The DSLR market is about as hot as a category can get right now. A few weeks ago it was Canon (Rebel T1i) and Olympus (E-450). Then shortly after that Nikon’s D5000 debuted.
And now Sony and Pentax jump in the pool with new DSLRs. All this after a PMA Show where we were wowed by some of the amazing new DSLRs unveiled in Vegas back in March – which now seems like ages ago. Is the DSLR category planning on taking a break soon – so perhaps we can actually shoot with these models before the next wave hits shore?
As we said, the newest models come from Sony and Pentax with Sony actually releasing a trio of entry-level DSLRs this week. The cameras, DSLR-A380, DSLR-A330 and DSLR-A230 were also released with four new lenses, a flash and some new accessories.
The new Sony cameras are designed, the company explains, “ to overcome challenges faced by many customers taking their first steps in DSLR photography.” The new models are smaller, lighter, easier to use “and offer innovative expansion options not found in other systems.”
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 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.
For Pentax it’s the new K-7 – featureing a rugged, yet compact new body design, a new 14.6 megapixel CMOS sensor rebuilt from the ground up, and advanced features such as HD Movie Capture and new, unique-to-Pentax camera controls. The K-7 is compatible with every Pentax lens ever made.
The K-7 also adds a new 77-segment metering system that quickly and accurately determines exposure for even the most complex and dynamic lighting situations.
The HD Movie capture mode features adjustable quality and resolution settings, aperture control, as well as mechanical Shake Reduction, and an external microphone terminal for recording stereo sound. The K-7 will capture video at the default standard of 1280×720 resolution with a 16:9 aspect ratio (equivalent to 720p), 1536×1024 resolution with a 3:2 aspect ratio, or 640×416 resolution with a 3:2 aspect ratio (equivalent to VGA quality), all shot at 30 frames per second.
Can’t imagine what each of these manufacturers will do to top this first half of 2009 but you can bet the wheels are turning as we head toward the pre-holiday Q4 selling season. Stay tuned.
