Inspiring ways to improve your photos
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Photo Review Reviews section
An affordable, easy-to-use DSLR camera with some useful functions to ensure high quality pictures.Sony’s new DSLR-A200 model replaces the A100 and is targeted at entry-level buyers, for whom it provides all the functions a keen photographer requires. Most of the features that were introduced with the A100 model are provided, including the 10.2-megapixel sensor. However, many have been upgraded or enhanced to make the new model a more Sony-like product. Live view shooting is not supported.
Most of the features of Sony’s new SLT-A77 in a smaller, lighter and more affordable body.The SLT-A65 is the second of two SLR-style interchangeable-lens cameras announced by Sony on 24 August, 2011. Like the SLT-A77, which was unveiled at the same time, it features Translucent (pellicle) Mirror Technology, a 24.3-megapixel APS-C-sized sensor and new BIONZ image processor. Many other features of the A65 are the same as in the higher-featured A77, including the superior XGA OLED Tru-Finder and movie recording capabilities.
A hybrid, high-definition video camcorder that can also capture 10.1-megapixel still images.Sony’s HDR-SR12 camcorder – and its sister model the HDR-SR11 (RRP $1999) – differ only in the capacity of their built-in hard disk drives (HDD), with the SR12 having twice the capacity of the SR11. Both models include some of the technologies developed for Sony’s still cameras and both support AVCHD video recording with a maximum video resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels.
An HD camcorder that records only to flash memory and is designed for point-and-press video photographers.The Handycam HDR-CX12 is similar in size and styling to the HDR-CX7 model, which it replaces. One of a rapidly-growing class of camcorders that record exclusively to flash memory (in this case Memory Stick Pro Duo), it’s also the first camcorder with Smile Shutter technology. This feature already appears in some digital still cameras that, like the CX12, are designed primarily for point-and-press shooters. Automatic Face Detection technology is also provided with the ability to identify up to eight human faces.
Available in blue, silver or black, Sony’s DSC-P150 sports a 7-megapixel sensor and Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar zoom lens. Both multi-pattern and spot metering are supported, but exposure adjustments can only be made in the P and scene modes. However, only two aperture settings are provided; f2.8 and f5.6 at the wide position, and f5.2 and f10 for tele. Flash output levels are adjustable in P, M and scene modes and exposure compensation of +/- 2 EV in 0.3 EV steps is provided.
A superb touch-screen monitor and built-in photo storage give this pocketable camera wide appeal. Imaging performance is above average and colours are accurately recorded.Sony’s recently-released Cyber-shot DSC-N1 camera breaks new ground in the slimline digicam market because it allows users to shoot and display pictures in a totally new – and remarkably engaging – way. As well as boasting a high-resolution CCD sensor, the N1 has a huge, touch-sensitive LCD screen that is used for adjusting camera settings, composing shots and viewing both just-captured and previously-stored pictures.
Available in red, blue or silver, Sony’s DSC-P100 sports a 5-megapixel sensor and Carl Zeiss Vario Tessar 3x zoom lens. Full auto Program AE and manual settings accompany nine pre-set scene modes. Flash levels are adjustable in P, M and scene modes and exposure compensation of +/- 2 EV in 0.3 EV steps is provided. A live histogram display is available but exposure adjustments can only be made in the P and scene modes.
A compact – and competent – long-zoom digicam with 8-megapixel resolution and Full HD 1080 widescreen still picture recording.Sony has packed an optically-stabilised Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar 10x optical zoom lens and 8-megapixel imager into a compact body in its new DSC-H3 Cyber-shot camera. Small and light for a long-zoom camera, the H3 is well designed. Neither optical nor electronic viewfinder is provided and the 2.5-inch, 115,000-pixel LCD takes up most of the rear panel, leaving little space for control buttons, although most are large enough and adequately spaced.
The DSC-F88 has the highest resolution of Sony’s rotating lens digicams but its 5-megapixel sensor is smaller than that on the DSC-W1, P100 and P93 models, and the lens isn’t as fast. However, it’s small enough to slip in a purse or jacket pocket. Four still shooting modes are provided – auto, program AE, manual and scene – plus a movie setting that captures VGA clips at 16.6 frames per second or ‘video mail’ at 160 x 112 pixels and 8.3fps. While the auto setting provides few adjustments, the P mode lets you access exposure compensation, focusing, metering, white balance, ISO, quality, burst, picture effect, saturation, contrast and sharpness settings. M mode adds the ability to adjust apertures and shutter speeds independently.
A lightweight tele-zoom lens with an excellent price/performance ratio.Sony’s SAL75300 75-300mm f/4.5-5.6 lens partners the 18-70mm kit lens in some twin-lens kits. Compatible with both APS-C and 35mm ‘full frame’ Alphas, on the A55 body we used for our tests it provided focal lengths equivalent to 112.5-450mm in 35mm format. This range is useful for portraiture and shots of wildlife and also handy for close-ups of flowers and other small objects, where the lens will focus down to 1.5 metres.
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