Posted by Camera-news | Under Announcements, Sony
Wednesday Jan 30, 2008
It appears Sony is getting serious about staking its position in the prosumer digital SLR market. They today introduced two cameras, the A300 and A350, which would place them in-between the A200 and A700. Both new models feature new technologies that make picture taking faster, easier, and more familiar for first-time DSLR users.
The 10 mega pixel Alpha DSLR-A300
10.2 effective Megapixel CCD
Supports all Minolta/Sony Alpha-mount lenses with a 1.5X focal length conversion ratio
Sensor-shift image stabilization
Live view on a 2.7-inch, tilt-able LCD display (with 230k pixels)
Sony uses a secondary CCD near the viewfinder to provide the live view; they did things differently than Olympus did with the E-330, though — there’s a tilting mirror instead of a prism, so the viewfinder is still bright
Due to the design of the live view system, the camera can use phase detection AF at any time; no mirror flipping necessary!
Optical viewfinder has 0.74X magnification and 95% coverage
Dust reduction system uses image stabilizer to shake dust off the sensor
Full manual controls; ISO goes to 3200, shutter speed range is 30 – 1/4000 sec
Can shoot up to 6 RAWs or an unlimited number of JPEGs at 3 frames/second
9-point center cross AF sensor
Hot shoe for external flash
CompactFlash Type I/II slot
Optional battery grip
Uses NP-FM500H li-ion battery; 730 shots per charge with LV off, and 410 shots with LV on
USB 2.0 High Speed supported
Ships with an 18 – 70 mm lens this April for $800
The 14 mega pixel Alpha DSLR-A350
14.2 effective Megapixel CCD
Burst rate drops to 2 frames/second
Shipping in March for $800 body only, or $900 with the 18 – 70 mm lens
In addition to the new D-SLRs, Sony also announced two new zoom lenses, both of which use Sony’s Super Sonic Wave Motor for silent focusing. Here they are:
F2.8, 24 – 70 mm Carl Zeiss Vario Sonnar T* lens – ships this spring for $1750
F4.5-5.6, 70 – 300 mm Sony lens – ships this spring for $800
Posted by Camera-news | Under Announcements, Sony
Wednesday Jan 23, 2008
Ahead of the PMA show Sony has made several announcements including four new Cyber-shot compact digital cameras.
The Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-W170, DSC-W150, DSC-W130, and DSC-W120 all feature Sony’s new “Smile Shutter” mode, which automatically captures an image when your subject smiles without even having to press the shutter (I wonder if the camera says “cheese” –ed). The 10.1-megapixel DSC-W170 and 8.1-megapixel DSC-W150 models feature 5x optical zoom lenses and 2.7 inch LCD screens. The 8.1-megapixel DSC-W130 and 7.2-megapixel DSC-W120 models both have 4x optical zoom and 2.5 inch LCD screens. The DSC-W150 will cost $250 in April, and the DSC-W170 for $300. The DSC-W120 camera will be available for about $200 and the DSC-W130 for about $230, both in March.
Sony launches four new models to their W-range of Cyber-shot compact digital cameras today.
Posted by Camera-news | Under Reviews, Sony
Friday Jan 18, 2008
"Overall, the T2′s photos look pretty good. As with the T200 and T20, they’re softer than the previous generation’s–notably the T100–and than some of the competition’s, due to what looks like more aggressive noise reduction. Still, they show good exposure and automatic white balance. There’s a bit of lens distortion and a bit of purple and cyan fringing, but the colors look pleasing and reasonably saturated. Like most snapshot cameras, photos taken at sensitivities beyond ISO 200 look really mushy and by ISO 800 lack detail entirely, so take Sony’s claim of ISO 3200 capability for the T2 with a chunk of salt.
Though it’s a perfectly competent little camera, on the basis of features, image quality, and performance, there’s little reason to opt for the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T2 over the less expensive T20 or better-equipped T200. If you find the design a significant attraction, then I suggest you visit one in a local store before making the commitment. "
CNET says this model has zippy performance, sleek design, 4GB built-in memory, and an optical image stabilizer, but they think other Sony models are better.
Sony Cybershot DSC-T2
Our Price: $349.95
Average Customer Rating:
Features
8.1-megapixel Super HAD CCD captures enough detail for photo-quality 16 x 22-inch prints 2.7-inch widescreen, touch-panel Clear Photo LCD Plus Carl Zeiss 3x optical zoom lens Face Detection; Smile Shutter automatically captures when subject smiles 4GB built-in memory to organize all of your pictures
The Cyber-shot DSCT2 is more than a high function camera. The large capacity 4GB internal memory means that you can carry them around as a digital album, and show your pictures to your families and friends.The internal memory also includes a new and easy way to upload the stored images to a blog or photo-sharing service with the share mark function. The advanced touch screen user interface combines with the Album function and also automatically detects a smile with the Smile Shutter.With 5 vivid color variations and a highly distinctive full flat front design, the DSCT2 responds to the wide-ranging needs of the net-generation user.A lifetime of memories the huge 4GB internal memory allows you to store up to 40000 photos.
