Sony to Release DSLR-A300

July 3, 2008: Next month will see the local release of Sony’s DSLR- A300 camera, which was first announced at the PMA International Trade Show in January.
Featuring a 23.6 x 15.8 mm CCD imager with an effective resolution of 10.2 megapixels, coupled with the latest iteration of Sony’s BIONZ image processing engine, the A300 is a step up from the entry-level A200 model. It boasts a 2.7-inch, variable angle Clear Photo LCD screen with a high 230,400-dot resolution. With a 130-degree upward and 40-degree downward tilt, the variable angle screen allows for a wide range of shooting angles. The new camera supports Sony’s Quick AF Live View technology, which combines the convenience of live image previews with through-the-lens (TTL) phase-detection autofocusing.

Front view of the DSLR-A300 with the DT 18-70mm lens, showing the pop-up flash raised.

Rear view showing the on-screen menu system.
The popular body-integrated Super SteadyShot image stabilisation system delivers enhanced anti-shake performance in the A300 with improved control algorithms, enabling users to shoot at shutter speeds of 2.5 to 3.5 steps slower than non-stabilised cameras allow. The new model also features Sony’s anti-dust system, which combines filter vibration with a special anti-static coating on the low-pass filters to prevent dust build-up.

The variable-angle LCD can be tilted upwards for waist-level shooting …

… or swung outwards to make viewing shots easier.
Combined with the advanced centre-cross 9-point autofocus sensor system, the A300 delivers fast, accurate autofocusing performance in both live view and optical viewfinder shooting modes. Also, increased accuracy of predictive focusing makes shooting moving subjects easier. When shooting in live view mode, an advanced 1200-zone metering system uses the dedicated live view image sensor to evaluate light levels and colour distribution to achieve optimum image exposure. In addition, the Smart Teleconverter function applies zoom scaling on images with no reduction in image quality, achieving an equivalent of 1.4x or 2x magnification with a push of a button.
Powered by the BIONZ processor, the enhanced D-Range Optimiser ensures more natural, evenly-exposed pictures, particularly when shooting high-contrast and strong backlit scenes. This function is available in all formats (including RAW) and metering modes. The A300 supports ISO settings up to 3200 with high ISO noise reduction activating automatically at ISO 1600 or ISO 3200.
Other features include a large battery capacity of up to approximately 730 shots/charge when the viewfinder is used for shot composition. A built-in pop-up flash fires automatically when required in the Auto and Scene Selection modes. Continuous shooting is supported at up to 3 fps in optical viewfinder mode or 2 fps in live view mode. Creative Style settings enable easy adjustment of image parameters to suit user’s preference and creativity.
The DSLR-A300 will be offered with a Sony DT 18-70mm lens for an RRP of $999 or as a twin lens kit with DT 18-70mm and 55-200mm lenses for $1149. For more information, visit www.sony.com.au.