SI: With Rumors Rampant, Sony Debuts DSLR-A380, DSLR-A330 and DSLR-A230 With Many Accesories

[Christopher]

After intense speculation, Sony is catering to budget-minded and first time digital SLR buyers with the introduction of three new easy-to-use α (alpha) cameras (models DSLR-A380, DSLR-A330 and DSLR-A230). Sony has also announced four new lenses, a flash and accessories. The new cameras are designed to overcome challenges faced by many customers taking their first steps in DSLR photography. The α230L will go for about $550 at launch, while the α330L and α380L will fill a solid niche at the $650 and $850 price ranges, respectively. The L series one-lens kit comes with the SAL-1855 standard zoom lens. Sony is also going to offer a Y series variant (α380Y, α330Y and α230Y) for each model for an extra $200 that includes two-lens kit of the SAL-1855 standard zoom and SAL-55200 telephoto zoom lenses. Pre-orders will begin today at Sony Style and at selected retailers nationwide. The cameras and a range of accessories will be available in July at Sony Style, at military base exchanges and at authorized dealers nationwide.

The 10.2 megapixel α230 (above) camera is the lightest, most compact alpha DSLR camera body ever at 15.9 ounces. The 10.2 megapixel α330 and the 14.2 megapixel α380 cameras are also smaller and lighter than their predecessor models (the DSLR-A300 and DSLR-A350, respectively). An HDMI terminal gives you the option of connecting your camera to a compatible HDTV and playing back your images in high definition quality (HDMI cable required, sold separately); Bravia-Sync is also supported. The α380, α330 and α230 models are Sony’s first DSLR cameras to feature a graphical user interface (GUI) with built-in on-screen Help Guide. The Help Guide offers clear, concise explanations of various modes and settings, while the Graphic Display helps you understand the relationship between aperture and shutter speed, as well as the effect each has on photographic results.

Both the α380 (below) and α330 (above) cameras offer Sony’s Quick Autofocus (AF) Live View technology, so you can frame photos on the camera’s LCD screen as well as in the optical viewfinder. Through the use of a dedicated image sensor, Quick AF Live View maintains the rapid response of a DSLR, while avoiding the focus delay common to other live view systems. The new cameras feature a 2.7-inch LCD screen that is easy to view even in bright sunlight. Additionally, the LCD on the α380 and α330 models can be tilted up or down, making it easy to frame your subject from high or low positions, otherwise difficult to see using an eye-level viewfinder. The range of adjustment has been increased from their predecessors, making it even easier to get shots from difficult angles.

As for the accessories we mentioned earlier, here is some information and pictures of the new lenses:

The DT 18-55mm F/3.5-5.6 standard zoom lens (model SAL-1855 - $200) incorporates aspherical and Extra-low Dispersion (ED) elements to provide an all purpose lens with outstanding image quality.

The DT 55-200mm F/4-5.6 telephoto zoom lens (model SAL-55200/2 - $230) features an ED glass element and helps bring distant subjects closer, ideal for capturing sports. Both the SAL-1855 and SAL-55200 lenses are available separately, or packaged as kits with the new cameras.

To make the benefits of portrait and macro photography easier and more accessible, Sony is introducing a DT 50mm F/1.8 portrait lens (model SAL-50F18 - $150)..

..and DT 30mm F/2.8 (model SAL-30M28) macro lens. The wide aperture SAL-50F18 lens helps users capture beautiful portraits with gently defocused backgrounds while the SAL-30M28 macro lens captures intricate close-ups. Both techniques are difficult to achieve with standard lenses.

To help users take better shots with flash, Sony offers an affordable, compact external flash unit (model HVL-F20AM - $130) that is simple to operate. Unlike a camera’s built-in flash, this external flash provides higher output (Guide Number 20), and enables users to bounce light off the ceiling to eliminate harsh shadows and achieve more even illumination when shooting indoors.

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[Guest Stuge]

THAT bronze/copper color camera looks quite attractive .