Sony Alpha a450

Sony announces a further DSLR - the Sony Alpha DSLR-A450

Sony a450

Just before the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas kicks off, Sony has revealed a further DSLR to the Alpha range – the Sony Alpha a450.
Set to further saturate the Sony range, the a450 slots in below the recent a500 and a550 releases (click for video preview of these two models), but above the entry a230 and a380, and is aimed at ‘step up’ photographers. The camera itself is mightily similar to the a500 model, however it lacks the tilt-capabilities of the LCD screen and the company’s advanced Quick AF Live View mode. Live view does feature, albeit in a more primitive form – the usual dedicated live view image sensor has been stripped from this model.
The a450 packs in a high-resolution 14.2MP Sony Exmor CMOS sensor, powerful Bionz processor, SteadyShot INSIDE image stabilisation, has a 95% viewfinder field of view, sensitivity to ISO 12,800 at full resolution and can shoot to 7 frames per second in Speed Priority mode (5fps is the max outside of this mode).
Like the a500 & a550, the Sony a450 also features an Auto HDR mode, which can shoot in-camera High Dynamic Range images by automatically merging two images together in a flash. Unlike some competitors’ versions, the Sony is the only current release that can be used handheld (though results can be compromised at more extended exposures). Other Creative modes also feature and, to really keep you going, the battery claims to have so much stamina that you’ll shoot over 1000 frames with a single charge.
No word on pricing as yet, though we’d expect it to be sandwiched very closely between the a500 and a380 at approximately £500. More info as and when we have it.

 

Full Sony Alpha a450 press release & Sony a450 specifications:

Simply better pictures with the α450
Sony’s new DSLR camera is a versatile easy to use choice for step-up photographers

  • 14.2 effective megapixels ExmorTM CMOS sensor

  • Up to 7 fps continuous shooting

  • Manual Focus Check Live View

  • Auto HDR

  • 1,050 shot battery stamina (CIPA measurement)

  • SteadyShot INSIDE

The newest addition to the Sony α family of DSLR cameras teams flawless imaging with generous creative options and is ideal for consumers new to DSLR photography who want the best possible image quality.

Powerful yet easy to use, the DSLR-A450 is a perfect all-rounder when you’re ready to take your passion for great pictures to the next level. Ideal for active shooters, it’s at home in any shooting situation, from relaxed portraits to fast-moving sports action.

Inside the α450 is a high-resolution 14.2 (approx.) effective megapixel ExmorTM CMOS sensor. It’s teamed with the powerful BIONZ processor to deliver highly detailed, ultra-low noise images. Sensitivity extends right up to ISO 12800, allowing you to capture beautifully natural handheld images in low light without flash.

With a generous 95% field of view, the bright optical viewfinder makes framing and composition a pleasure. As an extra refinement, Manual Focus Check Live View previews clear, bright full-resolution images on the 6.7cm (2.7″) Clear Photo LCD screen. With selectable 7x/14x on-screen image enlargement it’s ideal for confirming pin-sharp focus with portraits, still life, macro and architectural scenes.

The powerful BIONZ image processor enables high-speed continuous shooting at up to 5 fps (maximum – approx. figure). In Speed Priority mode (with AF and AE set at start of burst) this increases to an amazing 7 fps (maximum – actual speed depends on shooting conditions and media card). More than enough to catch sports and fast-moving action with ease.

Creative options are enhanced with Auto HDR mode that accommodates bright highlights and dark shadow details in a single frame. Two successive frames shot handheld at different exposure values are merged automatically by the camera. The result is a detail-packed High Dynamic Range image – with no need for a PC image editor and specialist skills. In addition to fully automatic operation, the exposure difference between frames can be manually set up to 3EV, in 0.5EV increments.

Featured right across the DSLR line-up by Sony, SteadyShot INSIDETM offers up to 4 steps of anti-shake correction with the full range of 30 α lenses and two teleconvertors, as well as compatible A-mount optics by Konica-Minolta.

The α450 also offers the most impressive shooting stamina of any DSLR camera by Sony to date. The high-capacity battery allows up to 1,050 shots between charges* – plenty for a busy weekend’s sightseeing.

Slots for Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo and SD/SDHC memory cards (sold separately) are offered to suit users’ personal shooting preferences.

Connect the α450 to any HD Ready TV for a breathtaking big-screen view of your photos. PhotoTV HD optimises still image reproduction on compatible BRAVIATM models, while BRAVIATM Sync allows control of slideshow and other camera playback functions using your TV remote.

Supplied software includes Image Data Converter SR; Image Data Lightbox SR; and PMB (Picture Motion Browser) for easy image management. The α450 is also compatible with the wide range of high-quality DSLR accessories by Sony, including flashes, carry cases, batteries and chargers, GPS and more.

The DSLR-A450 digital SLR camera by Sony is available from the beginning of February 2010.

* when using optical viewfinder (CIPA measurement)

Features
DSLR-Α450
Effective Megapixels
Approx. 14.2
Lens compatibility
Sony α lens, Minolta and Konica Minolta AF lens
Image sensor
APS-C size (23.4×15.6mm) CMOS sensor “Exmor” with RGB primary colour filters
Processor
BIONZTM image processor
ISO Sensitivity Range
200 – 12800 ISO
Image Quality Modes
Jpeg (fine, standard), RAW, RAW + Jpeg
HDMI connector and Bravia Sync
HDMI  mini connector (Type C), BRAVIA Sync (Sync menu), PhotoTV HD
Image Size: 3:2 (pixels)
L size:  4592×3056 (14M),
M size:  3344×2224 (7.4M),
S size:  2288×1520 (3.5M)
Viewfinder Type
Fixed eye-level, penta-Dach-mirror
LCD
6.7cm (2.7″) type, TFT Clear Photo LCD (230,400 dots)
Manual Focus Check Live View
YES
SteadyShot INSIDE
YES
Anti-dust System
Coating on low pass filter, plus image-sensor shift
Focus Modes
AF/MF selectable.
AF modes: Single-shot AF, Automatic AF, Continuous AF
Autofocus
TTL phase detection system; CCD line sensors
Focus Points
9 points
Exposure Modes
Programmed AE (AUTO, AUTO – Flash Off, P), Aperture priority, Shutter priority, Manual, Scene selection
Exposure Metering Sensor
40-segment honeycomb-pattern SPC
Exposure Metering Modes
Multi-segment, Centre-weighted, Spot
Scene Selection
Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Sports, Sunset, Night portrait/Night view
Creative Style Settings
Standard, Vivid, Portrait, Landscape, Sunset, B/W
Shutter Speed
1/4000-30sec, Bulb
Exposure Bracketing
3 continuous exposures, in 0.3 or 0.7 EV steps
White Balance Settings
Auto / 6 presets / Colour Temperature/Colour Filter /  Custom WB
Continuous Advance Shooting
Up to 5 fps and 7 fps in speed priority mode.
Approx. no. of shots
Approx. 1050 shots
Built-in Flash
Auto pop-up – GN 12 at ISO 100, FOV coverage up to 18mm
Flash Modes
Flash-off, Auto, Fill-flash, Slow sync, Rear Sync., Wireless*, Hi-speed sync.*,
*With external flash HVL-F58AM, HVL-F56AM, HVL-F42AM, HVL-F36AM
Media
Memory Stick PRO Duo / PRO-HG Duo / SD memory card / SDHC memory card
Dimensions (W x H x D)
Approx. 137 x 104 x 81mm (W/H/D, excluding protrusions)
Weight
Approx. 520g