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Sony Alpha A100K 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera Kit with 18-70mm f3.5-5.6 Lens
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| Price: | $699.62 |
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Ships from and sold by Wall Street Photo
18 new or used available from $399.95
Average customer review:
Product Description
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
Product Details
- Amazon Sales Rank: #4208 in Camera & Photo
- Brand: Sony
- Model: DSLRA100K
- Released on: 2006-07-23
- Dimensions: 4.00" h x 3.00" w x 6.00" l, 3.00 pounds
- Display size: 2.5
Features
- 10-megapixel CCD captures enough detail for photo-quality 18 x 24-inch prints
- Kit includes 18-70mm f3.5-4.5 lens
- In-camera image stabilization and anti-dust vibration systems; Eye-Start Autofocus system
- 2.5-inch LCD display; 9-point autofocus system; 40-segment multi-pattern honeycomb metering
- Powered by lithium-ion battery (supplied); stores images on CF I/II and Memory Stick Duo cards
Editorial Reviews
From the Manufacturer
Why Sony? Because people want to take better pictures--and the all-new Sony α DSLR-A100 camera makes it easier to explore all the creative possibilities of digital photography. Sony electronic innovations for higher sensitivity, smoother image stabilization, and superior picture quality give the α system spectacular DSLR performance with amazing simplicity. Along with superb Sony and Carl Zeiss lenses and a full range of professional accessories, the Sony α DSLR-A100 camera also builds on 20 years of Minolta camera optics to provide instant compatibility with over 16 million A-mount lenses sold worldwide.
With advanced electronics, superb Sony and Carl Zeiss lenses, and amazing creative capabilities, the Sony α DSLR-A100 camera brings better pictures within easy reach. It introduces Sony imaging innovations like high-sensitivity shooting with Super SteadyShot in-camera image stabilization, Dynamic Range Optimizer to automatically increase detail in bright and dark picture areas, new Anti-Dust technology to keep the CCD imager clean for better pictures, and Eye-Start Autofocus system for faster camera response. It also builds on a two-decade legacy of Minolta photographic leadership, accepting millions of A-mount lenses sold worldwide.
Please note: The "K" in this camera's model number indicates that it is a kit version of the DSLR-A100.
Superior Electronics, Amazing Simplicity
In the revolutionary new Sony α DSLR-A100 camera, Sony digital technology takes you a giant step toward professional performance--with advanced imaging, image stabilization, and creative control functions, plus ease of operation that helps everyone take better digital pictures right from the start.
Advanced Lenses and Accessories
The Sony α DSLR-A100 camera is your gateway to an incredibly sophisticated array of lenses and accessories--including precision Sony standard and zoom lenses, Sony "G" Series lenses with advanced motorized autofocusing, amazingly bright Carl Zeiss T* coated lenses, professional-quality flash units, and compatibility with over 16 million Maxxum, Dynax, and A-mount lenses sold worldwide.
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A large APS-size CCD imager with Sony's advanced Super HAD (Hole Accumulated Diode) design allows more light to pass to each pixel, increasing sensitivity, reducing noise, and providing greater detail when you make big prints or crop in close on your subject.
Super SteadyShot Optical Image Stabilization
When you shoot with high sensitivity, the shutter remains open longer--so to compensate for shaky hands or fast-moving subjects, the Sony Super SteadyShot system automatically reduces image blur. And because it works in-camera, you'll get the benefit of Super SteadyShot stabilization with every lens you use.
Sharp, Clear Photos that Preserve the Mood
With high-sensitivity (ISO 1600) shooting, the Sony α DSLR-A100 camera captures great photos without flash even in low light--which makes it an ideal system camera for shooting without a tripod or in locations (like museums and churches) where flash is prohibited.
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Changing lenses in a DSLR can allow dust to enter the camera--so to keep the CCD imager clean for better pictures, the Sony α DSLR-A100 camera utilizes 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.
Dynamic Range Optimizer
To recover details in dark or bright areas of the picture, the Sony α DSLR-A100 camera provides two levels of Dynamic Range Optimization: Normal DRO, to improve shadow 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.
Bionz Image Processor
At the heart of the Sony α DSLR-A100 camera is the advanced Bionz Image Processor, using hardware-based Large Scale Integrated (LSI) circuitry that responds ten times faster than software image processors--improving camera response time, handling Dynamic Range Optimization processing, and extending Stamina battery life.
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Some DSLR systems don't start focusing until the shutter button is half-pressed--but that can slow down camera response. The Sony α DSLR-A100 camera begins its precision autofocus adjustments the moment you bring your eye to the viewfinder, to capture fast-action subjects other cameras might blur.
2.5-Inch Clear Photo LCD Plus Screen
The Clear Photo LCD Plus design of the Sony α DSLR-A100 camera's built-in screen makes it easy to read camera setup menus even in bright sunlight--and gives you a better picture when you use your screen to set up shots and check results.
Continuous Burst Mode at 3 Frames Per Second
To catch fast action more effectively, the Sony α DSLR-A100 camera offers continuous JPEG image capture up to the limit of your flash memory card--plus RAW Burst Mode (up to six shots) with intelligent buffer management to allow more shots to be captured without waiting for the buffer to clear.
18-70mm f3.5-4.5 Lens
The Sony α A100 kit includes a 18-70mm f3.5-4.5 3.9x zoom lens, equivalent to 27-105mm in 35mm photography.
Super-Accurate Exposure Control
A 40-segment honeycomb sensing system provides multi-pattern measuring for superior exposure control accuracy.
Flexible Exposure Modes
For greater creative freedom in a wide range of shooting conditions, the Sony α DSLR-A100 camera provides full manual exposure control as well as Program Auto, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, and Exposure Compensation modes.
9-Point Autofocus Selection
The Sony α DSLR-A100 camera gives you all the focusing options you need for composing your shot with foreground, background or off-center subjects--including manual focus point selection, Spot AF, Continuous AF, and AF Lock.
Lithium Ion Battery with Stamina Power
A supplied NP-FM55H Lithium Ion rechargeable battery lets you take up to 600 shots on a full charge, recharges quickly with supplied battery charger.
Dual Media Options
The Sony α DSLR-A100 camera accepts both CompactFlash Type I/II media and optional Memory Stick Duo media (with supplied adaptor).
Customer Reviews
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!
Unbelievable Long Battery Life
I bought the camera in Feb. and just charged twice since then. I charged the battery before my 10 days vacation in Europe, and took over 1,000 pictures (very beautiful) and the battery now is still 3/4 full!
Another advantage of this camera is the anti-shake function. I could take pictures with very low shutter speed (1-2 seconds) and the pictures are still sharp.
DUST IS MY ONLY PROBLEM
1. I purchased this camera (Sony a100) about a year and a half ago and it's lived up to my expectations. Photos are crisp and clear, controls are conviently located and the large LCD is handy although I wish it was the swivel type, battery life is good. I have three, one Sony and two much cheaper non-Sony. I wish the lens selection was a little better but this is just a hobby for me and SIGMA lenses are just as good and cheaper. There is some noise at low light levels but that's not a problem for me. My problem is dust bunnies inherent in all digital slrs in this class. But I have solve that too with a small bottle of ECLIPSE 2 and a few SENSOR PADS that fit the low pass filter to be cleaned. Sometimes it only takes a good whiff of dry air with the camera turned upside down. But sending it back to them until the warranty runs out consumes too much time and they don't do a very good job. My job was better. Last of all Sony has the gall to sell the A.C. adapter at well over $125.00 and then recommends that any type of cleaning (dust blower only) not be done without the A.C. adapter. This is of course so the mirror stays up while blowing off the dust. My advice is use a freshly charged battery; it only takes a few minutes to do a good cleaning with the blower or the more adventurous low pass filter. Be advised Sony will void the warranty if you screw up the CCD aka low pass filter while using the SENSOR PADS. But trust me, it's very easy to clean and the low pass filter is tougher than one suspects. Still, extreme caution and patience is needed with a light but firm stroke. By the way, the A.C. adapter can charge two batteries at once but still not worth the price and there are no substitutes because of the proprietary connection on the camera body, again Sony Only! Oh, there is also inaccessible dust inside the viewfinder, again inherent in all slrs in this class. My camera goes almost everywhere I go so there will be dust.
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