CameraTalk » DSLR

Canon’s New Baby 7D

Peter Ching — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 04:07:08 +0000

Canon’s EOS 550D follows in the footsteps of the mega-selling EOS500D and borrows from the revolutionary EOS 7D.

It has an 18 megapixel APS-C sensor and, in video mode, offers cropping functions, full manual control and of course HD (1920 x 1080) capture at up to 30 frames a second.

The camera’s ISO range goes to 6400 (expandable to 12,800) and you can customise auto ISO, while metering is the same as the EOS 7D’s 63 zone system. SDXC cards are supported, which allows higher speeds (up to 104MB per second) and up to 2TB capacities.

The camera is soon to become available in Australia. As a guide, current US pricing is around US$900.

Thoughts on Buying New Camera Gear

Peter Ching — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 03:47:23 +0000

When it comes to buying, some cameras would have me on the rocks after the fashion of the fictional mermaid who lured sailors to their deaths.

Lenses? Well I wouldn’t mind owning, oh one or two of pretty much every last one of them. But fiscal reality dawns… must resist. This doesn’t mean, though, that I am without ambition.

I have some experience and equipment knowledge that, translated to advice here, you may find useful if you are planning a purchase. This advice is aimed at getting the best gear for the job while avoiding costly stops along the way.

First Things First
Make some decisions about the kind of photography you’re planning to pursue. Check sites such as pbase and flickr where you can view photos of all kinds. Do whatever it takes.
The aim is not to try to realise ALL your ambitions from the outset. Better is to make flower just one, perhaps two, aspects of your photographic vision.

The Camera
The camera is a recording device. But not all cameras are created equal. Refuse to get caught up in the bells and whistles of megapixels and pre-set “Picture Styles”. These are hardly prerequisites.

More important considerations follow:
High ISO performance – this refers to the camera’s ability to rise to the challenge of recording detail in low light. This will concern most photographers although, if you’ll always be using flash equipment, high ISO performance will be of little consequence. Similarly, if landscape photography is your thing, a good stable tripod will be more important to you.

Frame rate is for the birds, wildlife, action and sports. These subjects demand speed in focussing and the ability to capture frame after frame bursts. A camera that can capture 6 or more frames a second offers you a selection of shots from which to choose the perfect moment.

Sensor size is another decision. Full frame sensors are equivalent to 35mm film. A crop frame sensor is smaller than full frame by a factor of about 2/3. Full frame sensors allow a 50mm lens, for example, to view as it was designed. In the case of a crop sensor, a 50mm lens imitates the view through a 75mm or 80mm lens. The difference with the crop frame camera becomes an issue when you find yourself needing to stand further back to fit your subject in frame.

User-friendliness is another deciding factor. The least user-friendly model is one you can not afford. Other aspects might concern the camera’s menu system, the availability of “Live View” functionality, or perhaps the sheer weight or size of the camera. A camera that weighs more than a kilogram might not be your preferred option if you’re travelling. Likewise if hiking is high on your agenda.

Not the least to be considered is that camera models are superseded every year or two these days. Lenses may not be redesigned for decades. Most of the mojo is in the lens when it comes to the actual photographs. Think of the camera body as the bread, the lens as the filling.

Casting an eye to your budget, it would be better to apportion more funds to quality optics than deciding on a more costly body option at the expense of lesser lenses.

In the next instalment of this short series, I’ll be discussing the pros and cons of various lens options.

Shane, Cecilia, Teal

Kenny Smith — Sat, 26 Dec 2009 00:28:08 +0000

These are my friends Shane, Cecilia and young Teal. They’re off to Norway soon, we took some pics along the beach around where I live. Tech info: Canon 1Ds MkIII, 50mm 1.4, natural light

Get A Grip

Peter Ching — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 06:46:11 +0000

High end DSLRs have big bodies. But they feel right in your hands. There’s a balance, particularly with heavy lenses, that conveys secure handling ease and, well, rightness.

The good news is that almost any DSLR can feel just right simply by adding a battery grip.

Canon battery grip.

A battery grip is easily attached to the bottom of the camera body and it gives your hands more purchase on the body.

With the capacity to take two batteries, the grip also gives much much more battery life. Astoundingly so, in my experience.

In an emergency, your battery grip can save your bacon by allowing you to load AA batteries into its battery tray. This can, for example, keep you shooting for a brief time at least when you’re on location in Woop Woop.

A further advantage is that the camera’s main controls are duplicated on the battery grip. Having a shutter release right under your finger when you rotate the camera 90° makes for ease of use with no loss of comfort and therefore the stability to take shots with less possibility of camera shake.

A variety of battery grips are available to suit different camera bodies.

Nikon MB-D10 Battery Grip.

Nikon D300 and D700 owners in the market for the Nikon MB-D10 battery grip will be pleased to learn that its advantages include higher advance frame rate when using EN-EL4 batteries. The Nikon MB-D80 battery grip is the model suited to D80 and D90 owners.

If you’re looking for the Canon BG-E6 battery grip for the 5DMkII, you’ll be gloating about its ability to register its batteries and list their individual statistics simultaneously in the Battery Info screen. For example, you can shoot say 1500 frames, and the Battery Info screen might tell you that Battery 1 was responsible for say 780 frames, while Battery 2 might be responsible for 720 of them.

Sony Alpha DLSR α550

Peter Ching — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 06:32:52 +0000

Sony’s α550 Digital SLR is a 14.2 megapixel camera with a number of built-in features to guarantee sharp and perfectly exposed images.

The Sony Exmor CMOS image sensor is APS-C, or “crop-frame size”. Combined with the BIONZ processor, this sensor enables up to ISO 12,800 to capture low-light pictures with lower noise and reduced loss of picture detail.

A static-free coating on the CMOS filter helps repel dust while Anti-Dust vibration technology works to dislodge dust at camera shutdown to help keep the CMOS imager clean.

The α550’s Face Detection system recognises and adjusts focus, exposure, and white balance for faces. Smile Shutter technology allows you to take the shot automatically when your subject smiles in Live View mode.

Composing a shot in Sony’s Quick Auto Focus Live View is made even easier thanks to the 3-inch, 230,000 pixel, Sony Clear Photo LCD display which tilts up or down 90 degrees to help frame high- and low-angle shots.

The α550 uses the same “phase detection” auto focus for Live View as for the optical viewfinder. For critical focus in macro and tripod shooting, the α550 also offers Manual Focus Check Live View. Along with the 100% view in the LCD, you can focus on fine detail using 7x and 14x zoom views.

Eye-Start Autofocus begins focusing as soon as the camera is raised to your eye, and the 9 point AF sensor with centre cross enables accurate focusing. And for optimised exposures, the camera has 6 creative style settings and 6 scene modes.

The camera will shoot up to 5 frames per second (with optical viewfinder) and at up to 4 frames per second with Quick Auto Focus Live View. It can save images in RAW or JPEG formats (separately or in tandem), with dual media slots files for storage on Memory Stick PRO Duo/Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo and SD/SDHC media cards.

Auto HDR is the α550’s built in implentation of High Dynamic Range (HDR) photography, which combines two exposures into one shot, for greater depth and definition. This boosts the α550’s ability to deal with severe backlighting and other high-contrast scenes.

Dynamic Range Optimizer recovers detail in areas of shadow and improves results with backlit subjects. Normal DRO uses standard gamma curves to improve detail, while Advanced DRO adjusts dynamic range area-by-area for greater accuracy.

SteadyShot INSIDE is Sony’s image stabilisation technology to compensate for camera shake. SteadyShot INSIDE is built into the camera body.

In Quick Auto Focus Live View mode, you can extend the optical zoom of your lens with digital zoom. One touch zooms in at 1.4x while a second touch advances to 2x zoom. The system reproduces pixels on a 1:1 basis so there’s no degradation of picture.

The α550 comes with the following computer software: Image Data Converter SR, Image Data Lightbox SR, and Picture Motion Browser.

The on-screen Help Guide is a ready reference to the camera’s modes and settings and the Graphic Display clarifies the effects of, and relationship between, aperture and shutter speed.
The α550 has an HDMI output and will play back images in high definition when connected to a compatible HDTV. With compatible Sony BRAVIA HDTVs, the BRAVIA Sync system works lets you use the tv’s remote to control camera playback.

You can monitor the remaining battery charge thanks to Sony’s InfoLITHIUM battery system. When fully charged, the Sony Stamina battery gives you up to 1000 shots (optical viewfinder mode) and up to 520 shots (Live View mode).

Buy Now Online at Camerasdirect.com.au

SPECIFICATIONS

Resolution
14.2MP

Sensor
APS-C size Exmor CMOS sensor (23.5 X 15.6mm)

Processor
BIONZ image processor

File Formats
RAW
RAW+JPEG
JPEG Fine
JPEG Standard

File Size
Still Actual 16:9 :
L (12MP): 4592 X 2576
M (6.3MP): 3344 X 1872
S (2.9MP): 2288 X 1280
Still Actual 3:2 :
L (14M): 4592 X 3056 M (7.4M): 344 X 2224 S (3.5M): 2288 X 1520

ColoUr Filter
RGB primary coloUr filters

Image Stabilization
SteadyShot INSIDE stabilisation

Focusing Area
Wide (Up to 9 active focus points), Spot, Local (9 local areas selectable)

Focus Type
TTL phase detection system

Number of Focusing Points
9 points

ISO
Auto, 200 to 12800

Focusing Sensitivity Range
EV0 – 18 (ISO100)

Focusing Modes
Manual Focus, Check Live View, Predictive Control, Focus Lock, Eye-Start AF, AF Illuminator

Modes
AF modes : Single-Shot AF, Automatic AF, Continuous AF, (AF/MF selectable)
Drive Mode : Single-Shot, Continuous, Speed Priority, Self-Timer, Bracketing; Cont./ WB, Remote Commander

Tripod Mount
Yes, 1/4″-20

Conveniences

Anti-dust function : Charge protection coating on low pass filter and image-sensor shift mechanism
BRAVIA Sync: Via HDMI with compatible BRAVIA HDTV
Creative Style: Standard, Vivid, Portrait, Landscape, Sunset, B/W Setting Adjustment for: Contrast, Saturation, Sharpness
Dynamic Range Optimizer: DRO; off, Auto/Level (Lv1-5) Auto HDR, Off, Auto Exposure (up to 3EV between 1.0-3.0EV in 0.5EV steps)
Live View : Quick Auto Focus, Live View Manual, Focus Check Live View
Scene Mode(s): Flash Off, Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Sports Action, Sunset, Night portrait
User Interface: Easy-to-understand Graphic Display and on-screen Help Guide, user-friendly function menu

Lens Mount
Sony Alpha lens, Minolta and Konica Minolta AF lens

Shutter Speeds
Auto, Program Auto (P), Aperture Priority (A), Shutter Priority (S), Manual (M)

Metering
TTL metering w/ 40-segment honeycomb-pattern SPC

Exposure Modes
Flash Off, Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Sports Action, Sunset, Night Portrait

Scene Modes
Flash Off, Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Sports Action, Sunset, Night Portrait

White Balance
Auto, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Incandescent, Fluorescent, Flash, Color Temperature, Color Filter, Custom

Mirror Lock-Up
No

Burst Capability
Up to 7 fps

Remote Control
No

Flash

Effective Flash Range
18mm in focal-length of lens attached

External Flash Connection Optional:
HVL-F58AM External Flash
HVL-F42AM External Flash
HVL-F20AM External Flash

Dedicated Flash System
ADI flash (automatic change for Pre-flash TTL)

Flash Exposure Compensation
±2EV (in 1/3 EV-stop increments)

Guide Number
12 (in metres at ISO100)

Recycling Time
Approx. 4 sec

Memory Card Type
Memory Stick PRO Duo media
SD and SDHC memory card

Viewfinder Type
Fixed eye-level, penta-Dach-mirror

Viewfinder Display
Spherical Acute Matte Screen

Viewfinder Coverage
Field of View : 95%

Viewfinder Magnification
0.80x (with 50mm lens at infinity)

Viewfinder Info
Diopter Adjustment : -2.5 – +1.0m-1
Eye relief : Approx. 19 mm from the eyepiece
Approx. 15 mm from the eyepiece frame at -1 diopter

Display
3″ TFT Clear Photo Plus™ LCD (921,600 pixels)

Display Area
Coverage : 100% (Playback), 90% (Live View)

LCD Information
Angle Adjustment : Yes (upward by up to 90°, downward by up to 90°)
Brightness Control : Auto Brightness Control (Auto setting in 2 steps
Manual setting in 5 steps)

OS Compatibility
Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional Windows XP SP2
Windows Vista
Mac OS X (v10.1.3) or later

Software Included:
PMB (Picture Motion Browser) 4.3.01
Image Data Converter SR 3.1
Image Data Lightbox SR

Ports
USB2.0 Hi-Speed (mass-storage, PTP)

Operating/Storage Temperature
Operating Temperature : 32 – 104° F (0 – 40 ° C)

Battery Type
Battery Type : NP-FM500H InfoLITHIUM Rechargeable
Approx. 1000 images with viewfinder, 520 images in live view mode

Base Dimensions (WxHxD)
5.39 x 4.09 x 3.31″ (137 X 104 X 84mm) (excluding protrusions)

Weight
Approx. 20.42 oz (597g) (without battery, memory card, accessories )

What’s Included

* Sony Alpha DSLR-A550 Camera Body
* NP-FM500H InfoLithium Rechargeable Battery
* BC-VM10 Battery Charger
* USB Cable
* Shoulder Strap
* Eyepiece Cap
* Body Cap
* Accessory Shoe Cap
* Software CD-ROM
* User Guide
* 1 Year Australian Warranty

Sony Alpha α500 DSLR

Peter Ching — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 04:12:53 +0000

SONY’S α500 is a 12.3 megapixel Digital SLR camera with a 3-inch extra fine LCD display that tilts, up or down 90°, to help you compose shots regardless of high or low angles.

Eye-Start Autofocus begins focusing as soon as you raise the camera to your eye. Accurate focusing is achieved using nine auto focus points with centre cross. The “crop-frame”-sized APS-C Sony Exmor CMOS image sensor combines with Sony’s BIONZ processor to enable high ISO of 12,800 for low-light pictures with lower noise and better retention of picture detail.

The α500 adjusts for optimised exposures in response to six creative style settings and six scene modes. You can compose shots in the LCD monitor using Sony’s Quick Auto Focus Live View, which relies on the same “phase detection” technology as the optical viewfinder.

This Live View mode also allows you to extend the range of your zoom lenses. It does this digitally: one touch zooms in 1.4x, a second touch zooms to 2x. Picture quality is not degraded because the pixels are reproduced on a 1:1 basis.

Manual Focus Check Live View allows for critical focus in macro and tripod shooting with the α500. While the 1x view shows 100% framing in the LCD, you can focus on fine detail viewing at 7x and 14x zoom.

Sony’s Face Detection technology further enhances the Live View system by recognising faces and applying proper white balance, focus, and exposure to produce better shots consistently.

Smile Shutter Technology works with Quick Auto Focus Live View to capture spontaneous moments by enabling the α500 to automatically trigger the shot when your subject smiles.

The α500 can save images, separately or in tandem, in RAW or JPEG. Dual media slots can write to Memory Stick PRO Duo/Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo and SD/SDHC media cards (all sold separately).

The camera will shoot up to five frames a second (with optical viewfinder) and up to four frames a second with Quick Auto Focus Live View.

The α500’s Auto HDR provides built-in High Dynamic Range (HDR) photography, blending two exposures into one shot to create more depth of colour and definition and to better handle severe backlighting and other high-contrast scenes.

The camera’s Dynamic Range Optimizer helps recover detail hidden in shadows as well as improving results with backlit subjects. Normal DRO improves details shot to shot using standard gamma curves. For greater accuracy, Advanced DRO adjusts dynamic range area by area.

SteadyShot INSIDE image stabilisation is built into the camera itself to compensate for camera shake and help you take blur-free shots.

The α500 comes supplied with Image Data Converter SR, Image Data Lightbox SR, and Picture Motion Browser software for your computer.

And powerful as this camera is, the α500’s on-screen Help Guide and graphic display provide ready reference to advanced camera functions. You can hook the camera to a compatible HDTV and play back your images in high definition. If you have a compatible Sony BRAVIA HDTV, you can even control camera playback using the tv remote.

Buy online now at CamerasDirect.com.au

SPECIFICATIONS

Resolution
12.3MP

Sensor
APS-C size Exmor CMOS sensor (23.5 X 15.6mm)

Processor
BIONZ image processor

File Formats
RAW
RAW+JPEG
JPEG Fine
JPEG Standard

File Size
Still Actual 16:9 :
L (10M): 4272 X 2400
M (5.4M): 3104 X 1744
S (2.5M): 2128 X 1192
Still Actual 3:2 :
L (12M): 4272 X 2848
M (6.4M): 3104 X 2072
S (3.0M): 2128 X 1416

Colour Filter
RGB primary colour filters

Image Stabilization
SteadyShot INSIDE stabilization

Focusing Area
Wide (Up to 9 active focus points), Spot, Local (9 local areas selectable)

Focus Type
TTL phase detection system

ISO
Auto, 200 to 12800

Focusing Sensitivity Range
EV0 – 18 (ISO100)

Focusing Modes
Manual Focus, Check Live View, Predictive Control, Focus Lock, Eye-Start AF, AF Illuminator

Modes
AF modes : Single-Shot AF, Automatic AF, Continuous AF, (AF/MF selectable)
Drive Mode : Single-Shot, Continuous, Speed Priority, Self-Timer, Bracketing; Cont./ WB, Remote Commander

Tripod Mount
Yes, 1/4″-20

Conveniences
Anti-dust function: Charge protection coating on low pass filter and image-sensor shift mechanism
BRAVIA Sync: Via HDMI with compatible BRAVIA HDTV
Creative Style: Standard, Vivid, Portrait, Landscape, Sunset, B/W Setting Adjustment for: Contrast, Saturation, Sharpness
Dynamic Range Optimizer: DRO; off, Auto/Level (Lv1-5) Auto HDR, Off, Auto Exposure (up to 3EV between 1.0-3.0EV in 0.5EV steps)
Live View : Quick Auto Focus, Live View Manual, Focus Check Live View
Scene Mode(s): Flash Off, Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Sports Action, Sunset, Night portrait
User Interface: Easy-to-understand Graphic Display and on-screen Help Guide, user-friendly function menu

Lens Mount
Sony Alpha lens, Minolta and Konica Minolta AF lens

Shutter Speeds
Auto, Program Auto (P), Aperture Priority (A), Shutter Priority (S), Manual (M)

Metering
TTL metering w/ 40-segment honeycomb-pattern SPC

Exposure Modes
Flash Off, Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Sports Action, Sunset, Night Portrait

Scene Modes
Flash Off, Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Sports Action, Sunset, Night Portrait

White Balance
Auto, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Incandescent, Fluorescent, Flash, Color Temperature, Color Filter, Custom

Mirror Lock-Up
No

Burst Capability
Up to 7 fps

Remote Control
RMS1AM – Sold Separately

Effective Flash Range
18mm in focal-length of lens attached

External Flash Connection
Optional:
HVL-F58AM External Flash
HVL-F42AM External Flash
HVL-F20AM External Flash

Dedicated Flash System
ADI flash (automatic change for Pre-flash TTL)

Flash Exposure Compensation
±2EV (in 1/3 EV-stop increments)

Guide Number
12 (in metres at ISO100)

Recycling Time
Approx. 4 sec

Memory Card Type
Memory Stick PRO Duo media
SD and SDHC memory card

Viewfinder Type
Fixed eye-level, penta-Dach-mirror

Viewfinder Display
Spherical Acute Matte Screen

Viewfinder Coverage
Field of View : 95%

Viewfinder Magnification
0.80x (with 50mm lens at infinity)

Viewfinder Info
Diopter Adjustment : -2.5 – +1.0m-1
Eye relief : Approx. 19 mm from the eyepiece
Approx. 15 mm from the eyepiece frame at -1 diopter

Display
3″ TFT Clear Photo Plus LCD (921,600 pixels)

Display Area
Coverage: 100% (Playback), 90% (Live View)

LCD Information
Angle Adjustment: Yes (upward by up to 90°, downward by up to 90°)
Brightness Control: Auto Brightness Control (Auto setting in 2 steps
Manual setting in 5 steps)

OS Compatibility
Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional Windows XP SP2
Windows Vista
Mac OS X (v10.1.3) or later

Software Included:
PMB (Picture Motion Browser) 4.3.01
Image Data Converter SR 3.1
Image Data Lightbox SR

Ports
USB2.0 Hi-Speed (mass-storage, PTP)

Operating/Storage Temperature
Operating Temperature : 32 – 104° F (0 – 40 ° C)

Battery Type
Battery Type : NP-FM500H InfoLITHIUM Rechargeable
Approx. 1000 images with viewfinder, 520 images in live view mode

Base Dimensions (WxHxD)
5.39 x 4.09 x 3.31″ (137 X 104 X 84mm) (excluding protrusions)

Weight
Approx. 20.42 oz (597g) (without battery, memory card, accessories )

What’s Included
* Sony Alpha DSLR-A500 Camera Body
* NP-FM500H InfoLithium Rechargeable Battery
* BC-VM10 Battery Charger
* USB Cable
* Shoulder Strap
* Eyepiece Cap
* Body Cap
* Accessory Shoe Cap
* Software CD-ROM
* User Guide
* 1 Year Australian Warranty

Sony Alpha DSLR α850

Peter Ching — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 01:30:48 +0000

SONY’S α850 is the Alpha range’s full-frame (24 x 36mm) sensor DSLR camera. The size of this 24.6 Megapixel Exmor CMOS sensor, and its high pixel count, produces great image detail and wide dynamic range. The α850’s dual BIONZ image processors provide fast shooting response.

The α850 offers two-stage noise reduction to ensure image quality and high levels of sharpness with minimal noise levels with sensitivity settings up to ISO 6400.

SteadyShot INSIDE in-camera image stabiliser moves the image sensor to compensate for camera shake, resulting in clearer images in low light conditions.

The α850 has a 9-point auto focus system with 10 focus-assist points for sharp images and efficient subject tracking. For improved auto focus accuracy with faster aperture lenses, the camera has a dedicated F2.8 sensor. And for precise exposure control in a wide range of lighting situations, the α850 has a 40-segment multi-pattern metering system.

The camera features multiple levels of Dynamic Range Optimization built-in: Standard mode for improving shadow detail; Advanced Auto mode which offers five DRO correction levels; and DRO Advanced Bracketing, which captures three images at different dynamic range levels automatically.

The α850 has dual card slots for both CompactFlash and Memory Stick Duo Media (sold separately). The α850’s rugged die-cast magnesium alloy body is weather sealed and weighs 850 grams. You’ll get around 880 images from a fully charged InfoLITHIUM rechargeable lithium-ion battery (NP-FM500H).

Dual BIONZ image processors enable continuous shooting at speeds up to 3 frames per second.

A 3-inch glass pentaprism viewfinder offers 98% field coverage and magnification of 0.74x, showing an image nearer to its actual size.

The Intelligent Preview function allows you to see the effects of manual adjustments to exposure value, shutter speed, aperture, Dynamic Range Optimizer and White Balance before the shot is taken, so optimum settings.

You can view images in detail on the 3-inch Xtra Fine LCD display (921k pixels). With photo-quality resolution of 270ppi (pixels per inch) focus and exposure adjustments can require less time and more accuracy.

The α850’s shutter mechanism enables up to 1/8000 seconds shutter speeds and is proven for 100,000 cycle operation.

The α850 provides direct HDMI output for viewing in high definition on compatible HDTVs. Additionally, PhotoTV HD-capable BRAVIA HDTVs will automatically optimise display settings, such as sharpness, gradation, and colour.

The camera’s Anti-Dust Technology uses both a static-free anti-dust coating on the imager’s filter and anti-dust vibration that shakes the sensor to dislodge dust each time the camera is shut off.

In addition to full frame image capture, the α850 can also crop images to the APS-C size format, allowing the use of lenses designed specifically for APS-C sized image sensors.

(When a DT lens is mounted, images are automatically cropped to the APS-C size, regardless of the APS-C size capture setting. Using a DT lens is not guaranteed because the corners of the field are darkened and the camera does not meet the primary AE performance standard. )

AF Micro Adjustment enables fine focusing for various lenses. The α850 can store adjusted focus values for up to 30 lenses.

User-replaceable focusing screens for shooting specific subject types can be purchased as optional accessories.

Mirror Lockup Mode raises the main mirror before exposure to reduce vibration at shutter release, resulting in better performance during long exposure shots.

Buy Online Now at CamerasDirect.com.au

SPECIFICATIONS

Resolution
Approx. 24.6 megapixels

Sensor
(24 x 36mm) Full-frame Exmor CMOS sensor

Processor
Dual BIONZ image processors

File Formats
RAW+JPEG (Fine), RAW+JPEG (Fine), RAW (compressed), RAW, JPEG Extra fine, JPEG Fine, JPEG Standard

File Size
Still Actual 16:9:
6048 x 3408 (21M)
4400 x 2472 (11M)
3024 x 1704 (5.2M)
Still Actual 3:2:
6048 x 4032 (24.6M)
4400 x 2936 (13M)
3024 x 2016 (6.1M)

Creative Colour Modes
Standard, Vivid, Neutral, Clear, Deep, Light, Portrait, Landscape, Sunset, Night, Autumn, B&W, Sepia

White Balance
Auto, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent, Flash, Custom

Exposure Control
Auto, Program Auto (A) (with Program Shift), Shutter priority (S), Aperture priority (A), Manual (M)

Exposure Compensation
±3.0 EV, 1/3EV, 1/2EV steps selectable

Image Stabilisation
SteadyShot INSIDE in-camera image stabilisation

Lens Mount
Sony α, Minolta and Konica-Minolta AF

Sensitivity
Auto
ISO (selectable) 100 – 6400 (in 1/3 EV steps)

Metering
TTL metering w/ 40-segment honeycomb-pattern SPC

Metering Pattern
Multi-segment, Center-weighted, Spot, Auto Exposure Lock (AEL button)

Metering Sensitivity @ ISO 100 with f/1.4
0 EV to 20 EV (+2 EV to +20EV with Spot metering)

Mirror Lock-Up
Yes

Focus System
TTL phase detection system

Focusing Sensitivity Range
0 EV to +18 EV (at ISO 100 equivalent)

Focus Area
Wide (Auto, up to 9 areas), Spot, Local (9 local areas, selectable)

Number of Focusing Points
9 points + 10 assist focus points (local areas, selection with the multi-selector)

Burst Capability
Maximum: 3 fps

Self Timer
Yes (10 seconds, 2 seconds with mirror-up function)

Remote Control
Yes

Built-in Flash
No

Hot Shoe
Hot shoe compatible with Sony α system flash

External Flash Connection
Yes

Dedicated Flash System
Sony α system flash

Flash Exposure Compensation
±3 EV (in 1/3EV, 1/2EV steps selectable)

Flash Modes
Auto, Fill-flash, Rear sync, Wireless (with Flash HVL-F58AM, HVL-F42AM, HVL-F56AM, F36AM)

Flash Metering
ADI flash (automatic change for Pre-flash TTL)

Memory Slots
Dual memory card slots

Memory Storage
Memory Stick PRO Duo, Compact Flash Type I, Type II (Microdrive), UDMA (Mode5 compliant)

Viewfinder Type
Fixed eye-level system with optical glass pentaprism

Viewfinder Coverage
98%

Viewfinder Screen
Spherical Acute Matte Screen

Viewfinder Magnification
0.74x (with 50mm lens at infinity)

Diopter Correction
-1m to 1

Display
3″ TFT Xtra Fine LCD (921,600 pixels)

Display Area
100% Coverage
Brightness Control: ±5 steps manual

Playback
BRAVIA Sync: via HDMI with compatible BRAVIA HDTV
HD viewing requires a HDMI cable and HDMI compatible HDTV (both sold separately)

Connectivity
Supports USB 2.0 Hi-speed

Operating Systems Supported
Windows 2000 Professional SP4, Windows XP SP3, Windows Vista SP1, Mac OS X (v10.1.3-v10.5)

Software Supplied:
Image Data Converter SR3.1 (Windows & Macintosh) Image Data Lightbox SR2.1 (Windows & Macintosh, Remote Camera Control 2.0 (Windows & Macintosh), PMB (Picture Motion Browser) 4.2.13 (Windows only)

Operating/Storage Temperature
32 – 104° F (0 – 40° C)

Tripod Mount:
1/4″-20

Battery Type
NP-FM500H (7.2V, 1650MAh) InfoLITHIUM® Lithium-Ion rechargeable battery
Approx. 880 shots on full charge

Dimensions (WxHxD)
6-1/8 x 4-5/8 x 3-1/4″ (156.3 x 116.9 x 81.9mm) (excluding protrusions)

Weight
Approximately 850 grams without battery, memory card, accessories

What’s Included

* Sony Alpha DSLR-A850 Camera Body
* NP-FM500H InfoLithium Rechargeable Battery
* BC-VM10 Battery Charger
* USB Cable
* Video Cable
* Shoulder Strap
* Eyepiece Cap
* Body Cap
* Accessory Shoe Cap
* Software CD-ROM
* User Guide
* 1 Year Australian Warranty

Alpha Bet Pays Off For Sony – α230 | α330 | α380

Peter Ching — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 23:38:47 +0000

SONY’S EASY-TO-USE ALPHA α380, α330 and α230 CAMERAS make it a breeze to step up from point-and-shoot digital still cameras to digital SLRs.

The α380, α330 and α230 DSLR models feature a smart graphical user interface (GUI) with on-screen Help Guide built-in. The intuitive control layout on these three models make them easy to operate single-handed. In addition, they are smaller, lighter, easier to use, and offer innovative expansion options not found in other systems.

The 10.2 megapixel α230 is the lightest and most compact camera in Sony’s Alpha range, at 15.9 ounces. The 10.2 megapixel α330 and the 14.2 megapixel α380 cameras are also smaller and lighter than their predecessors (the A300 and A350, respectively).

And, built into each is Sony’s SteadyShot INSIDE in-camera image stabilisation, so that blur due to camera shake can be minimised with every α-mount lens.

Sony’s Quick Autofocus (AF) Live View technology is featured in both the α330 and the α380. This means you can use the camera’s LCD screen as well as the optical viewfinder to compose your photos. Quick AF Live View avoids the focus delay common to other live view system by using a dedicated image sensor.

The new cameras feature a 2.7-inch (diagonally) Clear Photo LCD screen that is easy to view, even in bright sunlight. The α380 and α330 models have tilt-screen LCDs so you can frame your subject despite angles that make sighting through the viewfinder all but impossible.

By combining Quick AF Live View and an adjustable LCD, you can frame the scene without holding the camera in front of your face. Parents, for example, can maintain eye-contact with their children to capture more natural expressions.

An HDMI terminal gives you the option to connect your camera to a compatible HDTV and play back your images in high definition quality (requires HDMI cable, sold separately). Additionally, BRAVIA Sync works with compatible Sony BRAVIA HDTVs to let you control camera playback using the tv’s remote (requires HDMI cable and BRAVIA Sync capable HDTV, sold separately).

The new cameras include dedicated slots for high-capacity Memory Stick PRO Duo, Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo and SD/SDHC media (sold separately).

View specifications: α230
Buy Online Now at CamerasDirect.com.au

View specifications: α330
Buy Online Now at CamerasDirect.com.au

View specifications: α380
Buy Online Now at CamerasDirect.com.au

Sony Alpha DSLR α230  Specifications

Resolution
Effective: 10.2MP, Recorded: 10.8MP

Sensor
23.6×15.8mm APS-C format CCD sensor

File Formats
RAW, RAW+JPEG

Creative Colour Modes
Standard, Vivid, Portrait, Landscape, Night View, Sunset, & Black/White

Image Stabilization
Optical Image Stabilization (Sony SteadyShot INSIDE)

Crop Factor
1.5x

Lens Mount
Sony A lens, Minolta and Konica Minolta AF lens

Sensitivity
ISO 100-3200

Shutter Speeds
1/4000 second – 30 sec, bulb

Metering
TTL metering w/ 40-segment honeycomb-pattern SPC

Exposure Modes
Auto, Auto Flash Off, Program Auto, Aperture priority, Shutter priority, Manual

White Balance
Auto, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent, Flash, Custom

Self Timer
Yes

Remote Control
Yes, (Not included)

Built-in Flash
Yes

Effective Flash Range
10 metres

External Flash Connection
Hot Shoe

Dedicated Flash System
Sony TTl Dedicated Flash System

Max Sync Speed
1/160 second

Built-in Memory
No

Memory Card Type
Memory Stick PRO Duo, SD and SDHC memory cards

Video Recording
No

Video Resolution
N/A

Video Clip Length
N/A

Audio Recording
No

Viewfinder Type
Fixed eye-level, penta-Dach-mirror

Viewfinder Coverage
95%

Display
2.7″ LCD

Connectivity
USB 2.0, HDMI mini connector (Type C)

System & Software Requirements
PC: Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional, XP SP2, Vista
Mac: OS X (v10.1.3) or later

Operating/Storage Temperature
Operating: 32 – 104°F (0 – 407°C)

Battery Type
NP-FH50 Li-ion

Dimensions
128 x 97 x 67.5mm

Weight
Body only: 452g

* Sony Alpha DSLR-A230 Camera Body
* NP-FM50H InfoLithium Rechargeable Battery
* BC-VH1 Battery Charger
* USB Cable
* Video Cable
* Shoulder Strap
* Eyepiece Cap
* Body Cap
* Accessory Shoe Cap
* Software CD-ROM
* User Guide
* 1 Year Australian Warranty

Sony Alpha DSLR α330  Specifications

Resolution
Effective: 10.2MP, Recorded: 10.8MP

Sensor
23.6 x 15.8mm CCD

Bit Depth
12-Bit

File Formats
RAW, JPEG

Color Spaces
sRGB, Adobe RGB

Image Stabilization
Yes

Crop Factor
1.5x

Zoom
Manual Two-touch

Lens Mount
Sony a lens, Minolta and Konica Minolta AF lens

Focus Type
Auto and Manual

Focus Range
0.82′ (0.25m) – infinity

Sensitivity
ISO 100-3200

Shutter Speeds
1/4000 second – 30 sec, bulb

Metering
Multi-segment, Centre-weighted, Spot

Exposure Modes
Auto, Program, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, Manual, Scene

White Balance
Auto, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent, Flash, Custom

Mirror Lock-Up
Yes

Burst Capability
Up to 2.5fps

Self Timer
Yes

Interval Recording
No

Remote Control
Yes (optional)

Built-in Flash
Yes

Effective Flash Range
Up to 16′ (5.1m)

External Flash Connection
Hot Shoe

Dedicated Flash System
Sony HVL Flash System

Max Sync Speed
1/160 sec

Built-in Memory
No

Memory Card Type
SD/SDHC, Memory Stick PRO Duo

Still Images per GB
RAW: 60
JPEG: High Res: 237

Video Recording
No

Video Resolution
N/A

Video Clip Length
N/A

Audio Recording
No

Viewfinder Type
Eye-level Penta-mirror

Viewfinder Coverage
95%

Display
2.7″ LCD

Connectivity
USB 2.0, HDMI (Type C)

System & Software Requirements
Windows XP (SP2), Vista
Mac OS X (10.1.3 or later)

Operating/Storage Temperature
Operating Temperature: 32-104°F/0-40°C

Battery Type
NP-FH50 Li-ion Battery

Power Adapter
Sony AC-PW10AM AC Adapter (optional)

Dimensions
5128 x 97 x 71.4mm

Weight
491g body only

What’s Included

* Sony Alpha DSLR-A330 Camera Body
* NP-FM50H InfoLithium Rechargeable Battery
* BC-VH1 Battery Charger
* USB Cable
* Video Cable
* Shoulder Strap
* Eyepiece Cap
* Body Cap
* Accessory Shoe Cap
* Software CD-ROM
* User Guide
* 1 Year Australian Warranty

Sony Alpha DSLR α380  Specifications

Resolution
Effective: 14.2MP, Recorded: 14.9MP

Sensor
23.6 x 15.8mm APS-C format CCD sensor

File Formats
RAW, RAW+JPEG

Creative Colour Modes
Standard, Vivid, Portrait, Landscape, Night view, Sunset, & Black/White

Image Stabilization
Optical Image Stabilization (Sony SteadyShot INSIDE)

Crop Factor
1.5x

Sensitivity
ISO 100-3200

Shutter Speeds
1/4000 second – 30 sec, bulb

Metering
TTL metering w/ 40-segment honeycomb-pattern SPC

Exposure Modes
Auto, Auto Flash Off, Program Auto, Aperture priority, Shutter priority, Manual

White Balance
Auto, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent, Flash, Custom

Self Timer
Yes

Remote Control
Yes, (Not included)

Built-in Flash
Yes

Effective Flash Range
10 metres

External Flash Connection
Hot Shoe

Dedicated Flash System
Sony TTl Dedicated Flash System

Max Sync Speed
1/160 second

Built-in Memory
No

Memory Card Type
Memory Stick PRO Duo, SD and SDHC memory cards

Still Images per GB
Not Specified By Manufacturer

Video Recording
No

Video Resolution
N/A

Video Clip Length
N/A

Audio Recording
No

Viewfinder Type
Fixed eye-level, penta-Dach-mirror

Viewfinder Coverage
95%

Display
2.7″ LCD

Connectivity
USB 2.0, HDMI mini connector (Type C)

System & Software Requirements
PC: Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional, XP SP2, Vista
Mac: OS X (v10.1.3) or later

Operating/Storage Temperature
Operating: 32 – 104°F (0 – 407°C)

Battery Type
NP-FH50 Li-ion

Power Adapter
Not Specified By Manufacturer

Dimensions
128 x 97 x 71.4mm

Weight
Body only: 491g

What’s Included

* Sony Alpha DSLR-A380 Camera Body
* NP-FM50H InfoLithium Rechargeable Battery
* BC-VH1 Battery Charger
* USB Cable
* Video Cable
* Shoulder Strap
* Eyepiece Cap
* Body Cap
* Accessory Shoe Cap
* Software CD-ROM
* User Guide
* 1 Year Australian Warranty