Alpha A100 (Official)

[Drudkh]

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/160/200/400/800/1600

LCD:
2.5-inch (measured diagonally) TFT (230k pixels) LCD with Clear Photo ™ design; Eye-start Auto-focus sensor

Display:
Histogram: Yes, Live, RGB 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 pictures3

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ﾟ- 23ﾟ
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
Sony Picture Package software
Sony Image Data Converter .SRF software
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-ROMs
NOTE: No Memory Stick media or adapters are included.

Source: http://www.sonystyle.com/is-bin/INTE...me=specs&var2=

[Drudkh]

Lenses & Accessories Available:
http://www.sonystyle.com/is-bin/INTE...Name=acc&var2=

[TuTu_CaR]

hmmmm
this one interest me...
Carl Zeiss® Vario-Sonnar T* DT 16-80mm f/3.5-4.5 Zoom Lens

[Drudkh]

Originally Posted by TuTu_CaR hmmmm this one interest me... Carl Zeiss® Vario-Sonnar T* DT 16-80mm f/3.5-4.5 Zoom Lens

me too! an interesting range! equiv to 24-120mm (aps-c)

[dr34mc4st3r]

Originally Posted by TuTu_CaR hmmmm this one interest me... Carl Zeiss® Vario-Sonnar T* DT 16-80mm f/3.5-4.5 Zoom Lens

hey same here...looks like a good range!

[dr34mc4st3r]

under the supplied accessories -
it says this is included :
MSAC-MCF1N MS-Duo to CF Adaptor

then after that it states
NOTE: No Memory Stick media or adapters are included.

[eow]

Burst Mode:
Continuous burst mode at 3 FPS to limit of media;
this is really a good news

[Drudkh]

also take note that ISO3200 is not available

[zcf]

I wonder what is this though

Quote: Eye-start Auto-focus sensor

[dr34mc4st3r]

good price also. USD$ 999.95

anybody going to BBB?

[Peng62]

Here's what strikes me :

ISO lowest at 160 and highest at 1600;

RAW file is designated as .ARW (Alpha RaW??) instead of .MRW (Minolta RaW??) - does that mean we have to wait all over again for raw converter softwares to release plugins for the .ARW format?;

cost of some of the accessories that I am familiar with, eg, HVL-F56AM flash (=5600HSD?) is USD449.99 = SGD 710.98 using conversion rate of 1.58, WOW!!!, does that mean we should just go grab all those remaining Minolta flashes and even lenses unless Sony is going to drop the prices over the next few months?? maybe some of you who are familiar with how Sony price their newly released toys can share with us your experience here??? prices are listed here :

http://www.sonystyle.com/is-bin/INTE...Name=acc&var2=

[Peng62]

Originally Posted by zcf I wonder what is this though

i believe the "eye-start auto-focus sensor" is for when you place your eye at the viewfinder it will wake up the camera and start the autofocus of the lens. this is intended to give the user a faster response than having to half-press the shutter release button to capture fast happening event. at least that's how i interpret the write-up. it could well be an and/or choice with the auto shutoff of the LCD when you place your eye at the viewfinder.

[zcf]

Originally Posted by Peng62 Here's what strikes me : ISO lowest at 160 and highest at 1600; RAW file is designated as .ARW (Alpha RaW??) instead of .MRW (Minolta RaW??) - does that mean we have to wait all over again for raw converter softwares to release plugins for the .ARW format?; cost of some of the accessories that I am familiar with, eg, HVL-F56AM flash (=5600HSD?) is USD449.99 = SGD 710.98 using conversion rate of 1.58, WOW!!!, does that mean we should just go grab all those remaining Minolta flashes and even lenses unless Sony is going to drop the prices over the next few months?? maybe some of you who are familiar with how Sony price their newly released toys can share with us your experience here??? prices are listed here : http://www.sonystyle.com/is-bin/INTE...Name=acc&var2=

That's is the RRP, I think retail price will be a bit lower.

[zcf]

Originally Posted by Peng62 i believe the "eye-start auto-focus sensor" is for when you place your eye at the viewfinder it will wake up the camera and start the autofocus of the lens. this is intended to give the user a faster response than having to half-press the shutter release button to capture fast happening event. at least that's how i interpret the write-up. it could well be an and/or choice with the auto shutoff of the LCD when you place your eye at the viewfinder.

Thanks for the explaination. Hope it have a choice to disable it if necessary.

[zcf]

Seem like there are two colour available
DSLR-A100 (my guess is silver again )
DSLR-A100K (black)

Seem like this have cut down some feature from 5D like
ISO 160 instead of ISO 100
No ISO button

Though, it's has improve on others features.

Carl Zeiss® Vario-Sonnar T* DT 16-80mm f/3.5-4.5 Zoom (equivalent to 24-120mm in 35mm term), why it's range is like Sony R1 lens range 14.3-71.5 f/2.8-4.8 (equivalent to 24-120mm in 35mm term)? May be it's a same design?

[Drudkh]

Did you guys notice?

Quote: Display: Histogram: Yes, Live, RGB Playback

[zcf]

Originally Posted by Drudkh Did you guys notice?

I did notice that, but I don't know what it mean also, does it mean it some how will show the histogram on the LCD screen? Best may be on view finder, but I think unlikely.

General features:

Quote: Enjoy the all-new Sony® α (alpha) DSLR-A100 camera with an amazing all-around lens to get you started. Included in this kit is the versatile new SAL-1870 lens. This standard lens easily handles the full range of shots you’ll take most often—but there’s nothing “standard” about its advanced optical design. In 35mm equivalent, it covers wide-angle 27mm to 105mm midrange telephoto for snapshots, portraits, interiors and more—an excellent all-around lens to travel with. The Sony® α (alpha) DSLR-A100 camera is an instant classic: the top-quality 10 MP DSLR system camera that builds on a two-decade legacy of Minolta photographic leadership, accepts 20 years of A-mount lenses sold worldwide—and introduces Sony® imaging innovations like high-sensitivity shooting with Super SteadyShot® in-camera image stabilization, Dynamic Range Optimizer to automatically increase detail in bright and dark picture areas, new Anti-Dust technology to keep the CCD imager clean for better pictures, and Eye-Start® Autofocus system for faster camera response. The Rebirth of a Legend. In the revolutionary new Sony® α (alpha) DSLR-A100 camera, Sony’s mastery of digital technology combines with Minolta’s legendary SLR technology -- including autofocus and anti-shake compatibility with over 16 million A-mount lenses sold worldwide. Advanced Lenses and Accessories. The Sony® α (alpha) DSLR-A100 camera is your gateway to one of the world’s most sophisticated camera systems, including precision Sony® standard and zoom lenses, Sony® “G” Series lenses with advanced motorized autofocusing, amazingly bright Carl Zeiss® T* coated lenses, professional-quality flash units and more. 10 MP Super HAD™ CCD. A large APS-size CCD imager with Sony’s advanced Super HAD™ (Hole Accumulated Diode) design allows more light to pass to each pixel, increasing sensitivity and reducing noise -- and providing greater detail when you make big prints or crop in close on your subject. Super SteadyShot® Image Stabilization. The Sony® α (alpha) DSLR-A100 camera builds image stabilization into the camera body, so all lenses benefit from anti-shake performance. And along with higher ISO sensitivity, Sony’s Super SteadyShot® system minimizes blur from shaky hands so you can take sharp, clear photos with hand-held camera in situations that would normally require a tripod -- and also helps both extended telephoto and macro close-up shooting. Anti-Dust Technology. Changing lenses in a DSLR can allow dust to enter the camera -- so to keep the CCD imager clean for better pictures, the Sony®  (alpha) DSLR-A100 camera utilizes both static-free anti-dust coating on the CCD filter and anti-dust vibration that automatically shakes the CCD to dislodge dust each time the camera is shut off. Dynamic Range Optimizer. To recover details in dark or bright areas of the picture, the Sony® α (alpha) DSLR-A100 camera provides two levels of Dynamic Range Optimization: Normal DRO, to improve shadow detail using standard gamma curves for fast shot-to-shot response time, or Advanced DRO, to adjust dynamic range area-by-area for the greatest precision. Bionz™ Image Processor. At the heart of the Sony® α (alpha) DSLR-A100 camera is the advanced Bionz™ Image Processor, using hardware-based Large Scale Integrated (LSI) circuitry that responds ten times faster than software image processors -- improving camera response time, handling Dynamic Range Optimization processing and extending Stamina® battery life. Eye-Start® Autofocus System. Some DSLR systems don’t start focusing until the shutter button is half-pressed -- but that can slow down camera response. The Sony® α (alpha) DSLR-A100 camera begins its precision autofocus adjustments the moment you bring your eye to the viewfinder, to capture fast-action subjects other cameras might blur. 2.5” 1 Clear Photo LCD Plus™ Screen. The Clear Photo LCD Plus™ design of the Sony® α (alpha) DSLR-A100 camera’s built-in screen makes it easy to read camera setup menus even in bright sunlight -- and gives you a better picture when you use your screen to set up shots and check results. Continuous Burst Mode at 3 Frames Per Second. To catch fast action more effectively, the Sony® α (alpha) DSLR-A100 camera offers continuous JPEG image capture up to the limit of your flash memory card -- plus RAW Burst Mode (up to 6 shots) with intelligent buffer management to allow more shots to be captured without waiting for the buffer to clear. Super-Accurate Exposure Control. A 40-segment honeycomb sensing system provides multi-pattern measuring for superior exposure control accuracy. Flexible Exposure Modes. For greater creative freedom in a wide range of shooting conditions, the Sony® α (alpha) DSLR-A100 camera provides full manual exposure control as well as Program Auto, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, and Exposure Compensation modes. 9-Point Auto Focus Selection. The Sony® α (alpha) DSLR-A100 camera gives you all the focusing options you need for composing your shot with foreground, background or off-center subjects -- including manual focus point selection, Spot AF, Continuous AF and AF Lock. Lithium Ion Battery with Stamina® Power. A supplied NP-FM55H Lithium Ion rechargeable battery lets you take up to 600 shots2on a full charge, recharges quickly with supplied battery charger. Dual Media Options. The Sony® α (alpha) DSLR-A100 camera accepts both CompactFlash™ Type I/II media and optional Memory Stick Duo™ media (with supplied adaptor). SAL1870 DT18-70mm F3.5-5.6 Lens Features: DT Lens Design: A more compact, lightweight lens designed specifically for the APS-size CCD imager used in the Sony® α (alpha) DSLR-A100 camera. Aspherical Lens Elements: To correct visual aberrations at wide-angle setting, enabling a lightweight lens to capture more visually accurate wide-angle shots. ED (Extra-low Dispersion) Glass: To reduce chromatic aberration at telephoto extension, correcting certain wavelengths of light for sharp, clear images with well defined colors. Circular Aperture: Because aperture blades form a near circle at the wide openings used for low-light shots, spot-light sources have a pleasing circular defocused effect.

[zcf]

Quote: 10 MP Super HAD™ CCD. A large APS-size CCD imager with Sony’s advanced Super HAD™ (Hole Accumulated Diode) design allows more light to pass to each pixel, increasing sensitivity and reducing noise -- and providing greater detail when you make big prints or crop in close on your subject. Anti-Dust Technology. Changing lenses in a DSLR can allow dust to enter the camera -- so to keep the CCD imager clean for better pictures, the Sony®  (alpha) DSLR-A100 camera utilizes both static-free anti-dust coating on the CCD filter and anti-dust vibration that automatically shakes the CCD to dislodge dust each time the camera is shut off.

Super HAD CCD? Will it suppose to be better or same as 200D one?

Anti-Dust Technology is a welcome feature really

[TME]

Eye-start is a Minolta invention...

One good thing if I interpret it correctly... there is a live histogram??? In the viewfinder? Woohoo!

The LCD is a bit disappointing... was expecting 3" and more than just 230K pixels... the existing LCD is really no good enough to spot OOF...

We have lost the 1/2 stop for exposure compensation... everything is in 1/3 stops... at least it's on a knob outside the menu... there's only one dial on the front of the grip... ok, ok... maybe I am expecting too much cos I use the 7D... but....

It's a basically a souped-up 5D... looks a pretty good first DSLR for Sony... trashes the 350D, D70 and pratically everything else in the same price point where ergonomics is concerned... let's look at the performance and see if the Bioniz engine works better than the CX processor...

And now for the 7D replacement... maybe end of the year... *starts saving hard*...

[Drudkh]

Originally Posted by TME We have lost the 1/2 stop for exposure compensation... everything is in 1/3 stops... at least it's on a knob outside the menu... there's only one dial on the front of the grip... ok, ok... maybe I am expecting too much cos I use the 7D... but....

I think the 2 knobs functions are the same as the 5D. The one on the left (as you hold it) is not a EV.
see image http://www.sonystyle.com/is-bin/INTE...&max=7&index=7