New Sony Alpha digital SLR cameras – the 230, 330 and 380

Sony Australia has added three new Alpha digital single-lens reflex (D-SLR) cameras to its range. Sony’s new 230 (pictured above), 330 and 380 DSLR cameras are elegantly designed, lightweight and more compact, delivering greater usability for first time DSLR users to capture the perfect photograph.

Weighing a mere 450 grams, the 230 is the world’s lightest DSLR camera with a built-in image stabilisation system in its body. The 330 and 380 models also incorporate Sony’s unique Quick AF Live View technology for quick and easy live view operation.

The 380 is equipped with a 14.2-megapixel CCD image sensor, while the 330 and 230 sport a 10.2-megapixel CCD image sensor. These large, APS-C type CCD sensors support the effective capturing of light and enable users to record superb images that are high in resolution and rich in tonal gradation. Alongside the high-speed BIONZ image processing engine, you can be assured of true-to-life images.

Easy-to-use

All of the new models feature a menu system with built-in colourful intuitive Graphic Display option and Help Guide, enabling users to effortlessly navigate through the cameras’ menus, functions and settings.

The new default ‘Graphic’ setting allows entry-level users to intuitively grasp the relationship between aperture and shutter speed, and understand the effect that each has on photographic results through simple icons and graduated scales.

The on-screen Help Guide provides explanations with shooting tips and sample photos to help new DSLR users understand and make full use of their camera. For hassle-free scene selection, the mode dial on the top of the camera also offers instant access to six Scene Selection modes.

Finally, ensuring the new range is easier than ever to use, Sony has reduced the number of buttons exposed and consolidated the most frequently used controls on the right side of the camera to enable a quicker and easier operation with just one hand. This also allows for users of Sony’s Cyber-shot digital still cameras to easily transition to the latest DSLR camera.

Image processing tech

All three of the new entry-level models incorporate SteadyShot INSIDE image stabilisation, automatically countering unwanted camera shakes so users can enjoy blur-free pictures with any lens. Additionally, the 380 and 330 are equipped with Quick AF Live View, a Sony-exclusive feature that enables users to benefit from the speed and accuracy of phase-detection autofocus, even when using the LCD screen to frame their subjects. This feature also allows for first time users to quickly capture and learn the effects of various settings on a DSLR camera to achieve that perfect photograph.

Featured on all three models is an improved D-Range Optimiser and auto white balance adjustment. Derived from technologies developed from the top-of-line 900 DSLR camera, these features, powered by the BIONZ image processor, enable photographers of all levels to capture the full range of contrast and colour in a scene with confidence.

The variable-angle 2.7 inch Clear Photo LCD on the 330 and 380 enables wider range of monitor movement, so it can now be tilted downwards by 55 degrees and upwards by 135 degrees, giving more freedom when shooting from tricky angles. A new Auto Brightness Control function improves visibility of pictures over previous models, by monitoring surround light levels and automatically boosting LCD monitor brightness.

Furthermore, all three cameras also feature an exclusive Eye-Start AF function that automatically activates the autofocus when the user is looking through the viewfinder.

Get your shots on TV

Sharing stunning DSLR photos with friends and family is easier than ever, as the new models are the first entry-level cameras to be equipped with HDMI output, for high-quality Full HD photo display on HDTVs. All three models support PhotoTV HD, which allows playback of optimised Full HD images when connected to a compatible BRAVIA LCD TV from Sony in photo mode.

BRAVIA Sync compatibility also increases convenience for users, allowing them to use one BRAVIA LCD TV remote to control a variety of HDMI-linked Sony devices, including the new cameras.

For further ease, the new models incorporate dual memory card slots. The Memory Stick Duo slot supports high-capacity Memory Stick PRO Duo and Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo media, including the latest Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo HX cards. The additional SD (Secure Digital) slot is also SDHC-compliant.

The range, price and availability

  • Model number: DSLRA230 – 10.2 mega-pixels
  • Model number: DSLRA330 – 10.2 mega-pixels
  • Model number: DSLRA380 – 14.2 mega-pixels

All will be available in July 2009, with pricing yet to be confirmed.