Sony’s Three New Alpha Digital SLRs Introduced
May 23, 2009
What started off as a rumour some time back has now been confirmed with Sony official announcement about the introduction of three new digital SLRs, the A380, A330 and A230, for first time users. A good piece of news is that Sony has made it possible to use both Memory Stick as SD or SDHC memory cards in these camera systems. Additionally, these come with a tilt LCD screen and mark the arrival of Quick AF Live View viewfinder.
Following the launch of Nikon's D5000 Digital Camera, Sony has got into redesigning their DSLRs user interface so as to provide better understanding of the available settings. The only possible disadvantage as may be viewed by some is the lack of high definition video recording capabilities.
Customer Centric DSLRs
These set of cameras are designed to help customers who are using DSLR for the first time by overcoming the challenges faced by them whilst retaining the performance and versatility of a digital SLR. These new models are comparatively lighter, smaller and easier to use and operate with some great groundbreaking options that is not found in other systems. The senior manager for the alpha business at Sony Electronics Inc., Kristin Elder has said that their new alpha cameras, lenses and accessories make it easy for new first time users to get great photos without having to undergo the steep learning curve that is required for using a traditional DSLR camera.
These are Sony's first DSLR camera to feature a graphical user interface (GUI) along with an in-built on-screen Help guide. This Help guide offers very clear and precise explanation of the various modes and settings, whereas the GUI provides a thorough understanding of the relationship between aperture and shutter as well as their effect on the resultant photos.
Specifications
These three DSLRs are the lightest and most compact cameras in the Sony Alpha series with a weight of 15.9 ounces. Although, they are compact and lightweight, they are feature rich cameras and they include an intuitive control layout for easy single-handed execution. Also, the SuperSteady Shot INSIDE is the in-camera image stabilisation technique that has been in-built into the camera system so as to minimise the blur caused due to camera shake.
The A230 and A330 feature a 10.2 mega-pixels of sensor resolution while the A380 features a higher 14.2 mega-pixel sensor resolution. Both the A330 and the A380 offer the Sony's Quick AutoFocus (AF) Live View technology that allows you to frame the photos both on the camera's LCD screen as well in the optical viewfinder. With the help of a dedicated image sensor, the Quick AF View is able to maintain the rapid response that is a standard quality of DSLR.
These new cameras feature a 2.7-inch LCD sunlight viewable screen. In case of the A330 and the A380, the LCD screen can be tilted up or down enabling you to easily shoot subjects in high and low positions. As compared with its predecessors the adjustment range has also been increased making it easier to capture images from various angles. The Quick AF Live View combined with the adjustable LCD, allows a user to capture natural expressions. Furthermore, a HDMI port provides you with the facility of connecting your camera to any compatible HDTV such as Sony BRAVIA HDTV.
Accessories
For the comfort of first time users, Sony cameras come in camera-and-lens packages. Along with the standard telephoto and zoom lens that come with the camera body, Sony has also launched new portrait and macro lenses. With this feature specific lenses it is much more easy to obtain professional photos. For better results with flash, the company offers simple to use compact and affordable external flash units.
Pre-orders for these three gadgets have already begun. So check out for offers and retailers and grab one that suits your requirements.
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