PMA2008: Sony Deepens its SLR line

This morning, Sony held a press conference at which they unveiled a new high-end SLR, which will be launched by the end of 2008. The SLR, which they're referring to at the moment only as "The Flagship," will include a 24-megapixel "Exmor" CMOS image sensor. (Click on the image at right for a closer look.)

The sensor will also be a full-frame sensor. (My previous post about the Canon EOS 40D digitial SLR has more details regarding full-frame sensors in the "Sensor Size and Lens Magnification Factor" section.)

In addition, this sensor will be image stabilized using Sony's Super SteadyShot system, which resides inside the camera body itself and so should work with any lens. (Canon and Nikon incorporate image stabilization into their SLR lenses.) Additional specs and features are sketchy on this camera for the moment, but it appears that Sony's commitment to SLRs is deepening.

The company also recapped many of their new product announcements from recent months, including two new consumer-targeted SLRs, both with live-view capabilities and articulating, swiveling LCDs. The two new SLRs are the 10-megapixel alpha DSLR-A300 ($800 with kit lens) and the 14-megapixel alpha DSLR-A350 ($900 with kit lens). (Click on the images for closer looks at the A350, on the left, and at the back of the A300, lower right.)

In addition, Sony revealed that they'll be entering the digital picture frame market by announcing three new S-series photo frames: DPF-V900 ($250), DPF-V700 ($190) and DPF-D70 ($140) digital photo frame models.

—Terry Sullivan

Comments

[Michele]

I am an amateur photographer. Just got the Sony a300 for xmas. Really want multi shots per second with crisp image to keep up with my one year old. Is this better than the Cannon rebel?

[Mike]

I purchased the Sony a300 with an additional sigma 75-300 telephoto
I have never been happier with the results, ease, and quality of this camera - And I have 2 Nikons in my bag. My brother bought the Nikon d80 and I can get slighly better pics under similar circumstances. I have not been sorry.

[Joel]

I am also in the Market for an DSLR. I was starting to look at Canon, because they a company has had DSLRs for awhile. But then I found out sony had a line too. I did some investigating, and found out that Minolta, last of the "big four" to enter the DSLR generation, had worked with dynax and sony. But, because many of their serious photographers switched to Canon and Nikon for DSLRs,they had no market to sell them to. Minolta's SLR division went under, and sony bought it in 2004. Sony has made many strides in technology with the former Minolta division, and the new DSLRs use the same lens mount as The Minolta Maxxums of old (the main reason I am pursuing a sony). In just a few short years, they have almost elevated themselves to the status of Canon and Nikon. While I still am weary of buying ANY DSLR just because of lens mount, it will play a huge part in my decision. I want to see the rating that consumer report gives this camera, but I don't have a subscription for CSR yet and I believe I read an article that said they have not tested the new a300/a350 (the two models I am considering). I don't want to buy a subscription just yet if they don't have a rating on it. Could someone with a subscription just let me know if they have it rated, I don't need specifics, I'll buy a subscription to find out their rating if they have it.

[margaret]

I want to take a photography class and need help to pick out a digital SLR camera. The technology is changing so fast that I want to have a camera that I can use for more then the first year of classes. I don't want to spend a fortune either, especially since I don't know how far i will take this new venture. Can you please help me

[Zach]

Hi David, Did you decide what to get? Did you go with the Sony or did you fall back to Canon's track record?

[David]

I am leaning toward the Sony a300. Is there any reason that I should purchase the Canon xsi instead. I know Canon has a much longer track record in DSLR's, but is the extra cost worth it?