Alpha A300, Alpha A350 join Sony DSLR lineup

[David Rasnake]

The field of new upper entry-level DSLR offerings keeps growing by the day. At PMA today, Sony announced two additions to its mainstream digital SLR lineup, filling in the gap that has previously existed between the pure entry-level A100/A200 and the more advanced (and costly) A700.

The 10.2 megapixel Sony Alpha DSLR-A300 and 14.2 megapixel DSLR-A350 introduce the manufacturer’s Live View system, allowing users to compose images on-screen rather than through the optical viewfinder alone. Sony’s system, which uses two separate sensors (one for LCD imaging and one for photo capture), promises faster autofocus times and negligible black-out during continuous shooting.

Assuming that it works as well as advertised, Sony’s Live View technology should answer the two most common complaints surrounding current screen-view systems on the DSLR market. In dark, indoor focusing situations, Live View could potentially reduce focusing times by more than 1 second.

Both cameras also feature Sony’s Super SteadyShot sensor-shift image stabilization, a lithium-ion battery boasting 750 shots between charges, an anti-dust system, and a unique 2.7-inch, 230,000-pixel display that tilts out to allow easier shot composition when holding the camera above or below eye level.

Both cameras are expected in stores this spring. Estimated retail price for the A300 is $799 with Sony’s 18-70mm kit lens. The A350 will be available with kit lens for $899, or as a body only for $799.

We'll post detailed specs as soon as we have them, but here's what we know so far...

Sony Alpha DSLR-A300 specifications:

Sensor	10.2 megapixel, 23.6x15.8mm CCD
Lens/Zoom	Minolta A-type bayonet mount (Alpha mount)
LCD/Viewfinder	2.7", 230K-pixel tiltable TFT LCD; Penta-mirror optical viewfinder
Sensitivity	ISO 100-3200
Shutter Speed	30-1/4000 seconds
Shooting Modes	Not Specified
Scene Presets	Not Specified
White Balance Settings	Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, Shade, Fluorescent, Tungsten, Flash, Color Temperature/Color Filter, Custom
Metering Modes	40-Segment, Center-Weighted, Spot
Focus Modes	9-point AF system, mode not specified
Drive Modes	Normal, Burst
Flash Modes	Auto, Fill, Rear Flash Sync, Slow Sync, High-Speed Sync
Self Timer Settings	10 seconds, 2 seconds, Off
Memory Formats	Compact Flash
Internal Memory	None
File Formats	JPEG, RAW
Max. Image Size	Not Specified
Max. Video Size	N/A
Zoom During Video	N/A
Battery	STAMINA rechargeable lithium-ion battery, 740 shots
Connections	USB 2.0
Additional Features	Dynamic Range Optimizer, Super SteadyShot, Live View, Bionz Engine Processor

 

Sony Alpha DSLR-A350 specifications:

Sensor	14.2 megapixel, 23.6x15.8mm CCD
Lens/Zoom	Minolta A-type bayonet mount (Alpha mount)
LCD/Viewfinder	2.7", 230K-pixel tiltable TFT LCD; Penta-mirror optical viewfinder
Sensitivity	ISO 100-3200
Shutter Speed	30-1/4000 seconds
Shooting Modes	Not Specified
Scene Presets	Not Specified
White Balance Settings	Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, Shade, Fluorescent, Tungsten, Flash, Color Temperature/Color Filter, Custom
Metering Modes	40-Segment, Center-Weighted, Spot
Focus Modes	9-point AF system, mode not specified
Drive Modes	Normal, Burst
Flash Modes	Auto, Fill, Rear Flash Sync, Slow Sync, High-Speed Sync
Self Timer Settings	10 seconds, 2 seconds, Off
Memory Formats	Compact Flash
Internal Memory	None
File Formats	JPEG, RAW
Max. Image Size	Not Specified
Max. Video Size	N/A
Zoom During Video	N/A
Battery	STAMINA rechargeable lithium-ion battery, 730 shots
Connections	USB 2.0
Additional Features	Dynamic Range Optimizer, Super SteadyShot, Live View, Bionz Engine Processor

[usapatriot]

*Yawn*......

[David Rasnake]

Yes, yes, it goes back the ongoing live view debate. What's exciting to me about this implementation, however, is the use of two sensors. We haven't yet seen one of these floating around at the pre events, but it should (fingers crossed) be essentially lag-free, which makes the whole concept a lot more viable in my view.

dr