Seagull SC-5 Hot Shoe Adapter For Minolta/Sony to PC and Standard Shoe
June 14, 2008 Posted by
The Seagull SC-5 flash adapter is specially designed to connect all standard shoe flashes to the proprietary Sony Alpha / Minolta Maxxum hot shoes. This will allow you to accept any flash or accessory having a standard shoe. This adapter is fully compatible to work with all Sony Alpha & Konica Minolta Maxxum SLR Cameras. It also provides a standard PC connection similar to the more expensive Sony FAST1AM Sony Sync Terminal Adapter and Konica Minolta Maxxum FS-1100 PLUS. With this adapter, you can expand your choice of flashes & accessories for your Sony Alpha / Minolta cameras.

Sony Alpha DSLR A300 review
Posted by
Alpha DSLR-A300 Highlights
10.2-megapixel Super HAD CCD Superb image quality gives you great DSLR shots right from the start, with a large APS-size CCD imager developed by Sony to expand dynamic range, and minimize noise more effectively for clear, sharp photos even at high sensitivity setting (up to ISO 3200).
Live Preview of your subject The DSLR-A300’s Live Preview mode links you and your subject on a large 2.7-inch LCD screen, for a familiar point-and-shoot style — with super-quick AF response and accurate exposure control to help you catch the perfect moment. In Live Preview mode, the camera bypasses the optical pentaprism mirror to create a live “eye-to-eye” view of loved ones, children, pets and fast-changing scenes.
Tiltable 2.7-inch Clear Photo LCD Plus screen A large built-in screen with 2-way angle tilt provides a sharp, clear view of your subject and tilts up or down for low-angle or high-angle monitoring in situations where you want a child-level or overhead shot.
Continuous shooting while viewing The DSLR-A300 lets you shoot continuously at up to 3 frames per second while you see your subject in the viewfinder2, so you never lose track of the action. In JPEG mode, you can shoot up to the limit of your flash memory card; in RAW Burst Mode you can capture up to 6 shots, with intelligent buffer management to allow more shots to be captured without waiting for the buffer to clear.
Smart teleconverter 2x zoom At the touch of a button you can zoom in electronically on your subject, reproducing pixels on a 1:1 basis with no degradation in picture quality. One touch zooms in at 1.4X, the second touch advances to 2X zoom — creating the 35mm equivalent of a 200mm telephoto effect with the DSLR-A300’s standard 18-70mm zoom lens.
Expanded ISO sensitivity A broad sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 3200 enables the DSLR-A300 to capture beautiful color images even in very dim light — with High ISO Noise Reduction technology that reduces picture noise artifacts at high-sensitivity ISO 1600 and ISO 3200 settings by eliminating noise from RAW data after analog-to-digital conversion.
Super SteadyShot in-camera image stabilization Because image stabilization is built into the DSLR-A300, every lens benefits by an advantage of from 2.5 to 3.5 exposure steps. This allows you to shoot effectively with minimum blur even in low light without flash — or adjust exposure control for smaller lens aperture, to increase depth of field and bring both foreground and background into sharp focus.
Bionz image processor The “brain” of the Alpha DSLR-A300 is the advanced Sony Bionz Image Processor, using hardware-based Large Scale Integrated (LSI) circuitry to enhance images with rich tonal reproduction, improved white balance and exposure control, and expanded D-Range Optimizer capabilities. With 2-channel data transfer from CCD to processor, your camera can also respond faster.
1200-zone evaluative metering Exposure information from the image sensor dedicated to Live View is divided into 1200 zones of luminance and RGB color information. In addition D-Range Optimizer technology contributes to judge the scene and then determine the optimum exposure to reproduce images with a more natural look.
Dynamic Range Optimizer To improve results with backlit subjects and recover details hidden in shadows or lost in glare, the DSLR-A300 provides Dynamic Range Optimizer at two levels: Normal DRO, to improve detail using standard gamma curves for fast shot-to-shot response time, or Advanced DRO, to adjust dynamic range area-by-area for the greatest precision.
Anti-Dust technology Changing lenses in a DSLR can allow dust to enter the camera — so to keep the CCD imager cleaner for better pictures, the DSLR-A300 utilizes both static-free anti-dust coating on the CCD filter and anti-dust vibration that automatically shakes the CCD to dislodge dust each time the camera is shut off.
Auto Pop-up flash The camera flash automatically pops up and fires when needed, to help first-time DSLR photographers shoot more effectively. Auto Pop-up works in Auto mode and some scene selection modes; Flash is cancelled in Landscape, Sport or Sunset modes and in “Flash Off” position on the Exposure Mode dial.
Eye-Start autofocus system It begins precision autofocus adjustments the moment you raise the camera to your eye — so unlike some DSLR cameras that don’t start focusing until the shutter button is half-pressed, the Sony DSLR-A300 never slows down your ability to catch fast action.
9-point center cross AF sensor A fast focus motor and improved focus control help bring images into sharp definition more quickly, with predictive focus control that automatically calculates the position of a fast-moving subject.
Scene Selection modes Along with auto exposure, the DSLR-A300 gives you scene selection modes to optimize camera performance for Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Sports, Sunset and Night Portrait/Night View situations.
Creative Style Settings To express your creativity and personal taste, you can adjust contrast, saturation and sharpness settings for any of 8 finishing styles — including Standard, Vivid, Portrait, Landscape, Night View, Sunset, B&W and Adobe RGB modes.
Index and Slide Show Display To quickly review your photos, the DSLR-A300 can display 4, 9 or 25-frame index views — or present automatic slide shows with fade-in/fade-out effect.
High-resolution thumbnails for PhotoTV HD viewing The DSLR-A300 automatically creates high-resolution thumbnail images for viewing on Sony’s BRAVIA HDTV in optimized PhotoTV HD mode, with image format adjustable for standard 3:2 or widescreen 16:9 display.
Function Guide Display On-screen menus are intuitive and easy to use — and a simple Camera Function Display can be activated and operated with one hand using the “Fn” (Function) button and controller button to adjust Flash mode, Autofocus mode, White Balance, Metering mode, AF area and D-Range Optimizer.
Stamina Battery Power In optical viewfinder mode, you can take up to 750 shots3 on a fully charged NP-FM500H InfoLithium battery — and you’ll be able to see about how much power remains in percentage increments, so you can keep shooting in confidence.
High-capacity media options For conveniently storing and sharing your images, the DSLR-A300 accepts CompactFlash Type I/II media and optional Memory Stick Pro Duo media.
AOptional advanced lenses and system accessories Sony’s Alpha system gives you everything you need to expand your creativity in DSLR photography: precision Sony DT zoom lenses and specialty lenses, Sony “G” Series lenses with advanced motorized autofocusing, amazingly bright Carl Zeiss lens designs, professional-quality flash units, and over 16 million Minolta a-mount lenses sold worldwide.
By : http://www.cameralabs.com/
Sony 24 -70mm f/2.8 Carl Zeiss Vario Sonnar T Zoom Lens for Sony Alpha Digital SLR Cameras
June 13, 2008 Posted by

High-performance Carl Zeiss® large-aperture zoom. The SAL-2470Z Carl Zeiss® Vario-Sonnar® f2.8 24-70mm Zoom Lens is a brilliant all-around performer—with SSM (Super Sonic wave Motor) design for fast, silent auto-focus, pro-quality Carl Zeiss® T* coated optics to reduce lens flare, and 17-element design with two aspherical and two ED glass lens elements to minimize distortion and virtually eliminate chromatic aberration. It also benefits from the Super SteadyShot® image stabilization built into every Sony ? system DSLR—and its wide-angle to medium telephoto range and compact, lightweight design is ideal for a wide range of shooting applications (35mm equivalent: 36-105mm).
Compact Design, All-Around Versatility
This superb 24-70mm zoom lens is an excellent choice for a wide range of photo applications — a lens you can put on and leave on, providing large-aperture brightness that’s easy to carry (35mm equivalent: 36-105mm).
Superior Large-Aperture Performance
Like other large-aperture Carl Zeiss® lens designs, this f2.8 24-70mm zoom lens is simply magnificent in its ability to capture brilliant high-resolution images in low-light conditions requiring fully open aperture.
In-Camera Image Stabilization
A major reason for its compact, lightweight design is the benefit of Super SteadyShot® in-camera image stabilization, built into every Sony ? system DSLR — and enabling accessory lenses to eliminate the extra weight and expense of in-lens stabilization mechanisms.
SSM (Super Sonic wave Motor)
Designed for fast, smooth, silent automatic focusing, this unique technology achieves high torque at low speed with rapid start/stop response. It operates through the ability of a piezoelectric device to reshape itself quickly when voltage is applied.
Carl Zeiss® T* Coating
Coated optics were pioneered by Carl Zeiss® — and this superb lens features T* (T-Star) coating that virtually eliminates the lens flare, internal reflection and light scattering that can otherwise occur at glass-to-air surfaces.
Multi-Element Design
The SAL-2470Z is designed with 17 lens elements in 13 groups, including 2 aspherical elements and 2 ED glass elements. Floating motion between the third and fourth groups of lens elements helps compensate for any aberrations caused by the zooming action of the lens.
Glass-Molded Aspherical Lens Elements
These precision lens elements correct distortion for sharper, more visually accurate images across the entire zoom range of the lens.
ED (Extra-low Dispersion) Glass
Because light of different wavelength (or color) bends at different angles when it passes through a lens, ED (Extra-low Dispersion) Glass is used in Carl Zeiss® lenses to eliminate chromatic aberration by correcting certain wavelengths of light for sharp, clear images with well defined colors.
Sony SAL-300F28G G Series 300mm f/2.8 Super Telephoto Lens for Sony Alpha Digital SLR Camera
Posted by

The brilliant long-distance lens with wide aperture and fast auto-focus response. For definitive long-shot precision and spectacular portraits even in low light, this professional G-Series lens raises the standard of DLSR performance.
SSM (Super Sonic wave Motor):
A built-in lens motor for faster automatic focusing with high torque at low speed, quick start/stop response, and quiet, smooth operation.
ED (Extra-low Dispersion) Glass:
Three precision ED Glass lenses correct chromatic aberrations to provide extremely sharp telephoto images distant subjects as well as dramatic sports close-ups.
Internal Focusing System:
Internal lens elements move, so the overall length does not change — creating an auto-focus zoom lens that doesn’t affect the balance of your camera.
2 DMF (Direct Manual Focus) Modes:
Allow you to quickly revert to manual focus by just turning the manual focus ring of the lens.
Versatile Focus Hold:
Four focus hold buttons in different lens locations, plus electronic slider focus range selector switch.
Lightweight Design:
A strong, light magnesium lens barrel makes shooting more comfortable even on long wildlife or sports assignments.
Sony Alpha A300
June 12, 2008 Posted by

Quick AF Live View System
They both offer Sony’s new “Quick AF Live View” technology so you can frame photos on the camera’s LCD without sacrificing auto-focusing speed common to other live-view systems.
Sony’s innovative Pentamirror Tilt mechanism directs light to a dedicated live view image sensor, enabling fast and responsive TTL phase-detection auto-focusing, even during live view.
Eliminating the focus delay of other systems, the new models are equally responsive whether using live view or optical viewfinder.
With its two sensor design, Quick AF Live View can even continuously focus-track the subject and provide live view during burst shooting, helping you capture that special moment.
Taking further advantage of Quick AF Live View is the models’ variable angle 2.7-inch Clear Photo LCD ™ screen. This makes it easy to frame scenes from high or low positions difficult to reach when using an eye-level viewfinder.
With Live View and an adjustable LCD, the cameras do not need to be in front of the user’s face, allowing parents, for example, to maintain eye-contact when photographing their children.
“Mainstream users stepping up to DSLRs are looking for a similar experience to their point and shoot cameras, but without compromise in speed or performance” said Phil Lubell, director of marketing for digital cameras at Sony Electronics. “Quick AF Live View gives these new models a familiar shooting style without compromising speed - ideal for the growing market of first-time SLR users.”
Exceptional Image Quality
The new models produce images with fine detail, rich tonality and vibrant color due to their APS-C CCD image sensors and BIONZ® processing engine. To aid shooting in low light, Super SteadyShot® image stabilization enables shutter speeds 2.5 to 3.5 steps slower than otherwise possible, with every compatible Minolta Maxxum® and Sony a (alpha) lens (sold separately) attached to the camera.
High sensitivity operation at ISO 1600 and 3200 and very low noise are made possible by the user-selectable high-ISO noise reduction features. Sony’s D-Range Optimizer delivers suitable tonality and exposures with rich shadow and highlight detail, even under high contrast situations.
Powerful Performance, Easy to Use
The DSLR-A300 model can shoot about three continuous frames per second and the DSLR-A350 model can shoot up to two-and-a-half continuous frames per second, when using the optical viewfinder. Both are powered by the Bionz processing engine and supplied InfoLITHIUMTM battery for fast start-up times, quick response and long battery life - up to 730 shots per full charge when using the optical viewfinder and up to 410 shots per full charge in live-view mode.
Both models feature lighter, slimmer bodies for easy handling; an improved user interface; an automatic pop-up flash; a comfortable camera grip with an easily accessible mode dial; an anti-dust system to keep the CCD image sensor clean for spot-free pictures; and JPEG and RAW file format support. Both have a slot for CompactFlash™ Type I/II media cards.
An adaptor for Memory Stick Duo™ media cards is also available for the cameras and sold separately.
The new DSLR-A300 and DSLR-A350 cameras are compatible with a range of accessories, including the ergonomic Sony VG-B30AM vertical grip. Also available as an option is the new Sony HVL-F42AM flash unit. It offers advanced features such as automatic white balance adjustment with color temperature information, adjustable bounce angles, ADI metering and wireless remote operation to suit the needs of most photographers.
Price and Availability
The DSLR-A300 kit with a DT 18-70mm f3.5-5.6 standard zoom lens will ship in April for about $800. The DSLR-A350 camera body will be available in March for about $800, and the DSLR-A350 kit with a DT 18-70mm f3.5-5.6 3.9x zoom lens will be available for about $900 at the same time. Both models will be available at sonystyle.com, Sony Style® retail stores (www.sonystyle.com/retail), military base exchanges, and authorized dealers nationwide. Pre-orders begin online today at www.sonystyle.com/dslr.

This telephoto zoom lens provides a large F4 aperture at all focal lengths. The new multi layer lens coating and lens design reduce flare and ghosting, a common problem with digital cameras, and also creates an optimum color balance through the entire zoom range. Two Special Low Dispersion (SLD) glass elements in the front lens group and another two in the rear group offer excellent correction of chromatic aberration. High optical performance is demonstrated throughout the entire zoom range. The internal focusing and zooming mechanism do not change the lens’ overall length, assuring ease of handling and operation. A rotating tripod mount can be conveniently detached if required. Since the front of the lens does not rotate, a circular polarizing filter and Petal-type hood can be easily attached. High-speed focusing is possible when this lens is used with dedicated APO 1.4x EX tele-converter. With the optional APO 1.4x EX tele-converter, this lens becomes a 140mm to 420mm F5.6 AF zoom. With the APO 2.0x EX tele-converter, a manual focus zoom lens from 200mm to 600mm F8 is achieved.
Sony SAL-35F14G 35mm f/1.4 Aspherical G Series Standard Zoom Lens for Sony Alpha Digital SLR Camera
Posted by

The ultimate standard DSLR lens — with ultra-bright f1.4 performance. With its 35mm-equivalent 52.5mm focal length, this superb lens closely reproduces the natural angle of vision of the human eye — making it ideal for both general photo-imaging and fine-art photography applications where zoom capability might distract you from concentrating on aesthetic properties of your subject.
Ultra-Bright f1.4 Aperture:
In conjunction with the Super SteadyShot® image stabilization system of the Sony® ? (alpha) DSLR-A100 camera, this lens captures bright, steady images even working with hand-held camera in very low light.
Glass-Molded Aspherical Lens:
Improves optical stability and precision in creating sharper, more visually accurate images with minimal distortion even at fully open aperture.
Focus Hold Button:
For full creative control, a focus hold button located on the lens can lock auto-focusing.
Auto Clutch:
In auto-focus mode, the manual focus ring does not rotate — which improves handling ease.
Sony SAL70300G 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 SSM ED G-Series Compact Super Telephoto Zoom Lens
June 6, 2008 Posted by

| A superb telephoto zoom lens that’s easy to carry. The Sony G-Series 70-300mm f4.5-5.6 Telephoto Zoom Lens is a brilliant performer for a wide range of medium-distance and long shots, with SSM (Super Sonic wave Motor) design for fast, silent auto-focus, ED glass to virtually eliminate chromatic aberration, focus hold button and more. Minimum focusing distance of about 4 feet (1.2m) lets you move in close to your subject—and even at full zoom extension it captures sharp, clear images thanks to the benefit of Super SteadyShot® image stabilization built into every Sony ? system DSLR. (35mm equivalent: 105-450mm). Compact Design, All-Around Versatility This superb 70-300mm zoom lens is an excellent choice for a wide range medium to long-distance telephoto applications — and its lightweight design lets you leave it on-camera or carry it easily as an accessory lens for special purposes (35mm equivalent: 105-450mm). Superb Optical Performance Sony’s G-Series lenses are designed for maximum descriptive power, maintaining excellent peripheral light characteristics and minimizing contrast drop-off even at the edges of the frame. With the ability to focus as closely as 4 feet (1.2m), this telephoto lens also lets you move in for dramatic shots of people, natural subjects and close-up details. A major reason for its compact, lightweight design is the benefit of Super SteadyShot® in-camera image stabilization, built into every Sony ? system DSLR — and enabling accessory lenses to eliminate the extra weight and expense of in-lens stabilization mechanisms. Designed for fast, smooth, silent automatic focusing, this unique technology achieves high torque at low speed with rapid start/stop response. It operates through the ability of a piezoelectric device to reshape itself quickly when voltage is applied. For creative control and image preview, a focus hold button conveniently located on the lens barrel lets you firmly lock in focus — and a focus range limiter can be set to speed auto-focus response. An easy-grip focus ring on the lens barrel gives you a solid “hands-on” feel in manual focusing. The SAL-70300G is designed with 16 lens elements in 11 groups, with internal focusing so the balance of your camera never changes. Because light of different wavelength (or color) bends at different angles when it passes through a lens, ED (Extra-low Dispersion) Glass is used to eliminate chromatic aberration by correcting certain wavelengths of light for sharp, clear images with well defined colors. Because the aperture blades form a near circle at the wide openings used for low-light shots, spot-light sources have a pleasing circular defocused effect. |
|||
Sony SAL-24105 24-105mm f/3.5-4.5 Aspherical Zoom Lens for Sony Alpha Digital SLR Camera
June 4, 2008 Posted by

A high-performance standard zoom for wide-angle to midrange telephoto shots. This compact, easy-to-carry lens carries you from 24mm wide-angle to 105mm telephoto — the range of focal lengths you’ll use most often for general-purpose photography, giving you a single lens to use on vacation or take on location. Mounted on the Sony® ? (alpha) DSLR-A100 camera, this lens provides 35mm wide-angle to 157.7mm telephoto imaging (35mm equivalent).
Glass-Molded Aspherical Lens Elements:
Two glass-molded aspherical lens elements correct visual aberrations and improve picture quality across the entire zoom range.
Circular Aperture:
Because aperture blades form a near circle at the wide openings used for low-light shots, spot-light sources have a pleasing circular defocused effect.
Auto Clutch:
In auto-focus mode, the manual focus ring does not rotate — and in manual focusing, a wider focus ring provides a solid, hands-on feel.


