Sony Alpha

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Sony Alpha α
Type Brand name used by Sony Corp for their line of DSLR/SLT cameras
Founded Tokyo, Japan (2006)
Headquarters Konan, Minatu-ku, Tokyo, Japan
Products Lenses, camera bodies
Website www.sonydigitalimaging.com
The Sony A-mount on a Tamron SP 17-50mm F2.8.
The Sony A-mount on an α33 camera.

Sony Alpha, stylized as Sony α (Greek letter alpha), is a digital SLR camera system introduced on 5 June 2006.[1] It utilizes and expands upon Konica Minolta camera technologies, including the Minolta AF SLR lens mount, whose assets were acquired by Sony after the end of Minolta's camera operations in early 2006. Sony also has an 11.08% ownership stake in Japanese lens manufacturer Tamron,[2] which is known to have partnered with Konica Minolta and Sony in the design and manufacture of many zoom lenses.

Prior to the acquisition by Sony, the α branding had already been used on the Japanese market by Minolta for their AF camera system (marketed as "Dynax" in Europe, and "Maxxum" in North America.) Sony adopted the name "A-mount system" for the Minolta AF lens mount which has been retained in their new SLR range.[3]

Sony's entry into the DSLR market dates back to July 2005 where a joint venture with Konica Minolta would have resulted in both companies marketing an updated line of DSLRs to the masses. [4] Between 2006 and 2008 Sony was the fastest growing company on the DSLR market, reaching 13% market share in 2008 to become the third largest DSLR company in the world.[5] In August 2011, Sony confirmed that it is working on the production of full-frame Alpha cameras. [6] In May 2010, Sony introduced two Alpha NEX mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras equipped with proprietary Sony E-mount.[7]

Contents

[edit] List of camera bodies

Sony Alpha 900 with Carl Zeiss 135mm f/1.8
Sony Alpha 55 with Sony 1680Z (Carl Zeiss)
Sony Alpha 390 with 18-55 lenc (Vtelrunya)

The Sony Alpha model system works on the principle that the next model up in the series has additional features to the one below e.g. the α330 has the features of the base model α230 but with a tilt-angle LCD and Quick AF Live View; whilst the α380 has the settings and features of the α330 but increased resolution of 14.2 megapixels.

All Sony APS-C DSLRs have Live View, except for the Sony α100, α200 and α700 series. Live View mode features a 1.4x or 2x Smart Teleconverter which digitally zooms in on the subject and reproduces pixels on a 1:1 basis, preventing degradation of picture quality.[8]

The designation "SLT" stands for "Single Lens Translucent" (a misnomer) which refers to a fixed beam splitter in the image path. Sony SLT can shoot movie files at Full HD 1080p AVCHD with continuous phase detection auto focus.[9]

Along with the α33 and α55 cameras, Sony also announced the Sony α560 which can also shoot movie files at full HD stereo 1080p AVCHD, but with limited manual controls and no continuous AF.[10]

Sony α33, α55 and α560 use the same technology Sony EXMOR APS HD CMOS sensor. The α33 and α55 are SLT based (fixed translucent mirrors) and can take movie files with continuous Auto Focus, whereas DSLRs using reflex mirrors typically cannot, at least not without limitations.[11][12]

Body Model No. Mount Sensor User Level Release date Availability
Full frame DSLR
α900 DSLR-A900 A-mount CMOS Professional September 2008 Discontinued
α850 DSLR-A850 A-mount CMOS Professional September 2009 Discontinued
APS-C DSLR
α100 DSLR-A100, DSLR-A100/S (silver-colored body) A-mount CCD Midrange July 2006 Discontinued
α700 DSLR-A700 (only US-model with grip-sensor) A-mount CMOS Semi-pro September 2007 Discontinued
α200 DSLR-A200 A-mount CCD Entry level January 2008 Discontinued
α300 DSLR-A300, DSLR-A300K/N (champagne gold-colored set) A-mount CCD Entry level January 2008 Discontinued
α350 DSLR-A350, DSLR-A350K/N (champagne gold-colored set) A-mount CCD Entry level January 2008 Discontinued
α230 DSLR-A230 A-mount CCD Entry level May 2009 Discontinued
α330 DSLR-A330, DSLR-A330L/T (copper brown-colored set) A-mount CCD Entry level May 2009 Discontinued
α380 DSLR-A380 A-mount CCD Entry level May 2009 Discontinued
α500 DSLR-A500 A-mount CMOS Midrange October 2009 Discontinued
α550 DSLR-A550 A-mount CMOS Midrange October 2009 Discontinued
α450 DSLR-A450 A-mount CMOS Midrange February 2010 Discontinued
α290 DSLR-A290 A-mount CCD Entry level June 2010 Discontinued
α390 DSLR-A390 A-mount CCD Entry level June 2010 Discontinued
α560 DSLR-A560 A-mount CMOS Midrange August 2010 Discontinued
α580 DSLR-A580 A-mount CMOS Midrange August 2010 Current
APS-C SLT
α33 SLT-A33 A-mount CMOS Entry level August 2010 Discontinued
α55 SLT-A55V (with GPS), SLT-A55 (without GPS) A-mount CMOS Midrange August 2010 Current
α35 SLT-A35 A-mount CMOS Entry level August 2011 Current[13]
α65 SLT-A65V (with GPS), SLT-A65 (without GPS) A-mount CMOS Midrange October 2011 Current[14][15]
α77 SLT-A77V (with GPS), SLT-A77 (without GPS) A-mount CMOS Semi-pro October 2011 Current[14][15]
APS-C interchangeable lens compact digital camera
NEX-3 NEX-3 (with Eye-Fi), NEX-3C (without Eye-Fi) E-mount CMOS Entry level May 2010 Discontinued
NEX-5 NEX-5 (with Eye-Fi), NEX-5C (without Eye-Fi) E-mount CMOS Entry level May 2010 Discontinued
NEX-C3 NEX-C3 E-mount CMOS Entry level June 2011 Current
NEX-5N NEX-5N E-mount CMOS Entry level August 2011 Current
NEX-7 NEX-7 E-mount CMOS Midrange August 2011 Current

[edit] Lenses and tele-converters

The α lens mount, originally known as the A-type bayonet mount was introduced by Minolta in 1985 as the world's first autofocus system. As a result, virtually all Minolta AF lenses are supported on Sony DSLRs, and many Sony lenses work on Minolta's film and digital SLRs.

During the initial introduction of the α system in 2006, Sony announced 19 lenses and 2 tele-converters, of which the majority are rebranded Konica Minolta lenses. MSRP and month of introduction are included for these lenses, below.

At the 2007 PMA Trade Show, Sony unveiled several new lenses, but has referred to them only in qualitative terms, not providing specific specifications. As a result, these newly announced lenses are not included in this list.

On 18 May 2009 Sony introduced the first A-mount lenses to feature their new SAM (Smooth Auto-focus Motor) in-lens auto-focus motor for more lens-specific AF Speed improvements and silent operation. This introduction was made with the new X+30 series camera bodies (α350 + 30 = α380). These new bodies retain an in-body focus motor for backward compatibility with the historic lens collection. In addition, the new bodies utilize HDMI output for display on HDTV sets and feature dual memory card slots for both Sony's proprietary Memory Stick Pro Duo chips as well as SDHC media format, while eliminating CompactFlash support.[16]

[edit] Designations

DT "Digital Technology", lenses for APS-C size sensors, only.
G "Gold" series, Sony's line-up of high-grade lenses.
ZA "Zeiss Alpha", manufactured and designed lenses by Carl Zeiss specifically made for Sony Alpha cameras.
SSM "SuperSonic Motor", silent in-lens ultrasonic motor used on some lenses.
SAM "Smooth Autofocus Motor", cheap in-lens motor offered on some entry level lenses since 2009.

[edit] Rebranded Konica Minolta lenses

Model Lens VX code Distance encoder Weather sealed RRP Release date
Zoom Lenses
SAL-1118 DT 11-18mm f/4.5-5.6 VX8912 Yes No US$650 August 2006
SAL-1870 DT 18-70mm f//3.5-5.6 VX8909 Yes No US$200 July 2006
SAL-18200 DT 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 VX8911 Yes No US$500 July 2006
SAL-24105 24-105mm f/3.5-4.5 VX8914 Yes No US$470 November 2006
SAL-70200G 70-200mm f/2.8 G SSM VX8913 Yes No US$2000 August 2006
SAL-75300 75-300mm f/4.5-5.6 VX8910 Yes No US$230 July 2006
Prime Lenses
SAL-16F28 16mm f/2.8 Fisheye VX8917 No No US$1000 October 2006
SAL-20F28 20mm f/2.8 VX8918 No No US$680 October 2006
SAL-28F28 28mm f/2.8 VX8919 No No US$250 October 2006
SAL-35F14G 35mm f/1.4 G (updated optics and mechanics) VX8900 Yes No US$1400 October 2006
SAL-50F14 50mm f/1.4 (updated electro-mechanics) VX8915 Yes No US$350 July 2006
SAL-50M28 50mm f/2.8 Macro VX8922 Yes No US$480 July 2006
SAL-100M28 100mm f/2.8 Macro VX8923 Yes No US$680 July 2006
SAL-135F28 135mm f/2.8 [T4.5] Smooth Trans Focus (STF) (updated mechanics) VX8920 No No US$1200 October 2006
SAL-300F28G 300mm f/2.8 G SSM VX8916 Yes No US$6000 September 2006
SAL-500F80 500mm f/8 Reflex VX8921 No No US$700 October 2006

[edit] Rebranded Konica Minolta tele-converters

Model No. Lens VX code Distance encoder Weather sealed RRP Release Date
SAL-TC14 1.4× Tele-converter VX8924 Yes No US$600 September 2006
SAL-TC20 2.0× Tele-converter VX8925 Yes No US$650 September 2006

[edit] Carl Zeiss lenses

Model No. Lens VX code Distance encoder Weather sealed RRP Release Date
Zoom Lenses
SAL-1680Z Vario-Sonnar T* DT 16-80mm f/3.5-4.5 ZA VX8906 Yes No US$750 April 2007
SAL-2470Z Vario-Sonnar T* 24-70mm f/2.8 ZA SSM VX8903 Yes No US$1600 February 2008
SAL-1635Z Vario-Sonnar T* 16-35mm f/2.8 ZA SSM VX8904 Yes No US$1900 February 2009
Prime Lenses
SAL-85F14Z Planar T* 85mm f/1.4 ZA VX8901 Yes No US$1370 October 2006
SAL-135F18Z Sonnar T* 135mm f/1.8 ZA VX8902 Yes No US$1480 October 2006
SAL-24F20Z Distagon T* 24mm f/2 ZA SSM VX8932 Yes No US$1250 July 2010

[edit] Rebranded Tamron lenses

Model No. Lens VX code Distance encoder Weather sealed RRP Release Date
Zoom Lenses
SAL-18250 DT 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3 VX8930 Yes No US$580
SAL-55200 DT 55-200mm f/4-5.6 VX8927? Yes No US$180 Superseded by SAL-55200-2
SAL-55200-2 DT 55-200mm f/4-5.6 SAM Yes No March 2009
SAL-2875 28-75mm f/2.8 SAM VX8942 Yes No US$800 September 2009
SAL-1118 DT 11-18mm f/4.5-5.6 VX8912 Yes No
SAL-18200 DT 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 VX8911 Yes No

[edit] Sony-designed lenses

Model No. Lens VX code Distance encoder Weather sealed RRP Release Date
Zoom Lenses
SAL-16105 DT 16-105mm f/3.5-5.6 VX8931 Yes No US$500
SAL-70300G 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 G SSM VX8928 Yes No US$800 April 2008
SAL-70400G 70-400mm f/4-5.6 G SSM VX8905 Yes No US$1600 February 2009
SAL-1855 DT 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 SAM VX8935 Yes No US$200 March 2009
SAL-1650 DT 16-50mm f/2.8 SSM Yes Yes US$700 October 2011
Prime Lenses
SAL-50F18 DT 50mm f/1.8 SAM Yes No US$125 March 2009
SAL-30M28 DT 30mm f/2.8 Macro SAM Yes No US$175 March 2009
SAL-35F18 DT 35mm f/1.8 SAM Yes No US$200 July 2010
SAL-85F28 85mm f/2.8 SAM VX8945 Yes No US$250 July 2010
SAL-500F40G 500mm f/4 G SSM VX8943 Yes Yes US$13000 February 2012

[edit] Other accessories

[edit] Flash system

Main article: iISO flash shoe
iISO flash shoe used on Alpha DSLR

The hot shoe on Sony DSLRs (carried over from Minolta's Maxxum/Dynax/Alpha and its bridge digital DiMAGE A1/A2/A200 series) is not of the same design used by most other camera and accessory manufacturers. Adaptors, however, are available.

The first two flash models released by Sony (HVL-F36AM and HVL-F56AM) are, like the first generation of lenses, rebadged models of the Minolta Program Flash 3600HS(D) and the Minolta Program Flash 5600HS(D). Later on Sony expanded its flash system further, allowing advanced wireless flash control, including grouping of external flashes into groups with full ratio control.[17]

The HVL-RLAM is a ring-shaped LED continuous light, adapted for macro photos of static objects. The Sony flash system does not include a ring flash.

Model Guide number [m] ISO
HVL-F20AM 20 100
HVL-F36AM 36 100
HVL-F42AM 42 100
HVL-F43AM 43 100
HVL-F56AM 56 100
HVL-F58AM 58 100
HVL-RLAM Ring LED
HVL-MT24AM Twin macro flash

[edit] Vertical control grips

Grip VG-C70AM for Sony α700

Vertical control grips were released to numerous Alpha DSLRs, though with exception of most recent entry-level DSLRs: α230, α330, α380, α290 and α390. The new α65 will also get no vertical grip. All the vertical grips are sold separately.

Model Bodies
VG-B30AM α200, α300, α350
VG-B50AM α450, α500, α550, α560, α580
VG-C70AM α700
VG-C77AM α77
VG-C90AM α850, α900

[edit] References

  1. ^ "Sony enters the D-SLR camera market with innovative technologies to expand the creative possibilities" (Press release). Sony. 2006-06-05. http://news.sel.sony.com/en/press_room/consumer/digital_imaging/digital_cameras/pslr/release/22445.html. Retrieved 2006-08-31. 
  2. ^ "Stock Information" (Press release). Tamron Co., Ltd.. 2006-08-04. http://www.tamron.co.jp/en/investors/ir/index.html. Retrieved 2006-08-11. 
  3. ^ "Sony decides α as new brand for digital Single Lens Reflex (SLR) cameras" (Press release). Sony. 2006-04-20. http://www.sony.net/SonyInfo/News/Press/200604/06-033E/. Retrieved 2006-09-29. 
  4. ^ "Konica Minolta and Sony agree to jointly develop digital SLR cameras" (Press release). Konica Minolta Holdings, Inc.. 2005-07-19. http://konicaminolta.com/releases/2005/0719_01_01.html. Retrieved 2007-06-10. "Konica Minolta Photo Imaging, Inc. and Sony Corporation have reached an agreement to jointly develop digital Single Lens Reflex (SLR) cameras." 
  5. ^ "dSLR Worldwide Market Share, 2006-2008". http://www.photoscala.de/Artikel/DSLR-Welt-im-Wandel. Retrieved 24 March 2010. 
  6. ^ Olivier Laurent, British Journal of Photography. "Sony still planning full-frame camera." 25 August 2011. Retrieved 26 August 2011.
  7. ^ "Sony introduces world's smallest and lightest interchangeable lens digital cameras" (Press release). Sony. 2005-05-10. http://news.sel.sony.com/en/press_room/consumer/digital_imaging/digital_cameras/dslr/release/57311.html. 
  8. ^ Smart Teleconverter http://www.dynaxdigital.com/sony-alpha-300-330-350-380-discussion/smart-teleconverter/
  9. ^ Sony SLT-A55 Review: http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/sonyslta55/
  10. ^ http://www.dcresource.com/news/newsitem.php?id=4175
  11. ^ http://www.dpreview.com/news/1008/10082421sonyslta55a33.asp
  12. ^ http://news.sel.sony.com/en/press_room/consumer/digital_imaging/digital_cameras/dslr/release/58159.html
  13. ^ DP Review: A35
  14. ^ a b Imaging-resource: Sony Alpha SLT-A77
  15. ^ a b DP Review: Sony SLT-A77 Hands-on Preview
  16. ^ "Sony reveals new A380/330/230 camera bodies with lenses with 'SAM' AF technology" (Press release). dpreview.com. 2009-05-18. http://www.dpreview.com/news/0905/09051804sonyalphas.asp. Retrieved 2009-05-18. 
  17. ^ "New Sony α (Alpha) flagship flash unit expands creative possibilities with quick shift bounce" (Press release). Sony. 2008-06-19. http://news.sel.sony.com/en/press_room/consumer/digital_imaging/digital_cameras/release/35625.html. Retrieved 2010-07-17. 

[edit] External links

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Konica Minolta/Sony α Digital SLR timeline
Sensor 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012
3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1
Flagship Full frame α900
High-end α850
APS-C DG-7D α700 α77
Midrange α65
α55
DG-5D α100 α550 α580
α500 α560
α450
Entry-level α33 α35
α350 α380 α390
α300 α330
α200 α230 α290
Early models Still Video Back SB-90 for Minolta 9000 / Still Video Back SB-70 for Minolta 7000 (1986)
Minolta MS-C1100 (1992) · Minolta RD-175 (1995)

Single-lens translucent (SLT) camera  — HD video capable (Video AF)
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