Forum Übersicht - DSLR-A580 » Presseankündigung Sony Alpha DSLR-A560 + DSLR-A580

http://presscentre.sony.eu/content/detail...mp;NewsAreaId=2
ZITATSony introduces high performance DSLR cameras with Full HD video Fully-featured α580 with newly developed 16.2M Exmor APS HD CMOS censor, up to 7fps shooting, and Auto HDR

24 August 2010

DSLR-A580 (16.2 megapixels) and DSLR-A560 (14.2 megapixels)Fast, responsive shooting up to 7fpsNew 15-point phase-detection autofocus system for rapid, accurate AF trackingFull HD Movie shootingAdvanced imaging functions including 3D Sweep Panorama, Auto HDR and Multi Frame Noise Reduction
Appealing to photographers ready to explore sophisticated new creative possibilities, the DSLR-A580 and DSLR-A560 from Sony offer unparalleled levels of imaging refinement.

At the heart of both is a new-generation Exmor™ APS HD CMOS Sensor processor. Together with the latest iteration of Sony's powerful BIONZ imaging processor, it supports high-speed continuous shooting plus a sophisticated range of digital image compositing and processing functions. This gives even greater artistic possibilities to beginners and photo enthusiasts alike.

The A580 and A560 can freeze fleeting photo opportunities at up to 7 fps in Speed Priority Continuous Advance mode. What's more, Sony's popular Quick AF Live View system is now more effective than ever. The benefits of live image preview are maximised by a newly developed 15-point phase-detection autofocus system that keeps even moving subjects in pin-sharp focus.

The DSLR-A580 and A560 are compatible with the full α range of over 30 A-mount interchangeable lenses of Sony and Carl Zeiss and offer SteadyShot INSIDE. This in-body sensor shift image stabilisation system provides up to 4 exposure steps of anti-shake correction when shooting handheld.

Full HD movie shooting

Both the A580 and A560 offer Full HD video shooting. Just touch the dedicated Movie button and record detail-packed HD videos and crisp stereo sound in a choice of AVCHD 1080i or web-friendly MP4 formats. Thanks to the large, high-resolution Exmor™ APS HD CMOS Sensor, it's possible to capture stunning HD movie clips with beautiful background defocus (‘bokeh' effects.

Effortless composition and image viewing

The A580 and A560 enable exciting new possibilities for framing and viewing the highest-quality still images and video.

Articulating up or down for comfortable framing in any shooting position, the bright 7.5 cm (3.0" Xtra Fine LCD offers a bright, high contrast view with superb detail and colours.

As an additional refinement, new Focus Check Live View mode simplifies critical assessment of the finest image details. A real-time ‘feed' from the main sensor can be viewed on the LCD monitor, with switchable magnification allowing close-up confirmation of delicate manual focus adjustments. Contrast AF method is selectable in focus check Live View mode.

DSLR enthusiasts will also welcome the bright, high contrast optical viewfinder with 95% frame coverage that provides a supremely detailed view while composing still images. Depth of field preview is now available at the touch of a button.

Both cameras feature 3D Sweep Panorama, allowing photographers to capture detail-packed extra-wide panoramas with a huge field of view. 3D panoramas can be enjoyed on any compatible 3D HD television.

Auto HDR is now refined further compared with previous-generation α models. Data from a burst of three frames at bracketed exposure values is automatically combined, creating a single image with extended highlight and shadow detail. Multi-frame Noise Reduction ‘stacks' a high-speed burst of six frames, creating a single low-noise exposure that boosts effective sensitivity as high as ISO 25600.

The new cameras accept both Memory Stick PRO Duo™ (including Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo™ and SD (including both SDHC and SDXC formats) media (all sold separately). Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo HX 30MB per second transfer rate offers the best performance during cameras' continuous shooting mode or when transferring the data to another media.

The new DSLR-A580 digital SLR camera by Sony is available from October 2010. The new DSLR-A560 digital SLR camera by Sony is available within the first quarter of calendar year 2011.

Key Features


DSLR-Α580 / DSLR-A560

Type


Interchangeable Lens Digital Camera with built-in flash

Lens Compatibility


Sony α lens, Minolta and Konica Minolta AF lens

Image Sensor


A580

Exmor™ APS HD CMOS 16.2 effective megapixels (approx.)


A560

Exmor™ APS HD CMOS 14.2 effective megapixels (approx.)

Processor


BIONZ™ image processor

ISO Sensitivity Range


ISO 100 - 12800 (Extended: ISO 25600 in Multi-Frame NR Mode)

Image Quality Modes


JPEG (fine, standard), RAW, RAW + JPEG

HDMI Connector and BRAVIA Sync


HDMI mini connector (Type C), BRAVIA Sync (Sync menu), PhotoTV HD

Image Size: 3:2 (pixels)


A580

L size: 4912x3264 (16M)

M size: 3568x2368 (8.4M)

S size: 2448x1624 (4M)


A560

L size: 4592x3056 (14M)

M size: 3344x2224 (7.4M)

S size: 2288x1520 (3.5M)

HD movie record


AVCHD: 1920 x 1080i (16:9) (59.94i recording, 29.97 fps image sensor output / Average bit rate 17 Mbps)

MP4: 1440 x 1080 (16:9) (29.97 fps / Average bit rate 12 Mbps) / 640 x 480 (4:3) (29.97 fps / Average bit rate 3 Mbps)

Max record time: Without SteadyShot Inside 29 minutes, with SteadyShot Inside 14minutes on the α580 and 24 minutes on the α560

at a room temperature

Viewfinder


Fixed eye-level, penta-Dach-mirror type Optical Viewfinder

Approx. 95% coverage, 0.8x magnification (with 50mm lens at infinity)

LCD


7.5cm (3" TFT (Xtra Fine LCD) with 921k dot resolution; 2-way tilting mechanism

Live View System


Quick AF Live View　(pentamirror tilt system)

Focus Check Live View


Focus system TTL phase detection system / Contrast AF selectable

Display Real-time image adjustment display (reflects exposure compensation, white balance, Sunset / B&W of Creative Style)*

* Available only during AE lock

SteadyShot INSIDE


YES

Anti-dust System


Coating on low pass filter, plus image-sensor shift

Focus Modes


AF/MF selectable

AF modes: Single-shot AF, Automatic AF, Continuous AF

Autofocus System


TTL 15-point phase detection AF system with 3 cross sensors (11-point with optical viewfinder)

Exposure Modes


Programmed AE (AUTO, AUTO - Flash Off, P), Aperture priority, Shutter priority, Manual, Scene selection

Exposure Metering System


(Live View): 1200-zone evaluative

(Viewfinder): 40-segment honeycomb pattern

Exposure Metering Modes


Multi-segment, Centre-weighted, Spot

Scene Selection


Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Sports, Sunset, Night portrait/Night view, Hand-held Twilight

Creative Style Settings


Standard, Vivid, Portrait, Landscape, Sunset, B/W

Sweep Panorama


YES (2D and 3D)

Auto HDR


YES (available in P/A/S/M modes)

Shutter Speed


1/4000-30sec, Bulb

Exposure Bracketing


3 continuous exposures, in 0.3 or 0.7 EV steps

White Balance Settings


Auto / 6 presets / Colour Temperature/Colour Filter / Custom WB

Continuous Advance Shooting


Up to 7 fps in Speed Priority mode (AF/AE fixed at first frame)

Up to 5 fps with optical viewfinder

Up to 3 fps in Quick AF Live View mode

Approx. no. of Shots


Approx. 1050 images with optical viewfinder, approx. 560 images in live view mode (CIPA standard)

Built-in Flash


Auto pop-up, GN 12 at ISO 100, FOV coverage up to 18mm

Flash Modes


Flash-off, Auto, Fill-flash, Slow sync, Rear Sync., Wireless*, Hi-speed sync.*,

*With compatible external flash

Media


MemoryStick PRO Duo / PRO-HG Duo / SD memory card / SDHC memory card / SDXC memory card

Dimensions (WxHxD)


Approx. 137 x 104 x 84mm (W/H/D, excluding protrusions)

Weight


Approx. 599g (excluding battery, media and accessories)


For more information please contact
Sony Europe Press Centre
e: <presscentre@sony.eu>


Sony is a leading global innovator of audio, video, communications and information technology products for both the consumer and professional markets. Sony is renowned for its audio-visual products, such as the BRAVIA™ LCD high-definition television, Cyber-shot™ digital camera, Handycam® camcorder, "α" (pronounced Alpha) digital SLR camera, and Walkman® MP3 player as well as its VAIO™ personal computers and high-definition (HD) professional broadcast equipment, highlighted by the XDCAM® HD. Offering a complete end-to-end HD value chain and with its electronics, music, pictures, game and online businesses, Sony is one of the world's leading digital entertainment brands, employing approximately 170,000 people worldwide.

Through its long-term football partnerships as an official sponsor of the UEFA Champions League until 2012, Official FIFA Partner until 2014 and global sponsor of the FIFA World Cup™ in 2010 and 2014, Sony is inspiring a sense of excitement for the millions of football fans around the world.

For more information on Sony Europe, please visit http://www.sony-europe.com

"Sony", "WALKMAN", "VAIO", "Cyber-shot", "Handycam", "α", "BRAVIA" and "XDCAM" are registered trademarks or trademarks of Sony Corporation. All other trademarks or registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners[/quote]

http://presscentre.sony.eu/content/detail...mp;NewsAreaId=2
ZITATNeue Foto- und Video-Experten: Sony präsentiert mit der DSLR-A580 und A560 zwei Spiegelreflexkameras mit Full HD-Video

24. August 2010

Ein weiterentwickelter Bildsensor, eine deutlich verbesserte Serienbildaufnahme und eine Full HD-Video-Funktion sind die herausstechenden Merkmale der neuen Spiegelreflexkameras DSLR-A580 und A560 von Sony.

Die Spiegelreflexkamera war und ist das Ziel der Träume eines jeden ambitionierten Hobbyfotografen. In Zukunft eröffnen die beiden neuen α Modelle von Sony noch kreativere Gestaltungsmöglichkeiten von Fotos und Videos: Neben den klassischen Ausstattungsmerkmalen überzeugen sie mit einer Full HD Movie-Funktion, 3D Schwenkpanoramen, Auto HDR und vielen weiteren Funktionen, die für brillante und kreative Bildergebnisse sorgen.

Neuer Bildsensor sorgt für maximale Aufnahmegeschwindigkeit

Der weiterentwickelte Exmor™ APS HD CMOS Sensor in APS-C Größe ermöglicht im Zusammenspiel mit dem bewährten BIONZ Bildprozessor eine rasend schnelle Serienbildaufnahme: Die A560 (14,2 Megapixel) und die A580 (16,2 Megapixel) nehmen bis zu sieben Fotos pro Sekunde auf - im LiveView Modus bis zu drei Bilder je Sekunde.

Dank ihrer Highspeed-Qualitäten und dem neu entwickelten Autofokus-System beschleunigt sich auch die Scharfstellung. Diese wiederum verbessert den LiveView Modus durch den der Fotograf in Echtzeit die Auswirkungen der Kameraeinstellungen auf das Bildergebnis verfolgen kann. Das Autofokus-System orientiert sich an 15 Fokuspunkten und schärft während der Serienbildaufnahme das Bild kontinuierlich nach.

Beeindruckende Full HD-Videos und internetfreundliche Clips

Mit der A560 und A580 gelingen allen Hobbyfotografen ab sofort nicht nur brillante Fotos, sondern auch Videos mit eindrucksvollen Unschärfe-Effekten im Motiv-Hintergrund. Die neuen DSLR Kameras von Sony filmen Videos in Full HD bei einer maximalen Auflösung von 1920 x 1080 im AVCHD-Format (50 Halbbilder pro Sekunde). Wer Videos im MPEG4-Format bevorzugt, kann diese ebenfalls in HD mit einer Auflösung von 1440 x 1080 und 25 Vollbildern pro Sekunde aufzeichnen. Das MPEG4-Format eignet sich außerdem hervorragend, um kurze Clips im Internet zu veröffentlichen.

Zum guten Bild gehört auch ein guter Ton: Dafür sorgt das integrierte Stereomikrofon oder auch ein zusätzliches optionales Mikrofon, dass sich über den vorhandenen externen Anschluss adaptieren lässt.

Automatische Bildfunktionen mit Aha-Effekt

Eine neue Perspektive aufs Motiv gestattet auch die 3D Schwenkpanorama-Funktion. Drückt der Fotograf im 3D Modus den Aufnahmeknopf und schwenkt die Kamera horizontal oder vertikal über das Motiv, entstehen beeindruckende dreidimensionale Panoramen. Diese können auf jedem 3D fähigen BRAVIA TV-Gerät mit der dazu gehörigen Shutter-Brille betrachtet werden sowie auch auf anderen 3D kompatiblen Fernsehern.

Zusätzlich erlaubt die Auto HDR-Funktion trotz starker Kontrastunterschiede im Motiv perfekt belichtete Bilder. Ist der Modus aktiviert, nehmen die A560 und A580 drei Fotos mit unterschiedlicher Belichtung auf. Aus diesen drei Bildern errechnet die Kamera automatisch ein HDR-Foto (High Dynamic Range), das mit seinen ausgewogenen Kontrastbereichen und seinem Detailreichtum begeistert.

Bei einer weiteren automatischen Bildoptimierung kommt die schnelle Serienbildfunktion zum Tragen. Die Multi-Frame Rauschunterdrückung empfiehlt sich bei kritischen Lichtverhältnissen. Sowohl die A560 als auch die A580 nehmen sechs Serienbilder auf, aus denen anschließend die am besten gelungenen Teile herausgefiltert und zum finalen Foto zusammengefügt werden. Die Qualität des so entstandenen Bildes lässt die schlechten Aufnahmebedingungen kaum noch erahnen. Unterstützend wirkt hier die hohe Lichtempfindlichkeit der beiden Kameras von bis zu ISO 25600.

Höchster Komfort für noch mehr Fotospaß

Wie alle Modelle der α Serie von Sony legen auch die A560 und A580 Wert auf maximalen Komfort. Der integrierte optische Sucher und das LC-Display belegen diesen Anspruch besonders deutlich. Der Sucher lässt 95 Prozent des Motivausschnitts erkennen. Ein hundertprozentiges Blickfeld bietet der Xtra Fine LCD-Monitor. Auf seinem drei Zoll (7,6 Zentimeter) Display lassen sich dank einer Auflösung von 921.600 Punkten alle Fotos detailliert anzeigen. Zusätzlich kann der Monitor um jeweils 90 Grad ab- oder aufwärts geschwenkt werden.

Neu und praktisch ist auch die Einblendung einer elektronischen Wasserwaage, mit der sich alle Aufnahmen gerade ausrichten lassen. Zusätzlich lassen sich die optional einblendbaren horizontalen, vertikalen und diagonalen Führungslinien nutzen.

Äußerst attraktiv und komfortabel ist zudem das riesige Angebot an kompatiblen Objektiven: Für die neuen Modelle sind aktuell mehr als 30 Sony oder Carl Zeiss Wechselobjektive (A-Mount) verfügbar.

Mehr Komfort bietet auch die große Auswahl an Speicherkarten: Beide Modelle arbeiten mit Memory Sticks (PRO Duo, PRO-HG Duo) sowie SD Karten (SD, SDHC sowie SDXC). Die optimale Aufnahmesicherheit genießt der Fotograf mit den Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo HX-Karten, die eine Datenrate von 30 Megabyte pro Sekunde bieten.

Unverbindliche Preisempfehlungen und Verfügbarkeit

DSLR-A580 (Gehäuse): 799,00 Euro
DSLR-A580L (inkl. DT 18-55 mm SAM): 899,00 Euro
DSLR-A580Y (inkl. DT 18-55 und DT 55-200 mm SAM): 1.099,00 Euro
Verfügbarkeit: ab Oktober 2010

DSLR-A560 (Gehäuse): 649,00 Euro
DSLR-A560L (inkl. DT 18-55 mm SAM): 749,00 Euro
DSLR-A560Y (inkl. DT 18-55 und DT 55-200 mm SAM): 949,00 Euro
Verfügbarkeit: 1. Quartal 2011


Unverbindliche Preisempfehlungen optionales Zubehör
Vertikalgriff VG-B50AM: 249,00 Euro
Ersatz-Akku NP-FM500H: 85,00 Euro
GPS-Modul GPS-CS3KA: 139,00 Euro
Doppel- und Schnellladegerät AC-VQ900AM: 180,00 Euro
Fernbedienung RMT-DSLR1: 50,00 Euro
Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo HX™ (High-Speed) MSHX16A mit 16 GB: 74,99 Euro
SDHC™ Class 4 Speicherkarte SF16N4 mit 16 GB: 49,99 Euro

Für weitere informationen wenden Sie sich bitte an

Sony Deutschland Presse
E-Mail <sdl.presse@eu.sony.com>

Marthe Leppin
Telefon +49 30 2575 4054
Fax +49 30 2575 60 4054
E-Mail <marthe.leppin@eu.sony.com>

Désirée Kuhm
Telefon +49 30 7262 08 139
Fax +49 30 7262 08 250
E-Mail <desiree.kuhm@haebmau.de>


Über Sony

Sony ist einer der führenden Anbieter von Produkten aus den Bereichen Audio-, Video-, Kommunikations- und Informationstechnologie für Endverbraucher sowie für professionelle Anwender. Das Unternehmen ist weltbekannt für seine audiovisuellen Produkte, wie beispielsweise BRAVIA™ High Definition LCD-Fernseher, Cyber-shot™ Digitalkameras, Handycam® Camcorder, "α" (Alpha) Digitale Spiegelreflexkameras und Walkman® MP3-Player sowie VAIO™ Computer und professionelle HD Broadcast-Systeme, allen voran die Modelle der XDCAM™ HD-Serie. Sony bietet als einziger Anbieter eine komplette High Definition-Wertschöpfungskette und zählt mit den Geschäftsbereichen Elektronik, Musik, Film, Games und Online zu den führenden Digital Entertainment-Marken. Das Unternehmen beschäftigt weltweit rund 170.000 Mitarbeiter.
Mit dem langfristig angelegten Fußball-Engagement - offizieller Sponsor der UEFA Champions League bis 2012, offizieller FIFA-Partner bis 2014 und weltweiter Sponsor der FIFA-Fußballweltmeisterschaft™ 2010 und 2014 - sorgt Sony bei zahllosen Fans weltweit für Begeisterung.
"Sony", "WALKMAN", "VAIO", "Cyber-shot", "Handycam", "α", "BRAVIA" und "XDCAM" sind registrierte Warenzeichen oder Warenzeichen der Sony Corporation. Alle anderen Warenzeichen oder registrierten Warenzeichen sind Eigentum der jeweiligen Rechteinhaber.

Das Partner Programm von Sony Deutschland

Konsumenten, die ihr Sony Produkt seit 1. April 2010 bei einem Partner von Sony Deutschland erwerben, sichern sich hinsichtlich Beratungsqualität, Service und Garantieleistung entscheidende Vorteile: Je nach Gerät erhalten Konsumenten nach der Produktregistrierung zwölf Monate Garantieverlängerung - und das völlig kostenfrei. Dazu muss das Produkt innerhalb von zwei Monaten nach dem Kauf registriert werden - entweder direkt nach dem Erwerb durch den Händler oder online durch den Konsumenten. Zu den weiteren Vorteilen des Produktkaufs bei einem Partner von Sony Deutschland zählt eine professionelle Beratung im Handel, die durch die fachkundige Betreuung geschulter Verkäufer sichergestellt wird. Darüber hinaus erhält der Kunde eine große Auswahl der neuesten Produkte von Sony, Live-Demonstrationen und eine individuelle Beratung sowie aktuelles Informationsmaterial.

Weitere Details zum Partner Programm von Sony Deutschland, eine Partnersuche (Shop-Finder) und Informationen zur Produkt-Registrierung gibt es unter: http://www.sony.de/partner[/quote]

Der Vollständigkeit halber hier auch die amerikanische Presseankündigung zur DSLR-A560 (die DSLR-A580 wurde in den USA nicht vorgestellt):

http://news.sel.sony.com/en/press_room/con...ease/58159.html
ZITATSHOOTING FOR THE STARS: SONY BREAKS NEW GROUND AGAIN IN DSLR SPACE WITH NEW CAMERA, LENSES

Latest α (alpha) Offers Full HD Movie Capture, 3D Sweep Panorama and More

SAN DIEGO, Aug. 23, 2010 - Sony today introduced an α (alpha) DSLR camera (model SLR-a560) that leverages Sony's Exmor ™ APS HD CMOS sensor to make it easier for active shooters to get the best shot without missing a moment. Along with the a33 and a55 cameras (also announced today), the α560 model is one of the only DSLR cameras with Multi-frame Noise Reduction, Sweep Panorama™ mode, 3D Sweep Panorama and Full HD 1920x1080 60i video capture.

This 14.2 megapixel α560 camera offers the same features of its predecessor, the innovative α550, which introduced Quick AF Live View, 7fps continuous shooting and Auto HDR to the step-up DSLR class.

Additionally, Sony is adding to its already strong line-up of more than 30 A-mount lenses with new models made for seasoned photographers and those new to the DSLR space. Today, Sony expands its A-Mount lens line-up for α DSLR cameras with three new lenses—a Carl Zeiss® Distagon T* 24mm F2 ZA SSM (model SAL24F20Z), a DT 35mm F1.8 SAM (model SAL35F18) and an 85mm F2.8 SAM (model SAL85F28).

"These new lenses and camera show our commitment to the DSLR market and that we will never stop innovating." said Kristen Elder, director of the Digital Imaging business at Sony Electronics. "These products complement our overall Sony® Alpha™ lineup, which we are significantly expanding today. The camera offers a choice to those consumers who want to gain the benefits of professional level shooting speed as well as be able to capture video with in a traditional style DSLR."

The α560 camera provides excellent picture quality, particularly in low-light scenarios. A new generation of Sony Exmor ™APS HD CMOS sensor employs low-noise processing for high-quality pictures. The BIONZ ® image processor has color-noise reduction that helps achieve low noise up to ISO 12800, without sacrificing fine detail. Multi-frame Noise Reduction stacks a high-speed burst of six frames, creating a single low-noise exposure that boosts effective sensitivity as high as ISO 25600.

Quick AF Live View

With Quick AF Live View, the α560 camera can focus just as quickly in Live View as when shooting through the eye-level viewfinder, which is unlike any other DSLR in its class.

Because composing shots on the LCD monitor is becoming increasingly important to DSLR users, Sony has equipped this camera with two Live View functions and a 3-inch (measured diagonally) LCD screen that tilts 90 degrees up or down. The α560 has a high resolution 921,600 pixel Xtra Fine LCD™ display.

Sony's Quick AF Live View uses two sensors to maintain the same focusing speed as with the optical viewfinder. While the speed of Quick AF Live View is ideal for every day shooting, Focus Check Live View enables critical framing and magnification for setting precise focus in macro and tripod shooting.

Focus Check Live View mode simplifies critical assessment of the finest image details. A real-time ‘feed' from the main sensor can be viewed on the LCD monitor, with switchable magnification allowing close-up confirmation of delicate manual focus adjustments. Contrast AF method is selectable in focus check Live View mode.

Temporary 7x and 14x zoom views enable you to focus on extremely fine detail while the 1x view shows 100 percent framing in the LCD.

Fast Shooting Speeds

With its unique sensor-processor combination, the α560 camera is a leader in its class with up to seven frames per second shooting speed for under $1,000. Using the optical viewfinder, you can shoot up to three frames with Quick AF Live View, which helps you capture the decisive moment when shooting fast moving subjects like in sports.

HD Movie Recording

The α560 α camera offers the extra convenience of high-definition video recording. This model also captures Full HD (1920 x 1080i) video in high-quality AVCHD™ files that can be easily enjoyed on a compatible HD television via the cameras built-in HDMI™ terminal (cable not included). The camera includes built-in stereo microphones for high-quality audio recording.

With multi-shot technology, the α560 camera's high-speed sensor and processor rapidly captures and assembles many frames to realize unmatched low-noise, extended dynamic range, wide panoramas and 3D images.

The α560 offers versatile creative control even when shooting movies. Creativity is also enhanced by the ability to apply white balance and Creative Style settings, as well as Aperture Priority (A) mode aperture settings, to movies. What's more, exposure compensation can be adjusted even while movie shooting is in progress.

Sweep Panorama Technology

Featuring Sweep Panorama technology, the α560 model captures breathtaking shots up to 180 degree horizontal or 126-degree vertical shots (18 mm focal length).

With 3D Sweep Panorama mode, the camera can shoot 3D panoramic still images with a single lens. The high-speed burst of frames is stitched together using innovative processing techniques to automatically create detail-packed 3D panoramas. These files can be enjoyed in stunning 3D on compatible 3D televisions (other accessories are required).

In-Camera High Dynamic Range

In-camera High Dynamic Range (HDR) has been further enhanced incorporating three shots. It can capture highlights, midtones and shadows. Unlike HDR features in other DSLR cameras, Sony's unique positional interpolation technology can overcome slight changes in camera position and align individual shots so that a tripod is not required.

The feature handles severe backlighting and other high-contrast scenes like looking out a window into bright daylight. The in-camera auto HDR technology combines the highlight, midtone and shadow detail of three separate captures into one remarkably natural looking image. The α560 offers a maximum Auto HDR range of 6EV.

Multi Frame NR is a new function where, when the shutter is released, the camera automatically takes 6 frames at the currently selected shutter speed, aperture, and ISO setting, and then combines them into a single JPEG image with a reduction in noise at the selected aperture and shutter speed that is equivalent to approximately two ISO steps. In addition, ISO expansion achieves class-leading, ultra-high sensitivity equivalent to ISO25600, while accurate subject detection assures high-precision alignment of the 6 frames during compositing.

Accessories

The new camera accepts both Memory Stick PRO Duo™ (including Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo™ and SD (including both SDHC and SDXC formats) media (all sold separately). With a 30MB per second transfer rate, Sony's Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo HX offers the best performance of all memory cards whether in continuous shooting mode or transferring data to other media.

Lenses for Active Shooters

Made for experienced and budding photographers alike, the Carl Zeiss Distagon T* 24mm F2 ZA SSM (model SAL24F20Z) functions as a wide-angle 24mm lens on full-frame cameras with 36mm (35mm equivalent) lens sensors, or as a 36mm equivalent lens ideal for general use on cameras with APS-C sensors. Jointly developed with Carl Zeiss, it features the highly-regarded Carl Zeiss Distagon designed for wide-angle lenses.

This lens is distinguished by its fast response focus and extremely quiet, very smooth operation thanks to its built-in SSM (Super Sonic wave Motor).

It offers a wide and therefore highly versatile focal range from 0.19m to infinity, and features a nine-blade circular aperture that along with the large F2 maximum aperture contributes to smooth, natural bokeh effects.

In keeping with traditional Carl Zeiss design, the all-metal lens barrel has been finished to a very high standard resulting in a visibly high-quality appearance.

Offering photographers at all levels great value and performance in a compact and lightweight design, the new DT 35mm F1.8 SAM (SAL35F18) weighs just 6 ounces. It can be added to a lens kit system and carried without noticeably increasing the weight of the bag.

With an approximately 50mm (35mm equivalent) focal length on an APS-C sensor, this lens is ideal for snapshots and portraits under a wide range of shooting conditions. The high-speed F1.8 maximum aperture is particularly advantageous for hand held shooting in low light.

At just 0.8 feet, the DT 35mm F1.8 SAM (SAL35F18) has the shortest minimum focus in its class, making it an excellent choice for dramatic close-ups too. Whatever the shot, the internal Smooth Autofocus Motor (SAM) drives the focusing group directly and ensures responsive and fluid autofocus operation.

The new 85mm F2.8 SAM (SAL85F28) lens is a full-frame lens in that offers performance and affordability. The 85mm focal length is a standard for portraiture because of the natural perspective that it provides. On an APS-C sensor camera the 85mm F2.8 SAM functions as a 127.5mm (35mm equivalent) telephoto lens - and features a Sonnar-type optical design that is considered ideal for mid-range telephoto lenses.

The lens is sharp center to corner, and features smooth defocusing thanks to its large F2.8 maximum aperture and circular aperture design. At two feet, the minimum focusing distance is the shortest in its class, and SAM motor technology ensures smooth autofocus operation.

The quality optical and mechanical features of the lens mean it is suitable for serious photography and should more than satisfy intermediate and advanced users alike.

Pricing and Availability

The α560 model with the camera body and 18-55mm kit lens will cost about $750 and will be available in October. With the body only, it will cost about $650. The Carl Zeiss Distagon T* 24mm F2 SSM (model SAL24F20Z), DT 35mm F1.8 SAM (model SAL35F18) and 85mm F2.8 SAM (model SAL85F28) lenses will be available in October for about $1,250, $200, $250 respectively.

The cameras, lens and a range of accessories will be available at Sony Style® retail stores (http://www.sonystyle.com/retail) and at authorized dealers nationwide.

Editor's Notes:
News releases and digital images with captions are available at http://www.sony.com/news. For information regarding the nearest Sony authorized dealer or service location, your readers can call 1-800-222-SONY.[/quote]