Eiffel Tower, by night – Copyright (C) Yves Roumazeilles

Now, I would like to underline the quality of a full series of posts, published by Patrick Moll on Alpha Numérique, and dedicated to comparing as precisely as possible the various offers now on the market to develop and improve as much as possible the pictures that -sometimes- we must shoot using very high levels of ISO sensitivity (with the troubling levels of digital noise that come with big ISO levels).

The list of the software programs taken into account is quite respectable:

• Image Data Converter 3
• Lightroom 3 / Camera Raw 6
• DxO Optics Pro 6
• Aperture 3
• Bibble Pro 5
• Capture One Pro 5
• ACDSee Pro 3
• Silkypix 4
• Lightzone 3
• Raw Developer 1 (dcraw)

Not bad, eh!

Even if the comparisons done here are not only for Sony photo cameras, Patrick Moll applied its tests to a quite appreciable list of cameras too:

• A100
• A550
• A700
• A900
• A330 (not ready yet when I published this post)

Even if you are not reading French, I highly recommend checking these (most of the posts are made of image comparisons using the yellow buttons to select the software program results you want to see). Even if you are equipped with Pentax, Canon or Nikon gear, the lessons you will draw from this are applicable on all the photo camera brands, concerning strengths and weaknesses of each of these software tools.

To understand the review process and the methodology, I would recommend the reading of (here, all in French):

• Introduction
• Réduction du bruit et accentuation

With the tests, body by body, you will immediately recognize the excellent results of Lightroom 3/Camera Raw 6 (these two Adobe software programs share a single common RAW file management core). Just behind, comes DxO Optics Pro 6 which is a bit more violent (or more accentuation prone) and the (not famous enough) Bibble Pro 5.

From this point, you will always be able to get the best from the photos you were forced into shooting in poor lighting conditions which required big ISO figures.

• Sony Alpha series (A380, A330 & A230): Mac, Windows (Sony Europe)
• Canon EOS 7D v1.1.0 (to correct an issue where a previous image may partly superimpose itself on the next, in continuous shooting): Instructions and download link

Since this is time for the end of the year and its high sales of electronic gadgets and photographic gear, here also comes the time for cashbacks, sales and promotions. The photography market will not forget this in these recession times and there are many offers and promotions or bundles.

Among the offers I tried to identify for you, I want to list the following ones:

• Pentax “Focus on savings” for K-7 system: $100 prepaid card on a choice of over 20 Pentax lenses. From now until January 15, 2010 (Pentax special offers)
• Nikon Canada adjusted its prices to reflect evolution of the exchange rates (November 16, 2009) – From NR
• Pentax opens a European on-line store with Digital River
• Sony launches an “all in one” kit made by bundling the Alpha 850, a Sony 28-75mm f/2.8 SAM lens and the Elite version of DxO Optics Pro, at a listed price of 2700€. (According to AN)
• Sony France cash-back offer of 50€ on the Alpha 330, Alpha 380 with the SAL50F18 lens and 100€ on the Alpha 500 and Alpha 550 with the SAL50F18 lens (Sony 50mm f/1.8 DT), up to December 2009
• Canon cash back offer for Europe and UK: £150/€170 cashback on PowerShot G11, from Canon UK
• Pentax offers up to 250€/£250 of cash-back coupons for purchases all over Europe before the end of 2009. All the details on www.pentax-cashback.com.

You can try and take advantage of them by rushing to your local photography shop or by browsing to one of the on-line shops that support YLovePhoto.

• Buy it from B&H (The Professional’s Source)
• Buy from Amazon.com
• Acheter sur Carrefour online

In any case, you are strongly advised to check case-by-case the exact conditions required (sometimes only applicable in one country; Sometimes against the return of a special coupon) and exact limit dates.

Usually, the LiveView mode is done merely by moving the reflex mirror up. The image is then projected onto the single image sensor of the phot camera (like it is done in the point and shoot cameras). But in this case, the little AF sensor is no longer able to work. The main image sensor is used. Instead of the best phase detection algorithms, the camera must used a less powerful micro-contrast detection approach.

Sony decided to opt for another solution, more innovative. The AF sensor (4) is always kept in full operation (the reflex mirror (3) is not moved up). Instead, when going in LiveView mode, a small viewfinder mirror (1) is used to direct the view either toward the eye cup, or toward a LiveView video sensor (2). Everything is visible on the Flash animation below.

Kudos to the Sony engineers.

• Sony Alpha 230
• Sony Alpha 330
• Sony Alpha 380

For all details (and to collect the list of the tests and reviews that will soon arrive in the press).

	Sony Alpha A230	Sony Alpha A330	Sony Alpha A380
Features
Sensor resolution	10.2 MP	10.2 MP	14.2 MP
Sensitivity	100-3200 ISO	100-3200 ISO	100-3200 ISO
Shutter speed	30s -> 1/4000s	30s -> 1/4000s	30s -> 1/4000s
Continuous shooting	2.5 fps	2.5 fps with viewfinder	2.5 fps with viewfinder
AF system	9 points, with center-cross	9 points, with center-cross	9 points, with center-cross
Live View mode	Yes	Yes, with Quick AF	Yes, with Quick AF
LCD	2.7″ (230,000 dots)	2.7″ with tilt screen (230,000 dots)	2.7″ with tilt screen (230,000 dots)
Scene selection	6	6	6
Creative style	7 settings	7 settings	7 settings
Image stabilisation	In-body, by sensor shift	In-body, by sensor shift	In-body, by sensor shift
Anti-dust cleaning system	Coating on low pass filter, plus image sensor shift	Coating on low pass filter, plus image sensor shift	Coating on low pass filter, plus image sensor shift
HDMI connector & Bravia Sync	Yes (HDMI cable optional)	Yes (HDMI cable optional)	Yes (HDMI cable optional)
Dimensions	128 x 97 x 67.5 mm	128 x 97 x 71.4 mm	128 x 97 x 71.4 mm
Weight	450g	490g	490g

New Sony lenses announced at the same time:

• Sony DT 18-55 mm f/3,5-5,6 SAM
• Sony DT 55-200 mm f/4-5,6 SAM
• Sony DT 50 mm f/1,8 SAM
• Sony DT Macro 30 mm f/2,8 SAM (will be ready in Fall 2009)

Sony Europe Press Release

Sony Digital SLR photography gets friendly with three easy-to-use new Alpha cameras : Fully-featured shooting made fun for everyone

• Three new easy-to-use DSLR cameras:
– α230 (10.2 megapixels* and 2.7-inch LCD)
– α330 (10.2 megapixels* and 2.7-inch tilt LCD)
– α380 (14.2 megapixels* and 2.7-inch tilt LCD)
• Compact, stylish body for light, comfortable handling
• Quick AF Live View with tilt LCD for freestyle shooting with fast, accurate autofocus and live preview**
• On-screen Help Guide and Graphic Display simplifies operation
• SteadyShot INSIDE image stabilisation for crisper handheld shots with any α lens
• HDMI output and BRAVIA Sync for easy connection with BRAVIA TV

* effective megapixels
** excludes model α230

Incredible images are now within everyone’s reach – even if you’ve never picked up a digital SLR before. Sony expands the Alpha family with the α230, α330 and α380: three easy-to-use DSLR cameras that make serious picture quality and shooting options brilliantly accessible.

All three cameras have been styled for comfortable handling. The α230 is the world’s lightest DSLR featuring an APS-C sized image sensor and in-body image stabilisation. Its compact size makes it great for trips away when you want to grab superb pictures without taking up extra space in your luggage.

Control layout on all cameras has been revised with fewer buttons, so even first-time DSLR users needn’t feel intimidated by the creative options on offer.

Confused by photo jargon? Help is at hand with a friendly new interface on the camera’s clear, bright 2.7-inch LCD screen. Choose from any of six Scene Selection modes that adjust settings to suit any subject. The on-screen Help Guide explains your selection, complete with a sample image to demonstrate the results you’ll achieve.

It can also be tricky understanding the relationship between shutter speed and aperture. The unique new graphical display shows clearly how your chosen exposure settings will affect the final picture.

Despite their friendly styling and compact size, the latest additions to the Alpha line-up don’t compromise on the picture quality, responsive shooting and advanced creative options prized by DSLR enthusiasts.

The α330 and α380 feature Quick AF Live View for responsive ‘freestyle’ shooting that keeps pace with what’s happening around you. This unique Sony system combines the benefits of live image preview with speedy and accurate autofocus, even with moving subjects. Now even brighter for a clear view when you’re framing shots in daylight, the 2.7-inch LCD screen tilts up or down (not α230) over an extended angle range, increasing options for comfortable shooting in any position.

Imaging quality is superb, thanks to the APS-C sized CCD sensor working in harmony with the BIONZ image processing engine found on other α cameras. You’ll enjoy flawless, detail-packed pictures with low noise, even when you’re shooting handheld. The powerful BIONZ processor is also key to the new cameras’ speedy responses, allowing continuous shooting at up to 2.5 fps (2 fps in Live View mode – α330 and α380 only). A new self-timer drive mode grabs a quick burst of 3 or 5 frames, cutting the chances of spoiled portraits and groups shots when someone blinks at the wrong moment.

Like every other Alpha camera, all new models feature SteadyShot INSIDE for clearer pictures when you’re shooting handheld. Sony’s in-body image stabilisation corrects for camera shake whenever you don’t have a tripod handy. Best of all, it works with with the complete family of α interchangeable lenses – so there’s no need to invest in bulky, image-stabilised optics.

For even better looking pictures, a newly-enhanced D-Range Optimiser intelligently adjusts exposure values in scenes containing very bright image areas and deep contrasting shadows. You’ll see the difference with beautifully-exposed results, even in tricky against-the-light shooting situations.

All models connect to any HD Ready TV for a detail-packed big-screen view of your photos. PhotoTV HD support ensures even better-looking still image reproduction on compatible BRAVIA models. In an Alpha first, BRAVIA Sync compatibility now allows control of slideshow and other camera playback functions in comfort using your TV remote. Alternatively, slip out the camera’s optional Memory Stick to share and enjoy your images with a growing range of other HD viewing possibilities – from VAIO® and PLAYSTATION®3 to digital photo frames and photo printers by Sony. For maximum convenience, all new models accept Memory Stick PRO Duo and Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo media as well as SD / SDHC format memory cards. (NB: miniSD, miniSDHC, microSD, microSDHC media require optional adaptor).

There’s a growing range of beautifully designed α system accessories to help you get more from your DSLR camera. These include a choice of affordable, compact new lenses, including two telephoto zooms plus macro and portrait models. They’re joined by the HVL-F20AM, a slim and light external flash that supplements your Alpha camera’s built-in pop-up flash.

Sony USA Press Release

Sony Introduces Three Mainstream Alpha Cameras Designed For First-Time Digital SLR Buyers

SAN DIEGO, May 18 /PRNewswire/—Sony is making it easy for first-time digital SLR buyers to step up from point-and-shoot digital still cameras with the introduction today of three new easy-to-use a (alpha) cameras (models DSLR-A380, DSLR-A330 and DSLR-A230), four new lenses, a flash and accessories.

Uniquely Matched to Customers’ Needs
The new cameras are designed to overcome challenges faced by many customers taking their first steps in DSLR photography. Without compromising performance and versatility, the new models are smaller, lighter, easier to use and offer innovative expansion options not found in other systems.

“Our new alpha cameras, lenses and accessories make it easier for new users to get the great photos they expect without the steep learning curve that DSLRs have traditionally required,” said Kristen Elder, senior manager for the alpha business at Sony Electronics Inc. “By overcoming the obstacles, we’ve made it much easier for newcomers to take great pictures with DSLRs.”

Light and Compact
The 10.2 megapixel a230 camera is the lightest, most compact alpha DSLR camera body ever at 15.9 ounces. The 10.2 megapixel a330 and the 14.2 megapixel a380 cameras are also smaller and lighter than their predecessor models (the DSLR-A300 and DSLR-A350, respectively). These cameras are also more compact and feature an intuitive control layout that allows for easy single-handed operation.

SteadyShot INSIDE(TM) in-camera image stabilization is built into each camera body, so every a-mount lens benefits from the ability to minimize blur due to camera shake.

Quick AF Live View System
Both the a380 and a330 cameras offer Sony’s Quick Autofocus (AF) Live View technology, so you can frame photos on the camera’s LCD screen as well as in the optical viewfinder. Through the use of a dedicated image sensor, Quick AF Live View maintains the rapid response of a DSLR, while avoiding the focus delay common to other live view systems.

The new cameras feature a 2.7-inch (diagonally) Clear Photo LCD(TM) screen that is easy to view even in bright sunlight. Additionally, the LCD on the a380 and a330 models can be tilted up or down, making it easy to frame your subject from high or low positions, otherwise difficult to see using an eye-level viewfinder. The range of adjustment has been increased from their predecessors, making it even easier to get shots from difficult angles.

By combining Quick AF Live View and an adjustable LCD, users can frame the scene without holding the camera in front of their face, allowing parents, for example, to maintain eye-contact when photographing their children for more natural expressions.

An HDMI(TM) terminal gives you the option of connecting your camera to a compatible HDTV and playing back your images in high definition quality (HDMI cable required, sold separately). Additionally, BRAVIA(R) Sync(TM) works with compatible Sony(R) BRAVIA HDTVs to let you control camera playback using the television’s remote (HDMI cable and BRAVIA Sync capable HDTV required, sold separately).

The new cameras include dedicated slots for high-capacity Memory Stick PRO Duo(TM), Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo(TM) and SD/SDHC media (sold separately).

Built-in Help Guide
The a380, a330 and a230 models are Sony’s first DSLR cameras to feature a graphical user interface (GUI) with built-in on-screen Help Guide.

The Help Guide offers clear, concise explanations of various modes and settings, while the Graphic Display helps you understand the relationship between aperture and shutter speed, as well as the effect each has on photographic results.

Systems, Lenses and Flash
Making it easier for first-time DSLR users to get started, the new Sony cameras come in camera-and-lens packages. In addition to the two new standard zoom and telephoto lenses that are offered with the camera bodies, the company introduced new portrait and macro lenses. These purpose-built lenses make it much easier to obtain professional-looking, creative results.

Optimized for use with APS-C sized image sensors, these lenses feature a Smooth Autofocus Motor (SAM) that enables in-lens auto focus (AF) drive for smooth, quiet operation, and high optical performance in a compact size.

The DT 18-55mm F/3.5-5.6 standard zoom lens (model SAL-1855) incorporates aspherical and Extra-low Dispersion (ED) elements to provide an all purpose lens with outstanding image quality. The DT 55-200mm F/4-5.6 telephoto zoom lens (model SAL-55200/2) features an ED glass element and helps bring distant subjects closer, ideal for capturing sports. Both the SAL-1855 and SAL-55200 lenses are available separately, or packaged as kits with the new cameras.

To make the benefits of portrait and macro photography easier and more accessible, Sony is introducing a DT 50mm F/1.8 portrait lens (model SAL-50F18) and DT 30mm F/2.8 (model SAL-30M28) macro lens. The wide aperture SAL-50F18 lens helps users capture beautiful portraits with gently defocused backgrounds while the SAL-30M28 macro lens captures intricate close-ups. Both techniques are difficult to achieve with standard lenses.

To help users take better shots with flash, Sony offers an affordable, compact external flash unit (model HVL-F20AM) that is simple to operate. Unlike a camera’s built-in flash, this external flash provides higher output (Guide Number 20), and enables users to bounce light off the ceiling to eliminate harsh shadows and achieve more even illumination when shooting indoors.

Pricing and Availability
Pre-orders will begin on May 18, 2009 at http://www.sonystyle.com/retail and at selected retailers nationwide. The cameras and a range of accessories will be available in July at Sony Style(R) retail stores (), at military base exchanges and at authorized dealers nationwide.

The a380L, a330L and a230L will cost about $850, $650 and $550, respectively. The L series one-lens kit comes with the SAL-1855 standard zoom lens.

The a380Y, a330Y and a230Y will cost about $1050, $850 and $750, respectively. The Y series two-lens kit comes with both the SAL-1855 standard zoom and SAL-55200 telephoto zoom lenses.

— The SAL-1855 standard zoom lens will cost about $200.
— The SAL-55200 telephoto zoom lens will cost about $230.
— The SAL-50F18 portrait lens will cost about $150.
— The HVL-F20AM flash will cost about $130.

Some are drawn to surprising conclusions like the possible disappearance of the AF motor from the SLR body (a little like has been done by Nikon). It would lighten the camera body and would be indirectly confirmed by the appearance of new lenses (like a 50mm/1.8 and a 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 that would be sold only with these new Alpha 330 and Alpha 230). This would be a serious breach of the usual compatibility with exisintg lenses, but it is easy to recognize that the entry-level photo consumer is not fanatic about this compatibility.

The visible reference to MemoryStick (on the photo of the all-new, all-nice LCD screen) also make us fear that Sony would possibly announce that these new SLR cameras could abandon the usual double compatibility with CompactFlash (major Flash card standard of the recent years) and Memory Stick (small standard only known inside Sony). Sony marketing department could pressure the engineering departement into adopting the in-house standard where any other photo company would rather choose using SmartCard or microSD cards. To be checked quickly because this one could really frighten customers (even at entry-level).

Finally, there is a real curious surprise in the images leaked by the Russian web site: Not a single reference to video capture, while all photo brands are rushing toward what is supposed to be the most visible feature of SLR photo cameras in 2009. But here comes a more complex analysis that I may submit to your opinion: Sony would be reserving the engineering efforts at HD video capture for a later camera really able to do video (for the time being, we have to admit that this feature is still incomplete with no real AF and a behaviour which is still disappointing, with Canon as well as Nikon). The real target would be a Sony Alpha 800 (a800) which would be an Alpha 700 with a super HD video mode, with all-features-included!

We’ll see the reality next week for sure.

What we learn:

• New ergonomics: Thinner hand-grip, new shutter release button, nicer LCD color interface (with a choice of 4 colour themes)
• The Sony Alpha 380 will have a 14.2 MP sensor (no information for the other ones, but I’d guess they will have the existing 10.1 MP sensor with minor improvements)
• The Sony Alpha 380 will go up to 3200 ISO sensitivity
• The Sony Alpha 330 and Sony Alpha 380 will have a tiltable LCD screen (but not full tilt-and-swivel)
• The Sony Alpha 230 will have an in-body help mode accessible from the LCD screen to provide support of basic functions to beginners
• Apparently no video mode, but only an HDMI HD TV output (right from the Alpha 230)
• Astonishing “smart teleconverter” mode on the Alpha 330 (and probably the Sony Alpha 380, too): “digital zoom” or “electronic zoom” which gives an additionnal x1.4 or x2 at the press of a button (to go further than the optical zoom, but at the expense of image resolution)

Thanks to PhotoClubAlpha and its Google-translated screen copy.

In these, it is possible to recognize the new Sony Alpha 230, Sony Alpha 330, Sony Alpha 380. And everybody is seeing that they will be replacing the older Alpha 200, 300 and 350 (in this order).

The most obvious change is the form of the body grip. I am not sure this will be an improvement (for user confort, I tend to go for the ergonomic shape, rather than this rough-cut shape).

No spec or feature list yet. Pixels may go up (Sony likes pixel counts more than Nikon), video is expected since this is the year of the video on SLR cameras, a tilt-and-swivel LCD screen would be welcome (the Sony Alpha 350 was showing the lead for SLR cameras), but we will have to wait for it. Specifically, people say that the announcement should be done early next week, but the press seems to be tight-lipped. So, I would suppose that Sony got plenty of people under NDA before this. It would suggest that the launch will be tracked by a zillion journalists. 3 photo cameras on the same day would probably be worth such a fanfare.

Nothing more tehcnical, no feature list, but the error seems genuine and interesting enough from a Sony web site. Probably a small hickup, but quite certaily not a hoax.

Via: Photo Club Alpha.