the 18-55 and $850 with the 18-55/55-200 combo
- A special brown-colored model will be available
Alpha DSLR-A380 [specs] – changes:
- 14.2 effective Megapixel CCD
- Priced at $850 for the single lens kit, and $1050 for the dual lens kit
Along with those new cameras come several new accessories. Both the F3.5-5.6, 18 – 55 and F4.0-5.6, 55 – 200 mm kit lenses are all new, and they’re optimized for APS-C sensors. They both feature a Smooth Autofocus Motor (SAM) and extra-low dispersion (ED) elements. These lenses will be available separately for $200 and $230, respectively.
Sony also has two other lenses: a new F1.8, 50 mm portrait lens, and an F2.8, 30 mm macro lens. The 50 mm lens will be available in July for $150. Pricing and availability for the macro lens was not available.
Finally, there’s a new external flash with a unique pop-up design. The flash has a guide number of 20 meters, and it has a bounce function for better quality flash photos. It’s priced at $130.
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