Sony Digital SLR
Two New DSLR Models Reviewed

Sony a350 Digital Camera

Features - Average

Price - Low

A new low end Sony Model packs alot of punch for its price. This is a good choice for someone just entering the market. Here is a summary of why it is a good choice:

• Live View Mode
• 14.2 MP
• tilting LCD panel
• pop up flash
• steady shot stabilization
• dynamic range optimization

List price - $650 body only

Sony A350 Full Specifications

* 14.2 MP Super HAD CCD delivering resolutions as high as 4,592 x 3,056 pixels

* 3.88x Kit lens, 18-70mm (27-105mm equivalent), f/3.5-5.6

* Optical viewfinder

* 2.7-inch Clear Photo LCD Screen mounted on a tilting base

* ISO Sensitivity: 100 to 3,200

* Shutter speeds: 30 seconds to 1/4,000 second

* Compact Flash Type I, II, Microdrive

* Lithium-ion battery

* Dimensions: 5.25 x 4.0 x 3.0 inches (131 x 99 x 75 millimeters)

* Weight: 24 ounces (682g) with lens, battery, and card

* Tilting LCD

* Live View mode

* Super SteadyShot in-camera image stabilization offers from 2.5 to 3.5 stops of compensation

* Bionz Image Processor

* Dynamic Range Optimizer: Normal DRO improves detail using standard gamma curves for fast shot-to-shot response time. Advanced DRO adjusts dynamic range area-by-area

* Anti-Dust Technology

* Auto Pop-Up Flash with four main operating modes and a variable Slow-Sync function

* External, proprietary flash hot-shoe for Sony accessory flash units

* Built-in support for wireless TTL flash exposure with certain Sony flashes

* Eye-Start Autofocus System

* 9-Point Center Cross AF Sensor

* Auto and Manual focus options with Single and Continuous AF modes

* 40-segment honeycomb metering system, plus Center-Weighted and Spot metering options, with AE Lock function

* Scene Selection Modes: Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Sports, Sunset and Night Portrait/Night View situations

* Creative Style Settings

* sRGB and Adobe RGB color space options

* RAW and JPEG file formats

* Contrast, saturation, and sharpness adjustments

* Adjustable White Balance setting with presets and a manual option, as well as a full range of Kelvin temperature settings

* Index and Slide Show Display

* High-Resolution Thumbnails for PhotoTV HD Viewing

* Function Guide Display

* Continuous Burst Mode at 2.4 frames per second

* "Storage-Class" USB 2.0 High-Speed interface

* USB 2.0 High-Speed cable and interface software for connecting to a computer and downloading images

* NTSC or PAL selectable video output signal, with cable included

* Optional wired remote control accessories

* DPOF (Digital Print Order Format), Exif 2.2, Print Image Matching III and PictBridge compliant

Sony Alpha 900

Features - Very good

Price - High

The latest model Sony is the Alpha 900. It packs alot of very powerful features in this mighty camera and is in a serious competitor with the Canon 5D and Nikon D700. Here is what a summary of its outstanding features:

• full frame sensor
• 24.6 MP
• steadyshot inside - image stabilization
• 100% viewfinder accuracy
• 0.74x viewfinder magnification
• big bright pentaprism viewfinder
• powerful Bionz image processors

List price - $3000 body only

Sony Alpha 900 Full Description

TYPE:The new standard in digital photography has arrived with the Sony a (alpha) DSLR-A900. Packed with features, this flagship DSLR is the first a (alpha) to incorporate a 35mm full frame image sensor and 24.6-megapixel resolution. It also incorporates the world's first body-integrated, full-size SteadyShot INSIDE™ image stabilization technology.You'll also experience a larger capture area, improved wide-angle performance and tighter depth of field control with the new full frame Exmor™ CMOS image sensor. Equipped with Dual BIONZ™ imaging processors, the alpha A900 delivers continuous shooting up to 5 fps with superb image quality and ultra-low noise. The A900 also offers a large, ultra-bright glass pentaprism viewfinder with 100 percent coverage, a 3.0-inch Xtra Fine LCD™ display and HDMI™ output with PhotoTV HD compatibility.

35mm full frame 24.6MP Exmor™ CMOS image sensorThe A900 features a 35mm full frame Exmor™ CMOS image sensor that is approximately 2.35x larger than the APS-C sized sensors found in many DSLR cameras. The result is a larger capture area, improved wide angle performance, and tighter depth of field control. In addition, its 24.6MP resolution maximizes the resolving power of your existing lenses and delivers sharper, higher contrast photos.

SteadyShot INSIDE™ in-camera image stabilization:Building on years of expertise, Sony has developed the world’s first body-integrated image stabilization solution for a full frame DSLR1. The SteadyShot INSIDE™ in-camera image stabilizer actually shifts the image sensor to compensate for camera shake without sacrificing image quality. The compensation effect is equal to as many as four shutter speed steps, giving you more creative freedom when shooting in low light. And, because it is integrated into the camera body, SteadyShot INSIDE technology works with all compatible a(alpha)system lenses.

Sony Alpha 900 Full Specifications

* Dimensions (Approx.) : (WHD) 6 1/8* x 4 5/8* x 3 1/4" (156.3x116.9x81.9 mm) (excl. protrusions)

* Burst Mode : 5 fps max

* Color Mode(s) : Standard, Vivid, Neutral, Clear, Deep, Light, Portrait, Landscape, Sunset, Night view, Autumn, B/W, Sepia

* Self Timer : Yes (10 seconds, 2 seconds with mirror-up function)

* White Balance : Auto plus 6 Modes (Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent, Flash); +/- 3-step adjustable Kelvin temperature control (2500-9900k w/19-step Magenta/Green compensation).

* LCD : 3.0" TFT Xtra Fine™ (921k pixels) LCD

* Viewfinder : Optical: TTL, 0.74 x, Diopter -1m-1 100% coverage of 35 mm Full-frame area.

* Battery Capacity : 7.2V, CIPA standard: approx. 880 pictures

* Battery Type : NP-FM500H Lithium-ion rechargeable battery

* Imaging Device : 24.6 megapixel (effective) 35mm full frame Exmor™ CMOS image sensor; RGB primary color filter

* Megapixel : 24.6 MP

* AF Illuminator Light : Yes (Built-in LED)

* Multi-Pattern Measuring : Switchable: 40 segment honeycomb pattern; Center Weighted, Spot

* Scene Mode(s) : Standard, Vivid, Neutral, Clear, Deep, Light, Portrait, Landscape, Sunset, Night view, Autumn, B/W, Sepia

* BIONZ™ Engine : Dual BIONZ™ processors

* Focus : Auto Focus: TTL Phase Detection, Dual-cross 9 point AF w/ 10 assist focus points for Wide AF.. Focus Mode: Single-shot AF, Automatic AF, Continuous AF, Direct Manual Focus, Manual focus Focus Area: Wide focus (Auto – 9 areas), Spot focus, Local focus (9 local areas selection with the multi-selector)

* Lens Type : Interchangeable A-mount

* Shutter Speed : 1/8000 second - 30 seconds, bulb

* Flash Effective Range : No Built-in Flash (Compatible with Sony a System Flash)

* Flash Mode(s) : Auto, Fill-flash, Rear flash sync, High Speed Sync, Wireless off camera flash

* HD Output : Yes (w/ optional HDMI cable)

* Output(s) : Video and HMDI: NTSC/PAL Selectable

* USB Port(s) : Yes, Supports USB 2.0 Hi-speed


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