Sony Alpha A100 Reviews

Latest - Review and Sample Test Photos by BobAtkins (added 20 December ’07)

Sony Alpha A100 features:

SAL-1870 lens (In 35mm equivalent, it covers wide-angle 27mm to 105mm midrange telephoto)
Steadyshot in-camera image stabilization
Dynamic range optimizer
New anti-dust technology
Eye-start autofocus system
2.5 inch LCD
3 frames per second burst mode
9 point auto focus
600 shot NP-FM55H Lithium Ion rechargeable battery

Read More Reviews - (updated 20 December ‘07)

BobAtkins
Neocamera
NeoCamera
PCAuthority
Sony Alpha A100 Snags DIWA Gold Award
Macworld
Megapixel
Steve’s Digicams
DigitalCameraInfo
PopPhoto
PCWorld
Shutterbug
BusinessWeekOnline
Sample Sony Alpha A100 Photos at Flickr
Sony Alpha A100 Video Review at PCmag
Digital SLR Guide
HardwareZone Nikon D80 Sony A100 Faceoff
YouTube Sony Alpha A100 Video Tour
Digital Camera Shopper Mag
DCMag
PhotographyReview
PhotographyBLOG
DCViews
What Digital Camera Mag
T3
PC Magazine
DPExpert
Think Camera
Lets Go Digital
DCResource
Pocket-lint
Photography Review
Shutterbug
Computer Active
Ephotozine
HardwareZone
PopPhoto
CNET
Camera Labs
CNET Asia
CNET Australia
Digital Trends
Popular Photography
Trusted Reviews
DP Review (Coming soon…)

BobAtkins - 20 December’07 - has reviewed the Sony Alpha A100 and comments that the noise levels are greater on A100 than on the Canon EOS 20D. Here’s an excerpt from their review -
“I think the Sony A100 is competitive in general performance with similar cost Canon and Nikon bodies, though the noise level is slightly higher at high ISO settings. However for most users I think the built-in stabilization system may often more than makes up for that. With a fast prime lens you can use an ISO setting 2 or 3 stops slower than with a non-stabilized Canon or Nikon system (since neither Canon nor Nikon have any image stabilized fast prime lenses!). The Sony system of lenses and accessories is smaller than Canon’s and Nikon’s, though the Sony lens mount is supported by 3rd party lens makers such as Sigma, so the range of compatible lenses which is available is still quite large.”

Neocamera - 4/1/2007 - compares the 10.2 megapixel Pentax K10D in a side-by-side shoot out with the 10 megapixel Sony Alpha A100 and writes, “Both these DSLRs have an easily accessible front control-wheel. Once again, the Sony’s is easier to use with gloves because it has bigger notches. This may not be an issue for most people, but if you do take pictures where gloves are required, it is something to keep in mind. Another point with regards to gloves is that the K10D’s memory and battery door compartments are more difficult to open. This is a reasonable compromise considering that DSLR’s weather-sealing.”

NeoCamera - 3/18/2007 - reviews the 10 megapixel Sony Alpha A100 and writes, “The bottom line is that the Sony Alpha A100 brings many unique features and produces high quality images under most conditions. Unless high-ISO is required for large prints, this is one of the best DSLRs to choose. Considering it has built-in stabilization and is priced relatively low, the A100 is an excellent value. Its closest competitor, the weatherproof Pentax K10D, is worth a look for its own unique features. Another interesting competitor is the Canon Digital Rebel XTi. It performs better at high-ISO but lacks stabilization and is not as ergonomic. For action photography, particularly indoors, the 8 megapixels Canon EOS 30D or the much more expensive Nikon D200 should be considered for their 5 FPS continuous drive and high-speed focusing.”

PCAuthority - 2/2/2007 - reviews the 10 megapixel Sony Alpha A100 and here’s the verdict. “Despite some minor disappointments, the Sony A100 remains a highly compelling proposition and an impressive debut. At this price, the 10.2-megapixel resolution, built-in anti-shake and slightly longer kit lens make it a worthy alternative to the 350D. The latterâ€™s current bargain price keeps it on the A List, but the Alpha range is certainly one to watch.”

Macworld - 12/12/2006 - reviews the 10 megapixel Sony Alpha A100 and here’s the verdict. “The camera is a good performer, offering speedy boot-up and wake-from-sleep, and very low shutter lag. The Alpha 100â€™s drive mode is speedy for this market, offering three frames per second for six frames when shooting raw, and unlimited drive mode when shooting JPEGs, which lets you shoot until your card is full.”

Megapixel - 12/11/2006 - reviews the 10 megapixel Sony Alpha A100 and here’s the verdict. “Control Dial placed too close and in front of the shutter release - Somewhat slow and noisy autofocus - Depth of Field Preview button placed too far down to be practical - Manually opened flash - Light-duty construction.”

Steve’s Digicams - 12/11/2006 - reviews the 10 megapixel Sony Alpha A100 and here’s the verdict. “For many, Sony’s Super Steady Shot feature will be a tie-breaker. Amateur dSLRs are generally outfitted with inexpensive amateur lenses having relatively small apertures and no image stabilization; the A100’s Super Steady Shot feature allows you to enjoy low light hand-held shooting with every lens in your kit, while the competition requires the purchase of relatively expensive image stabilized lenses for equivalent low light shooting.”

DigitalCameraInfo - 11/29/2006 - reviews the 10 megapixel Sony Alpha A100 and here’s the verdict. “The Sony Î± (alpha) A100 is a good value for users who want stabilization, dust control and 10 megapixels, but don’t mind a clunky interface and slow operation. It’s a snapshot camera with some very appealing bells and whistles, and it will be a very good fit for casual photographers who want a DSLR, but don’t need one.

The Sony A100 is an overall disappointment. It’s far too similar to the Konica-Minolta cameras it’s built on. Those cameras failed in the marketplace, and some of Sony’s few and minor changes, such as the parameters dial, aren’t improvements. The strategy doesnâ€™t seem to improve a product that didn’t sell; it just markets it with a bigger name.”

PopPhoto - 11/21/2006 - editors each year chose a camera that has made a huge impact on photography. For the camera of the year 2006 PopPhoto editors have chosen the 10 megapixel Sony Alpha A100.

PCWorld - 11/20/2006 - reviews the 10 megapixel Sony Alpha A100 and here’s the verdict. “he Sony DSLR-Alpha 100K is a very good but somewhat pricey camera. Despite feeling clunkier than its competitors, it delivers good image quality and a full feature set, plus some nice extras such as image stabilization.”

Shutterbug - 11/15/2006 - reviews the 10 megapixel Sony Alpha A100 and here’s the verdict. “While the price is a bit high for the â€œentry-levelâ€ category, the A100 offers excellent value, with features such as a 10-megapixel sensor and the Super SteadyShot mechanism. Because the latter works with numerous lenses thereâ€™s no need to buy more expensive lenses with Image Stabilizers. The Maxxum 5D and 7D did not achieve great popularity, but the Sony Alpha A100 is a better camera. In my estimation, itâ€™s far more desirable in most aspects: resolution, high-tech features, processing speed, styling, and convenience of operation. Whether you already own Maxxum lenses or are looking for a first digital SLR, this one deserves a spot on your short list of models to consider.”

BusinessWeekOnline - 11/11/2006 - reviewed the 10 megapixel Sony Alpha A100 and here’s the verdict. “Considering professional cameras cost four times that for the body alone, the prosumer may find this camera a steal. The pictures look beautiful on the bright LCD screen and come out just as nice when you print them from a PC. But the best part is the design is simple enough to help you take your best photos. After an hour of shooting vibrant photos of a water fountain on a cloudy day with my friend, a stranger approached and asked if I was a photographer.”

Digital SLR Guide - 10/13/2006 - has reviewed the 10 megapixel Sony Alpha A100 and they write - “While many digital SLR cameras have individual buttons for each feature, the Sony just has a function dial.

All you have to do is turn the dial to the setting that you want to change, push the “Fn” button in the middle of the dial and then make your adjustments.

This is much easier than many of the menu-intensive setups on other cameras. I found myself “customizing” settings much more often than I would with a camera where these settings were hard to access.”

Digital Camera Shopper Mag 10/9/2006 - (September 2006 issue) reviews the 10.2 megapixel Sony Alpha A100 and writes - “Overall, the feel of the A100 is a bit plasticky, but the finish has been enhanced with the introduction of Sony’s trademark silver function dials on the top plate.. The menu system is pure Konica Minolta. The use of of a mode dial to change settings like ISO, white balance and dynamic range is a bit of a disappointment and unlikely to appeal to professional users.”

DCMag - 9/29/2006 - reviews the 10.2 megapixel Sony Alpha A100 and writes - “The entry into the SLR market for a first timer is daunting but by buying Konica Minoltaâ€™s SLR division Sony arenâ€™t taking any risks. The feel of the A100 is a bit plasticky, but the finish has been enhanced with Sonyâ€™s trademark silver function dials on the top-plate. But it has a great anti-shake and anti-dust system.”

PhotographyReview - 9/23/2006 - reviews the 10.2 megapixel Sony Alpha A100 and writes - “Super Steady Shot image stabilization sells the Sony Alpha DSLR-A100. Super Steady Shot, a really good 10.2-megapixel sensor, and good camera design mean Nikon and Canon have some dangerous competition for their entry-level digital SLR customers. The Sony system may not be as rich as Nikon or Canon’s right now. But for digital SLR newcomers who don’t feel the need to buy into the Nikon or Canon system, I heartily recommend the Sony Alpha DSLR-A100. Right out of the box, with the kit lens, the 10.2-megapixel sensor and Super Steady Shot image stabilization almost guarantee better photos than competitor’s cameras. And better photos are what make a good camera.”

PhotographyBLOG - 9/18/2006 - reviews the 10.2 megapixel Sony Alpha A100 and writes - “Aiming a product at DSLR beginners, as much as existing Konica Minolta users, means ease of use and a stress-free transference of skill sets are required, and on those two counts the Sony A100 delivers. That start up time of just over a second, mere 3fps capture, and loud shutter may not be good enough to please the pros, but it’s a performance that’s more than adequate given it’s a DSLR intended for mass market consumption.”

DCViews - 9/18/2006 - reviewes the 10.2 megapixel Sony Alpha A100 and write - “General camera performance is excellent with quick focusing and good color rendition. The few niggles we had with the Alpha 100 during our tests are really small beer and should not be serious enough to put you off buying one. However the competition is quite strong at the moment with entry level models available from most major manufacturers at very reasonable prices. Therefore we would advise you to try your hands at other models as well and see which one suits your needs best before you decide.”

What Digital Camera Mag - 9/12/2006 - has reviewed the 10.2 megapixel Sony Alpha A100 and write - “Yes, this is a lovely camera and has more pixels per pound than anyone else. Sony has played it a little too safe by re-launching the Dynax 5D with a new chip and some extra features. May be when it has time to stamp its own design ethos onto SLR’s we’ll see something more impressive.”

PROS

Image stabilization
Promising range of lenes
Pleasant images
Good LCD
Good image noise control
High resolution
Button placement

T3 - 9/5/2006 - has reviewed the 10.2 megapixel Sony Alpha A100 and write - “It may not be perfect, but this is still a great camera. Given its rep for top-notch imaging products, itâ€™s surprising that Sony has avoided this market for so long, but itâ€™s clearly making up for lost time: itâ€™s sauntered in to the SLR game and scored with its first touch.”

PCMag - 8/26/2006 - has reviewed the 10.2 megapixel Sony Alpha A100 and rate it 4.5 out of 5 - “As Sony’s first D-SLR, the Alpha DSLR-A100 offers consumers quite a lot, but the price is still a bit high. If the successor to the A100 improves its performance a bit, then Nikon, Olympus, and Canon will really have something to worry about.”

DPExpert - 8/24/2006 - has reviewed the 10.2 megapixel Sony Alpha A100 and they write - “The Sony A100 feels just right in the hand, is very responsive and is intuitive to use. Anyone with Konica Minolta auto-focus lenses in their bag should look seriously at the Sony, it is a fine product of the marriage of the two companies.”

ThinkCamera - 8/17/2006 - has reviewed the 10 megapixel Sony Alpha A100 and they write - “It’s a curious fact that right out of the box, some of the newer better compact digital camera can match DSLRs for image resolution and impact. The DSLRs beat the compacts on many other measures but if you want a camera to give you great pictures without any effort then I’d recommend something like the Casio Ex-Z600. To my eye the Sony Alpha 100 gives images with exactly the kind of punch and tonal range that I associate with the very best compact cameras but with all the flexibility and expandability of a complete system DSLR. That may seem a very strange comparison to make but I expect more first time DSLR users to be delighted with the Sony on day one than with an entry level offering from the other players.”

Photography Review - 8/14/2006 - has reviewed the 10 megapixel Sony Alpha A100 and here is an excerpt from that review - “t’s great. If you are looking for a first SLR, put it on your short list. It’s definitely worth the extra money over the EOS350D in my opinion if you have no money invested in Canon / Nikon lenses already.”

Lets Go Digital - 8/13/2006 - has reviewed the 10 megapixel Sony Alpha A100 and here is the verdict - “All in all, Sony has come up with a decent camera in the Alpha 100. A good beginning is half the battle. Consider the price/quality ration in the current market and you will see that the well known DSLR manufacturers have suddenly been confronted with a competitor to be afraid of! Not only is the Sony Alpha 100 a pleasure to work with, it also gives great results. People who now work with a Konica Minolta can go on to Sony without a hitch. This is immediately a strong point for Sony. As well as launching a camera, it has come up with an enormous range of accessories and lenses. The Sony Alpha 100 is only the beginning of Sony’s rise in the world of reflex cameras. To the competitors, one can only say - watch the Sony Alpha 100 - this camera is ready to conquer market share! “

DCResource - 8/11/2006 - has reviewed the 10 megapixel Sony Alpha A100 and here is the verdict - “I pretty much covered all of the A100’s negatives in the previous paragraphs. As you can see, there aren’t too many, which is why I recommend the camera. So which D-SLR should you drop your $1000 on? Well, if you already have Minolta lenses then the A100 is a no-brainer. If you’ve got a collection of Canon, Nikon, or Pentax lenses then I’d probably stick with your respective manufacturer. If you’re just starting out the DSLR-A100 is an intriguing choice. You get high resolution, image stabilization, dust reduction, and robust performance, plus a pretty good selection of lenses.”

Pocket-lint - 8/10/2006 - has reviewed the 10 megapixel Sony Alpha A100 and here is the verdict - “The Sony Alpha 100 provides a level of specification normally found on a camera costing over much more, but in a compact, fairly uninspiring (design wise that is) and lightweight body, but a body that does do the job very well indeed. Image quality is excellent and can only be improved by better lenses as they roll out of the factory and perhaps a firmware update to help iron out that noise reduction and detail loss as well. This is a stunning camera that will be perfect for enthusiasts on a tighter budget or anyone trading up (or across from film) and want the specification extras that this camera affords over its similarly priced competitors.”

Photography Review - 8/6/2006 - has a new user review of the 10 megapixel Sony Alpha A100 and here is an excerpt - “This camera is a steal, with an extensive features set in it’s price range nobody can match. It is a small camera measuring 5.2 x 3.7 x 2.8 inches by DSLR standards, only the Rebel 350 and Pentax Ist best it’s size and weight for its class. Ergonomics are outstanding, and the grip size is perfect, and extremely comfortable.”

Shutterbug - 8/1/2006 - reviews the 10 megapixel Sony Alpha A100 and writes - “Based on a couple of days of shooting I’ll offer the following comments. The A100 is much faster than average in terms of buffer clearing so it’s almost always ready to shoot another very long burst. The 3 fps framing rate is competitive in the affordable price range and you need to step up to get 5 fps. Autofocus is fast and reliable with static subjects, though a bit noisy. “

Computer Active - 8/1/2006 - reviews the 10 megapixel Sony Alpha A100 and they write - “Boasting more pixels (for now) than its budget D-SLR rivals, Sonyâ€™s Alpha 100 mixes innovation with the tried and tested. The result is a camera thatâ€™s a fuss-free pleasure to use.”

DP Review - 07/31/2006 - reviews the 10 megapixel Sony Alpha A100 and here is the verdict - “My final rating? For me it’s a fairly comfortable Highly Recommended, the A100 is a very capable camera with a wide feature set, a good range of manual controls and some unique developments. The built-in Super SteadyShot provides you with that little extra comfort level at slower shutter speeds and the ability to use longer lenses with more confidence.”

Ephotozine - 07/31/2006 - has reviewed the 10 megapixel Sony Alpha A100 and they write - “Sony’s first venture into the digital SLR marketplace may bear many hallmarks inherited from their acquisition of Minolta’s photographic assets, but credit is due to Sony for the addition of an excellent 10.2 megapixel sensor that produces images of quality beyond those of the competition. They have also made their mark with a seemingly simple modification of the Super SteadyShot system that should shake dust loose from the sensor each time the camera is switched off. Other aspects of the camera are not so impressive. The D-Range optimiser doesn’t seem to deliver the results that are promised, and the plastic build is disappointing when compared to some competing cameras.”

Camera Labs - 07-28-2007 - has performed additonal image noise testing for the 10 megapixel Sony Alpha A100 and they write - “Beyond just increased noise though, detail throughout the A100 crops decreases at higher sensitivities. In particular, detail within the trees in the top left corner and behind the fence becomes noticeably lower on the Sony A100 at higher sensitivities than on the Canon 350D. Indeed the 350D retains an impressive level of detail up to and including 800 ISO, with smearing only becoming obvious at 1600 ISO. The fencing poles are also better defined on the 350D samples.”

HardwareZone - 07/27/2006 - has reviewed the 10 megapixel Sony Alpha A100 and they write - “Overall, the Î±100 is a punch in the right direction for Sony. Our reservations were quashed as soon as it outperformed our expectations of price and performance for an entry-level DSLR. Coming from a company that never had a film-based camera before, Sony has really outdone themselves this time with the A100.”

PopPhoto - 06/27/2006 - has reviewed the 10 megapixel Sony Alpha A100 and they write - “We used to have a lot of questions about Sony’s takeover of Konica Minolta’s camera division. Now, after running a full set of Certified Lab Tests and field tests of the new 10.2MP Sony Alpha 100 ($900, street, body only), only one question is left: How will Sony make enough of them to satisfy the demand for a camera that outperforms anything in its price range?”

PopPhoto - 07/25/2006 - offers a buyers comparison of the Sony Alpha A100 and Nikon D200. They write -

“I think the Sony compares favorably to the Nikon D200 in image quality, if not in build and features. (I hear it even uses the same Sony-made chip.) If you’re not hard on your camera and don’t need such features as the Nikon’s higher framing speed, I think it would serve your purposes very well.”

CNET - 07/21/2006 - has reviewed the 10 megapixel Sony Alpha A100 and rate it 7.5 out of 10. Here is a summary of that review -

“Overall, Sony’s first foray into digital SLRs is very successful. Solid performance, plenty of features, impressive image quality, and 10.2 megapixels make for a convincing argument. Add to that a large installed base of lenses and accessories, thanks to the Konica Minolta legacy, as well as an attractive price point, and it looks as if Sony’s off to a good start. Since neither Canon’s nor Nikon’s lineup lets you get 10 megapixels for less than $1,000.”

Camera Labs - 07/17/2007 - reviews the 10 megapixel Sony Alpha A100 and rate it 85% out of 100 - “Increasing resolutions on sensors with the same surface area always raises concerns over higher noise levels, and as our results show, the A100 is noticeably noisier than rivals like Canon’s EOS-350D / Rebel XT, particularly at 800 ISO and above. Our gallery also reveals higher noise levels than we’d like even at 400 ISO. It’s interesting to note the A100’s also noisier than the Nikon D200 at high ISOs, despite them sharing essentially the same sensor. To be fair, most people will shoot below 400 ISO, where the A100 performs well, but one of the key selling points of a digital SLR is low noise at high sensitivities.”

CNET - 07/12/2006 - Asia reviews the 10 megapixel Sony Alpha A100 and they write -

“Sony’s entry into the digital SLR market was likely a calculated move. Though the Alpha 100 is currently its only dSLR, and an entry-level one at that, the company is clearly signaling to others that it’s serious about the digital photography segment. Based on the Alpha mount, the Alpha 100 is compatible with all past Konica Minolta lenses while Sony has 21 new glasses to complement its maiden unit.”

CNET Australia - 06/29/2006 - takes a first look at the 10 megapixel Sony Alpha A100 and they write -

“One impressive feature of the Alpha A100 is the Anti-dust system that consists of a static-free coating on an optical-low-pass filter and a vibration mechanism that shakes the CCD to “wipe off” particles that may come in contact with the sensor.”

Digital Trends - 06/20/2006 - reviews the 10 megapixel Sony Alpha A100 while on a Sony provided photo trip to Alaska.

“Sony has gone “all in” in the D-SLR poker game, quickly leaping into the ranks of the better Canon and Nikon models. Keep it in mind if you’re looking to spend $1,000 for a new camera. Remember this was a pre-production model and we’ll have a final report and DT rating as soon as can.”

Popular Photography - 06/20/2006 - has a new test of the 10 megapixel Sony Alpha A100 where magazine editors were taken to Alaska for an opportunity to use Sony’s new offering first hand.

“Though Sony is a newcomer to the digital SLR world, it saw the wisdom of creating such an experience to introduce photo magazine editors to the Sony Alpha 100. Its whirlwind two-day adventure in Alaska allowed me to take a long, hard look at the first Sony D-SLR — and get beyond the strangeness of using a single-lens reflex with a nameplate I’m more accustomed to seeing on my TV.”

Digital Lifestyles - 06/14/2006 - has previewed the 10 megapixel Sony Alpha A100 and they write -

“Our only reservation is over the quality of the photos taken. Initially they looked great, but when zoomed to full screen we were alarmed to see the pixilation of the image. We’re not sure if this was down to the camera we used being on some strange settings or if the camera has a problem.”

Quesabesde, - 06/12/2006 - a Spanish site (Google translated) has previewed the 10 megapixel Sony Alpha A100 and they write -

“The A100 arrives provided with a good dose of automatism, including the classic programmed scenes. The selection of these, as well as of the manual ways and priorities, is made through the main wheel, located in the right upper corner of the camera.”

Digit - 06/11/2006 - has reviewed the 10 megapixel Sony Alpha A100 and they write -

“The relationship with the Dynax 5D is quite obvious the moment you pick up the camera and play with its controls. The Anti-Shake switch on the Dynax 5D is re-named on the Alpha 100, but is otherwise virtually the same. Under the viewfinder eyepiece, with its great eyecup, the same sensor is found, but on the Alpha 100 it can control eye activated auto focus in addition to switching off the LCD screen back lighting.”

Trusted Reviews - 06/08/2006 - has reviewed the 10 megapixel Sony Alpha A100 and they write -

“An extremely impressive debut from a new player in the digital SLR market, the Sony Alpha Î±100 is pitched at the consumer end of the market, but is actually a better camera than most of its mid-range rivals too. It bristles with clever technology, but is very easy to use and produces consistently excellent results. It would be a good camera for a newcomer to SLRs, but more experienced users will also find it very satisfying to use.”

Digicam Review - 06/08/2006 - has first look review of the 10 megapixel Sony Alpha A100 and they write -

“At a Sony press conference yesterday I was able to have a look at the new 10 megapixel Sony Alpha A100 Digital SLR, the camera will be available in silver or black “two-tone” bodies, and will be available at three prices, body only, body and kit lens (18-70mm), and body and twin lens.”

Pocket-lint - 06/08/2006 - has first look review of the 10 megapixel Sony Alpha A100 and they write -

“My introduction to the first ever Sony D-SLR, the Alpha 100 took place after a 2 hours drive into the Morrocan desert, North Africa. Fireworks, music, and a mock attack by horse and camel mounted Berbers and the new Alpha had arrived, even if we had to wait until the following day to actually play with it.”

Popular Photography - 06/06/2006 - has previewed the 10 megapixel Sony Alpha A100 and here’s their perspective -

“If Sony comes close to the price we expect, the Alpha 100 will be a strong competitor against Canon’s Rebel XT, Nikon’s D70s, and anything Olympus or Pentax throw against it. If it achieves the image quality of Nikon’s 10MP DSLR, and the AF performance of past Konica Minolta DSLR models such as the Maxxum 7D, it could pose a serious threat to Canon’s EOS 30D. Not bad for a rookie!”

DC Resource - 06/06/2006 - has previewed the 10 megapixel Sony Alpha A100 and here’s their perspective - Note: this preview is based on a pre-production model.

“Sony has inherited Konica Minolta’s anti-shake system, which is now called Super SteadyShot. This is a CCD-shift style system, which moves the sensor itself instead of a lens element. That means that you’ll get image stabilization on nearly every lens you attach to the camera. Image stabilization systems compensate for “camera shake”, which can blur your photos (especially at the telephoto end of the lens). By reducing this shake, you’ll be able to use slower shutter speeds than you could on an unstabilized camera.”

Steve’s Digicams - 06/06/2006 - has a new preview of the 10 megapixel Sony Alpha A100 and here’s their perspective - Note: this preview is based on a pre-production model.

“The DSLR-A100 can optimize dynamic range, meaning the range from highlights to shadows, including gain and contrast, through in-camera hardware processing. Sonyâ€™s Dynamic Range Optimizer (DRO) analyzes the captured image data and instantly determines the best exposure and color tonality of an image before JPEG compression. Unlike software optimization of a processed image, DRO is performed in the hardware. It is the first hardware-based DRO solution with the speed required for high-speed shooting.”

Imaging Resource - 06/06/2006 - has a new preview of the 10 megapixel Sony Alpha A100 and here’s their perspective - Note: this preview is based on a pre-production model.

“As is always the case when we preview a pre-production camera, we reserve final judgement until we can see a full production sample. That said, our first impressions of the Sony Alpha DSLR-A100 have been very positive. Our few days with it showed it to be a competent photographic tool that was enjoyable to shoot, and transformed our somewhat lukewarm first impressions into respect, admiration, and a hope for a bright future for Sony’s new Alpha line. Fit and finish were excellent, ergonomics were very good, and the shots we captured with it were impressive. Resolution and color were excellent, and the anti-shake system seemed to work very well. The only weak point we found at all was somewhat high noise levels at ISO 1600, but that could easily be a result of lower-grade sensors used for the prototypes. I think it’s safe to say that there’s a lot to look forward to with such an innovative and significant force entering the SLR market, apparently with a vengeance.”

DP Review - 06/05/2006 - has a new “hands-on” preview of the 10 megapixel Sony Alpha A100 and here’s the story - Note: this preview is based on a pre-production model.

“Sony want to be clear that the introduction of the A100 isn’t just another new digital SLR with a kit lens. They’re ensuring that this introduction marks the beginning of the ‘Alpha System’ which is at the time the camera hits the shelves will mean at least a dozen Alpha branded lenses (with more to follow) and numerous accessories. Obviously quite a lot of this was inherited from Konica Minolta but it’s at least slightly satisifying to see Sony approaching the digital SLR business h in such a serious nature.”