CompactFlash I/II, Memory Stick PRO (with adapter), Memory Stick PRO Duo (with included adapter)
Battery
7.2V, 1600 mAh
Weight
545 g
Sony α (Greek letter alpha) is a digital SLR camera system introduced on June 5, 2006[1]. It utilizes and expands upon Konica Minolta camera technologies, including the Minolta AF SLR lens mount, whose assets were acquired by Sony after the end of Minolta's camera operations in early 2006. Sony also has an 11.08% ownership stake in Japanese lens manufacturer Tamron,[2] which seems to produce the new DT lenses. Prior to the acquisition by Sony, the α branding had already been used on the Japanese market by Minolta for their AF camera system (marketed as "Dynax" in Europe, and "Maxxum" in North America.)[3] Sony adopted the name "α mount system" for the Minolta AF lens mount which has been retained in their new SLR range.[4] Sony's entry into the DSLR market dates back to July 2005 where a joint venture with Konica Minolta would have resulted in both companies marketing an updated line of DSLRs to the masses. [5]
The first model marketed by Sony is the A100. It is influenced by previous Konica Minolta models (primarily the Maxxum/Dynax 5D), retaining a similar body design and claimed improvements on Konica Minolta's Anti-Shake sensor shifting image stabilization feature, renamed Super SteadyShot. It uses a 10.2 megapixels APS-C size CCDsensor. Another notable feature inherited from Konica Minolta is Eyestart, which provides for automatic autofocus activation by detecting the presence of the photographer's eye on the viewfinder, thus quickening camera response. Another notable feature is an automatically vibrating CCD to remove dust each time the camera is shut off. The A100 shipped from Sony and resellers by the end of July 2006 with MSRP prices of US$1000 with the 18-70mm/3.5-5.6 kit lens and US$900 body only.
Sony α 700
It has been suggested that this section be split into a new article entitled Sony α 700. ()
CompactFlash I/II, Memory Stick PRO (with adapter), Memory Stick PRO Duo (with included adapter)
Battery
lithium ion battery pack
Weight
690 g (without battery)
On March 8, 2007, at the PMA Trade Show, Sony announced two new α cameras, both positioned to be "above" the α100 in the Alpha line-up. One model was referred to as a "high amateur" model, with a release date of late 2007. On September 6, 2007, Sony released a press release [6] about the upcoming Sony α700 (aka A700), to be launched on November 16, 2007. Featuring the Exmor CMOS sensor with 12.24 Mpixels capable of images at a maximum of 4288×2856 resolution, together with a BIONZ image processor for supporting RAW noise reduction and ISO 3200 sensitivity. Also featuring HDMI output and magnesium alloy body. The camera has the combo with the DT16-105 lens kit (DT 16-105mm F3.5-5.6) at ¥230,000, also the plain camera option at ¥180,000. Both in design, and through similarity in name, this camera body is regarded by many as the successor to the Minolta Maxxum/Dynax 7D.
Future Camera Bodies
This article contains information about a scheduled or expected future product.
It may contain preliminary information that does not reflect the final version of the product.
The other model announced at PMA 2007 was referred to being the "flagship" model, with professional-level specifications. It estimated to have a release date of early 2008.[7]
Lenses and Tele-converters
It has been suggested that this article or section be merged into Minolta AF. ()
The α lens mount, originally known as the A-type Bayonet mount was introduced by Minolta in 1985 as the world's first autofocus system. As a result, virtually all Minolta AF lenses are supported on Sony DSLRs, and many Sony lenses should work on Minolta's film and digital SLRs. During the initial introduction of the α system in 2006, Sony announced 19 lenses and 2 tele-converters, of which the majority are rebranded Konica Minolta lenses. MSRP and month of introduction are included for these lenses, below. At the 2007 PMA Trade Show, Sony unveiled several new lenses, but has referred to them only in qualitative terms, not providing specific specifications. As a result, these newly announced lenses are not included in this list.
Designations
DT
"Digital Technology", lenses for APS-C size sensors
G
G Series, professional lenses
SSM
"SuperSonic Motor", in-lens ultrasonic motor used on some long telephoto G Series lenses.
ZA
"Zeiss Alpha", new lenses manufactured under license from Carl Zeiss
Several new lenses were unveiled along with the announcement of the a700 body.
Lens
RRP
Release Date
Zoom Lenses
Article
DT 16-105mm f/3.5-5.6
Article
DT 18-250 f/3.5-6.3
Article
DT 55-200 f/4-5.6
Article
70-300 f/4.5-5.6 G SSM
Spring 2008
Other accessories
External flash units
The hot shoe on Sony DSLRs (carried over from Minolta's Maxxum/Dynax and its bridge digital DiMAGE A1/A2/A200 series) is not of the standard design used by other camera manufacturers. Adaptors, however, are available. The two current flash models made by Sony are, like the first generation of lenses, rebadged models of Minolta design.
