Tuesday, September 12, 2006

Digital SLR

Nikon d80

Preview based on a pre-production Nikon D80

Two and a half years ago Nikon announced the six megapixel D70, their first affordable enthusiasts digital SLR, it proved to be a very popular camera and strong competitor to the Canon EOS 300D (Digital Rebel). Just fifteen months later Nikon revealed the D70s which was essentially the same camera with a some subtle tweaks (improved AF, wider flash coverage, higher capacity battery, larger LCD monitor). And so just over fifteen months on from the D70s Nikon present the latest incarnation of their 'enthusiasts' digital SLR line, the ten megapixel D80.

The D80 slots nicely between the entry-level D50 and the semi-professional / professional D200, clearly based on the D70 design but also different enough to be seen as a completely new model. It features a ten megapixel DX format CCD (the same we presume as used by Sony in the DSLR-A100), the metering sensor from the D50 and numerous other items taken or modified from the D200.
Key features

* 10.2 megapixel DX format CCD (1.5x FOV crop)
* Image processing engine (similar to D200 / D2X)
* 3D Color Matrix Metering II, 420 pixel sensor (same as D50)
* 11-area AF system (new version of Multi-CAM 1000, similar to D200)
* Auto ISO (selectable maximum ISO, minimum shutter speed)
* Configurable high ISO and long exposure noise reduction
* Mechanical only shutter (maximum 1/4000 sec, flash sync to 1/200 sec)
* Quoted 80 ms shutter lag (short viewfinder blackout; 160 ms)
* Larger, brighter pentaprism viewfinder (x0.94 magnification)
* Support for SD-HC (SD cards over 2 GB in capacity)
* In-camera retouching
o D-Lighting (shadow / highlight enhancement)
o Red-eye reduction
o Trimming
o Monochrome and Filter
o Small picture
o Image overlay
* Multiple-exposures
* Compact body (smaller, lighter than D70/D70s)
* Improved menu user interface (same as D200)
* Higher capacity EN-EL3e battery (provides detailed information, same as D200)
* Wireless flash integration (same as D200)

SONY ALPHA

Sony Alpha : Thanks to Kai Thon from DigIT we can inform you about Sony's latest hot digital imaging product; the Sony Alpha digital SLR camera. Toru Katsumoto, Senior General Manager of AMC Division, Digital Imaging Business Group of Sony Corporation made some interesting statements in the following interview that is published at the Sony website. "Ever since Sony and Konica Minolta began collaborating on a joint digital SLR camera project in July 2005, I have seen many similarities in our corporate cultures. Sony is renowned for its unceasing exploration of new avenues, while Konica Minolta has a long history of developing groundbreaking technologies, like the world's first auto-focus SLR camera and an exclusive anti-shake system."
Sony Alpha unveiledSony Alpha DSLR - Camera assortment
Toru Katsumoto continues: "Leveraging our similarities and benefiting from our differences, we now merge our efforts in a new shared commitment to the development of digital SLR cameras. We believe an SLR camera should be a part of a larger culture, encompassing the entire product line of lenses and accessories, and not just the camera body itself. To successfully create this culture, it's not enough to offer a body and two or three lens options, which is why, starting this summer, we will launch more than 20 new lens models over the course of a year.

Sony digital SLR Alpha - Compatibility
"Combined with the over 16 million compatible lenses that have been sold to date, we are bringing our entire camera culture toward an ever-expanding future for our customers. Our goal is to become the shin'uchi, or headline performer, of digital SLR cameras. In the traditional Japanese art of rakugo storytelling, the shin'uchi is the performer recognized by everyone as the undisputed master of his craft. Personally, I feel this applies to Sony in three ways.

Alpha digital SLR camera - Innovation
"Firstly, although Sony is a newcomer to the field of SLR cameras, we are determined to win the trust and respect of users everywhere. This dedication will set us apart as one of the premier SLR camera makers. Second, we consider it of utmost importance to show the same respect for the traditions of the SLR camera culture as is shown for traditional arts like rakugo. This means making no compromises in delivering the high level of performance customers have come to expect. Finally, much as how the shin'uchi, the most artistically skilled and technically proficient of the performers, makes his appearance at the end of the show, we are entering the SLR camera stage later than other makers. This presents us with an ambitious target to shoot for, but we will demonstrate to our customers that it is a position we are worthy of."

Sony digital SLR camera - Body and Lens
Toru Katsumoto concludes: "Entering the SLR camera market entails a long-term commitment to customers, and my resolve here is unwavering. While camera bodies may change in style or features with the passage of time, lenses are lasting assets. Our division is fully committed to expanding and developing our range of lenses and accessories. Moreover, throughout Sony we are fostering a new generation of SLR camera enthusiasts who are eager to further improve on our success.

Sony alpha

Sony Alpha SLR - High quality digital camera
"The name α [alpha] communicates a host of meanings. As the first letter of the Greek alphabet, it represents the highest level of quality, as well as a new beginning. This is precisely what α [alpha] means to us, and what we hope it will mean to you. This summer will see the global launch of [alpha], Sony's new digital SLR camera. I trust you are looking forward to it as much as I am."

About Sony Group
The Sony Group is primarily focused on the Electronics (such as AV/IT products & components), Game (such as PlayStation), Entertainment (such as motion pictures and music), and Financial Services (such as insurance and banking) sectors. Not only do we represent a wide range of businesses, but we remain globally unique. Our aim is to fully leverage this uniqueness in aggressively carrying out our convergence strategy so that we can continue to emotionally touch and excite our customers.

Updated! More information about the Sony Alpha 100 now available!