The 10-megapixel Alpha 100 is Sony's first digital SLR since the acquisition of Konica Minolta and features in-camera, CCD-based image stabilisation and compatibility with Konica Minolta lenses.

Product Overview

Overall rating:

87%

Sony Alpha a100

Overall score:87%
Features:95%
Value:85%
Performance:85%
Image Quality:85%
Design:85%

Pros:

  • Image stabilisation, promising range of lenses, pleasant images, good LCD, good image noise control, high resolution, button placements

Cons:

  • Shutter noise, slight oversaturation of images, no histogram, extended dynamic range less effective than hoped, average build quality

Product:

Sony Alpha a100 Review

Manufacturer:

Price as reviewed:

£599.00

Verdict

It’s always exciting to see the very first camera from a new (to this market) company. Sony’s reputation in consumer electronics whipped up a lot of hype in this camera, some of which is deserved, but generally overblown.

Yes, this is a lovely camera, and boasts more pixels per pound than anyone else. That will change by the end of 2008 though, and the same chip in another model may be more interesting. Sony has played it a little too safe by essentially relaunching the Dynax 5D with a new chip and some extra features. Maybe when it has time to stamp its own design ethos onto SLRs we’ll see something more impressive. A good start with more than reasonable results, though.

Details

PC Socket:n/a
Cable Release:n/a
AF Points:9 point AF
Max Flash Sync:1/160 sec, 1/125s
Colour Temp Control:2500 - 9900 K
DoF Prview:Yes
Built-in Flash:Built in GN 12m @ISO 100, hotshoe, wireless sync, rear, slow sync, fill, auto, forced
White Balance Bracket:3 frames
Colour Space:sRGB, Adobe RGB , creative modes
Shutter Type:Electronically controlled focal-plane shutter
Exposure Comp:-2.0 to +2.0 EV
Focusing Modes:Wide area AF, single and continuous, AF Illuminator
Dust Reduction:Yes, plus anti-static filter over the senso
Other:-
Weight:545g
Built-in Image Stabilisation:SuperSteady Shot CCD system
Dimensions:133.1 x 94.7 x 71.3mm
Live Mode:No
Memory Card:CF I&II, MS Duo Pro adapter available
Power:Li-Ion, DC in
Connectivity:USB 2.0, DC in, Video out
Field of View:95%
Viewfinder Type:Reflex 95% viewing , Eye Star
White Balance:Manual, Auto, presets, Kelvin scale
Drive Mode:Single, Continuous up to 3fps
ISO:100-1600
File Format:JPEG, RAW , RAW+ JPEG
Exposure Modes:Program AE, Manual, Shutter Priority AE, Aperture Priority AE, 6 Sc
Compression:Uncompressed RAW+ JPEG Fine, standard
Metering System:40 segment TTL, centre weighted average, spot
Shutter Speeds:30-1/4000sec
Lens Mount:αAlpha mount (formerly Minolta AF)
Focal Length Mag:1.5
LCD:2.5in LCD, 230,000 pixels
Output Size:3872 x 2592, 2896 x 1936, 1920 x 1280
Sensor:RGB CCD, 23.6 x 15.8mm; total pixels/ 10.8 million total/ 10.2 million effective/ max image 3,872 x 2,592
  1. 1. Introduction
  2. 2. Features
  3. 3. Design
  4. 4. Performance
  5. 5. Image Quality
  6. 6. Value For Money
  7. 7. Verdict
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