Man Sony is pumping out the new dSLR models, and this is not the end of it – there’s another big one coming after these two. This comes very shortly after Sony Announced New Entry Level dSLR – Alpha A200 – 10 Megapixels.

Basically the A300 is a slightly upgraded version of the recent Alpha A200, and the A350 is the same as the A300 but with 4 more megapixels.

The A200 directly competes with the new Nikon D60 and the A350 would be more in line with the Canon 450D.

The DSLR-A300 model can shoot about three continuous frames per second and the DSLR-A350 model can shoot up to two-and-a-half continuous frames per second, when using the optical viewfinder. Both are powered by the Bionz processing engine and supplied InfoLITHIUM™ battery for fast start-up times, quick response and long battery life – up to 730 shots per full charge when using the optical viewfinder and up to 410 shots per full charge in live-view mode.

Along with these Sony also announced a new cheaper less powerful flash – the Sony HVL-F42AM – (but added some features) – similar to SB-600 I guess but the first flash with White Balance control built in?

Read the full release here:

Sony announces Alpha 300 and 350

Now this is news, even cheaper than the A100 and firmly aimed at kicking the entry level competitors asses, far better specced than the Nikon D40/x and will do well against the Canon EOS 400D (I think a 450D or similar should be coming soon).

I’m not really sure if I like the rather cheesy 10.2 Megapixels on the bottom, but I guess they know more megapixels attracts the entry level users – hence the D40x upgrade too.

I’d guess perhaps an updated Nikon D80 should be heading out within 2008 as well, or maybe something more along the lines of the D50, which can trump the current D40.

Built in-body stabilization really is a plus. It’s priced very competitively too with the price in Malaysia being listed at RM1999, which normally means the street price will be lower (Around RM1800 to compete with D40/x?). It will ship with the 18-70mm kit lens.

The DSLR-A200 model features upgrades influenced by the recently-introduced, enthusiast-class DSLR-A700 camera and replaces the former Sony DSLR-A100 model, which was Sony’s first in the DSLR class.

The new model is designed to be faster, lighter and easier to use. Upgraded features include a wider, 2.7-inch Clear Photo LCDTM screen for easy playback viewing; a more compact body and an easily-accessible mode dial; an easy-to-use function menu (camera function display); improved noise control for higher quality images; an auto focus speed 1.7x faster than the previous model; improved predictive control performance; quieter shutter sound; automatic pop-up flash; and a battery life indicator that displays the percentage of battery life remaining so you know exactly when to recharge.

I guess they are skipping on the new-gen 3″ LCD to keep the price down.

Read the full specs here:

Sony Alpha DSLR-A200

Ah finally a proper review of the long awaited mid range Sony dSLR the A700!

A strong entry into the market firmly placed up there with the Nikon D300 and the Canon EOS 40D. With some extras the others don’t have like Super Steadyshot and dual memory card slots.

Features

• 12.2 effective Megapixel Sony “Exmor” CMOS sensor with on-chip noise reduction
• Support for Minolta and Sony lenses that use the Alpha mount
• Super SteadyShot image stabilization system
• Rugged, weather resistant body
• Dust reduction system
• Ultra high resolution 3-inch LCD display
• 5 frame/second continuous shooting
• Fully adjustable Dynamic Range Optimizer; user can bracket for DRO as well
• 11-point center dual cross autofocus system
• Dual memory card slots (CF + MS Duo), with the former supporting UDMA cards
• HDMI output

The DRO is very interesting getting some HDR like effects at the maximum setting.

With their Alpha DSLR-A700, Sony has created a midrange digital SLR that keeps up with the “big boys”. The A700 offers an excellent mix of photo quality, performance, features, and build quality — not to mention support for legacy Minolta lenses. Yes, it’s lacking the live view feature of its competitors, but I don’t really miss it, to be honest. While I don’t see Canon and Nikon owners rushing to eBay to sell their gear to buy the A700, it’s a great D-SLR for those with a collection of Minolta lenses. I enjoyed my time with the DSLR-A700, and can recommend it without hesitation.

Read the full review here:

DCRP Review: Sony Alpha DSLR-A700

Ah finally, the details for the new higher level Alpha are out. It looks like quite a formidable creature.

What a lot of announcements lately with the Canon and Nikon offerings, Sony comes up soon after.

• 12.2 Megapixel CMOS
• New AF Sensor
• Faster Focusing
• High Speed Shutter
• Anti-blur
• Pentaprism Viewfinder
• Weather sealed
• 3″ LCD
• HD 1080 Output
• Wireless Remote Included
• New Kit Lens DT 16-105mm F3.5-5.6 with Internal Focus

Like the A100, the new camera still wears its Konica Minolta heritage very much on its sleeve, and when you start to look a little more closely at the specification it’s obvious that there’s still an awful lot of Konica Minolta DNA in the A700. This is hardly surprising given that the circumstances behind its development.

And, just as the A100 was obviously based on – and designed to be a successor to – the KM 5D, the A700 follows on from the 7D, and – despite lots of Sony touches and an attractive new design – 7D users are likely to find using the new model reassuringly familiar.

Albert has a good post about it here too:

The New Sony Alpha 700!

It’s been a long time coming, I guess this might well coincide with their announcements of pro-level cameras.

You wouldn’t find many pro’s putting up with the tiny fiddly Memory Sticks that Sony likes to force on it’s users.

So why not capitalise on that and use Compact Flash! Easier to handle and more rugged too.

Sony has announced that is moving away from manufacturing just Memory Sticks and started to offer Compact Flash cards for digital camera users.

The new card range will be compatible with a wide range of products featuring the Compact Flash slot, including many digital cameras, printers and other imaging and PC devices.

Interesting eh?

We’ll have to wait and see if their prices and reliablity are on par with Sandisk.

Sony will launch a range of three 66x transfer speed cards with capacities of 1GB, 2GB and 4GB as it tries to prove itself as an option for professional photographers using Nikon, Canon and of course its own Alpha range launched last year.

In addition, two higher-end, value added 133x transfer speed cards with 2GB and 4GB capacity, which are supported by Sony’s image recovery service.

Source: Photography Press