In case anyone missed it, Sony bought Konica-Minolta's camera business earlier this year, and yesterday they issued the official announcement on their first model DSLR, the Alpha 100 which is their introductory DSLR which nominally replaces the KM 5D. The replacement for the 7D is expected in September.
Along with the new camera, Sony is introducing 20 or so lenses with their brand, most of which are rebadged Minolta lenses. Some are brand new, however, as Sony has established a deal with Zeiss to produce DSLR lenses for the Alpha line. Zeiss is making a 16-80 zoom, and two primes: 85mm and 135mm.
Ok, specs of the new camera:
-10.2MP CCD sensor (might be similar or the same as Nikon's D200 sensor)
-Super Steady Shot (formerly Anti-Shake) built into the body so every lens reduces blur -- Sony claims up to 3.5 stops benefit, ie., they improved the blur reduction
-Anti-dust system that prevents dust from adhering with a new coating and removes any dust with a "shake"
-A new hardware engine for picture processing
-750-shot battery life (unfortunately not InfoLithium)
-Retail price: $899 for body only, $999 for body with 18-70mm kit lens
There's more in the preview below, but those are highlights. Now, do I wait until July or get a cheaper 7D today?
Here's the Sony link: Sony Alpha site
And here's the preview at DPReview: Alpha 100
Along with the new camera, Sony is introducing 20 or so lenses with their brand, most of which are rebadged Minolta lenses. Some are brand new, however, as Sony has established a deal with Zeiss to produce DSLR lenses for the Alpha line. Zeiss is making a 16-80 zoom, and two primes: 85mm and 135mm.
Ok, specs of the new camera:
-10.2MP CCD sensor (might be similar or the same as Nikon's D200 sensor)
-Super Steady Shot (formerly Anti-Shake) built into the body so every lens reduces blur -- Sony claims up to 3.5 stops benefit, ie., they improved the blur reduction
-Anti-dust system that prevents dust from adhering with a new coating and removes any dust with a "shake"
-A new hardware engine for picture processing
-750-shot battery life (unfortunately not InfoLithium)
-Retail price: $899 for body only, $999 for body with 18-70mm kit lens
There's more in the preview below, but those are highlights. Now, do I wait until July or get a cheaper 7D today?
Here's the Sony link: Sony Alpha site
And here's the preview at DPReview: Alpha 100