14 DAY TRIAL // With all the rumors on the new Nikon and Canon DSLRs 'floating' around, you might not remember that Sony is also expected to announce its latest models of digital single lens reflex cameras.
Sony first showcased the two models at the PMA 2007 show, but the company's representatives were not allowed (or simply didn't know) to share too many details. In fact, little to no information was provided. We only knew that one model is aimed at advanced amateurs and the other, supposedly a full-frame DSLR, is designed for pros. Aside from the two aforementioned DSLR, Sony also showcased new lenses, but they do not make the object of this article.
Although details concerning the flagship model are still scarce, when it comes to the advanced ones, we now have a better image of what to expect. Note that these are not official specifications, so they should only be regarded as speculations. You can find more details on Sony's plans and specifications here and here.
Apparently, the advanced model will have a CCD sensor with a 1.25 crop factor, close to Canon's 1.3 APS-H unit found in the professional 1D Mark III, with a whopping 14.4MP resolution. The specs also mention that the camera will be able to reach 5 frames per second in continuous mode and that the A300 (rumored moniker) will have two Bionz image processors, again similar to the 1D Mark III, which has two Digic III units. Regarding the crop factor, rumors say that a switch will enable photographers to use lenses specifically designed for the 1.5 sensor found in the Alpha 100 model.
In terms of ISO sensitivity, the camera will be able to work in the 100-3200 range, with an extended mode for ISO 80 and 6400. Other important features include a wireless flash system which also works with the pop-up flash and focal plane compatibility (the ability to use faster shutter times at the expense of flash power) with the hot-shoe strobes.
Regarding the flagship model, the rumor mill has revealed one single detail, the resolution. The full-frame A500, again a rumored moniker, will sport a Sony ClearVid CMOS with 20 megapixels.
It remains to be seen if these specs prove to be true, or at least some of them. Even so, although initially not given many chances against DSLR giants Canon and Nikon, Sony might soon have a competitive digital single lens reflex lineup.
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