Sony Alpha A100K Digital SLR Camera (Body Only) is an instant classic: the top-quality 10 MP DSLR system camera that builds on a two-decade legacy of Minolta photographic leadership, accepts 20 years of A-mount lenses sold worldwide, and introduces Sony imaging innovations like high-sensitivity shooting with Super SteadyShot in-camera image stabilization, Dynamic Range Optimizer to automatically increase detail in bright and dark picture areas, new Anti-Dust technology to keep the CCD imager clean for better pictures, and Eye-Start Autofocus system for faster camera response. A large, 23.6 x 15.8 mm APS-C-size CCD imager with Sonys advanced design allows more light to pass to each pixel, increasing sensitivity and reducing noise, and providing greater detail when you make big prints or crop in close on your subject. The Sony Super SteadyShot system automatically reduces image blur. And because it works in-camera, youll get the benefit of Super SteadyShot stabilization with every lens you use. With high-sensitivity (ISO 1600) shooting, the Sony a (alpha) DSLR-A100 camera captures great photos without flash even in low light, which makes it an ideal system camera for shooting without a tripod or in locations (like museums and churches) where flash is prohibited. The Clear Photo LCD Plus design of the Sony a (alpha) DSLR-A100 cameras built-in screen makes it easy to read camera setup menus even in bright sunlight, and gives you a better picture when you use your screen to set up shots and check results. To catch fast action more effectively, the Sony a (alpha) DSLR-A100 camera offers continuous JPEG image capture up to the limit of your flash memory card — plus RAW Burst Mode (up to 6 shots) with intelligent buffer management to allow more shots to be captured without waiting for the buffer to clear.
Helpful consumer’s review
I bought a Sony A100 as I was tired of taking a long time to scan in E6 films taken with my old Minolta AF7000, and was going on a two week holiday to Australia the forthcoming months, and opting for Sony meant I could still use all my old Minolta AF fit lenses. My brother also purchased a Minolta AF7000 and later a Sony A100 before I made my purchase so we’re able to swap lenses easily. I wanted to mention that so you can weigh this review in a balanced way. I must say I’m very happy with this camera: the controls are easy to work, intuitive, and most importanly the camera can give good results (I say “can” because the difference between a normal photo and a great picture still depends on the human operating it!). I’ve taken what for me have been some very good pictures on it. The camera is well built and has a good “feel”. The resolution: 10 megapixel is ample unless you’re a pro. The supplied software is usable, though not quite as easy as the Adobe RAW interface in Photoshop. The supplied 18mm to 70mm lens is adequete, though I never use it much as I have an older faster lens.
Old Minolta brand remote control cords will work okay with it but a Jessops branded one I had didn’t as the contacts weren’t good enough on the remote control cord. Also, old pre-Dynax flash units won’t be useable. I’m not sure about Dynax flash units as you might be able to use them at “full strength” without metering but you need to check this yourself. The image stabilisation also works well if you need it for a hand-held shot. If you’re using a tripod it’s easy to turn it off.
The LCD menu is large and is very configurable with different sizes for varying eyesights, and flips orientation automatically between portrait and landscape viewing modes, and turns off automatically when you’re looking through the eyepiece.
To summise: this is a very nice camera, well built, at a good price. It’s obvious Sony have put a lot of thought in to it.
