Sony has introduced three new Alpha Digital SLR cameras - DSLR-A380, DSLR-A330 and DSLR-A230 and four new lenses. Targetting first time users the cameras come with plastic lenses. Photo Credit: Sony

May 18, 2009, (Sawf News) - Sony has introduced three new Alpha Digital SLR cameras - DSLR-A380, DSLR-A330 and DSLR-A230 and four new lenses. Targetting first time users the cameras come with plastic lenses.

They feature incremental improvements over Sony’s previous models A200, A300 and A350, with the new models being smaller, lighter and cheaper than the predecessors.

The 10.2 megapixel Alpha 230 camera is the lightest, most compact alpha DSLR camera body ever at 15.9 ounces. The 10.2 megapixel Alpha 330 and the 14.2 megapixel Alpha 380 cameras are also smaller and lighter than their predecessor models (the DSLR-A300 and DSLR-A350, respectively).

The cameras feature image stabilization built into the camera body, so every a-mount lens benefits from the ability to minimize blur due to camera shake.

Sony DSLR-A380. Photo Credit: Sony

Both the A380 and A330 cameras retain the 2.7-inch flip-out LCD to frame photos with a dedicated image sensor (Quick AF Live View) to speed up autofocus when using the LCD. The range of adjustment has been increased from their predecessors, making it even easier to get shots from difficult angles.

By combining Quick AF Live View and an adjustable LCD, users can frame the scene without holding the camera in front of their face, allowing parents, for example, to maintain eye-contact when photographing their children for more natural expressions.

The new Sony cameras come in camera-and-lens packages. In addition to the two new standard zoom and telephoto lenses that are offered with the camera bodies, the company introduced new portrait and macro lenses. These purpose-built lenses make it much easier to obtain professional-looking, creative results.

Sony DSLR-A330. Photo Credit: Sony

These lenses feature a Smooth Autofocus Motor (SAM) that enables in-lens auto focus (AF) drive for smooth, quiet operation, and high optical performance in a compact size.

The DT 18-55mm F/3.5-5.6 standard zoom lens (model SAL-1855) incorporates aspherical and Extra-low Dispersion (ED) elements to provide an all purpose lens with outstanding image quality.

The DT 55-200mm F/4-5.6 telephoto zoom lens (model SAL-55200/2) features an ED glass element and helps bring distant subjects closer, ideal for capturing sports. Both the SAL-1855 and SAL-55200 lenses are available separately, or packaged as kits with the new cameras.

To make the benefits of portrait and macro photography easier and more accessible, Sony is introducing a DT 50mm F/1.8 portrait lens (model SAL-50F18) and DT 30mm F/2.8 (model SAL-30M28) macro lens.

The a380L, a330L and a230L will cost about $850, $650 and $550, respectively. The L series one-lens kit comes with the SAL-1855 standard zoom lens.

The a380Y, a330Y and a230Y will cost about $1050, $850 and $750, respectively. The Y series two-lens kit comes with both the SAL-1855 standard zoom and SAL-55200 telephoto zoom lenses.

Pre-orders will begin on May 18, 2009 at www.sonystyle.com/retail and at selected retailers nationwide. The cameras and a range of accessories will be available in July at Sony Style retail stores (www.sonystyle.com/retail), at military base exchanges and at authorized dealers nationwide.

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