Sony introduces two mainstream DSLR cameras with unique “Quick AF Live View" system
SAN DIEGO, Jan. 30, 2008 – Sony is bringing live-view shooting to its digital SLR camera line with today’s introduction of a 14.2-megapixel a (alpha) DSLR-A350 camera and 10.2-megapixel α (alpha) DSLR A300 model. Both cameras feature new technologies that make picture taking faster, easier, and more familiar for first-time DSLR users.
Quick AF Live View System
They both offer Sony’s new “Quick AF Live View” technology so you can
frame photos on the camera’s LCD without sacrificing auto-focusing
speed common to other live-view systems.
Sony’s innovative Pentamirror Tilt mechanism directs light to a
dedicated live view image sensor, enabling fast and responsive TTL
phase-detection auto-focusing, even during live view.
Eliminating the focus delay of other systems, the new models are
equally responsive whether using live view or optical viewfinder.
With its two sensor design, Quick AF Live View can even continuously
focus-track the subject and provide live view during burst shooting,
helping you capture that special moment.
Taking further advantage of Quick AF Live View is the models’ variable
angle 2.7-inch Clear Photo LCD™ screen. This makes it easy to frame
scenes from high or low positions difficult to reach when using an
eye-level viewfinder.
With Live View and an adjustable LCD, the cameras do not need to be in
front of the user’s face, allowing parents, for example, to maintain
eye-contact when photographing their children.
“Mainstream users stepping up to DSLRs are looking for a similar
experience to their point and shoot cameras, but without compromise in
speed or performance” said Phil Lubell, director of marketing for
digital cameras at Sony Electronics. “Quick AF Live View gives these
new models a familiar shooting style without compromising speed – ideal
for the growing market of first-time SLR users.”
Exceptional Image Quality
The new models produce images with fine detail, rich tonality and
vibrant color due to their APS-C CCD image sensors and BIONZ®
processing engine. To aid shooting in low light, Super SteadyShot®
image stabilization enables shutter speeds 2.5 to 3.5 steps slower than
otherwise possible, with every compatible Minolta Maxxum® and Sony α
(alpha) lens (sold separately) attached to the camera.
High sensitivity operation at ISO 1600 and 3200 and very low noise are
made possible by the user-selectable high-ISO noise reduction features.
Sony’s D-Range Optimizer delivers suitable tonality and exposures with
rich shadow and highlight detail, even under high contrast situations.
Powerful Performance, Easy to Use
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.
Both models feature lighter, slimmer bodies for easy handling; an
improved user interface; an automatic pop-up flash; a comfortable
camera grip with an easily accessible mode dial; an anti-dust system to
keep the CCD image sensor clean for spot-free pictures; and JPEG and
RAW file format support. Both have a slot for CompactFlash™ Type I/II
media cards.
An adaptor for Memory Stick Duo™ media cards is also available for the cameras and sold separately.
The new DSLR-A300 and DSLR-A350 cameras are compatible with a range of
accessories, including the ergonomic Sony VG-B30AM vertical grip. Also
available as an option is the new Sony HVL-F42AM flash unit. It offers
advanced features such as automatic white balance adjustment with color
temperature information, adjustable bounce angles, ADI metering and
wireless remote operation to suit the needs of most photographers.
Price and Availability
The DSLR-A300 kit with a DT 18-70mm f3.5-5.6 standard zoom lens will
ship in April for about $800. The DSLR-A350 camera body will be
available in March for about $800, and the DSLR-A350 kit with a DT
18-70mm f3.5-5.6 3.9x zoom lens will be available for about $900 at the
same time. Both models will be available at sonystyle.com, Sony Style®
retail stores (www.sonystyle.com/retail), military base exchanges, and
authorized dealers nationwide. Pre-orders begin online today at
www.sonystyle.com/dslr.
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