Sony to Release DSLR-A350

January 31, 2008: Hot on the heels of the DSLR-A200, Sony has announced another new DSLR, the A350, which features a 14.2-megapixel imager and Quick AF Live View.
Designed for photo enthusiasts, the A350 has a 2.7-inch, variable-angle LCD monitor with 230,400 dot resolution and includes a range of technologies that make shooting faster and more straightforward. Anti-dust protection includes high-speed vibration of the low-pass filter in front of the imaging chip plus anti-static coatings that prevent particles from adhering to its surface. The 14.2-megapixel CCD image sensor provides class-leading performance with the aid of an optimised BIONZ image processor. A new D-Range Optimiser function ensures highlight and shadow details are recorded, even under contrasty lighting.

Front view with 18-70mm kit lens.
The Quick AF Live View function uses Sony’s proprietary Pentamirror Tilt mechanism, which directs light to a dedicated sensor and allows the camera’s TTL phase-detection AF system to operate when live view mode is in use. This ensures faster, more responsive autofocusing. The centre-cross 9-point AF system includes predictive AF for shooting moving subjects. Metering during live viewing is via a 1200-zone light sensor, which ensures optimum exposure balance.

Rear view showing monitor data display.
When the viewfinder is used, the camera operates with a 40-segment, honeycomb pattern SPC sensor and supports multi-pattern, centre-weighted and spot metering. The new camera comes with Sony’s Super SteadyShot image stabilisation, which works with all Alpha lenses and allows hand-held shooting at 2.5-3.5 f-stops slower than would otherwise be possible. Continuous shooting is supported at up to 2.5 frames/second. Sensitivity extends to ISO 3200, with user-selectable high-ISO noise reduction provided.

Angled view showing tilting LCD screen.
The new camera also has an auto pop-up flash with a GN of 12 (ISO 100/metres) and coverage for lenses as wide as 18mm. ADL pre-flash TTL control is supported. Creative Style settings are the same as on the A200 model. An advanced InfoLithium battery (NP-FM500H) provides power for up to 750 shots when the viewfinder is used. An optional vertical grip will be available.

Angled view with vertical grip.
The DSLR-A350 is scheduled for release in the first week of March. It will be offered as a body only for $1399, with the 18-70mm lens for $1549 or as a twin-lens kit with 18-70mm and 55-200mm lenses for $1699. For full product details and stockist information, visit www.sony.com.au.

SPECIFICATIONS

Image sensor: 23.5 x 15.7 mm CCD with 14.9 million photosites (14.2 megapixels effective)

Lens mount: Sony Alpha mount (Minolta lenses)
Image formats: ARW.RAW (12-bit); JPEG (fine, normal); RAW+JPEG
Image Sizes: 3:2 aspect ratio ““ 4592 x 3056, 3408 x 2272, 2288 x 1520; 16:9 aspect ratio

““ 4592 x 2576, 3408 x 1920, 2288 x 1280
Image Stabilisation: Body-integrated CCD-shift type

Dust removal: Vibration of optical low pass filter in front of sensor; charge protection coating on filter
Shutter speed range: 1/4000 to 30 sec plus Bulb; X-synch at 1/160 sec.

Exposure Compensation: +/- 2 EV in increments of 1/3EV
Self-timer: 2 or 10 sec. delay
Focus system: TTL phase detection with CCD line sensors; 9 AF points

Focus modes: Single-shot AF, continuous AF, manual focusing; wide and spot focusing modes plus AF point selection
Exposure metering: TTL full-aperture metering with 40-segment honeycomb pattern SPC; multi-segment, Centre-weighted, Spot metering
Shooting modes: Program AE, Shutter-priority auto, Aperture-priority auto, Manual; six Scene Selection modes (Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Sports, Sunset, Night Portrait)

Picture Style/Control settings: Standard, Vivid, Portrait, Landscape, Night View, Sunset, Black and White and Adobe RGB

Colour space options: sRGB, Adobe RGB
ISO range: ISO 100-3200
White balance: Auto, daylight, shade, cloudy, tungsten, fluorescent, flash; colour temperature setting; bracketing in increments of 3 frames
Flash: Built-in flash GN 12 (ISO 100 in metres)
Flash exposure adjustment: +/- 2 EV in 0.3 EV increments
Sequence shooting: Max. 2.5 fps with viewfinder; 2 fps in live view mode
Storage Media: CF Type I, II or Microdrive, single slot; Memory Stick via optional adaptor
Viewfinder: Eye-level penta-Dach-mirror; 95% coverage; approx. 0.83x magnification; 17.6mm eyepoint; dioptric adjustment -2.5 to +1 dpt

LCD monitor: Tilting 2.7-inch TFT colour LCD, 230,400 dots
Live viewing: Yes

Interface terminals: USB 2.0 Hi-speed, Video Out (PAL/NTSC)
Power supply: NP-FM500H rechargeable lithium-ion battery (up to 750 shots per charge)
Dimensions (wxhxd): 130.8 x 98.5 x 74.7 mm (body only)
Weight: Approx. 582 grams (body only)