Ricoh GXR Preview - The Interchangeable Lens Sensor Unit Camera System

November 2009, Carl Garrard (Update 11-12, Production Samples, 11-11-09, important links)

GXR Preview - Just when we thought that compact cameras were about as interesting as they can get, Ricohs' genius design team decides to wow the entire photographic industry and community by introducing the all new Ricoh GXR, yet another completely different and unique camera system. As implied, the Ricoh GXR is actually a camera system, it cannot be referred too as a 'camera' by all intents and purposes, because the heart of camera itself lies within interchangeable units sold separately (just think a DSLR lens that comes with its own sealed sensor and processing unit). Two interchangeable units (the A-12 and S-10) will be available by early December- a 1 1/7.5" sized sensor mated with a 24-72mm f/2.5-f/4.4 lens unit, and a APS-C 33mm mated to a (50mm 35mm equivalent) f/2.5 'macro' lens unit as well.

Sony Alpha DSLR A500 Announced- Brief Hands On Report

August 2009, Carl Garrard

Today Sony has announced another barrage of DSLR news, this time with much larger artillery than fired earlier in the year when it announced the entry level triage of Alpha DSLRs- the Alpha A230, A330, and A380. Sony's Alpha A500 12.3MP DSLR is one of two new mid-tier models aimed at the enthusiast category, which is considered the next tier up from its entry level DSLRS. I had a chance to meet up with Sony and get my hands on the Alpha A500 DSLR and was able to get a crash course overview of its list of new features. The Sony Alpha A500 shares a similar frame platform with a sibling the Alpha A550 (also previewed here), but there are some key differences in the model design that I will share with you in this article. It is worth noting I left the meeting with information overload.

Sony Alpha DSLR A550 Announced- Brief Hands On Report

Update 11-14-2009: Full Alpha DSLR A550 Review Completed HERE

August 2009, Carl Garrard

Today Sony has announced another barrage of DSLR news, this time with much larger artillery than fired earlier in the year when it announced the entry level triage of Alpha DSLRs- the Alpha A230, A330, and A380. Sony's Alpha A550 14.2mp DSLR is one of two new mid-tier models aimed at the enthusiast category, which is considered the next tier up from its entry level DSLRS. I had a chance to meet up with Sony and get my hands on the Alpha A550 DSLR and was able to get a crash course overview of its long list of new features. The Sony Alpha A500 shares a similar platform with a sibling the Alpha A550 (also previewed here), but there are some key differences in the model design that I will share with you in this article. It is worth noting I left the meeting with information overload.

Sony Alpha DSLR A850 Announced- Brief Hands on Report

August 2009, Carl Garrard

It's suddenly getting really hot this summer with Sony introducing it's third DSLR today, the Sony Alpha DSLR A850. The big news here is that it is the worlds first full frame DSLR that is priced under $2,000.00 USD to be priced at $1,999.00 USD when it goes to sale in October. Sony's Alpha A850 is nearly identical to the Alpha A900 yet it is obviously more affordable and has a few changes in the feature set and exterior finish. I had a chance to preview the Alpha A850 with Sony side by side with the Alpha A900. There are only two visible differences on the outside of the A850 when compared to the Alpha A900. A new flat black finish, and of course the new Alpha A850 Logo. There are a couple performance differences as well beneath the skin of the A850.

Sony Releases New Alphas- A230, A330, A380 Preview (Update Specifications Added)

May 2009, Carl Garrard

Today Sony announced updates to all three of their very successful and popular entry level DSLRs the A200, A300, and A350, with the new Sony Alpha A230, A330, and A380. Our first look preview shows that all three have similar but radically changed exterior aesthetics over the DSLRs they succeed. There are many changes to the new Alphas despite seemingly similar spec sheets to the Alphas they replace. All three replacements keep the same sensor as their predecessors (10.2 and 14.2 Mega pixels respectively), Bionz Processors, and similar specifications with the optical viewfinder as well. Most everything else has been tweaked modified, simplified, or outright changed altogether. These new Alphas are the smallest and lightest DSLRs on the market currently that include built in image stabilization into the body.

Introduction and Preview:
Skip to page: (2) (3) or Skip to the Sony A900 Image Sample Gallery

Today, the Sony Alpha A900 DSLR at last rises from prototype to production model with an official announcement by Sony, along with our hands-on preview. The Alpha A900 is now Sony's high end Flagship DSLR featuring a 100% view .74x Pentaprism viewfinder, an improved weather/dust resistant body, full magnesium-alloy outer frame with a high grade aluminum sub-frame, 5 frames per second full frame capture, 3" 921k pixel LCD, a 24.6 megapixel full frame Exmor CMOS sensor, dual BIONZ processors, Intelligent Preview, and a retail price of $2,999.00 (body only). Thats a lot of horsepower for the cost. Amidst much anticipation we now have the final specifications for you on Sony's high end DSLR, and a full production model (just in) for a complete review to follow. The Alpha A900 is slated for release at the end of October. Continued...

The Sony Alpha A200 DSLR-Preview and image samples

Note besides this preview you can also jump straight to our full Sony A200 Review.

Sony A200 DSLR hands on report:

Preamble:

AlphaMountWorld now gladly has its hands on Sony's newest DSLR camera, the Alpha A200. A totally new design that one could argue is the first DSLR designed from the ground up by Sony since its acquisition of Konica Minolta. The A200 doesn't in any way resemble past DSLRS designed by KM rather, this new design seems to finally stand out as Sony's true first DSLR.

Sony 70-300G SSM 4.5-5.6 Telephoto Zoom Lens
You can also go direct to the SAL70300G Sony 70-300G Full Review

At PMA 2008, I was fortunate enough to be able to strap this lens onto my A700 and fire off a couple of pictures. But before I go into my impressions I want to say that before PMA, my general thoughts on the 70-300 zoom range lenses were that there are a couple really good lenses in that range, and many that are mediocre.

Sony Alpha A300/A350 hands-on first impressions report

By: C.Garrard 2-3-2008

We hope you enjoy this preview, note that you can also jump straight to the final reviews for these cameras, Sony A300 Review and Sony A350 Review.

Introduction

- Experiencing PMA was a real treat although I can say that the majority of the time I spent was dedicated to the Sony booth, namely the Alpha DSLR counter. I went to the Tamron booth and to the Sigma and Lowe-Pro booths as well, but those visits were very brief in comparison, with Tamron coming second to Sony. In retrospect, I believe it was the best way to spend the day. I could have gone another day and gathered more information, but I wanted to get a report up here as soon as possible on the cameras, lenses, and philosophical direction of Sony.