Sony Alpha A100 Due in July

June 5, 2006 By Geoff Duncan

Sony's Alpha A100 DSLR camera is due in July and sports some nifty features, including 10 megapixels and anti-dust technology...but can you handle the price tag?

Sony has finally unveiled the specs for its forthcoming α(alpha) A100 DLSR camera, which rolls SLR technology from Minolta into Sony’s panache for nifty electronics.

The Alpha A100 features a 10 megapixel Super HAD (Hole Accumulated Diode) which is designed to enable to more light to pass each pixel, increasing sensitivity while reducing noise. The camera also features image stabilization technology built into the camera body (rather than the lens) so any attached A-mount lens benefits from the feature, a nifty anti-dust technology which literally shakes particles and litter off the CCD when you turn the camera off, and nift new “eye-start” autofocusing which engages autofocus when users peer into the viewfinder, rather than requiring the awkward and ever-flubbed half-press of the shutter.

The A100 also features a 2.5-inch LCD, a 3 fps burst mode, plus support for both CompactFlash and Memory Stock Duo media. The basic camera will be available with and without the SAL-1870 general purpose lens, which offers wide-angle 27mm wide angle to to 105mm midrange telephoto capabilities.

The α (alpha) A100 will be available in July for around $1,000 (with the SAL-1870 lens) and about $900 without. A range of telephoto, zoom, and wide angle lenses are also available, along with batteries, cases, flashes, remotes, and other accessories.

Showing 2 comments

Tim Stevens at 11:12pm 8th June 2006 This camera is definitely dressed to impress. I like the anti-dust feature and the stabalizer. I'm really curious how the autozoom works when you peer through the view finder. How would you have it re-focus if you move the camera, or if the subject moved? Do you have to move your eye out of the view finder? That would be awkward.
John Griffin at 5:32pm 8th June 2006 I have been a Minoltaholic since the 70's. The equipment has always delivered excellent images and been extremely dependable. In that time I have only had to have camera repair done three times. Once because someone sat on the camera and broke the flash shoe, once because of a shutter problem and once because a shutter button fell off. Thanks Sony for continuing to use the "mind of Minolta" to give all of us Minoltaholics products that will continue to satisfy.