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The a (alpha) DSLR-A100 digital single lens reflex (D-SLR) camera is the first product to come from Sony's aquisition of Konica Minolta's D-SLR and technologies. The DSLR-A100 is based heavily on the Konica Minolta Maxxum 5D and incorporates a higher resolution 10.2-megapixel image sensor, improved 40-segment metering, higher resolution 2.5-inch Clear Photo LCD Plus, and a new Anti Dust technology. The DSLR-A100 will have the highest resolution available in its class. It will be introduced along with 19 high-quality Sony lenses and a wide range of accessories.

The DSLR-A100 camera helps to combat blurry pictures through the use of higher light sensitivity (up to ISO 1600) and Super SteadyShot image stabilization, a Sony technology that shifts the image sensor to compensate for camera movement. Because Super SteadyShot is built into the camera body, all compatible lenses are image-stabilized allowing from 2 to 3-1/2 stops of latitude in exposure. This means hand-held telephoto shooting at lower shutter speeds and more opportunities to shoot in natural lighting without a tripod or a flash.

The DSLR-A100 can optimize dynamic range, meaning the range from highlights to shadows, including gain and contrast, through in-camera hardware processing. Sony’s Dynamic Range Optimizer (DRO) analyzes the captured image data and instantly determines the best exposure and color tonality of an image before JPEG compression. Unlike software optimization of a processed image, DRO is performed in the hardware. It is the first hardware-based DRO solution with the speed required for high-speed shooting.

The high-speed Bionz LSI image processing engine allows you to capture pictures at lightning speed. The camera will offer high-speed burst shooting at up to three frames per second continuously, at 10.2-megapixels and the finest JPEG compression. For those action shots, you’re limited only by the speed and capacity of your media card. The Bionz image processing engine also performs intelligent power management. The supplied lithium-ion battery gives you up to 750 shots per full charge, depending on usage patterns and environmental conditions.

Interchangeable lens cameras are prone to dust collecting on the image sensor when the lenses are changed, the dust appears as annoying spots in photos. The DSLR-A100 offers a novel approach to fighting dust. The image sensor has an indium tin oxide coating to avoid static build-up and helps prevent dust from adhering. And when the camera is turned on or off, an anti-dust feature is activated that literally shakes off the dust particles.

The DSLR-A100 also features eye-start auto focus, which starts focusing your picture before you even press the shutter; a 2.5-inch Clear Photo LCD Plus™ screen for wide-angle viewing and exceptional color reproduction; JPEG and RAW file format support; and a comfortable camera grip with easily-accessible function and mode dials. There is a slot for CompactFlash Type I/II cards and Microdrives. The camera also accepts Memory Stick Duo and Memory Stick PRO Duo™ media cards through he use of an adaptor.

DSLR-A100 Features

• Lightweight and durable magnesium alloy chassis

• Sony a Alpha/Minolta-A bayonet lens mount

• 10.2-megapixel Sony CCD sensor with 10M/5M/2.5M image sizes

• Recording choice of JPEG, RAW, or RAW plus Fine JPEG

• Super SteadyShot anti-shake system with viewfinder indicators

• Anti-dust system automatically shakes dust off the imager

• Large 2.5-inch TFT color Clear Photo LCD Plus

• Pentaprism viewfinder with 95% coverage and Eye Start AF

• 9-point AF with Wide, Spot and Focus Area Selection

• Image adjustments: Contrast, Saturation, Sharpness (5 levels)

• Shooting modes: Full-auto, Programmed AE with program shift, Aperture priority, Shutter priority, Manual and Scenes

• TTL metering: 40-segment honeycomb-pattern, Center-weighted or Spot

• White Balance: Auto, six presets and Manual color temperature

• Unlimited Continuous 3fps shooting Large/Fine JPEG images, up to 6 RAW

• Shutter speeds: 30 to 1/4,000 seconds, 1/160 sec. flash sync

• ISO Range: 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600 (with lo80 and hi200)

• Built-in TTL popup flash with red-eye reduction.

• Hot shoe for Sony/Minolta Program Flash units

• CompactFlash I/II card slot, Microdrive and FAT32 compatible

• Video Out with selectable NTSC or PAL timing

• High capacity lithium-ion battery pack and charger included

• Exif Print, PRINT Image Matching II, PictBridge compatible

The DSLR-A100 camera body will retail for about US$899. The DSLR-A100K kit, which includes the camera body and an 18-70mm zoom lens, will be about US$999, both ship by late July 2006. See our buy box for current pricing and online vendors.

Sony DSLR-A100 Specifications