Sony launches new Alpha DSLRs

Posted on 25 Aug 2010 at 12:02

Sony has launched its latest digital SLR cameras in the Alpha range, and there's been some radical changes along the way.

The two new cameras - the A55 and the A33 - are the first in Sony's range to include translucent mirror technology, allowing live preview on the 3in free-angle LCD screen or via the electronic viewfinder and improving the autofocus performance on both cameras.

The technology works by splitting the light via a fixed, translucent mirror - meaning that there's no shutter lag as the mirror is moved aside as with normal DSLR cameras. It's this removal of a major moving part that has allowed Sony's latest cameras to boast 7 to 10 frame-per-second burst rates with full autofocus detection.

Both cameras also allow video capture in 1080i resolution, with the autofocus again tracking even while filming - something which has been missing from previous movie modes built into digital SLR cameras.

The premium A55 has a 16.2 megapixel sensor, while the cheaper A33 drops down to a 14.2 megapixel sensor, with both cameras featuring ISO sensitivity up to 12,800. The A55 also adds integrated GPS, allowing in-body geotagging of images.

Sony has also thought to include some software-based trickery in the body of these newest cameras, including 3D Sweep Panorama - an easy way to create high-resolution 3D panoramic images - automatic high dynamic range (HDR) generation, and a six-frame 'stacking' noise reduction system that increases the ISO sensitivity to an effective 25,600.

Pricing information is not yet available, but the cameras are expected to hit shop shelves in September.

Author: Gareth Halfacree

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