Product Description

Enjoy the all-new Sony ? (alpha) DSLR-A100 camera with an amazing all-around lens to get you started. Included in this kit is the versatile new SAL-1870 lens. This standard lens easily handles the full range of shots you'll take most often - but there's nothing "standard" about its advanced optical design. In 35mm equivalent, it covers wide-angle 27mm to 105mm midrange telephoto for snapshots, portraits, interiors and more - an excellent all-around lens to travel with.The Sony ? (alpha) DSLR-A100 camera is an instant classic: the top-quality 10 MP DSLR system camera that builds on a two-decade legacy of Minolta photographic leadership, accepts 20 years of A-mount lenses sold worldwide - and introduces Sony imaging innovations like high-sensitivity shooting with Super SteadyShot in-camera image stabilization, Dynamic Range Optimizer to automatically increase detail in bright and dark picture areas, new Anti-Dust technology to keep the CCD imager clean for better pictures, and Eye-Start Autofocus system for faster camera response.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #8475 in Camera & Photo
• Brand: Sony
• Model: DSLRA100K
• Released on: 2006-07-23
• Dimensions: 4.00" h x 3.00" w x 6.00" l, 3.00 pounds
• Display size: 2.5

Features

• 10-megapixel CCD captures enough detail for photo-quality 18 x 24-inch prints
• Kit includes 18-70mm f3.5-4.5 lens
• In-camera image stabilization and anti-dust vibration systems; Eye-Start Autofocus system
• 2.5-inch LCD display; 9-point autofocus system; 40-segment multi-pattern honeycomb metering
• Powered by lithium-ion battery (supplied); stores images on CF I/II and Memory Stick Duo cards

From the Manufacturer
Why Sony? Because people want to take better pictures--and the all-new Sony α DSLR-A100 camera makes it easier to explore all the creative possibilities of digital photography. Sony electronic innovations for higher sensitivity, smoother image stabilization, and superior picture quality give the α system spectacular DSLR performance with amazing simplicity. Along with superb Sony and Carl Zeiss lenses and a full range of professional accessories, the Sony α DSLR-A100 camera also builds on 20 years of Minolta camera optics to provide instant compatibility with over 16 million A-mount lenses sold worldwide.

With advanced electronics, superb Sony and Carl Zeiss lenses, and amazing creative capabilities, the Sony α DSLR-A100 camera brings better pictures within easy reach. It introduces Sony imaging innovations like high-sensitivity shooting with Super SteadyShot in-camera image stabilization, Dynamic Range Optimizer to automatically increase detail in bright and dark picture areas, new Anti-Dust technology to keep the CCD imager clean for better pictures, and Eye-Start Autofocus system for faster camera response. It also builds on a two-decade legacy of Minolta photographic leadership, accepting millions of A-mount lenses sold worldwide.

Please note: The "K" in this camera's model number indicates that it is a kit version of the DSLR-A100.

Superior Electronics, Amazing Simplicity
In the revolutionary new Sony α DSLR-A100 camera, Sony digital technology takes you a giant step toward professional performance--with advanced imaging, image stabilization, and creative control functions, plus ease of operation that helps everyone take better digital pictures right from the start.

Advanced Lenses and Accessories
The Sony α DSLR-A100 camera is your gateway to an incredibly sophisticated array of lenses and accessories--including precision Sony standard and zoom lenses, Sony "G" Series lenses with advanced motorized autofocusing, amazingly bright Carl Zeiss T* coated lenses, professional-quality flash units, and compatibility with over 16 million Maxxum, Dynax, and A-mount lenses sold worldwide.

The Sony α DSLR-A100's CCD system provides SteadyShot image stabilization and anti-dust vibration.

10-Megapixel Super HAD CCD
A large APS-size CCD imager with Sony's advanced Super HAD (Hole Accumulated Diode) design allows more light to pass to each pixel, increasing sensitivity, reducing noise, and providing greater detail when you make big prints or crop in close on your subject.

Super SteadyShot Optical Image Stabilization
When you shoot with high sensitivity, the shutter remains open longer--so to compensate for shaky hands or fast-moving subjects, the Sony Super SteadyShot system automatically reduces image blur. And because it works in-camera, you'll get the benefit of Super SteadyShot stabilization with every lens you use.

Sharp, Clear Photos that Preserve the Mood
With high-sensitivity (ISO 1600) shooting, the Sony α DSLR-A100 camera captures great photos without flash even in low light--which makes it an ideal system camera for shooting without a tripod or in locations (like museums and churches) where flash is prohibited.

Static-free anti-dust coating and the A100's anti-dust vibration system keep the CCD free of the dust that can mar images. (See larger image.)

Anti-Dust Technology
Changing lenses in a DSLR can allow dust to enter the camera--so to keep the CCD imager clean for better pictures, the Sony α DSLR-A100 camera utilizes both static-free anti-dust coating on the CCD filter and anti-dust vibration that automatically shakes the CCD to dislodge dust each time the camera is shut off.

Dynamic Range Optimizer
To recover details in dark or bright areas of the picture, the Sony α DSLR-A100 camera provides two levels of Dynamic Range Optimization: Normal DRO, to improve shadow detail using standard gamma curves for fast shot-to-shot response time, or Advanced DRO, to adjust dynamic range area-by-area for the greatest precision.

Bionz Image Processor
At the heart of the Sony α DSLR-A100 camera is the advanced Bionz Image Processor, using hardware-based Large Scale Integrated (LSI) circuitry that responds ten times faster than software image processors--improving camera response time, handling Dynamic Range Optimization processing, and extending Stamina battery life.

To reduce blur and increase response time, an Eye-Start Autofocus sensor begins the DSLR-A100's precision autofocus adjustments the moment you bring your eye to the viewfinder.

Eye-Start Autofocus System
Some DSLR systems don't start focusing until the shutter button is half-pressed--but that can slow down camera response. The Sony α DSLR-A100 camera begins its precision autofocus adjustments the moment you bring your eye to the viewfinder, to capture fast-action subjects other cameras might blur.

2.5-Inch Clear Photo LCD Plus Screen
The Clear Photo LCD Plus design of the Sony α DSLR-A100 camera's built-in screen makes it easy to read camera setup menus even in bright sunlight--and gives you a better picture when you use your screen to set up shots and check results.

Continuous Burst Mode at 3 Frames Per Second
To catch fast action more effectively, the Sony α DSLR-A100 camera offers continuous JPEG image capture up to the limit of your flash memory card--plus RAW Burst Mode (up to six shots) with intelligent buffer management to allow more shots to be captured without waiting for the buffer to clear.

18-70mm f3.5-4.5 Lens
The Sony α A100 kit includes a 18-70mm f3.5-4.5 3.9x zoom lens, equivalent to 27-105mm in 35mm photography.

Super-Accurate Exposure Control
A 40-segment honeycomb sensing system provides multi-pattern measuring for superior exposure control accuracy.

Flexible Exposure Modes
For greater creative freedom in a wide range of shooting conditions, the Sony α DSLR-A100 camera provides full manual exposure control as well as Program Auto, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, and Exposure Compensation modes.

9-Point Autofocus Selection
The Sony α DSLR-A100 camera gives you all the focusing options you need for composing your shot with foreground, background or off-center subjects--including manual focus point selection, Spot AF, Continuous AF, and AF Lock.

Lithium Ion Battery with Stamina Power
A supplied NP-FM55H Lithium Ion rechargeable battery lets you take up to 600 shots on a full charge, recharges quickly with supplied battery charger.

Dual Media Options
The Sony α DSLR-A100 camera accepts both CompactFlash Type I/II media and optional Memory Stick Duo media (with supplied adaptor).

Customer Reviews

Minolta in Sony Clothes
I'm sooo happy I managed to get one of these before Sony made all their changes. It acts just like my Minolta Film cameras, the venerable 9000 and the newer 5 Film - easy to use menus, controls where I want them and that wonderful lighting fast autofocus. I'm not a fan of anything Sony proprietary (like the battery) but so far it's been good to me. I bought this to take pictures of my newborn son - cause face it, no P&S will ever react fast enough to catch the boy with his eyes scrunched up and tongue hanging out.

One serious con is the sheer bulk of the thing. My wife LOVED the Maxxum 5 Film, lightweight and thin for her little hands. She needs to use two hands almost exclusively for this beast. It's not a weight issue either, it's the shape of the grip. I find my fingernails grinding into the body from the way I hold the camera one handed. Better grips could be had.

There are certainly fuller featured models out there, even in this manufacturer, but really, how often do you use all those features? I know what I'm doing, I'm a photographer from way back with a Pentax K1000 knock off from Cosina, but about all I ever do is change the flash or exposure compensation settings, and usually I get better results if I use the pre-programmed modes anyway.

Takes a darn pretty picture in plain old automatic, too. Just like the Maxxum 5, if you can teach a 5 year old to frame and compose, the camera will do the rest.

Of course there's the compatibility issue with all my old Minolta glass... eh... some of it plays nice, and some of (and particularly my portrait lens) will not work in anything other than full manual. Which is okay really, better than purchasing an entire new library of Nikkor lenses.

Oh, the image stabilization program in the body? Works like a charm.

Good camera. Evil customs charges
Excellent camera and lens. Terrific value and good service from supplier. Disappointed that there was an additional customs bill of £71! Could you warn customers of this charge, in future.

Despite this, at a total cost of £330, it was still a real bargain

Great Camera
This was my first introduction to DSLR - but not my first experience with an SLR - i had shared a Minolta Maxxum 3000 with my brother (that was the model # as i recall) but never really bothered to learn its functions and because it was a film camera quite an expensive hobby - with film and development. So essentially the Sony Alpha was my first real experience with SLRs (Single Lens Reflex). Digital photography has given me and a whole bunch of people a hobby that is very affordable after the first initial investment - but i digress...

This was not my first digital camera. My first digital camera was another Sony - the DSC-V1 (i have written a review here at epinions about that as well) - that little camera had an excellent clear Carl Zeiss lens and great color along with functions of a SLR - you can fiddle with aperture and shutter speed - but with it's small fixed lens you'll always that great depth of field unless it is ultra close.

I wanted to "graduate" from these so-called point and shoot cameras - although i know a bit more about photography from reading books since getting the Alpah but i would not call myself an expert. So really this review is from a novice's standpoint even after owning this for about 2.5 - 3 years. I'm more about composition and letting the camera take over the technical aspects - however i have played with aperture settings, shutter speeds, and exposure settings.

There are so many options in DSLR these days - the iconic NIKON followed by ubiquitous Canon (my brother owns the XTi), Fuji, Pentax, Olympus -- then (at the time) there's the new Sony entry into the DSLR market - the Alpha 100 - there are now different models of the Alpha 200, 300, 350, and the top of the line 700 which boasts a live lcd preview.

Just a bit of history about Sony entry into the DSLR market - they had a partnership with Konica-Minolta (KM would use Sony's expertise in digital electronics) and Konica-Minolta decided to tuck tail and leave the DSLR market sold their existing technologies to Sony so Sony using KM's foundation re-engineered the KM DSLR into their own and entered the market with the A100.

The Sony A100 DSLR major features/benefits include (IMHO):

*The Sony BIONZ engine - the brains behind the camera (like the DIGIC II for the Canon) -

*10.2 megapixels

*Super Steady Shot Image Stabilization - built right into the camera - some have it built into the lens - so every lens you use will have this super steady shot - but nothing beats a steady hand or a great tripod! I think this was a hold over from the K/M days.

*Anti-Dust Technology - dust repellent coating and an active shake of the CCD for those stubbornest of specs. This works OK - i can see specs of dust - i haven't used the "shake" - although it gives a little nudge when you turn it on.

*fairly large 2.5 color lcd screen - great color and clarity on the LCD screen

*Eye-start autofocus system - if you turn this feature on - as soon as you put it close to your eye it starts trying to focus - i found this feature to be useless - it is light sensitive so if you put this close to your body it will start focusing - i turned off this feature - this was another holdover technology from K/M.

*With the Alpha Mount you can use "old" lenses from K/M with the Sony A100 so if you had a K/M DSLR and multiples lenses you can also use it with the Sony Alpha. You are able to use the myriad of K/M alpha mount lenses but not all of the accessories - Sony changed the hot shoe for the flash so that won't work and you need to buy a new flash - BUT i had an old wired remote from my first original Minolta Maxxum and that worked.

*New Carl Zeiss lens - exciting but it would probably cost more than the camera itself.

ACTUAL USE / FEEL of the camera (from a novice standpoint):

with anything new you'd have a learning curve but this camera is pretty intuitive however i would suggest reading the manual once over. Once you start using it and learning the control it will be like second nature.

The feel of it is somewhat heavy - it is certainly a bit heavier than the Canon xTi but it has a very comfortable grip.

The autofocus is a bit loud with the whirring of the motor - the mirror is louder than most- i would not take pictures clandestinely because you just can't it will give you away every time.

I am currently using the 18mm - 200mm max aperature (open) is f3.5 - f6.3 - not quite quick to focus in low light situations, but the lens is so versatile with the wide 18mm and the nice zoom of 200mm it's hard not to like this lens. Please keep in mind that the DSLR mirror is larger than a regular film SLR so you have to multiply the "mm" by 1.5 to get the true "mm" size. At 18mm with the DSLR it is really 27mm and the 200mm is really 300mm.

I find this camera to be very comfortable and fun to use. The strap that came with it is not length adjustable however and i like to strap the camera across my body - i have a small frame - people with a larger body should get an adjustable strap.

PICTURES:

a picture speaks a thousand words - here's is a link just some of my photos from flickr.com i've taken over the years with my Sony Alpha 100:


http://www.flickr.com/photos/62904109@N00/sets/72157594360924382/

only a very few of the pictures had post process done - some where cropped - mostly it is as is.

one note - i have adjusted the camera to hard sharpness and high saturation - i love color and i thought the images from the sony was just slightly soft so i shifted it to hard sharpness on the camera itself.

Also keep in mind the pics also depend on how your computer monitor is calibrated but it is a good presentation of what the Sony A100 can do.

I find the pictures to reproduce excellent colors and the lens are quite clear.

all were taken with the 18mm - 200mm Sony Lens.

I bought this camera when it first came out and the kit was about $1000 dollars AND the 18mm - 200mm lens (as i recall) was $600 dollars. This camera could be had BRAND NEW for under $700 with this lens! What a great deal for a under-rated and all around Great Camera!

Pros love their Nikon or perhaps their Canon - but I thought the Sony was a great camera and currently at a great price!