Ultra Compact Sony Alpha

With major manufacturers showcasing their very latest gadgets at the PMA 2010 (Photo Marketing Association Show) industry commentators were keen to see what Sony would bring to the party. Arguably Sony did not disappoint when they showed a range of new camera models including an Alpha compact DSLR style camera with interchangeable lenses.

The concept camera, at this stage was a mock up device that should bridge the gap between compact cameras and DSLRs. In terms of the technology contained within this ultra compact Alpha, the Sony camera boasts an APS- size sensor incorporating the fantastic Exmor R low-light functionality. As well as this sensor it is believed that this new camera will also have the ability to capture video in high definition utilising the AVCHD format.

The interchangeable lenses that according to reports can simply be snapped on and off will of course appeal to novices and experienced amateurs alike, some commentators have even surmised that the connection may be magnetic to allow for an ultimately simplistic system. The details of the connection system have not yet been confirmed but this is certain to be one of the major design aspects of this new camera. The camera however is still to be named and according reports is still very much in the design phase.

That said, this new camera is by no means a prototype that is likely to be shelved in a year’s time, Sony are expecting to release the device at some point in 2010. The product however is not going to replace Sony’s existing range of both Cybershot compact cameras and DSLR devices and lenses. A major element in their announcements at PMA was that the existing line up of DSLR cameras would be bolstered by more accessible “mainstream DSLR models”. At this time no pricing information has been provided but it is clear that Sony’s digital imaging strategy this year will be to bring high spec devices to as many people as possible.

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Sony Digital Photo Frame

Hail the S Frame, the range of digital photo frames from Sony whose specifications rival those of a respectable camera…

The DPF-X1000N, one of the most advanced members of the Sony S Frame family (even the name sounds impressive) hosts Auto Touch-up, with features such as Exposure and Red Eye Correction, and wait for it…Skin Smoothing capabilities! You need not fret about photo editing via a pc or hurrying to delete those dreaded photos before friends descend on you – eagerly waiting evidence from last nights events.

Specifications are one thing, but the benefits of the S Frame on the grandeur of your living room or bedroom has to be admired.  All of the Sony S Frame range comes with a sleek looking black fascia; however the DPF-E72N is unique in the fact that it comes with 3 interchangeable covers in black, brown and red. The S Frame LCD panel ranges from 8-inch to a mighty 10-inch and with the X1000N and X800 you exclusively get TruBlack technology, this minimises the reflection on the display and adds stronger contrast to deep colours and shadow tones.
The Sony S Frame family also hosts a wide choice of slideshow options meaning your guests will never get bored, as well as featuring a clock and calendar – and ok, now back to the impressive X1000N and X800 which also feature 2GB of memory, that’s up to 4000 images when images are saved at 2 megapixel resolution.

The typical price of the S Frame X800 is £190.00, and the X1000N is £201.00, when you compare their spec’s against their younger brother and sisters these two reign supreme. The only differentiating factor which can be identified is a 2-inch panel difference, which could be well worth the pennies if you have any incriminating photos to display and edit from the night before…

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Sony Alpha DSLR Cameras

Both the Sony A500 and Sony A550 certainty pack a punch in the world of DSLR’s, both are available on the market currently and offer a vast array of specs – so what sets the two intermediate level DSLR’s apart from one another, I attempt to provide an insight…

Both the Sony A500 and Sony A550 form part of the A5 series of Sony DSLR cameras, the Sony A550 being the pricer & slightly more technical of the two counterparts. Visually, and almost technically they offer the same to the user experience – solid, with good handling, packed full of features. Paramount to both include the EXMOR CMOS sensor with Bionz Processor meaning the user can photograph away in low light environments and combined with an ISO range of 200-12800 both DSLR’s deliver high resolution images.

The best of all the marketed features in terms of usability inherent in both the Sony A500 and Sony A550 seems to me to be the Auto HDR technology, which merges together two exposures to automatically produce a single HDR image with a natural tonal range – eliminating the need for editing software to make your photographs picture perfect.

If you are stuck between shelling out for either, the added features of the Sony A550 may just clinch the deal.  14.2 megapixels over the Sony A500 12.3, a 3” Xtra Fine LCD Screen with 922,000 pixels meaning you can photograph and alter the focus and exposure, confidently relying on the LCD.  And last but not least the Sony A550 offers up to 7fps in speed priority mode to further enhance fast shooting situations, whereas the Sony A500 is limited to 5fps.

The approximate price of the Sony A500 is around £620, and the Sony A500 is marked at around £750 (with 18-55mm lens kit).

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