Sony Alpha a850

Aug 29, 2009 – Sony’s newest addition to their DSLR line up is the Alpha a850 which shares many of the same features as their flagship a900. The full frame 24.6MP Exmor™ CMOS sensor and dual BIONZ™ processing engines deliver ultra-fine picture quality with full resolution images at 3 frames per seconds. The ultra-bright viewfinder has 98 percent field of view coverage and .74x magnification enables accurate framing and preview. The integrated SteadyShot INSIDE™ images stabilization achieves an anti-shake effect equivalent to shutter speeds faster by 2.5 to 4 stops. The anti-shake system stabilizes all Sony, Minolta and Konica-Minolta compatible lenses even wide angle or large aperture lenses.

Other features include Dynamic Range Optimizer with five levels of user-selectable correction, HDMI output to connect to a compatible HD TV, 3” Xtra Fine LCD™ screen and dedicated slots for high-capacity Memory Stick PRO Duo™, Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo™ HX and CompactFlash® media. All a900 accessories are compatible with the a850 camera including the dedicated vertical grip.

The a850 body will be available in September for about $2,000. Sony’s new 28-75mm F2.8 SAM lens will be available in November for about $800. Read More→

Trevor Current

Founder of Current Photographer, co-host of The Digital Photography Cafe Show, Designer, Photographer, and overall tech geek.

currentphotographer.com

Sony Alpha a500 and a550

Aug 29, 2009 – The 12.3MP a500 and the 14.2MP a550 come with the new generation of Exmor™ CMOS sensors and BIONZ™ image processors which enable these cameras to capture with excellent picture quality in low-light. The low-noise processing and color-noise reduction helps achieve fine detail up to ISO 12,800.

HDR or High Dynamic Range shooting is becoming very popular. The a500 and a550 offer an in-camera HDR feature that will capture for the highlights and shadows and process the image within 2 seconds. Using Sony’s unique positional interpolation technology the cameras can overcome slight changes in camera position to align individual shots.

Both cameras have a 3” LCD screen that tilts 90 degrees up and down for optimal viewing. Sony’s Quick AF Live View has been developed with Face Detection technology to help you get the best shot by recognizing and adjusting for up to 8 faces. These are Sony’s first DSLRs to include their Smile Shutter™ technology in Live View, which takes the shot when your subject smiles. Additionally the a500 and a550 have SteadyShot INSIDE™ image stabilization built into the camera body which gives you an equivalent of faster shutter speeds from 2.5 to 4 stops. Both cameras are compatible with Sony’s new 32GB Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo™ HX media for high-bandwidth read and write speeds.

Look for these camera bodies at the SonyStyle retail stores in October for $750 for the a500 and $950 for the a550. The kit price will be $850 and $1050 respectively and will include an 18-55mm lens. Sony’s new DT 30mm f/2.8 macro lens will be available for about $200. Read More→

Trevor Current

Founder of Current Photographer, co-host of The Digital Photography Cafe Show, Designer, Photographer, and overall tech geek.

currentphotographer.com