Sony Alpha DSLR-A230

Cnet Australia says:

A modest update over its predecessor, the Sony Alpha DSLR-A200, the Alpha DSLR-A230 offers the same essential feature set in a redesigned body with sufficient quality and performance-enhancing firmware tweaks to merit the term "upgrade". And like its predecessor, the result is a generally solid, if not stellar, entry-level dSLR option.

Good: Fast autofocus • High magnification viewfinder for its class • Dual card slots • Relatively simple, straightforward operation • Built-in wireless flash and image stabilisation • Helpful SteadyShot indicator
Bad: Smallish grip • Default settings produce suboptimal photos
Specs: Digital SLR • 10.2 megapixels • 2.7 inch • Memory Stick PRO Duo, Secure Digital Card, Secure Digital High Capacity

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Sony Alpha 230, 330 and 380 dSLR details

CNet Crave blog writer Rich Trenholm has some fresh info on the new line of Sony DSLR cameras, namely the 230, 330 and the 380.

The A230 is a lightweight, entry-level model. The top-end A380 and middle child A330 boast flip-out screens. All three boast HDMI output to TVs, but do not appear to shoot video of any definition. Features shown include a new user interface, showing aperture and shutter speed on a sliding scale, pictured left.

The leaked pages mention APS-C format sensors, presumably for all three cameras. The sensors are protected by a dual dust-reduction system. Sony's Bionz sensor handles the thinking, while a dynamic range opimizer handles tricky, contrasty images to keep detail in both highlights and shadows.

Another feature is a smart teleconverter, which magnifies the image by 1.4x or 2x on the camera's screen, for more precise focusing. We also like the look of a 40-segment metering system, pictured right.

Finally, Sony has gone all green, pointing out that the cameras' shells are made using polycarbonate byproducts of CD-ROM manufacturing. Very reassuring. It also appears that one--or all--of the cameras supports two types of memory card. We've got our fingers crossed for SD cards, but we'll settle for CompactFlash, like the Alpha A300, alongside those pesky Sony Memory Sticks.

Via Crave

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