Sony debuts three new Alpha Digital SLR cameras

by Stevie Smith - May 18 2009, 15:20

Photography enthusiast? Looking to ignore the recession and invest some of your hard-earned money by upgrading from a simple point-and-click compact camera to an equally simple but more capable Digital SLR? Let Sony be your guide across three Alpha-branded contenders looking to secure your cash.

Described as “three easy-to-use” D-SLR cameras, the new entrants to Sony’s Alpha line offer high performance alongside instant accessibility thanks to 2.7-inch LCD screens, compact and stylish body designs, SteadyShot Inside image stabilisation, HDMI output, Bravia Sync for Sony Bravia HDTVs, an on-board Help Guide, and up to 14.2 mega pixels of performance (A380 only).

Beyond the Alpha A230 and A330 delivering 10.2 mega pixels, all three cameras offer an APS-C type CCD image sensor (18mm to 55mm), the BIONZ processor, a maximum ISO of 3200, 2.5fps continuous shooting, and a shutter speed of 1/4000-30 sec.

Other features include compatibility with JPEG, RAW, and RAW + JPEG, four Focus modes, five Exposure modes, six Scene Selection modes, built-in Auto Flash with red-eye reduction, Fill-flash, Rear sync, Slow sync, and support for Memory Stick PRO Duo, PRO-HG Duo, PRO-HG Duo HX, SD and SDHC memory cards.

“The a230 is the world’s lightest digital SLR featuring an APS-C sized image sensor and in-body image stabilization [for a weight of 450g],” enthuses Sony in its official release. “Its compact size makes it great for trips away when you want to grab superb pictures without taking up extra space in you luggage.”

“The a330 and a380 feature Quick AF Live View for responsive ‘freestyle’ shooting that keeps pace with what’s happening around you,” it adds. “This unique system combines the benefits of live view image preview with speedy and accurate autofocus, even with moving objects.”

Of course, general specification similarities apart, the differences separating the A230 from the A330 and A380 are evident when viewing their respective price points. Moreover, the A230 is expected to cost $550 USD, while the A330 will be attached to a $650 USD tag and the upper-tier A380 will set prospective buyers back by $850 USD.

Expect the new trio of Alphas to hit retail some time in June.

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