Add a touch of technology to your lifestyle when you accessorize with the DSC-T20 Cyber-shot digital camera. Boasting 8.1 megapixel resolution for greater detail in big prints and tight comps, the DSC-T20 delivers superb clarity to group photos and snapshots. The innovative Carl Zeiss 3X optical zoom lens design brings the action close while the Face Detection feature optimizes natural tones in faces. With HD (high definition) output, photos can look even more spectacular when you share them with friends and family on HDTV screens.
Customer Review: Don't lose the moment you want to capture!
The camera is nice and small, definitely an advantage over my old one. I'm annoyed Sony has to have their own memory card rather than using the SD chip I'm used to - cost me another $70. My biggest complaint is the menus. They are not intuitive at ALL. My old Kodak has a dial to switch between capture modes. This could be done quickly with ease so I could take a picture and then 5 seconds later start recording a video. This thing...I was actually too embarrassed to use one night because the event I wanted pictures of had already started and the thing was so noisy with it's little beeps and boops and I couldn't quietly find out how to turn the sound off so as to not disturb those around me. There is nothing intuitive about switching modes on this thing. Scrolls do not loop bottom/top right/left, so to get to movie mode you've got four buttons to hit. I've had the camera for two months now and I still have trouble switching modes. You don't go to select, and then hit right to scroll through options. You go to select, OK (which since you haven't done anything is the last thing you think of, THEN hit "Menu" and scroll through options. And if you want to go back to standard auto, it's not on that selector, it's got a standalone menu. Every time I try and scroll through options I'm met with error messages that the current mode doesn't support flash/closeup, since the right/left buttons double as the 'quick set' for those, respectively. Of course, I'm not trying to change flash settings at all, just move from ISC/landscape whatever to standard photo. I don't know how many amazing shots I've missed or had come out blurry because I was in the wrong mode and it took me so long to navigate to the correct mode that I missed the great shot. It may take great pictures, but menus HAVE to be intuitive if you're going to take great pictures of the moments you want.
Customer Review: Excellent Point and Shoot Camera
I purchased this camera after Christmas, so I have had it almost six months. I am very impressed with this camera (I have the silver one that I had purchased at Staples on sale). >My only problem with this camera is the battery. I have a difficult time keeping it charged. If I want to minimize battery usage, I try to keep my picture viewing at a minimum. For the most part, I can get away with using it for five days until I need to recharge it. >The screen is amazing, but I am always nervous it might get a scratch on it, because it is so large. It currently has fingerprints all over the screen, which is understandable due to it's large size. (I do not have the touchscreen version) >My favorite part is the "Program Auto" mode that is on the Home Menu. I find the "White Balances" settings on it to be extremely useful. You can change it from Flourescent 1, 2, 3, Daylight, Cloudy, Incandescent, or Auto. This is the best way for me to get excellent photos in a house (or even outside). I used to leave my camera on the auto mode, but now it's always on Program Auto so I can change the light settings. For me, I think it's as good as the invention of sliced bread! This is a wonderful camera if you don't mind charging it often. I would highly suggest you buy a spare battery when you get this camera, to save you in case the original dies on you. As I stated earlier, I have enjoyed this camera since December, and plan to use it for many, many months to come. If you are searching for an easy, useful, point-and-shoot camera, it's a good option for you.
Sony Cybershot DSC-T20 8MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom and Super Steady Shot (Black)
Sony Cybershot DSC-T20 8MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom and Super Steady Shot (White)
Add a touch of technology to your lifestyle when you accessorize with the DSC-T20/W Cyber-shot digital camera. Boasting 8.1 megapixel resolution for greater detail in big prints and tight comps, the DSC-T20 delivers superb clarity to group photos and snapshots. The innovative Carl Zeiss 3X optical zoom lens design brings the action close while the Face Detection feature optimizes natural tones in faces. With HD (high definition) output, photos can look even more spectacular when you share them with friends and family on HDTV screens.
Customer Review: Don't lose the moment you want to capture!
The camera is nice and small, definitely an advantage over my old one. I'm annoyed Sony has to have their own memory card rather than using the SD chip I'm used to - cost me another $70. My biggest complaint is the menus. They are not intuitive at ALL. My old Kodak has a dial to switch between capture modes. This could be done quickly with ease so I could take a picture and then 5 seconds later start recording a video. This thing...I was actually too embarrassed to use one night because the event I wanted pictures of had already started and the thing was so noisy with it's little beeps and boops and I couldn't quietly find out how to turn the sound off so as to not disturb those around me. There is nothing intuitive about switching modes on this thing. Scrolls do not loop bottom/top right/left, so to get to movie mode you've got four buttons to hit. I've had the camera for two months now and I still have trouble switching modes. You don't go to select, and then hit right to scroll through options. You go to select, OK (which since you haven't done anything is the last thing you think of, THEN hit "Menu" and scroll through options. And if you want to go back to standard auto, it's not on that selector, it's got a standalone menu. Every time I try and scroll through options I'm met with error messages that the current mode doesn't support flash/closeup, since the right/left buttons double as the 'quick set' for those, respectively. Of course, I'm not trying to change flash settings at all, just move from ISC/landscape whatever to standard photo. I don't know how many amazing shots I've missed or had come out blurry because I was in the wrong mode and it took me so long to navigate to the correct mode that I missed the great shot. It may take great pictures, but menus HAVE to be intuitive if you're going to take great pictures of the moments you want.
Customer Review: Excellent Point and Shoot Camera
I purchased this camera after Christmas, so I have had it almost six months. I am very impressed with this camera (I have the silver one that I had purchased at Staples on sale). >My only problem with this camera is the battery. I have a difficult time keeping it charged. If I want to minimize battery usage, I try to keep my picture viewing at a minimum. For the most part, I can get away with using it for five days until I need to recharge it. >The screen is amazing, but I am always nervous it might get a scratch on it, because it is so large. It currently has fingerprints all over the screen, which is understandable due to it's large size. (I do not have the touchscreen version) >My favorite part is the "Program Auto" mode that is on the Home Menu. I find the "White Balances" settings on it to be extremely useful. You can change it from Flourescent 1, 2, 3, Daylight, Cloudy, Incandescent, or Auto. This is the best way for me to get excellent photos in a house (or even outside). I used to leave my camera on the auto mode, but now it's always on Program Auto so I can change the light settings. For me, I think it's as good as the invention of sliced bread! This is a wonderful camera if you don't mind charging it often. I would highly suggest you buy a spare battery when you get this camera, to save you in case the original dies on you. As I stated earlier, I have enjoyed this camera since December, and plan to use it for many, many months to come. If you are searching for an easy, useful, point-and-shoot camera, it's a good option for you.
UNDERWATER WATERPROOF CASE FOR SONY CYBERSHOT DSC-S600 COMPACT DIGITAL CAMERAS
Excellent underwater solution, won the 2005 Korean consumer award to best new product. Since then Dicapac's popularity has spread worldwide due to its reliability, simplicity and affordable price. This is your opportunity to get this item at direct distributors price. Comparing against a hard case, this underwater housing will allow similar use of functions on the camera, in many cases can go deeper and can be purchased at a small fraction of the price a hard case will cost. How deep can I go? On the box there is a JIS (JAPANESE STANDARD) approval depth rating of 5 meters. Although these cases were originally approved for a depth of 5 meters, the manufacturer has conducted extended safety depth tests for me to fully guarantee that these product can safely go on depths up to 18 meters or 56 feet without leakage. What is included with this purchase? -Water housing -Handling necklace -Zoom ring extender if applicable -UV coated view -Full set of detailed usage and care instructions Some details of the product..... -Great for diving, snorkeling, water sports, rainy days and pool, lake or river pictures -Fully weatherproof -Reusable seals that can be used hundreds of times -High resistance and each unit is pre tested on production IMPORTANT: A full set of detailed instructions includes the performance of a pre test every time you are planning on using this waterproof housing. Similar tests are also given for hard case housings. Please follow clear instructions prior to use and enjoy the new frontier of taking great quality underwater pictures. 3 MONTHS FULL WARRANTY AGAINST MANUFACTURING DEFECTS
Customer Review: Does what it promises, albeit with limitations
I have this housing (which is made in Korea and carries the brand name "DICAPac") and test drove it with my Sony DSC-S600 while snorkeling, during a cruise to the Caribbean in February of 2007. The seal on the housing worked well, keeping the camera bone dry as I used it in sometimes choppy conditions and down to depths of 12 feet or so. I have to admit that during initial use I held my breath as I wasn't completely sure the seal was completely closed, since it is similar in construction to that of a generic "baggie," although made of much heavier material - which makes it difficult to determine how tight the seal is (particularly at the ends). But it was. The plastic is pliable enough to allow you (as promised) to be able to manipulate most camera controls. While underwater, I was able to turn the DSC-S600 on and off, zoom, change flash settings and review shots. Importantly, the glass on the lens porthole appears to be opitical quality, since photos I took didn't show any visible definiton degredation - sharp as I'm used to seeing in lands shots, which is nice given the DSC-S600 has a quality Carl Ziess lens. The biggest challenges in using the housing with my Sony camera were twofold. First, the glass "porthole" on the housing can be tricky to keep perfectly aligned with the lens on the DSC-S600. The camera is in essence "free-floating" inside the housing and if it slides a centimeter or so to the right or left, you will inevitably end up with photos with the dark edge of the porthole housing showing. I'd classify this as a minor to moderate nuisance, since the camera did generally stay put (unless really bounced around) and most photo editing software can let you easily crop out "edge boo boos" if they end up in an otherwise great shot. Secondly, it is very difficult to compose shots with my particular Sony model (or for that matter any digitial point and shoot) in this housing if you are using it in shallow depths in bright sunlight. In those conditions the rear LCD panel gets washed out. So this housing is best for use at some level of depth (4+ feet) or in less bright (ergo, more overcast) conditions. I consequently suspect it won't work well for those who want to primarily use it to shoot the kids in the pool on sunny days! Also, keep in mind that most of the beautiful professional underwater fish photos people are used to seeing are taken using very powerful external flashes. Any housing like this that relies on the on-board, small flash of a point and shoot is not going to produce bright colors of subjects more than 4-5 feet away. Therefore, if you plan on trying to use this sort of "rig" to take pictures of sealife, realize you are going to HAVE to develop patience and "stalking" skills - the ability to slowly track and move up on creatures so you can take that "ooo-ahhh" close-up.
Sony Cybershot DSCT300/R 10.1MP Digital Camera with 5x Optical Zoom with Super Steady Shot (Red)
The Sony DSC-T300 offers excellent performance and an elegant, sophisticated design. It includes Face Detection technology to optimize focus, exposure and color for up to eight faces. The compact body houses 10.1-Megapixel resolution and a beautiful, wide 3.5" touch-screen LCD for easy operation. A Carl Zeiss 5x optical zoom lens give you the power to get even closer to the action, a real benefit for distant landscape views and dramatic portraits. A huge 3.5" widescreen Clear Photo LCD Plus LCD display includes an anti-reflective coating that provides for excellent visibility to help you compose, view, and share photos with superb clarity and color reproduction, even in bright sunlight. With high sensitivity of ISO 3200, you can shoot effectively in low light without flash to preserve the mood, while the Sony Clear RAW Noise Reduction system helps suppress the color noise that can degrade low-light shots. PhotoTV HD compatibility allows the camera to be connected to a PhotoTV HD-capable Sony BRAVIA HDTV via the optional HD output adaptor, for highly detailed, high-definition color images displayed in unprecedented realism and full HD quality in 16:9 High-Resolution Mode. 1/2.3 Super HAD(TM) CCD Shutter Speed - Auto (1/4 - 1/1,000) / Program Auto (1 - 1/1,000) Aperture Range - Auto (F3.5-F10) / Program Auto (F3.5-F10) Movie Modes - MPEG VX Fine with Audio (640x480 at 30fps), MPEG VX Standard with Audio (640x480 at 16.6fps), Presentation Mode (320 x 240 at 8.3fps) Self-Timer - 10 seconds and 2 seconds Scene Modes - Beach, Fireworks, High Speed Shutter, High Sensitivity, Landscape, Snow, Soft Snap, Twilight, Twilight Portrait, and Smile Shutter Flash Modes - Auto, Forced On, Forced Off, and Slow Synch Operating System - Microsoft 2000 Professional, Me, XP Home and Professional, and Vista, Macintosh OS 9.1/9.2/OS X (10.1-10.4)
Customer Review: Awesome camera !
Bought this for $320 from resellerratings.com-->AbesOfMaine. I have previously owned a Sony DSC-T5 camera, and absolutely loved it. Unfortunately, I lost it and was forced to buy this one. I would like to mention that lot of people (including CNET) have rated this awesome awesome camera bad because you have to press Ok button a little more than others. Frankly speaking, the guy at CNET probably doesnt own this camera, he just used it for 15 minutes and gave a "first impression". I own this camera and I just dont mind pressing the Ok button at all. It does not hurt the usability of the camera at all. My opinion of this camera so far... 1. The smile and face detection are pretty awesome (although I was very skeptical about that before I bought it) 2. The "add a smile" feature is just for fun...although it added a perfect smile to my 6 month old daughters face in one of the pics. But in majority of the cases it does a sloppy job. But regardless, it is a fun feature to have when your friends are around. 3. The HD quality video....and 16:9 ratio...too cool! I sold my video camera and will now only use this all in one device. 4. The ability to touch up pictures, scribbling on the touch screen, adding icons here and there and lot of other effect are very cool to say the least. 5. Ability to view pictures by dates, very handy. 6. Although, outputting the HD content to a HDTV requires a special cable which Sony doesn't include. I think that kinda sucks. 7. The battery does show an icon indicating how much is left, although it doesnt show the exact minutes. I think it is a minor annoyance, because it gives me a very good indication of when I need to charge it. 8. Ability to Zoom while Video Recording....I love it. It is like having a camcorder in your hands. 9. The stability shot is pretty cool too, my hands are pretty shaky and I was really amazed that even in a night mode picture, my dog's pic came out perfect (Thing to note here is, my hands were shaking and u cannot tell a dog to hold still) 10. 1 thing I hate is that you have to buy the memory stick separately which is much expensive than an SD card which adds to the cost. Btw, Abesofmaine tried to fool me telling me that I need to upgrade to a high speed memory stick otherwise it will slow down my every picture to 5-6 seconds. What a joke...that cheap memory stick that I bought from them, allows me to take a shot in milliseconds. Hope this helps. All in All, I like this camera a lot. And of course this is just a personal opinion. Although, I wished I had bought the black one..I bought silver for $3 less :(
Customer Review: I love this camera!
My T-30 was stolen and I replace it with the T30. Best camera ever.
Sony MVCCD500 CD Mavica 5MP Digital Camera w/ 3x Optical Zoom
Sony's MVC-CD500 Digital Still Camera features massive 5.0 megapixel resolution (effective) with a Carl Zeiss Vario Sonnar 3X optical/2X digital zoom lens and the ability to write to inexpensive optical media. The incredible photos and MPEG video clips you take are saved directly to 156MB CD-R/RW media, measuring only (8 cm) in diameter and readable on most CD-ROM equipped PCs. This incredible camera features a broad range of advanced features such as Multi-Point AF (Auto-Focus), Hologram AF, Continuous AF Mode, Multi-Pattern Metering, Pre-Flash Metering, and an advanced shoe for your flash attachment. Giving you all you need to create the most compelling images you've ever seen.
Customer Review: Graphics Designer/Photographer
I'm a happy camper. I purchased my SONY MAVICA MVC-CD500 digital camera in 2002 when it was first marketed. As of this writing it's 2007 and I use it almost daily in my work. It's been a great workhorse. It plugs directly into iPhoto on my Mac - transferring images is quick and seamless. I've not experienced any of the problems other reviewers have mentioned. I suppose, like with ANY product, the occasional lemon comes off the line. My camera has given me years of perfect performance! I don't use all the features: For instance - if I want sepia tone photos or special effects I take them into PhotoShop and work there. The photos I get from the CD-500 are crisp, clear and high resolution so it makes editing them a breeze. This reviewer gives the CD-500 two thumbs up. It's the best digital camera I've used.
Customer Review: Do NOT buy this camera .. please, I beg you.
I had a Sony Mavica 400 and it worked beautifully for 4 years. I never, ever had a problem with it, and it went everywhere with me. I took around 8,000 photos with it and it was wonderful. But then it was stolen from around my neck by a gang of thugs in St Petersburg, Russia in 2005. The insurance company replaced the 400 with this model, the MVCCD500, which I was very excited about getting - the next-generation model, with improved picture quality and more megapixels. How wrong I was to be excited. This piece of junk lasted a total of 6 months before it suddenly stopped doing what it was meant to do. It suddenly and without warning wasn't able to access a disc that hadn't been finalised, and after changing batteries it wasn't able to access the disc. To top this off, it also now can't write any photo taken on 5 megapixels - all I get is a 'Disc Error' everytime I take a 5 megapixel photo. I now have to finalise the disc when the battery gets low, and I have to be very, very careful the back door (where the CD-R goes in) and the battery door don't open . I relocated to the UK soon after getting this camera, and Sony UK refused to honour the 'Worldwide Warranty', even though I had the receipt and the warranty with me. As the camera came from Australia, Sony refused to even deal with me - they told me I had to talk to Sony Australia ... on the other side of the planet, and then asked me to leave their premises! I am now struggling to take ANY photos with this thing. It is now out of warranty, only takes 1 in 3 photos properly (none in 5 megapixels), and to top it all off, the 8cm CD-R's are next to impossible to buy outside the USA. And you can't even mail-order them from the US - no shop will sell them overseas. Sony couldn't even help me to locate a supplier of the CD-R's in the UK, even when they featured the Sony CD-R's on the Sony UK web site. In response to my enquiry regarding the discs, I was told they couldn't help me and suggested I do a search on an internet search engine for them. (Gee Sony, I hadn't thought of that. Thanks for the help.) I eventually found one shop in central London that sells them. When this shop stops selling them, the camera will be a useless paperweight. If you are stupid enough to buy this camera, expect it to stop working within a year of buying it, and expect zero support from Sony. In fact, just expect abuse from Sony when it stops working. I have just bought a Nikon D80, and am thrilled with the brilliance of this camera. Buy a digital camera from a manufacturer of real cameras, not a company that produces junk. Obviously Sony have given up on this technology, and tough luck if you were fooled into buying it. My assumption is they are no longer supporting the Mavica technology and refuse to have anything to do with any customer that owns one.
Sony Alpha A700 12.24MP Digital SLR Camera with 16-105mm Lens
Add the amazingly compact, premium wide-range zoom lens to the Sony a (alpha) DSLR-A700 and you've got what you need to start taking intimate close-ups, dramatic landscape shots and more. Expand your creativity and shoot like a pro - with 12.2 megapixel resolution to capture the full imaging precision of Sony zoom lenses, Carl Zeiss lenses and legacy Minolta a-mount lenses. Quick response, creative style modes and high-speed shooting help you capture your creative vision, while Super SteadyShot image stabilization conveniently works with every lens. For improved picture quality and reduced blur, the Eye-Start Autofocus system uses an 11-point center twin-cross AF sensor for phenomenal results. All of this combined with Sony's innovative Anti-Dust Technology and a rugged magnesium alloy body and you have the ultimate DSLR for serious photo enthusiasts and amateurs alike.
Customer Review: Great product.
The A700 is stout. Solid construction and solid performance. High ISO performance that can be mated up to fast Sony or Minolta AF glass. I've got an F2.8 lens and it is unstoppable indoors even in mediocre lighting. I can only imagine if I had an f1.4 prime or something of the like mounted on this body! 3 shot bracketing is quick, metering is accurate, colors are great. I shoot in cRaw and am impressed with that format. I cannot pick up on any loss compared to RAW; but the camera will run RAW all day long with no problems either. The scary thing is that even JPEGS look great on this camera! It is a very serious camera and will sit atop the Sony line until they bring out a full-frame camera. Thoroughly impressed and definitely a worthy replacement for the venerable Maxxum/Dynax 5's 7's and maybe even the 9 depending on your use!
Customer Review: Great semi-pro camera, great value.
A FREE color temperature analyzer included (which would cost $1,200 separately)! As I describe below, there is a little discussed feature that allows you to set the white balance for the ambient light practically perfectly. I have had my Sony Alpha 700 for about six weeks now, have used it extensively on a vacation, and have tried most of the features. I'm impressed with: - the solid "feel" of the camera build - the 5 frames per second continuous shooting until the card is full (many other more expensive cameras have a limit) - autofocus is blazing fast, and as reviewed in PopPhoto, is faster than even the best Nikons and Canons in good light. - there are several ways to access almost any setting or function, and seemingly endless customization of settings. - Though the Auto white balance isn't always as accurate as I'd like, there is an amazing feature with will allow you to set an custom white balance in a mixed or difficult light situation by using a gray or white card and having the camera "read" the light. It not only gets the Kelvin temperature right, but also adjust to Green/Magenta filter color casts from G9 to M9. To get that quality ambient light sensing, you would have to buy a $1,200 Color temperature sensor (Minolta made one). So basically you get a color analyzer for free with the camera. - I have quickly gotten used to the separate buttons for the setting I adjust most frequently: Drive setting (for bracketing or time delay), White Balance, and ISO. - The Dynamic Range (DR) Capabilities are phenomenal. I've shot photos in horribly contrasty situations and been able to get detail in both shadows and highlights. There are 8 levels of adjustment for DR. - The information you can get on playback is extensive and useful when you press the "C" button. - I love having a % of battery life left, but I hated having to have to sell my old batteries from my Alpha 100 because they won't fit due to the new feature. What I don't like: - the little "joystick" control is difficult for me when I try to press it to confirm a setting. Otherwise it works fine directionally. - I've found that I get better exposures with a -.5 EV compensation. The histograms are almost always perfect in that situation. Overall, it's the best value in a semi-pro (bang for the buck) that I've come across after extensive evaluation. I'm also confident that Sony will continue to market it's DSLRs seriously and continue to offer a wider model line. Sony has staying power and marketing muscle. So far it only has about 6% of the worldwide DSLR market, but I'm confident that will grow due to the quality and value of it's camera product line, including the Zeiss lenses. Another thing to note: Sony makes the 12 megapixel sensor for the Nikon D300, and most likely they are the same. Compare the price of the Sony A700 with the D300, and you will see the "bargain".
Sony MVC-CD200 Mavica 2MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom
Saving photos has never been easier. With Sony's new MVC-CD200 Digital Still Camera, you can store more than 1, 000 VGA still images on a single CD-R compact disc. And that's not all. Save more than 90 minutes of MPEG video on the same CD, which is compatible with virtually any computer! Get great Mavica-quality images with the convenience of compact disc storage. For even greater flexibility, you can save the photos on a CD-RW disc, which can be erased and reused hundreds of times. The MVC-CD200 provides 2.0 Effective (2.1 Gross) MP resolution, a 3X optical zoom/6X digital zoom lens and a choice of three MPEG movie modes.
Customer Review: Several years down the road, still using this camera
Overall I have been very satisfied with the CD200. A good camera with 1 major flaw. This flaw was brought up in the exchange between geekysteve and mgoril: finalizing CDs. I feel the need to to comment on this point. In my experience, you DO need to finalize the CD-RW in order to take it out and read it in a normal CD drive. You DON'T need to finalize the CD-RW in order to read it directly through the camera using the USB connection. I prefer to avoid finalizing because its a risky process & wastes CD-RW space. So this is essentailly the same situation I had with memory stick based cameras. This was always disappointing to me. When looking for a camera to buy, I preferred the CD design because I take my camera all over the place-when visiting friends, family, school, work. I thought the CD format was pretty standard. This should allow me to take out and use the CD-RWs at any computer. Just like the floppy based Mavicas, right? Wrong. I have to either finalize or set up a USB connection. I avoid finalizing for the reasons geekysteve mentioned. So what advantage does the big, clunky CD design have if CD-RWs essentially function like memory sticks? I use the USB connection with most computers. But I really don't like setting up a USB connection on someone else's computer. Occassionally you find someone who doesn't have a USB port available. Other times the USB is touchy and causes the entire system to crash. On these occassions I bite the bullet & finalize. The CD Mavica is not quite universal like the floppy models. Though it is still superior to the floppy models which are notorious for low storage space & disk errors. Portability is always an issue with cameras. If your primary concern is creating photos on a highly standardized & easy to use media, go with the floppy Mavicas. If you want more storage space and a smaller camera, go with a memory stick. The CD200 splits the difference. Comparable to memory sticks in storage space. Though it is a bit too bulky. Can be used on nearly any computer, but don't expect it to be as easy as a floppy.
Customer Review: An amazing camera, if only it was a little smaller.
This is the second digital camera I've owned. It takes great pictures and you can store a ton of them (I get ~300 at 1200x1600) on a cd. It takes great pictures in automatic mode but being able to kick it into full manual (shutter speed, focus, aperture) means you can get pictures in circumstances that the point and click mode would choke on. The fact that you don't have to worry about uploading images off a memory card makes it the perfect camera for long trips. I took it and a couple cds to Thailand for two months and came back with a ton of great pictures. Best of all I didn't have to take a laptop or ration my picture taking. I also took it on a month long bike trip and it worked great. The long battery life and fast charge time are also strong features in it's favor. It's solidly constructed, a year and a half later it's still clicking away. One reviewer was complaining about drivers. HE IS TOTALLY WRONG! It sounds like he didn't have a USB port, you don't ever have to take the cds out of the camera. The device is a USB CD/RW drive, you plug it in and it shows up as a cdrom drive. I've used it with Win2000 and 98 and it's fine. No [bad] program to use to get the photos off, you just drag a copy off the cd and onto your computer. With a little poking you can plug it into your computer and actually burn the cds (though they are the little ones). As I said in the subject the problem with the camera is that it's just too big. The cd drive makes it a funny shape that's kind of a pain. Also the lack of an optical viewfinder [is sort of bad], it's a sacrifice to the cd drive. That said I'd buy this camera again in a minute.
Sony Alpha A700 12.24MP Digital SLR Camera with 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 Aspherical ED Lens
With better than 11x zoom range, this SLR digital-camera moves you forward to a new scale of digital photography. Enjoy the all-new Sony a (alpha) DSLR-A700 camera with an amazing zoom lens to get you started. Included in this kit is the versatile SAL-18200 18-200mm standard zoom lens. This easily handles the standard range of shots you'll take most often but there's nothing standard about the alpha's advanced optical design. With superior all-in-one lens performance for everyday shooting, its 35mm-equivalent range of 27mm wide-angle to 300mm telephoto excels at capturing faraway subjects, sports events, dramatic landscapes and intimate close-up views. The brilliant (alpha) DSLR-A700, with 12.2 megapixel resolution to capture the full imaging precision of Sony zoom lenses, Carl Zeiss lenses and legacy Minolta a-mount lenses, is today's most exciting DSLR. Quick response, creative style modes and high-speed shooting help you capture your creative vision, while Super SteadyShot(R) image stabilization conveniently works with every lens. For improved picture quality and reduced blur, the Eye-Start Autofocus system uses an 11-point center twin-cross AF sensor for phenomenal results. All of this combined with Sony's innovative Anti-Dust Technology and a rugged magnesium alloy body and you have the ultimate DSLR for serious photo enthusiasts and amateurs alike. Display your photos in HD wide mode using an optional HDMI cable. Connect to a PC with USB. It has Auto and Manual Focus and Exposure modes. Sony's Bionz image processor helps deliver outstanding image range. The DSLR-A700 is both stylish and pragmatic to meet all the reasons and things you expect from a high-performance camera. Color Mode(s) - Standard, Vivid, Neutral, Adobe RGB, Clear, Deep, Light, Portrait, Landscape, Sunset, Night view, Autumn, B/W, Sepia (Except for Adobe RGB, all other color modes use the sRGB color space) Memory Stick PRO Media Compatibil
Customer Review: Possibly the best value in semi-Pro Digital SLRs
Sony Alpha A700K 12.24MP Digital SLR Camera with 18-70mm f/3.5-5.6 Aspherical ED LensSony Alpha A700 12.24MP Digital SLR Camera with 16-105mm LensSony Alpha A700 12.24MP Digital SLR Camera (Body Only) A FREE color temperature analyzer included (which would cost $1,200 separately)! As I describe below, there is a little discussed feature that allows you to set the white balance for the ambient light practically perfectly. I have had my Sony Alpha 700 for about six weeks now, have used it extensively on a vacation, and have tried most of the features. I'm impressed with: - the solid "feel" of the camera build - the 5 frames per second continuous shooting until the card is full (many other more expensive cameras have a limit) - autofocus is blazing fast, and as reviewed in PopPhoto, is faster than even the best Nikons and Canons in good light. - there are several ways to access almost any setting or function, and seemingly endless customization of settings. - Though the Auto white balance isn't always as accurate as I'd like, there is an amazing feature with will allow you to set an custom white balance in a mixed or difficult light situation by using a gray or white card and having the camera "read" the light. It not only gets the Kelvin temperature right, but also adjust to Green/Magenta filter color casts from G9 to M9. To get that quality ambient light sensing, you would have to buy a $1,200 Color temperature sensor (Minolta made one). So basically you get a color analyzer for free with the camera. - I have quickly gotten used to the separate buttons for the setting I adjust most frequently: Drive setting (for bracketing or time delay), White Balance, and ISO. - The Dynamic Range (DR) Capabilities are phenomenal. I've shot photos in horribly contrasty situations and been able to get detail in both shadows and highlights. There are 8 levels of adjustment for DR. - The information you can get on playback is extensive and useful when you press the "C" button. - I love having a % of battery life left, but I hated having to have to sell my old batteries from my Alpha 100 because they won't fit due to the new feature. What I don't like: - the little "joystick" control is difficult for me when I try to press it to confirm a setting. Otherwise it works fine directionally. - I've found that I get better exposures with a -.5 EV compensation. The histograms are almost always perfect in that situation. Overall, it's the best value in a semi-pro (bang for the buck) that I've come across after extensive evaluation. I'm also confident that Sony will continue to market it's DSLRs seriously and continue to offer a wider model line. Sony has staying power and marketing muscle. So far it only has about 6% of the worldwide DSLR market, but I'm confident that will grow due to the quality and value of it's camera product line, including the Zeiss lenses.
Customer Review: Bad Camera/Lens?
Pictures look bad. I only tried with Sony 18-200 Lens, so it may be the problem of camera or/and lens. I returned it and bought Nikon D80 together with Nikon 18-200 Lens. There is not comparison.
Sony MVC-FD95 Mavica 2MP Digital Camera with 10x Optical Zoom
The high-end Sony MVC-FD95 combines SLR features with the convenience of a digital camera. The 2.1-megapixel CCD allows for image sizes up to 1,600 x 1,200 pixels, which can be stored on either floppy disks or Sony's own memory stick with an optional adapter. The MVC-FD95 has both an autofocus and manual focus with focus ring. The 10x (20x digital) zoom integrates with Sony's SteadyShot image stabilization technology to provide clear pictures. The lithium battery included by Sony can be recharged with the included battery charger/AC adapter, and it's easy to see how much of a charge you have left with the power meter in the viewfinder. Although it has a built-in flash that features red-eye reduction, the MVC-FD95 also comes with an accessory shoe for an external flash.
Occasionally, MVC-FD95 users may want to capture a video of a special moment, and here also the MVC-FD95 can help, due to its capability of capturing up to one minute of MPEG-1 video. The MVC-FD95 is packed with features (such as the e- mail mode, which captures pictures at 320 x 240 pixels) that make it suitable for almost any environment.
Customer Review: Best ready to print pictures camera on the market
I have had a Mavica MVC FD95 for over 4 years now. It uses a diskette for storage. The reason I chose it was the built in flash, the universal ability to print, and the Zooming lense for those great Memphis Zoo panda and other animal pics when they are far away from the viewing area. There might be better cameras, but none are as easy to use and take GREAT pictures. I love the two viewing areas. I look at the view scrren and see how the picture looks. You can sit at a wedding (I actually did this)and look at the screen and decide to keep or erase the picture. The diskettes are easy to keep in a dess coat at the wedding and change. My pictures looked better than the paid professional ones the couple paid big bucks for!!!! Plus, I did a brief video with the camera of the wedding march (with sound). My buddy is a camera buff and he has a FD 75, and when I pulled my 95 out, well it psyched him out with the look and the size. Every development studio and computer accepts diskettes, so it is easy to sent to another person. This is helpful to send by mail. You know those internet phonelines will not sent pictures very fast, and many have limits to the mail size to avoid spam. Just drop a diskette in the mail and grandma with her older clunkier hand-me-down computer can see the pics of the grandkids. Now for the real techie, you can use the memory stick adaptor. I bought mine remanufactured and didnt get the adaptor for memory stick. It is a great add-on, but not essential. I'll stay with the diskettes, because they are cheaper, easy to get and easy to use in any computer. One suggestion, get an extra battery. there are used ones and clone ones now that are cheaper ($15-$22.00), so it isn't the big investment it used to be of $35. to $55.00. Sony uses the same battery in numerous products. I found the battery gave out too quick (or I used it too much). Plus, when you use the camera, you will be in a place that a recharge is not possible, and the extra battery is a great help. My only complaint is the switch from still-to-video-to-play pops too easy from one to the other. It has really played havoc with the pictures. BUT I think that is more all thumbs me and not the camera. Suprisingly, the price of a 95 has held up well in resale. I paid maybe 60.00 more than it is re-selling for now. That is a perk, if you plan to resell after a set time of use.
Customer Review: Good Digital Camera
I have had mine for approximately a year now and have had very excellent performance. I have experiance with many cameras, and digital is definately the way to go. The economics of it outways film cameras tremendously. I can hold over 400 photos on 100 floppy disks costing me only about $22.00 per box of 100 floppys. Try doing that with a film camera. And if you miss a shot or make a bad shot, just delete it, their's no waste. The only negitive aspects to this camera is the autofocus is quite slow for action shots, by the time it focuses and snaps the photo, the object is long gone. I have missed many shots due to this, I recommend planning action shots very carefully. The quality of the photos are very good for a 2.1 MP camera, you can make 8x10 photos with relitively good results. But if your looking for the quality like a 35mm film camera has than this isnt for you. And on occasion, you will find a floppy disk that won't format and won't hold any photos, I just ditch them and use another, the cost is very minimal. Overall this is a very good digital camera.
Sigma 30mm f/1.4 EX DC HSM Lens for Minolta and Sony Digital SLR Cameras
This large aperture 30mm F1.4 EX DC HSM lens is designed to match the APS-C size image sensors of digital SLR cameras. Two SLD glass elements are especially effective in the compensation of magnification chromatic aberration.Glass mold spherical lens at rear group of lens reduces color aberration and provides high-quality image results. From 40cm (15.7") minimum focusing distance to infinity, this lens creates very sharp images with high contrast.The HSM models provide quiet high-speed auto-focus shooting, as well as full-time manual focus. Large Maximum Aperture of F1.4 can perform superbly in a great range of applications, including snapshots, portraiture, indoor shooting and landscape photography.PRODUCT FEATURES:Large Maximum Aperture of F1.4;The most appropriate coating for digital SLR cameras;Two SLD (Special Low Dispersion) glass elements and a hybrid spherical lens, provides the utmost correction for all types of aberrations;Equipped with HSM (Hyper Sonic Motor) system;This large aperture standard lens was exclusively designed for digital SLR cameras featuring APS-C size image sensor.
Customer Review: Sigma 30mm f/1.4 EX DC Lens Review
I purchased this lens for my Sony Alpha A700 camera. It's meant to be my all purpose lens. Here's some information about the lens that you may find helpful in deciding if you wish to purchase one: * The lens is made in Japan. Not Chinese junk. * The focal length of the lens is 30 mm which is equivalent to 45 mm on a full sized 36 x 24 frame (i.e. it's a "normal" lens - not wide or telephoto). * It's very well built. The focus ring turns smoothly. The fit and finish are superb. The lens has a nice looking matte black finish with a subtle gold ring trim. Very pretty. * The lens DOES NOT have a "focus clutch". This means that the focus ring rotates when the camera auto focuses. * The lens (when used with a Sony Alpha or Minolta camera) utilizes the CAMERA autofocus motor. The lens is NOT "HSM" (Hyper Sonic Motor) for _these_ cameras. * Focus is achieved by moving INTERNAL lens elements. The length of the lens does not change during focus. * The lens uses 62 millimeter filters (such as a glass or UV filter to protect the front element). * The lens has EIGHT iris leaves. This isn't "good" or "bad", it's just a fact. * The lens, optically, is scary razor sharp at F4.0 to F16 (the max). Below F4.0, the lens exhibits the very slightest softness, especially near the corners. The softness is VERY slight - hardly noticeable. * Wide open aperture is F1.4 - it's very bright and clear and takes amazing available light pictures. * I did not notice ANY chromatic aberration at any F stop. * The lens is "full of glass". The elements are huge and let in lots of light (F1.4). * The lens focuses from infinity down to about 15 inches. It's not a MACRO lens. * At wide apertures, the lens produces nice "bokeh" (the neat blur behind and in front of the main subject). Unlike Sony SAL series lenses, the Sigma 30mm has a polygonal iris rather than the "almost circular" iris of the Sony. This shows up as octagon shaped blurs on points of light which are behind or in front of the subject. This effect is really no problem, since people are used to seeing polygons in bokeh anyway. * The lens completely covers an APS-C sized digital imager with no vignetting. It's made specifically for 2/3 size digital cameras. It will NOT cover a full 35mm film sized frame (36 mm X 24 mm). * The lens comes with a nice "flower petal" style sunshade which can be snapped on or off as desired. * The lens comes with a nice, high quality padded zipper case to store the lens in if it's not on the camera. The case has a removable "mattress" in the bottom to allow storage of a different, longer lens if desired. The case has lots of potential uses. * The lens weighs a little bit less than one pound. It's just heavy enough to "feel good" but not so heavy as to make the camera unwieldy. The lens weight also perfectly balances the camera, which makes steady shooting even easier. * In normal light, the lens focuses quickly and accurately. In dim light, the lens sometimes seems to "lock onto" the wrong focus spot. Strangely, using the Sony A700 camera's "fast" focus mode seems to cure this problem. I had been using the "slow" setting with the impression that somehow it would make the focus "more accurate", but the Sigma lens seems to like the fast mode better. Strange. (NEW INFO): I recently had my Sony A700 camera in for repair to replace the CMOS image sensor. The repair center, among other things, recalibrated the focus. After getting the camera back, I noticed that the focus "problem" (mentioned above) was gone. So, it was the camera, not the lens. Note that this lens is ALSO available for other camera brands such as Nikon, Canon, Pentax and Sigma. The lens comes with a NATIVE bayonet mount for each camera. It DOES NOT need or use a funky adapter. In summary, I've found this lens to be one heck of a good quality product and worth it's price. If you need a "normal" lens for your digital SLR, you won't be disappointed with the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 EX DC (*HSM) Lens. (*HSM on _some_ cameras, not all)
Sigma APO Teleconverter 2x EX DG for Minolta and Sony Digital SLR Cameras
The Sigma APO Teleconverter 2x EX DG for Minolta Digital SLR Cameras is a dedicated APO teleconverter that can be mounted between select lenses and the camera body to increase the focal length by the power of 2. The multi-layer coating reduces flare and ghosting, which is a common problem with digital cameras. The lens also offers maximum magnification without any variation in the minimum focusing distance. Compact and lightweight, this teleconverter can convert your lenses into longer focal-length lenses, so you don't have to do a lot of unnecessary footwork. A case for the lens is included.
Customer Review: Sigma APO Teleconverter 2x for Sony
The reviewer who indicates this teleconverter is not compatible with Sony/Minolta lenses is mistaken. He should have checked the compatibility list. If he had, he would have found this teleconverter is compatible with the following lenses: SIGMA AF 1.4X 2X o APO 120-300mm F2.8 EX IF HSM AF AF o APO 120-300mm F2.8 EX DG HSM AF AF o APO 70-200mm F2.8 EX HSM AF AF o APO 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG HSM AF AF o APO 300mm F2.8 EX HSM AF AF o APO 300mm F2.8 EX DG HSM AF AF o APO 300-800mm F5.6 EX IF HSM MF MF o APO 300-800mm F5.6 EX DG HSM MF MF o APO 80-400mm F4.5-5.6 EX OS MF MF o APO 80-400mm F4.5-5.6 EX DG OS MF MF APO 50-150mm F2.8 EX DC AF AF o*3 APO 50-500mm F4-6.3 EX RF HSM MF MF o*3 APO 50-500mm F4-6.3 EX DG HSM MF MF o APO 100-300mm F4 EX IF HSM AF MF o APO 100-300mm F4 EX DG HSM AF MF o*2 APO MACRO 150mm F2.8 EX DG HSM AF/MF MF o*1 APO MACRO 180mm F3.5 EX IF HSM AF/MF MF o*1 APO MACRO 180mm F3.5 EX DG HSM AF/MF MF o APO 500mm F4.5 EX HSM MF MF o APO 500mm F4.5 EX DG HSM MF MF o APO 800mm F5.6 EX HSM MF MF o APO 800mm F5.6 EX DG HSM MF MF APO 70-210mm F2.8 MF MF APO 300mm F2.8 MF MF APO TELE MACRO 300mm F4 MF MF APO TELE MACRO 300mm F4 HSM MF MF APO TELE MACRO 400mm F5.6 MF MF APO TELE MACRO 400mm F5.6 HSM MF MF APO 500mm F4.5 MF MF APO 800mm F5.6 MF MF APO 1000mm F8 MF MF CANON AF 1.4X 2X o APO 120-300mm F2.8 EX IF HSM AF AF o APO 120-300mm F2.8 EX DG HSM AF AF o APO 70-200mm F2.8 EX HSM AF AF o APO 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG HSM AF AF o APO 300mm F2.8 EX HSM AF AF o APO 300mm F2.8 EX DG HSM AF AF o APO 300-800mm F5.6 EX IF HSM MF MF o APO 300-800mm F5.6 EX DG HSM MF MF o APO 80-400mm F4.5-5.6 EX OS MF MF o APO 80-400mm F4.5-5.6 EX DG OS MF MF APO 50-150mm F2.8 EX DC AF AF o*3 APO 50-500mm F4-6.3 EX RF HSM MF MF o*3 APO 50-500mm F4-6.3 EX DG HSM MF MF o APO 100-300mm F4 EX IF HSM AF MF o APO 100-300mm F4 EX DG HSM AF MF o*2 APO MACRO 150mm F2.8 EX DG HSM AF/MF MF o*1 APO MACRO 180mm F3.5 EX IF HSM AF/MF MF o*1 APO MACRO 180mm F3.5 EX DG HSM AF/MF MF o APO 500mm F4.5 EX HSM MF MF o APO 500mm F4.5 EX DG HSM MF MF o APO 800mm F5.6 EX HSM MF MF o APO 800mm F5.6 EX DG HSM MF MF APO 70-210mm F2.8 MF MF APO 300mm F2.8 MF MF APO TELE MACRO 300mm F4 MF MF APO TELE MACRO 300mm F4 HSM MF MF APO TELE MACRO 400mm F5.6 MF MF APO TELE MACRO 400mm F5.6 HSM MF MF APO 500mm F4.5 MF MF APO 800mm F5.6 MF MF APO 1000mm F8 MF MF MINOLTA AF 1.4X 2X APO 70-200mm F2.8 EX IF AF AF APO 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG AF AF APO 300mm F2.8 EX AF AF APO 300mm F2.8 EX DG AF AF o*3 APO 50-500mm F4-6.3 EX RF MF MF o*3 APO 50-500mm F4-6.3 EX DG MF MF APO 100-300mm F4 EX IF AF MF APO 100-300mm F4 EX DG AF MF APO MACRO 180mm F3.5 EX IF MF MF APO MACRO 180mm F3.5 EX DG MF MF APO 500mm F4.5 EX MF MF APO 500mm F4.5 EX DG MF MF APO 800mm F5.6 EX MF MF APO 800mm F5.6 EX DG MF MF APO 70-210mm F2.8 AF AF APO 300mm F2.8 AF AF APO TELE MACRO 300mm F4 AF MF APO TELE MACRO 400mm F5.6 MF MF APO 500mm F4.5 MF MF APO 800mm F5.6 MF MF APO 1000mm F8 Dr. Arthur Kirk
Customer Review: Not for Sony or Minotal Lenses
I do not blame Sigma (except for printing the worse instructions I've ever seen), I blame Amazon for not advertising the fact that Sigma Teleconverters are for use with Sigma lenses only. Though the Teleconverter attaches to the a100, neither Sony nor Milolta lenses will attach to it.
Sony MVCCD350 CD Mavica 3.2MP Digital Camera w/ 3x Optical Zoom
The Sony Mavica CD350 combines the advantages and capacity of the instant-archive CD-R/RW format with a compact size that's easy to carry with you anywhere you roam. The Mavica CD350 features a 3.2-megapixel sensor, 3x optical zoom, and a movie mode that shoots full-frame video.
Step-up Value
Here's a Sony feature that adds value to this digital camera and differentiates it from other models in the Sony lineup.
 | CD-RW Media: CD Mavica cameras shoot directly to 156 MB CD-R/RW discs, so there's room for hundreds of images and movie clips for instant archiving. |
Optics and Resolution
The 3.2-megapixel resolution creates images up to 2,048 x 1,536 pixels, large enough to print 11-by-17-inch enlargements. Get closer to your subjects with the 3x optical zoom lens (41-123mm equivalency in 35mm photography). The Mavica CD350 also features a 3.2x digital zoom.
Storage and Transfer
Images are stored on high-capacity 156 MB CD-R (recordable) and CD-RW (rewritable) discs, enabling you to instantly archive your shots. Images can be downloaded to either a Mac or PC via USB connectivity, which means the camera can be connected to any USB-based Windows 98/Me/2000/XP and Mac OS 8.6 or later computer without installing any software.
Movie Mode
You can capture far more than still images with the MPEG Movie VX function. Most digital cameras' movie modes are limited to 30- or 60-second clips, but the Mavica CD350 can keep shooting until you've filled the CD-R/RW, approximately 6 minutes at full VGA resolution (640 x 480, 16 frames per second).
More Features
Though simple enough for a novice, the Mavica CD350 model includes advanced multipoint autofocus and multipattern exposure systems to capture the shot properly the first time. The camera's new auto fill-flash function can even sense when a subject is in shadow and automatically fire the flash.
Other features include:
- Large 2.5-inch TFT LCD monitor
- Built-in flash with auto, on, off, slow, and red-eye reduction modes
- Scene modes include twilight, twilight portrait, landscape, beach, snow, fireworks, and fast shutter
- Two-shot burst mode and multiburst mode of 16 images sized at 320 x 240 pixels
Power, Size, and Contents
The camera is powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery NP-FM50 (included). It measures 5.2 by 3.6 by 2.9 inches and weighs 1.2 pounds. This package includes the Mavica CD350 digital camera, battery, and battery charger, USB and AV cables, 1 blank CD-R, 1 blank CD-RW, and CD-ROM with imaging software and USB drivers for Windows and Mac.
Customer Review: Sony Mavica CD350
I bought this camera in mid-2004, and I have enjoyed it quite a bit. It was my first digital camera, and the purchase was based on my company's success with the FD Mavica. Having had the CD350 for 4 years and taken over 1,000 pictures with it in over 6 different states... it's still holding up well, and I have managed some really good pictures (in spite of being an amateur photographer). I have never had to replace the battery (though I did just buy one spare, as it's old now - but the original still holds a charge very well!), and I am still using the original Sony CD-RW that came with it (just bought a 3-pack so I'd have extras for LONG trips). I am hoping to pass it along to my daughter before too long - she's almost ready to graduate to a better camera, and this would be a great one for her. PROs: Easy to use, very forgiving autofocus, and well-made. In spite of newer cameras out there, I'm still not QUITE ready to replace it, since it still takes great pictures and it has been COMPLETELY trouble-free (only problems have been due to Human Error). CONs: "Shutter lag" is a bit long by today's standards. Just bought a Canon S5iS for my wife, and it is SO much newer (and as is the case with electronics, SO much nicer). Time to write to CD is a bit slow. I tried Memorex mini CDs, and the menu system warned me to not use non-Sony media; it worked, but VERY unreliably, so I've since stuck with Sony CDs and it's been solid. I wish there were an SD Card or other electronic storage drive like there was with the FD Mavica. Oh, since some folks will want to know... video file sizes are HUGE, yet resolution is quite dreadful (as is the case with all digital cameras I've seen, digital cameras take horrible video, digital video cameras take horrible stills - the strange paradox of digital photography). Newer cameras aren't quite as bad. VERDICT: If I were shopping today, I'd probably go with a newer camera, as this one is simply old... meaning it's slow, light on modern features such as SD Card slot, doesn't have a LOT of zoom capability, and has lower resolution than newer cameras. But as far as a camera of its era, it's been great, and it just keeps on ticking! Definitely a good "first" digital camera, as there's not a lot of complicated features to mystify the novice.
Customer Review: Nice Camera
I bought this Camera two years ago from Newegg. I do not have any problem with this camera. I love his camera. Easy to use.
Sony Alpha A700K 12.24MP Digital SLR Camera with 18-70mm f/3.5-5.6 Aspherical ED Lens
Express your creativity and shoot like a pro. The Sony DSLR-A700 Alpha is the perfect DSLR for serious amateurs?with 12.24 Megapixel resolution to capture the full imaging precision of Sony zoom lenses, Carl Zeiss lenses and legacy Minolta a-mount lenses. Quick response, creative style modes and high-speed shooting help you capture your creative vision, while Super SteadyShot(R) image stabilization conveniently works with every lens. For improved picture quality and reduced blur, the Eye-Start Autofocus system uses an 11-point center twin-cross AF sensor for phenomenal results. All of this combined with Sony's innovative Anti-Dust Technology and a rugged magnesium alloy body and you have the ultimate DSLR for serious photo enthusiasts and amateurs alike. It accepts a superb array of precision optics, including new Sony wide-aperture zoom lenses that perform brilliantly over a broad range of focal lengths, Sony ?G? Series lenses with advanced motorized autofocusing, amazingly bright Carl Zeiss® T* coated lenses, and over 16 million Minolta a-mount lenses sold worldwide -- plus professional-quality flash units and system accessories to expand your creative horizons. SteadyShot Image Stabilizer Eye-Start AutoFocus Programmable Auto-Exposure AntiDust Technology Advanced Sony Bionz Image Processor, using hardware-based Large Scale Integrated (LSI) circuitry that improves camera response time, screens out noise before RAW data conversion, handles Dynamic Range Optimization processing and prolongs battery life Still + capture action more effectively at either 5 or 3 frames per second 40-segment honeycomb sensing system provides multi-pattern measuring for superior exposure control accuracy Images can be captured in RAW, cRAW (optimized for fast action), RAW+JPEG and three JPEG modes (Extra Fine, Fine and Standard) Tested to support up to 8GB memory
Customer Review: Great product.
The A700 is stout. Solid construction and solid performance. High ISO performance that can be mated up to fast Sony or Minolta AF glass. I've got an F2.8 lens and it is unstoppable indoors even in mediocre lighting. I can only imagine if I had an f1.4 prime or something of the like mounted on this body! 3 shot bracketing is quick, metering is accurate, colors are great. I shoot in cRaw and am impressed with that format. I cannot pick up on any loss compared to RAW; but the camera will run RAW all day long with no problems either. The scary thing is that even JPEGS look great on this camera! It is a very serious camera and will sit atop the Sony line until they bring out a full-frame camera. Thoroughly impressed and definitely a worthy replacement for the venerable Maxxum/Dynax 5's 7's and maybe even the 9 depending on your use!
Customer Review: Great semi-pro camera, great value.
A FREE color temperature analyzer included (which would cost $1,200 separately)! As I describe below, there is a little discussed feature that allows you to set the white balance for the ambient light practically perfectly. I have had my Sony Alpha 700 for about six weeks now, have used it extensively on a vacation, and have tried most of the features. I'm impressed with: - the solid "feel" of the camera build - the 5 frames per second continuous shooting until the card is full (many other more expensive cameras have a limit) - autofocus is blazing fast, and as reviewed in PopPhoto, is faster than even the best Nikons and Canons in good light. - there are several ways to access almost any setting or function, and seemingly endless customization of settings. - Though the Auto white balance isn't always as accurate as I'd like, there is an amazing feature with will allow you to set an custom white balance in a mixed or difficult light situation by using a gray or white card and having the camera "read" the light. It not only gets the Kelvin temperature right, but also adjust to Green/Magenta filter color casts from G9 to M9. To get that quality ambient light sensing, you would have to buy a $1,200 Color temperature sensor (Minolta made one). So basically you get a color analyzer for free with the camera. - I have quickly gotten used to the separate buttons for the setting I adjust most frequently: Drive setting (for bracketing or time delay), White Balance, and ISO. - The Dynamic Range (DR) Capabilities are phenomenal. I've shot photos in horribly contrasty situations and been able to get detail in both shadows and highlights. There are 8 levels of adjustment for DR. - The information you can get on playback is extensive and useful when you press the "C" button. - I love having a % of battery life left, but I hated having to have to sell my old batteries from my Alpha 100 because they won't fit due to the new feature. What I don't like: - the little "joystick" control is difficult for me when I try to press it to confirm a setting. Otherwise it works fine directionally. - I've found that I get better exposures with a -.5 EV compensation. The histograms are almost always perfect in that situation. Overall, it's the best value in a semi-pro (bang for the buck) that I've come across after extensive evaluation. I'm also confident that Sony will continue to market it's DSLRs seriously and continue to offer a wider model line. Sony has staying power and marketing muscle. So far it only has about 6% of the worldwide DSLR market, but I'm confident that will grow due to the quality and value of it's camera product line, including the Zeiss lenses. Another thing to note: Sony makes the 12 megapixel sensor for the Nikon D300, and most likely they are the same. Compare the price of the Sony A700 with the D300, and you will see the "bargain".
Sony Cybershot DSC-T20 8MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom and Super Steady Shot (Pink)
With 8.1-Megapixel the DSC-T20 delivers clarity to group photos and snapshots for greater detail in big prints. The Carl Zeiss 3x optical zoom lens design along with Face Detection feature optimizes natural tones in faces. High Definition output makes photos look even more spectacular when you share them with friends and family on your HDTV screens. Sony Super HAD(TM) (Hole Accumulated Diode) CCD design allows more light to pass to each pixel, increasing sensitivity and reducing noise. With Super SteadyShot(R) Image Stabilization and high sensitivity ISO 3200, the DSC-T20 compensates for shaky hands, minimizes blur, brightens images and allows flash-free shooting. Sony Clear RAW Noise Reduction reduces the picture noise that can ruin low-light shots. The DSC-T20 lets you add creative effects to photos after you shoot including soft edge filter to soften backgrounds, cross filter to place starry dazzles at highlight points, partial color filter to mute surrounding colors, even fish-eye filter to create interesting fish-eye lens effects. The DSC-T20 provides up to 380 shots with a fully charged NP-BG1 Lithium Ion battery. 1/2.5-inch Super HAD(TM) CCD Imaging Device Exposure Compensation - 1/3 EV Step Increments Focal Length - 6.33 - 19 mm 35mm Equivalent - 38 - 114 mm Focus - 9 Area Multi-Point AF, Center AF, Spot AF Shutter Speed - 1/4-1/1000 seconds (Auto), 1-1/1000 seconds (Program Auto) Aperture Range - f3.5-5.6 (W), f4.3-10 (T) Self-Timer - 10 seconds, 2 seconds & Off White Balance - Automatic, Cloudy, Daylight, Fluorescent 1, Fluorescent 2, Fluorescent 3, Incandescent & Flash Power Save Mode - After 3 minutes of inactivity In-Camera Editing - Red-eye reduction HD 1080i Output Flash Modes - Auto, Forced On, Forced Off, Slow Synch Scene Modes - Beach, Fireworks, High Sensitivity, High Speed Shutter, Landscape, Snow, Soft Snap, Twilight & Twilight Portrait Operating Sys
Customer Review: Don't lose the moment you want to capture!
The camera is nice and small, definitely an advantage over my old one. I'm annoyed Sony has to have their own memory card rather than using the SD chip I'm used to - cost me another $70. My biggest complaint is the menus. They are not intuitive at ALL. My old Kodak has a dial to switch between capture modes. This could be done quickly with ease so I could take a picture and then 5 seconds later start recording a video. This thing...I was actually too embarrassed to use one night because the event I wanted pictures of had already started and the thing was so noisy with it's little beeps and boops and I couldn't quietly find out how to turn the sound off so as to not disturb those around me. There is nothing intuitive about switching modes on this thing. Scrolls do not loop bottom/top right/left, so to get to movie mode you've got four buttons to hit. I've had the camera for two months now and I still have trouble switching modes. You don't go to select, and then hit right to scroll through options. You go to select, OK (which since you haven't done anything is the last thing you think of, THEN hit "Menu" and scroll through options. And if you want to go back to standard auto, it's not on that selector, it's got a standalone menu. Every time I try and scroll through options I'm met with error messages that the current mode doesn't support flash/closeup, since the right/left buttons double as the 'quick set' for those, respectively. Of course, I'm not trying to change flash settings at all, just move from ISC/landscape whatever to standard photo. I don't know how many amazing shots I've missed or had come out blurry because I was in the wrong mode and it took me so long to navigate to the correct mode that I missed the great shot. It may take great pictures, but menus HAVE to be intuitive if you're going to take great pictures of the moments you want.
Customer Review: Excellent Point and Shoot Camera
I purchased this camera after Christmas, so I have had it almost six months. I am very impressed with this camera (I have the silver one that I had purchased at Staples on sale). >My only problem with this camera is the battery. I have a difficult time keeping it charged. If I want to minimize battery usage, I try to keep my picture viewing at a minimum. For the most part, I can get away with using it for five days until I need to recharge it. >The screen is amazing, but I am always nervous it might get a scratch on it, because it is so large. It currently has fingerprints all over the screen, which is understandable due to it's large size. (I do not have the touchscreen version) >My favorite part is the "Program Auto" mode that is on the Home Menu. I find the "White Balances" settings on it to be extremely useful. You can change it from Flourescent 1, 2, 3, Daylight, Cloudy, Incandescent, or Auto. This is the best way for me to get excellent photos in a house (or even outside). I used to leave my camera on the auto mode, but now it's always on Program Auto so I can change the light settings. For me, I think it's as good as the invention of sliced bread! This is a wonderful camera if you don't mind charging it often. I would highly suggest you buy a spare battery when you get this camera, to save you in case the original dies on you. As I stated earlier, I have enjoyed this camera since December, and plan to use it for many, many months to come. If you are searching for an easy, useful, point-and-shoot camera, it's a good option for you.
Sony MVCCD400 CD Mavica 4MP Digital Camera w/3x Optical Zoom
Never run out of storage space again! Sony's MVC-CD400 Digital Still Camera features massive 4.0 megapixel resolution (4.1 MegaPixel gross) with a Carl Zeiss Vario Sonnar 3X optical zoom lens and the ability to write to inexpensive optical media. Capture exceptional still images and MPEG video clips directly to 156MB CD-R/RW media, measuring only 8 cm in diameter and readable on most CD-ROM equipped PCs. This incredible camera features a broad range of advanced features such as Multi-Point AF, Hologram AF, Multi-Pattern Metering and Pre-Flash Metering for creating the most compelling still images and digital video you've ever seen. The MVC-CD400 puts the power of digital photography in your hands!
Customer Review: The convenience is worth it...
I've owned this camera for about 2 years now. I have dropped it, kicked it on the pavement and still, I get great shots. The photos are great and there is lots of flexibility of storage. You can delete photos before you finalize the disk if you like or keep all of them and only upload those you want to manipulate with editing software. Very user friendly, I like the feel of the camera, has a nice grip to it. Opportunties to improve: the lcd screen does not have protection so it is kind of scratched up; also, hard to frame your shot without a view finder in very bright light or with low light at night. Finally, need to account for shutter lag time to get the photo you want. It takes several seconds for start up so you need to account for this as well. Regardless, the pros outweigh the cons, I love the cd fomat for saving the photos -- no need to transfer from memory stick to computer or printer, just pop into your computer and you are there.
Customer Review: Great Little Camera
I just love this great camera from Sony. The Mavica MVC-CD400 was a great buy for me a couple of years ago, although a 4 megapixel camera doesn't cost quite this much anymore. I spent 600 dollars for the camera at Best Buy, getting a deal because it was an open item. The MVC-CD400 is extremely user friendly in all modes of operation (still picture, movie, or review). In my two years of taking pictures with this camera, I have only used the fully automatic still picture mode and the simple movie mode. I've yet to have a bad shot. Part of what makes shooting pictures with this camera so easy is the fact that it has the large viewing window to let the user see just about exactly what the picture will look like. This camera has a fairly quick auto-focus feature that is highly reliable except in extreme low-light conditions, and even then it can usually compensate for the lack of light by using the built-in diamond pattern lamp used for helping the camera focus. Where this tool starts to fail is for objects more than six feet away, depending on lighting. Although the camera has a note that it displays on power-up any time it detects a non-Sony Mavica CD installed in the storage bay, I've never had any problem using other discs. Typically I use the Memorex 210 MB CD-R's. With these discs, I can store 95 pictures at the highest JPEG resolution, or 954 pictures at the lowest resolution. For the movie mode, the same disc will yield 8 minutes and 31 seconds at the highest resolution (which isn't that great at 320 HQX) or 100 minutes at 160 by 112 resolution, which is actually pretty crappy video. But if you want a camcorder, this is not the toy for you. The camera can also store images in TIFF format, but be prepared to wait a while for the images to save to the disc, and to change the discs often. Only 13 images will fit on a 210 MB disc in this format. For anyone who isn't interested in professionally working with their photos, the JPEG format is fine. I've printed out many of those prints at 8x10 with remarkable detail. Some of the extra features of this camera include the photo effects, such as black and white or negative (can't quite figure out what I might want to do with that one, but it's there nonetheless) and a red-eye reduction flash. The red-eye reduction takes a little bit more work than I would like to turn on and off (rotating the selector knob to "SET UP" and navigating a couple of options then back again), but it isn't that much of a pain and can be done in about 5 seconds. Also the user can select a "confirm before write" option, to avoid wasting space on the disc for those who have a habit of taking a picture with their thumb over the lens or something. Another feature of the camera is to stamp the image with a date/time stamp. I don't know why anyone would really want to do this, since the time and date are also imbedded in the file (along with other data such as ISO speed, focal length, flash, and exposure time) and can be retrieved by loading the disc into a computer CD-ROM drive. Battery life is usually quite good. I can typically use mine for an entire event (football game, wedding, etc.) without worrying about the battery, although the internal monitor might be telling me that it's low toward the end if I've been doing a lot of reviewing. One of the drawbacks I've read in another review of this product is that sometimes using the camera to review the images stored on the disc can be painfully slow. While it is slower than using a memory stick model, it isn't that bad. Add the advantage of accessing all of the images very quickly using a PC (even before the disc is finalized by the camera) and the usefulness of this method becomes clear. Transfers from a CD are substantially faster than transfers via USB or Firewire. I have a Canon EOS Digital Rebel now which I use most of the time and love, but I'm not getting rid of this great little Sony. Partly because my girlfriend loves it and it's kind of her camera now (she's laid claim to it), but also because it is still so useful and so good that I see no reason to.
Sony MVCCD250 2MP CD Mavica Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom
The unique feature of Sony's CD250 Mavica is a built-in mini-CD recorder, a clever solution that simultaneously provides affordable portable memory and long-term archival storage. The camera also features a 2-megapixel sensor, 3x optical zoom lens, a jumbo 2.5-inch display, and a long-life rechargeable lithium-ion battery.
Optics and Resolution
The CD250's 2-megapixel sensor captures enough detail for sharp prints at sizes up to 8 by 10 inches. For the typical family photographer, 2 megapixels is a great balance between price and performance. If you want a camera with even more resolution, you'll need to step up to 3 or 4 megapixels--Sony's MVC-CD300 and MVC-CD400 are nearly identical to this model, but have higher resolution sensors.
A 3x optical zoom lens (39-117mm equivalent) helps you to capture exactly the picture you want, and an additional 2x digital zoom (6x total) further magnifies your image. Remember, however, that digital zoom tends to reduce the sharpness and detail of your image, so it's best used sparingly. In low-light situations (a particular weakness for many digital cameras), a focus-assist lamp sends out a small patterned beam to help the camera accurately determine distance.
To save space, there's no traditional optical viewfinder to look through. Instead, to compose your images or review shots you've already taken, the CD250 uses a big 2.5-inch color display. The advantage to using the LCD to frame your shots is that the screen lets you see exactly the picture you'll capture. The disadvantage is that you can't turn off the screen and just use the optical viewfinder to extend battery life. Fortunately, the included rechargeable battery holds a relatively good charge.
More Features
The engineers at Sony have gone out of their way to make it as easy as possible to share your images online. For example, the e-mail mode stores a lower-resolution version of your picture on the disc in a separate folder from the full-size version. This compact file lacks the detail of the original, but has a small file size, making it ideal for e-mail attachments. In addition, a video e-mail mode captures highly compressed, less detailed movie clips that are also small enough to easily e-mail. With the time, expertise, and the right software, owners of any digital camera can create these more compact files on their home computers, but Sony saves you this trouble.
More advanced photographers will appreciate manual focus, a 14-bit A/D processor that captures more gradations in color than most digital cameras, and an uncompressed TIFF mode for recording the highest-quality photos.
Power
The CD250 uses Sony's excellent InfoLithium battery system, which not only holds a respectable charge, but also displays on screen how many minutes of power remain. Both the battery and the charger are included. Because the battery is unique to specific Sony models and can be nearly impossible to find when on the road, we strongly recommend getting a spare if you're planning to take the camera on extended outings.
Movie Mode
In movie mode, the camera captures video clips with sound at resolutions up to 320 x 240 pixels. Unlike most digital cameras, the length of each video is limited only by the amount of memory left on the CD. The limited resolution of these clips guarantees that this feature won't replace your camcorder, but it's perfect for when you just want to capture a quick movie and e-mail it to a friend or relative.
Storage and Transfer
With a traditional digital camera, images are stored on memory cards, then transferred to your computer via a cable or card reader, and ultimately archived by recording on a CD-R or other high-capacity medium. Sony's CD Mavicas simplify this process by recording images directly to CD, using a 3-inch miniature CD recorder integrated into the back of the camera (hence the camera's rounded shape). These discs are substantially smaller than traditional 5-inch CDs, and only hold about one-fourth as much information (156 MB instead of 650 MB), but this is still enough space to store over 120 photos at the camera's highest-quality compressed mode. Each disc costs a couple of dollars. To transfer pictures to your computer, simply remove the disc from the camera and insert it into your computer's CD-ROM drive. Unlike images recorded on memory cards, pictures taken on a CD-R are permanently burned into the disc, instantly providing a digital "negative" for archiving your photos.
If you prefer to transfer your images in the traditional way, just use an erasable/re-recordable CD-RW disc and connect the camera to your computer with the included USB cable. After transferring the images, you can erase the CD-RW disc to ready it for another batch of photos.
Size
At 5.6 by 3.75 by 4 inches and 22 ounces, you won't slip this camera into your shirt pocket, but it's still one of the smallest disc-based models available. The CD250 fits nicely into most SLR camera carrying cases.
Contents and Recommended Accessories
The package includes the CD250 camera, NP-FM50 battery, AC-L10 cable for in-camera charging, six 3-inch CD-R discs, one 3-inch re-recordable CD-RW, shoulder strap, AV cable, USB cable, and software on CD.
Everything you need to get started is included in the box, but we recommend these accessories to make the most of your camera: a carrying case, additional 3-inch CD-R or CD-RW discs, and a second battery (especially if you're taking the camera on extended trips). Compatible accessories for this camera are listed near the top of this page. --Shane Burnett
Pros:
- Integrated CD recorder provides inexpensive storage and image archiving
- Big 2.5-inch screen makes it easy to preview and review photos
- E-mail modes make it easy to share your photos electronically
Cons:
- No traditional optical viewfinder
- CD drive makes the camera bigger and heavier than cameras using memory cards
Customer Review: Mavica Review
I have had this camera for 6 years and have never had a single problem with it. Recently I took it on my honeymoon and posted the pictures when I returned. I have had people asking me what kind of camera it is because the pictures turned out great! I have never had a picture lost or have had problems deleting pictures as some of the other reviews have stated. It is great to know that all my pictures that I have downloaded to my PC are always backed up on the disc. It is somewhat bulky, but has been more than I would have ever asked for in a digital camera that has lasted this long!
Customer Review: Great quality... for the most part...
Overall, this camera is GREAT. It takes beautiful pictures, has a good zoom, and doesn't eat up battery life. However... It takes FOREVER to get the picture recorded onto the CD, and... IT LOSES PICTURES. We had over ten pictures lost at once on our camera (Sounds like the same problem John McDonnough had in his review). This has only happened once, however. Otherwise, it has been an absolute GREAT family camera, my family takes it almost everywhere we go (including a family cruise we went on in 04) and the shots were great, even enlarged!
Sony Alpha DSLRA350 14.2MP Digital SLR Camera with Super SteadyShot Image Stabilization (Body Only)
With incredible 14.2 MP detail, Sony's (alpha) DSLR-A350 raises the bar. This model pushes the envelope, setting a new standard of excellence for step-up digital photographers shooting both family memories and fine-art photos. Live Preview in a large 2.7 LCD screen links you and your subject-and you'll have special features like super-quick AF response, continuous shooting at 2 fps while you see your subject in the viewfinder, Creative Style modes for quick recall of custom settings, and in-camera Super SteadyShot image stabilization that reduces blur for every Sony, Carl Zeiss and legacy Minolta a-mount lens.
Customer Review: My thoughts on the Sony A350
To start off, I don't really write reviews on products, and I am new to digital photography, so you can really take this review with a grain of salt... However, I just thought I would share why I gave this product a 5 star rating. The five star rating simply put is because I love this camera. As stated earlier I am new to digital SLR photography so I won't be nearly as insightful as the Nikon/Canon buffs. Why get the A350? 14.2 megapixels. Live view. Ease of use. Super Steady Shot built into the camera. The high megapixels enable you to take high quality photos that will look great when blown up. Does this mean that this camera will take better pictures than a Nikon D300 because the megapixel count is higher... No, not at all that was a common misconception I learned. But knowing that I wanted to take a lot of pictures and make large digital prints to make my office look less lame, I figured I should go a step higher to get the blown-up image quality that I want. The live view is great for so many reasons. Right on the display, it tells you all your settings from battery life, flash, aperture, etc... all while giving a great idea what your image will look like. Keep in mind, what you see on the live view isn't 100% what you'll see when you load the photos on computer or photoshop. Ease of use: Grab the camera, go over the manual, play with the settings, take pictures. Coming from someone who knew nothing about cameras until about 2 weeks ago, the learning curve was easy with this camera. Right out of the box, you can set everything to auto and take great pictures just like a small digital camera. But for more advanced photos you simply learn by trial and error and the live view helps you see what you might need to adjust when taking photos. So even if you've never touched an SLR camera, you begin to learn what ISO, f/5.6, and all the other settings are and how to use them just by taking good pictures... or bad ones! Super Steady Shot: Clear images, built into the camera, not the lens like other manufacturers. Down the line it can help you save some money because you can buy less expensive lenses because you don't need to pay the extra money to get the image stabilization in the lens like Canon or Nikon. So why get this camera vs. other brands? First off, this camera is great for anyone wanting to get into digital SLR's. If you have old Minolta A-mount lenses you can use them with this camera. There are websites that give compatibility charts with some of the old lenses that you have. If you have a bunch of DSLR Nikon and Canon gear, well that sucks for Sony because you won't be buying an A350 anytime soon. If you did, then you're either dumb or have a lot of free time and money to blow. However, if you're thinking about getting a camera, Sony makes a great product and offers tons of features in the camera at a low cost. Down the road, Sony will launch more professional and higher priced cameras so if you're starting out on a DSLR journey, you can begin it with Sony and start collecting lenses, tripods, filters and all the other happy stuff that goes into the expensive hobby of digital photography. Side note: I think this camera was $100 cheaper when I bought it 2 weeks ago. I got the Sony A350X kit (The X is the 2 lens kit, the A350K kit is a 1 lens kit) so I don't know what the deal is there. But all in all, it's a great buy. Oh yeah, if you're trying to decide whether or not to buy the A300 or A350, in case you didn't know the only difference, literally is the megapixels. So unless you are going to blow up your images, go save yourself $200 bucks and get the A300. If you're going to make large prints like I am, then go with the A350.
Customer Review: Awesome DSLR
It has been about 10 years since I put away my old olympus SLR camera away to gather dust for a few nifty small digital point and shoots. I bought this Sony about a month ago and have taken almost 2,000 pics. Took me a while to brush up on my technique and understand the new dslr lingo, but for anyone who has ever used a traditional SLR, I think you'll be most pleased. SUPER clear/hi res pictures, exceptionally quick focusing, even in live view mode, and easy to access options. Chances are, the things you are looking for the most are just a button, dial or quick click away. The ISO button is super handy, and with the touch of a button, you can change the setting up to 3200 to suit your needs. I skipped the kit lens option and decided to buy the SAL18250 (18 mm - 250 mm. Stick with the Sony lens folks. It is solid responsive, and a great overall wide angle/telephoto lens. Why schlep around 2 kit lens' when you can virtually have it all in one? (: OK back to the camera. OK now, some cons: The camera is a bit on the heavy side (But then again I'm really used to a point and shoot). This camera also lacks the ability to do a super magnified manual focus on the LCD during live view. This is not a real big deal to me for my needs. Auto focus works great, and manual focus works fine for me those rare times I use it. I love the tiltable 2.7 in live view screen. Got some incredible shots at ground level looking up (From a dog's eye view) I should say an ants eye view! That with the wide angle... wowza.. seriously creative shots without breaking your back or twisting your neck! I've been able to hand hold existing light shots down to 1/20 of a second, thanks to the anti shake feature. Pretty cool. I would have never thought I could take such a slow hand held pic without it being all blurred. I highly recommend purchasing an 8 gig CF card for this camera to maximize your data storage. You should get about 1,700 fine res .jpg pics per disk. Go for the faster speed CF card like the SanDisk Extreme III. They're cheap now, under a hundred bucks. I also recommend getting a UV filter and circular polarizer. Again, stick with Sony filters. Now that you have such a great camera, you'll want the really nice quality filters. You'll have fun with this camera and your friends will drool over your pictures!!!
Sony Cybershot DSCW1 5MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom
Sony updates the rangefinder-style camera for the digital age with the 5-megapixel Cyber-shot DSCW1. Built for photographers who want to capture images through a host of automatic features to help balance light and exposure, the DSCW1 also offers a bevy of manual controls. And once turned on, it focuses and shoots full-resolution images in a little over one-second intervals. The DSCW1 features a 3x optical zoom, Carl Zeiss optics, large 2.5-inch LCD
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| The DSCW1's super-sized 2.5-inch Hybrid LCD Monitor is much larger than the 1.5-inch displays common to other cameras in its class. (See detail) |
The DSCW1 features a Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar zoom lens, which is specially constructed for very compact cameras, and its design allows for quick autofocusing. It has a 3x optical zoom and 2x digital zoom for a combined 6x zoom.
The 1/1.8-inch Super HAD (Hole Accumulation Diode) CCD allows more light to pass to each pixel, increasing sensitivity and reducing noise, and provides a 5.1-megapixel effective resolution (2592 x 1944). The Real Imaging Processor offers greater clarity and picture quality as well as improved response time and battery life and decreased shutter lag.
Movie Mode
Capture video with audio at 30 frames per second (fps) at VGA size 640 x 480; the included 32 MB memory card will store 87 seconds of vide at this setting. Movie length is only limited by the amount of storage you have on hand. The Video Mail mode captures a smaller movie (160 x 112 pixels) that's more suitable to sending to friends and family via e-mail.
| About Multi-Pattern Measuring |
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| Independently light-metering 49 points of the frame, Multi-Pattern measuring establishes the optimum exposure value, even in scenes where pronounced highlight and shadow are not centered in the frame. |
- Resolution modes: 2592 x 1944 (5.1MP), 2592 x 1728 (3:2 aspect ratio), 2048 x 1536 (3MP), 1280 x 960 (1MP), and 640 x 480 (VGA)
- 2.5-inch, 123K LCD monitor makes framing shots and reviewing pictures easy.
- Live Histogram Display: Available in capture and playback the Live Histogram displays the concentration of pixels at each luminosity value making it easy to evaluate correct exposure.
- Real Imaging Processor: The innovative Real Imaging Processor in the DSC-P93 not only improves picture quality and clarity but also improves camera response time, decreases shutter lag and improves battery stamina.
- Selectable Focus Mode: Monitoring AF (Auto Focus) helps you anticipate the action by focusing even before you press the shutter release.
- 5 Area Multi-Point Auto Focus: By evaluating 5 separate focus areas of the frame, Sony's Multi-Point AF system can intelligently focus on the subject and avoid mistakenly focusing on the background.
- AF (Auto Focus) Illuminator: Briefly illuminating the subject, in low--or no--light conditions, the AF Illuminator helps establish a positive focus lock.
- Multi-Pattern Measuring: Independently light-metering 49 points of the frame, Multi-Pattern Measuring establishes the optimum exposure, even when highlight and shadow isn't centered in the frame.
- Multi-Burst Mode: Captures 16 320 x 240 frames as part of a single 1280 x 960 image which plays back sequentially in the camera (selectable 1/7.5, 1/15, 1/30 second).
- Manual Exposure Mode: Manual Exposure Mode provides extended control with 46-step adjustable Shutter speed (30 Ã 1/1000 sec.), and 2-step Aperture control.
- Scene Selection Mode: With 6 Scene Modes, parameters can be matched to the shooting conditions. Choose from one of the following: Twilight, Twilight Portrait, Landscape, Soft Snap, Candle, or Beach.
- Slow Shutter Noise Reduction: During long exposures, Slow Shutter NR captures the scene, and then the CCD noise pattern with a dark frame exposure. By subtracting the two, even long exposures can be clear.
- Pre-Flash Metering: With a momentary pre-flash, the camera illuminates the subject and sets exposure through the lens for accurate flash metering. Adjustable flash level and red-eye reduction ensure great flash shots.
| About Slow Shutter Noise Reduction |
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| This process captures the scene in two exposures. The second subtracts the noise pattern from the initial shot, resulting in a final beautiful photograph that is virtually noise-free. |
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Direct Printing
The Cyber-shot DSCW1 offers PictBridge functionality, which enables you to transfer pictures from your digital camera to a compatible printer--such as the Sony PictureStation DPP-EX50--without a PC or image-editing software. Images can be viewed and selected for printing right on the camera's LCD, with menus for print quantity, date, and index print.
Storage and Transfer
Images are stored on Memory Sticks, and the Cyber-shot DSCW1 is compatible with Memory Stick Pro media--for storage up to 1 gigabyte. The included 32 MB Memory Stick will store 12 Fine and 23 Standard 5.1-megapixel images. The DSCPW1 transfers images to PCs and Macs via a speedy USB 2.0 connection (which is backward compatible with USB 1.1 ports).
Power and Size
The camera is powered by two rechargeable NiMH AA-sized batteries (2100 mAh). The included adapter/charger provides power while you transfer images from the camera to your PC. It measures 3.56 x 2.38 x 1.25 inches (W x H x D) and weighs 7 ounces without Memory Stick or batteries.
What's in the Box
This package contains the Sony DSCW1 digital camera, 32 MB Memory Stick, two AA-size NiMH rechargeable batteries (NH-AA-DA), battery charger (BC-CS2), A/V and USB cables, wrist strap, and CD-ROM with photo editing software.
Sony Photo Vault
The optional Sony Photo Vault mini CD burner eliminates worry about running out of space on your Memory Stick when travelling. It burns images to mini CD-R's without a PC interface--just connect your camera using a USB cable. The Photo Vault also has a Memory Stick slot (compatible with Memory Stick Pro and Duo) and features a built-in photo album capability to display photos on a television screen using a television's standard AV input.
Customer Review: SAME PROBLEM THAN LAST REVIEWER
Exactly the same happened to me. After less than 2 years of use, the lens mechanism broke and had to pay around $200 for repair. After that repair, the batteries lasts enough for 5 or 6 pictures then goes dead, no matter how charged they are. To make it worst, now the flash is dead and there is no available replacements for it, so pretty much it is garbage now. Otherwise, before it broke the pictures were pretty good, but honestly I prefer the quality and colors of my 2 megapixels Olympus. I will never buy a Sony camera again, this was a terrible experience, I will try a Canon now.
Customer Review: Didn't Hold Up Over Time
After less than three years of use, and after $300 in additional lenses, my DSC-W1 was inoperable most of the time. After one year of flawless performance, the cheapness of the camera began to show. First the lens transport mechanism failed, so I sent it in for $180 worth of repairs. Now less than a year later, the camera does not recognize battery levels in any photo/movie mode. It will display a full battery icon, but only after just one photo, it thinks the battery is dead and shuts off. I'd be an idiot to send it for service again for another $180. Bottom Line: If you are looking for a simple, good, compact point-and-shoot camera that will last you a year, Sony's Cybershots will do the trick. But if you are careful with your equipment and are used to getting three to five years out of your electronic devices, then don't buy a Sony Cybershot. They just don't last.
Sony Alpha DSLRA350X 14.2MP Digital SLR Camera with Super SteadyShot Image Stabilization with DT 18-70mm f/3.5-5.6 & DT 55-200mm f/4-5.6 Zoom Lenses
The DSLR-A350 is about extending yourself to the next level toward digital photography. The camera is still very automatic and easy to use but as a DSLR opens new vistas where your creativity can find itself and move to new limits. With incredible 14.2 megapixel sensor, Sony's a (alpha) DSLR-A350 raises image quality beyond most cameras. This model pushes the envelope, setting a new standard of excellence for step-up digital photographers shooting both family memories and fine-art photos. Live Preview in a large 2.7" LCD screen links you and your subject-and you'll have special features like super-quick AF response, continuous shooting at 2 fps while you see your subject in the viewfinder, Creative Style modes for quick recall of custom settings, and in-camera Super SteadyShot(R) image stabilization that reduces blur for every Sony, Carl Zeiss and legacy Minolta a-mount lens. Step up to the DSLR-A350. Dynamic Range Optimizer at two levels - Normal DRO, to improve detail using standard gamma curves for fast shot-to-shot response time, or Advanced DRO, to adjust dynamic range area-by-area for the greatest precision Uses both static-free anti-dust coating on the CCD filter and anti-dust vibration that automatically shakes the CCD to dislodge dust each time the camera is shut off Popup Flash modes Eye-Start Autofocus System Multiple scene modes High-resolution thumbnail images for viewing on Sony's BRAVIA HDTV in optimized PhotoTV HD mode, with image format adjustable for standard 3 - 2 or widescreen 16 - 9 display Auto and manual exposure modes Accepts CompactFlash Type I/II media and optional Memory Stick(R) PRO Duo media Unit Dimensions (Approx.) - (WHD) 5 1/4 x 4 x 3; 1 lb 4.5oz Includes NP-FM500H rechargeable battery; BC-VM10 battery charger; Video and USB cables; Shoulder strap with eyepiece cap and Remote Commander(R) clip; Body cap; Software/USB Driver CD-ROM // NOTE - No Memory media inclu
Customer Review: My thoughts on the Sony A350
To start off, I don't really write reviews on products, and I am new to digital photography, so you can really take this review with a grain of salt... However, I just thought I would share why I gave this product a 5 star rating. The five star rating simply put is because I love this camera. As stated earlier I am new to digital SLR photography so I won't be nearly as insightful as the Nikon/Canon buffs. Why get the A350? 14.2 megapixels. Live view. Ease of use. Super Steady Shot built into the camera. The high megapixels enable you to take high quality photos that will look great when blown up. Does this mean that this camera will take better pictures than a Nikon D300 because the megapixel count is higher... No, not at all that was a common misconception I learned. But knowing that I wanted to take a lot of pictures and make large digital prints to make my office look less lame, I figured I should go a step higher to get the blown-up image quality that I want. The live view is great for so many reasons. Right on the display, it tells you all your settings from battery life, flash, aperture, etc... all while giving a great idea what your image will look like. Keep in mind, what you see on the live view isn't 100% what you'll see when you load the photos on computer or photoshop. Ease of use: Grab the camera, go over the manual, play with the settings, take pictures. Coming from someone who knew nothing about cameras until about 2 weeks ago, the learning curve was easy with this camera. Right out of the box, you can set everything to auto and take great pictures just like a small digital camera. But for more advanced photos you simply learn by trial and error and the live view helps you see what you might need to adjust when taking photos. So even if you've never touched an SLR camera, you begin to learn what ISO, f/5.6, and all the other settings are and how to use them just by taking good pictures... or bad ones! Super Steady Shot: Clear images, built into the camera, not the lens like other manufacturers. Down the line it can help you save some money because you can buy less expensive lenses because you don't need to pay the extra money to get the image stabilization in the lens like Canon or Nikon. So why get this camera vs. other brands? First off, this camera is great for anyone wanting to get into digital SLR's. If you have old Minolta A-mount lenses you can use them with this camera. There are websites that give compatibility charts with some of the old lenses that you have. If you have a bunch of DSLR Nikon and Canon gear, well that sucks for Sony because you won't be buying an A350 anytime soon. If you did, then you're either dumb or have a lot of free time and money to blow. However, if you're thinking about getting a camera, Sony makes a great product and offers tons of features in the camera at a low cost. Down the road, Sony will launch more professional and higher priced cameras so if you're starting out on a DSLR journey, you can begin it with Sony and start collecting lenses, tripods, filters and all the other happy stuff that goes into the expensive hobby of digital photography. Side note: I think this camera was $100 cheaper when I bought it 2 weeks ago. I got the Sony A350X kit (The X is the 2 lens kit, the A350K kit is a 1 lens kit) so I don't know what the deal is there. But all in all, it's a great buy. Oh yeah, if you're trying to decide whether or not to buy the A300 or A350, in case you didn't know the only difference, literally is the megapixels. So unless you are going to blow up your images, go save yourself $200 bucks and get the A300. If you're going to make large prints like I am, then go with the A350.
Customer Review: Awesome DSLR
It has been about 10 years since I put away my old olympus SLR camera away to gather dust for a few nifty small digital point and shoots. I bought this Sony about a month ago and have taken almost 2,000 pics. Took me a while to brush up on my technique and understand the new dslr lingo, but for anyone who has ever used a traditional SLR, I think you'll be most pleased. SUPER clear/hi res pictures, exceptionally quick focusing, even in live view mode, and easy to access options. Chances are, the things you are looking for the most are just a button, dial or quick click away. The ISO button is super handy, and with the touch of a button, you can change the setting up to 3200 to suit your needs. I skipped the kit lens option and decided to buy the SAL18250 (18 mm - 250 mm. Stick with the Sony lens folks. It is solid responsive, and a great overall wide angle/telephoto lens. Why schlep around 2 kit lens' when you can virtually have it all in one? (: OK back to the camera. OK now, some cons: The camera is a bit on the heavy side (But then again I'm really used to a point and shoot). This camera also lacks the ability to do a super magnified manual focus on the LCD during live view. This is not a real big deal to me for my needs. Auto focus works great, and manual focus works fine for me those rare times I use it. I love the tiltable 2.7 in live view screen. Got some incredible shots at ground level looking up (From a dog's eye view) I should say an ants eye view! That with the wide angle... wowza.. seriously creative shots without breaking your back or twisting your neck! I've been able to hand hold existing light shots down to 1/20 of a second, thanks to the anti shake feature. Pretty cool. I would have never thought I could take such a slow hand held pic without it being all blurred. I highly recommend purchasing an 8 gig CF card for this camera to maximize your data storage. You should get about 1,700 fine res .jpg pics per disk. Go for the faster speed CF card like the SanDisk Extreme III. They're cheap now, under a hundred bucks. I also recommend getting a UV filter and circular polarizer. Again, stick with Sony filters. Now that you have such a great camera, you'll want the really nice quality filters. You'll have fun with this camera and your friends will drool over your pictures!!!
Sony Alpha A100H 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera Kit with 18-200mm f3.5-6.3 Lens
Expand your creativity with the DSLR-A100 Digital SLR Camera. Compatible with over 16 million lenses, this camera combines extraordinary engineering with a long tradition of quality. The high-speed image processing creates detailed images with vibrant color and amazing depth. Sony's Alpha Mount System is the key to the DSLAR-A100's shooting versatility featuring anti-dust technologies for distortion free images. With expandable memory, up to 750 shot battery performance and high speed shutter, the Alpha Digital SLR Camera from Sony captures a greater number of professional looking digital images in less time. Sony's image stabilization system minimizes shaking and blurrs without changing the quality of the image. The CCD shifts to compensate for motion of the camera, producing clear images while zooming, shooting moving objects or shooting in low light. Sony has created a static free environment with an Anti-Dust coating on the CCD's optical low-pass filter and Anti-Dust vibration to ensure clear, high-quality images. Preset Selection - Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent, Flash Charge protection coating on Low-Pass Filter and CCD-Shift mechanism Viewfinder Field of View - 0.95 Magnification - 0.83x with 50mm lens at infinity Speed Range - 1/4000 second - 30 seconds, bulb 2.5 inch TFT Type LCD Panel Brightness Control 100% Field of View PictBridge with Exif Print System Requirements - USB Port, Microsoft Windows Me, 2000 Professional, XP Home Edition, XP Professional, Mac OS X (10.1.3 or later) Dimensions - Width 5.24 x Height 3.72 x Depth 2.80 inches (133.1 x 94.7 x 71.3mm) Weight - 1.20 pounds
Customer Review: Good camera. Evil customs charges
Excellent camera and lens. Terrific value and good service from supplier. Disappointed that there was an additional customs bill of £71! Could you warn customers of this charge, in future. Despite this, at a total cost of £330, it was still a real bargain
Customer Review: Great Camera
This was my first introduction to DSLR - but not my first experience with an SLR - i had shared a Minolta Maxxum 3000 with my brother (that was the model # as i recall) but never really bothered to learn its functions and because it was a film camera quite an expensive hobby - with film and development. So essentially the Sony Alpha was my first real experience with SLRs (Single Lens Reflex). Digital photography has given me and a whole bunch of people a hobby that is very affordable after the first initial investment - but i digress... This was not my first digital camera. My first digital camera was another Sony - the DSC-V1 (i have written a review here at epinions about that as well) - that little camera had an excellent clear Carl Zeiss lens and great color along with functions of a SLR - you can fiddle with aperture and shutter speed - but with it's small fixed lens you'll always that great depth of field unless it is ultra close. I wanted to "graduate" from these so-called point and shoot cameras - although i know a bit more about photography from reading books since getting the Alpah but i would not call myself an expert. So really this review is from a novice's standpoint even after owning this for about 2.5 - 3 years. I'm more about composition and letting the camera take over the technical aspects - however i have played with aperture settings, shutter speeds, and exposure settings. There are so many options in DSLR these days - the iconic NIKON followed by ubiquitous Canon (my brother owns the XTi), Fuji, Pentax, Olympus -- then (at the time) there's the new Sony entry into the DSLR market - the Alpha 100 - there are now different models of the Alpha 200, 300, 350, and the top of the line 700 which boasts a live lcd preview. Just a bit of history about Sony entry into the DSLR market - they had a partnership with Konica-Minolta (KM would use Sony's expertise in digital electronics) and Konica-Minolta decided to tuck tail and leave the DSLR market sold their existing technologies to Sony so Sony using KM's foundation re-engineered the KM DSLR into their own and entered the market with the A100. The Sony A100 DSLR major features/benefits include (IMHO): *The Sony BIONZ engine - the brains behind the camera (like the DIGIC II for the Canon) - *10.2 megapixels *Super Steady Shot Image Stabilization - built right into the camera - some have it built into the lens - so every lens you use will have this super steady shot - but nothing beats a steady hand or a great tripod! I think this was a hold over from the K/M days. *Anti-Dust Technology - dust repellent coating and an active shake of the CCD for those stubbornest of specs. This works OK - i can see specs of dust - i haven't used the "shake" - although it gives a little nudge when you turn it on. *fairly large 2.5 color lcd screen - great color and clarity on the LCD screen *Eye-start autofocus system - if you turn this feature on - as soon as you put it close to your eye it starts trying to focus - i found this feature to be useless - it is light sensitive so if you put this close to your body it will start focusing - i turned off this feature - this was another holdover technology from K/M. *With the Alpha Mount you can use "old" lenses from K/M with the Sony A100 so if you had a K/M DSLR and multiples lenses you can also use it with the Sony Alpha. You are able to use the myriad of K/M alpha mount lenses but not all of the accessories - Sony changed the hot shoe for the flash so that won't work and you need to buy a new flash - BUT i had an old wired remote from my first original Minolta Maxxum and that worked. *New Carl Zeiss lens - exciting but it would probably cost more than the camera itself. ACTUAL USE / FEEL of the camera (from a novice standpoint): with anything new you'd have a learning curve but this camera is pretty intuitive however i would suggest reading the manual once over. Once you start using it and learning the control it will be like second nature. The feel of it is somewhat heavy - it is certainly a bit heavier than the Canon xTi but it has a very comfortable grip. The autofocus is a bit loud with the whirring of the motor - the mirror is louder than most- i would not take pictures clandestinely because you just can't it will give you away every time. I am currently using the 18mm - 200mm max aperature (open) is f3.5 - f6.3 - not quite quick to focus in low light situations, but the lens is so versatile with the wide 18mm and the nice zoom of 200mm it's hard not to like this lens. Please keep in mind that the DSLR mirror is larger than a regular film SLR so you have to multiply the "mm" by 1.5 to get the true "mm" size. At 18mm with the DSLR it is really 27mm and the 200mm is really 300mm. I find this camera to be very comfortable and fun to use. The strap that came with it is not length adjustable however and i like to strap the camera across my body - i have a small frame - people with a larger body should get an adjustable strap. PICTURES: a picture speaks a thousand words - here's is a link just some of my photos from flickr.com i've taken over the years with my Sony Alpha 100: http://www.flickr.com/photos/62904109@N00/sets/72157594360924382/ only a very few of the pictures had post process done - some where cropped - mostly it is as is. one note - i have adjusted the camera to hard sharpness and high saturation - i love color and i thought the images from the sony was just slightly soft so i shifted it to hard sharpness on the camera itself. Also keep in mind the pics also depend on how your computer monitor is calibrated but it is a good presentation of what the Sony A100 can do. I find the pictures to reproduce excellent colors and the lens are quite clear. all were taken with the 18mm - 200mm Sony Lens. I bought this camera when it first came out and the kit was about $1000 dollars AND the 18mm - 200mm lens (as i recall) was $600 dollars. This camera could be had BRAND NEW for under $700 with this lens! What a great deal for a under-rated and all around Great Camera! Pros love their Nikon or perhaps their Canon - but I thought the Sony was a great camera and currently at a great price!
Sony Alpha A100K 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera Kit with 18-70mm f3.5-5.6 Lens
Expand your creativity with the DSLR-A100 Digital SLR Camera. Compatible with over 16 million lenses, this camera combines extraordinary engineering with a long tradition of quality. The high-speed image processing creates detailed images with vibrant color and amazing depth. Sony's Alpha Mount System is the key to the DSLAR-A100's shooting versatility featuring anti-dust technologies for distortion free images. With expandable memory, up to 750 shot battery performance and high speed shutter, the Alpha Digital SLR Camera from Sony captures a greater number of professional looking digital images in less time. Sony's image stabilization system minimizes shaking and blurrs without changing the quality of the image. The CCD shifts to compensate for motion of the camera, producing clear images while zooming, shooting moving objects or shooting in low light. Sony has created a static free environment with an Anti-Dust coating on the CCD's optical low-pass filter and Anti-Dust vibration to ensure clear, high-quality images. Preset Selection - Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent, Flash Charge protection coating on Low-Pass Filter and CCD-Shift mechanism Viewfinder Field of View - 0.95 Magnification - 0.83x with 50mm lens at infinity Speed Range - 1/4000 second - 30 seconds, bulb 2.5 inch TFT Type LCD Panel Brightness Control 100% Field of View PictBridge with Exif Print System Requirements - USB Port, Microsoft Windows Me, 2000 Professional, XP Home Edition, XP Professional, Mac OS X (10.1.3 or later) Dimensions - Width 5.24 x Height 3.72 x Depth 2.80 inches (133.1 x 94.7 x 71.3mm) Weight - 1.20 pounds
Customer Review: Good camera. Evil customs charges
Excellent camera and lens. Terrific value and good service from supplier. Disappointed that there was an additional customs bill of £71! Could you warn customers of this charge, in future. Despite this, at a total cost of £330, it was still a real bargain
Customer Review: Great Camera
This was my first introduction to DSLR - but not my first experience with an SLR - i had shared a Minolta Maxxum 3000 with my brother (that was the model # as i recall) but never really bothered to learn its functions and because it was a film camera quite an expensive hobby - with film and development. So essentially the Sony Alpha was my first real experience with SLRs (Single Lens Reflex). Digital photography has given me and a whole bunch of people a hobby that is very affordable after the first initial investment - but i digress... This was not my first digital camera. My first digital camera was another Sony - the DSC-V1 (i have written a review here at epinions about that as well) - that little camera had an excellent clear Carl Zeiss lens and great color along with functions of a SLR - you can fiddle with aperture and shutter speed - but with it's small fixed lens you'll always that great depth of field unless it is ultra close. I wanted to "graduate" from these so-called point and shoot cameras - although i know a bit more about photography from reading books since getting the Alpah but i would not call myself an expert. So really this review is from a novice's standpoint even after owning this for about 2.5 - 3 years. I'm more about composition and letting the camera take over the technical aspects - however i have played with aperture settings, shutter speeds, and exposure settings. There are so many options in DSLR these days - the iconic NIKON followed by ubiquitous Canon (my brother owns the XTi), Fuji, Pentax, Olympus -- then (at the time) there's the new Sony entry into the DSLR market - the Alpha 100 - there are now different models of the Alpha 200, 300, 350, and the top of the line 700 which boasts a live lcd preview. Just a bit of history about Sony entry into the DSLR market - they had a partnership with Konica-Minolta (KM would use Sony's expertise in digital electronics) and Konica-Minolta decided to tuck tail and leave the DSLR market sold their existing technologies to Sony so Sony using KM's foundation re-engineered the KM DSLR into their own and entered the market with the A100. The Sony A100 DSLR major features/benefits include (IMHO): *The Sony BIONZ engine - the brains behind the camera (like the DIGIC II for the Canon) - *10.2 megapixels *Super Steady Shot Image Stabilization - built right into the camera - some have it built into the lens - so every lens you use will have this super steady shot - but nothing beats a steady hand or a great tripod! I think this was a hold over from the K/M days. *Anti-Dust Technology - dust repellent coating and an active shake of the CCD for those stubbornest of specs. This works OK - i can see specs of dust - i haven't used the "shake" - although it gives a little nudge when you turn it on. *fairly large 2.5 color lcd screen - great color and clarity on the LCD screen *Eye-start autofocus system - if you turn this feature on - as soon as you put it close to your eye it starts trying to focus - i found this feature to be useless - it is light sensitive so if you put this close to your body it will start focusing - i turned off this feature - this was another holdover technology from K/M. *With the Alpha Mount you can use "old" lenses from K/M with the Sony A100 so if you had a K/M DSLR and multiples lenses you can also use it with the Sony Alpha. You are able to use the myriad of K/M alpha mount lenses but not all of the accessories - Sony changed the hot shoe for the flash so that won't work and you need to buy a new flash - BUT i had an old wired remote from my first original Minolta Maxxum and that worked. *New Carl Zeiss lens - exciting but it would probably cost more than the camera itself. ACTUAL USE / FEEL of the camera (from a novice standpoint): with anything new you'd have a learning curve but this camera is pretty intuitive however i would suggest reading the manual once over. Once you start using it and learning the control it will be like second nature. The feel of it is somewhat heavy - it is certainly a bit heavier than the Canon xTi but it has a very comfortable grip. The autofocus is a bit loud with the whirring of the motor - the mirror is louder than most- i would not take pictures clandestinely because you just can't it will give you away every time. I am currently using the 18mm - 200mm max aperature (open) is f3.5 - f6.3 - not quite quick to focus in low light situations, but the lens is so versatile with the wide 18mm and the nice zoom of 200mm it's hard not to like this lens. Please keep in mind that the DSLR mirror is larger than a regular film SLR so you have to multiply the "mm" by 1.5 to get the true "mm" size. At 18mm with the DSLR it is really 27mm and the 200mm is really 300mm. I find this camera to be very comfortable and fun to use. The strap that came with it is not length adjustable however and i like to strap the camera across my body - i have a small frame - people with a larger body should get an adjustable strap. PICTURES: a picture speaks a thousand words - here's is a link just some of my photos from flickr.com i've taken over the years with my Sony Alpha 100: http://www.flickr.com/photos/62904109@N00/sets/72157594360924382/ only a very few of the pictures had post process done - some where cropped - mostly it is as is. one note - i have adjusted the camera to hard sharpness and high saturation - i love color and i thought the images from the sony was just slightly soft so i shifted it to hard sharpness on the camera itself. Also keep in mind the pics also depend on how your computer monitor is calibrated but it is a good presentation of what the Sony A100 can do. I find the pictures to reproduce excellent colors and the lens are quite clear. all were taken with the 18mm - 200mm Sony Lens. I bought this camera when it first came out and the kit was about $1000 dollars AND the 18mm - 200mm lens (as i recall) was $600 dollars. This camera could be had BRAND NEW for under $700 with this lens! What a great deal for a under-rated and all around Great Camera! Pros love their Nikon or perhaps their Canon - but I thought the Sony was a great camera and currently at a great price!
Sony Alpha DSLRA350K 14.2MP Digital SLR Camera with Super SteadyShot Image Stabilization DT 18-70mm f/3.5-5.6 Zoom Lens
With incredible 14.2 MP detail, Sony's a (alpha) DSLR-A350 raises the bar. This model pushes the envelope, setting a new standard of excellence for step-up digital photographers shooting both family memories and fine-art photos. Live Preview in a large 2.7-inch LCD screen links you and your subject-and you'll have special features like super-quick AF response, continuous shooting at 2 fps while you see your subject in the viewfinder, Creative Style modes for quick recall of custom settings, and in-camera Super SteadyShot image stabilization that reduces blur for every Sony, Carl Zeiss and legacy Minolta a-mount lens.
14.2 MP Super HAD CCD - The highest pixel resolution in its class (as of January 2008), for spectacular image detail for making big prints and tight crops. An advanced APS-size CCD imager developed by Sony expands dynamic range and minimizes noise more effectively for clear, sharp photos even at high sensitivity setting (up to ISO 3200).
Live Preview of Your Subject - The DSLR-A350's Live Preview mode links you and your subject on a large 2.7-inch LCD screen, for a familiar point-and-shoot style -- with super-quick AF response and accurate exposure control to help you catch the perfect moment. In Live Preview mode, the camera bypasses the optical pentaprism mirror to create a live "eye-to-eye" view on the LCD of loved ones, children, pets and fast-changing scenes.
Tiltable 2.7-inch Clear Photo LCD Plus Screen - A large built-in screen with 2-way angle tilt provides a sharp, clear view of your subject and tilts up or down for low-angle or high-angle monitoring in situations where you want a child-level or overhead shot.
Continuous Shooting While Viewing - The DSLR-A350 lets you shoot continuously at up to 2 frames per second while you see your subject in the large 2.7-inch LCD viewfinder, so you never lose track of the action. In JPEG mode, you can shoot up to the limit of your flash memory card; in RAW Burst M
Customer Review: My thoughts on the Sony A350
To start off, I don't really write reviews on products, and I am new to digital photography, so you can really take this review with a grain of salt... However, I just thought I would share why I gave this product a 5 star rating. The five star rating simply put is because I love this camera. As stated earlier I am new to digital SLR photography so I won't be nearly as insightful as the Nikon/Canon buffs. Why get the A350? 14.2 megapixels. Live view. Ease of use. Super Steady Shot built into the camera. The high megapixels enable you to take high quality photos that will look great when blown up. Does this mean that this camera will take better pictures than a Nikon D300 because the megapixel count is higher... No, not at all that was a common misconception I learned. But knowing that I wanted to take a lot of pictures and make large digital prints to make my office look less lame, I figured I should go a step higher to get the blown-up image quality that I want. The live view is great for so many reasons. Right on the display, it tells you all your settings from battery life, flash, aperture, etc... all while giving a great idea what your image will look like. Keep in mind, what you see on the live view isn't 100% what you'll see when you load the photos on computer or photoshop. Ease of use: Grab the camera, go over the manual, play with the settings, take pictures. Coming from someone who knew nothing about cameras until about 2 weeks ago, the learning curve was easy with this camera. Right out of the box, you can set everything to auto and take great pictures just like a small digital camera. But for more advanced photos you simply learn by trial and error and the live view helps you see what you might need to adjust when taking photos. So even if you've never touched an SLR camera, you begin to learn what ISO, f/5.6, and all the other settings are and how to use them just by taking good pictures... or bad ones! Super Steady Shot: Clear images, built into the camera, not the lens like other manufacturers. Down the line it can help you save some money because you can buy less expensive lenses because you don't need to pay the extra money to get the image stabilization in the lens like Canon or Nikon. So why get this camera vs. other brands? First off, this camera is great for anyone wanting to get into digital SLR's. If you have old Minolta A-mount lenses you can use them with this camera. There are websites that give compatibility charts with some of the old lenses that you have. If you have a bunch of DSLR Nikon and Canon gear, well that sucks for Sony because you won't be buying an A350 anytime soon. If you did, then you're either dumb or have a lot of free time and money to blow. However, if you're thinking about getting a camera, Sony makes a great product and offers tons of features in the camera at a low cost. Down the road, Sony will launch more professional and higher priced cameras so if you're starting out on a DSLR journey, you can begin it with Sony and start collecting lenses, tripods, filters and all the other happy stuff that goes into the expensive hobby of digital photography. Side note: I think this camera was $100 cheaper when I bought it 2 weeks ago. I got the Sony A350X kit (The X is the 2 lens kit, the A350K kit is a 1 lens kit) so I don't know what the deal is there. But all in all, it's a great buy. Oh yeah, if you're trying to decide whether or not to buy the A300 or A350, in case you didn't know the only difference, literally is the megapixels. So unless you are going to blow up your images, go save yourself $200 bucks and get the A300. If you're going to make large prints like I am, then go with the A350.
Customer Review: Awesome DSLR
It has been about 10 years since I put away my old olympus SLR camera away to gather dust for a few nifty small digital point and shoots. I bought this Sony about a month ago and have taken almost 2,000 pics. Took me a while to brush up on my technique and understand the new dslr lingo, but for anyone who has ever used a traditional SLR, I think you'll be most pleased. SUPER clear/hi res pictures, exceptionally quick focusing, even in live view mode, and easy to access options. Chances are, the things you are looking for the most are just a button, dial or quick click away. The ISO button is super handy, and with the touch of a button, you can change the setting up to 3200 to suit your needs. I skipped the kit lens option and decided to buy the SAL18250 (18 mm - 250 mm. Stick with the Sony lens folks. It is solid responsive, and a great overall wide angle/telephoto lens. Why schlep around 2 kit lens' when you can virtually have it all in one? (: OK back to the camera. OK now, some cons: The camera is a bit on the heavy side (But then again I'm really used to a point and shoot). This camera also lacks the ability to do a super magnified manual focus on the LCD during live view. This is not a real big deal to me for my needs. Auto focus works great, and manual focus works fine for me those rare times I use it. I love the tiltable 2.7 in live view screen. Got some incredible shots at ground level looking up (From a dog's eye view) I should say an ants eye view! That with the wide angle... wowza.. seriously creative shots without breaking your back or twisting your neck! I've been able to hand hold existing light shots down to 1/20 of a second, thanks to the anti shake feature. Pretty cool. I would have never thought I could take such a slow hand held pic without it being all blurred. I highly recommend purchasing an 8 gig CF card for this camera to maximize your data storage. You should get about 1,700 fine res .jpg pics per disk. Go for the faster speed CF card like the SanDisk Extreme III. They're cheap now, under a hundred bucks. I also recommend getting a UV filter and circular polarizer. Again, stick with Sony filters. Now that you have such a great camera, you'll want the really nice quality filters. You'll have fun with this camera and your friends will drool over your pictures!!!