August 23 press release

[KevinBarrett]

http://news.sel.sony.com/en/press_room/ ... 58159.html

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.

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.

[KevinBarrett]

I removed the bits about the lenses which most of us already knew anyway. The real news is the camera bodies, and their pricing (USD) at the bottom.

[Dr. Harout]

Interestingly no news yet on the A700 successor. May we assume that postponing it is just for the sake of A700 users upgrading to A850/900 ?

[Winedarksea]

I think the A7xx cameras are next.

Gold Award for the A55 at DPR, and glowing review at The Imaging Resource: "For the enthusiast with time to become acquainted with its capabilities and familiar with its quirks, the Sony A55 truly expands the realm of amateur photography further than any SLR to date."

[KevinBarrett]

Interestingly no news yet on the A700 successor. May we assume that postponing it is just for the sake of A700 users upgrading to A850/900 ?

I'm not worried, Sony has a very good track record for delivering on their mock-ups. If we don't see the a7XX this year, we'll see it early next year, for sure, and the bar has been set high.

[Contrast]

Rumours in the last week or so mention the a580 too, that isn't in this press release? Does that mean it is delayed?

I really am looking forward to seeing if these models see the return of features missing/lost in the predecessors. Fast frame rate is always good, panorama I always feel is a bit of a gimmick. Anyone tried to find panorama printing "while you wait" recently? I think the photobooth places are going to struggle. As a still photo purist I don't need video capability. HDR is probably a gimmick I will at least show a passing interest in.

[Birma]

An exciting morning! DPR mentions both the 560 and 580 here http://dpreview.com/news/1008/10082419sonya580a560.asp. Can't see anthing about DOF/MLU/etc. yet?

The A33/55 look very appealing. If DPR actually like it then it must be amazing . (Is this the best DPR review for a Sony ever?) I'm not sure I need 16Mb or want a gps and so the 33 sounds best. I was pretty sure I would be going for a Nex, but the AF for A Mount (and not having to invest in new lenses) could sway me this way instead. The EVF is something that I will have to see for myself I think, although reports sound positive. Sure, I want a A7xx as well, but it will be 24+ months before it is in my price range .

What it is to be spoiled for choice .

[Contrast]

An exciting morning! DPR mentions both the 560 and 580 here http://dpreview.com/news/1008/10082419sonya580a560.asp. Can't see anthing about DOF/MLU/etc. yet?
.

This review is interesting in that it includes the specs. I am delighted to see they finally included the manual flash setting and there is a wired shutter socket. Can't tell from this if there is IR too but that isn't a big deal, wired is better. the a580 could be a really good camera.

[bfitzgerald]

Looking at the specs (on Sony's site) the main differences A560 to A550 are
More AF points up to 15 and 3 cross type ones
AF working range now says EV-1 rather than EV-0
It does have a DOF preview
Has ISO 100
Video (obviously)
2 way tilt on swivel LCD

Unfortunately bracketing is still limited at 2/3 of a stop max (sigh)
And they say the VF is still 0.80x magnification

No info on MLU
No info on P shift, or DMF
I expect the lens release lock to be back in there (as per EVF models)
I do not expect AEL spot toggle to be back

[Birma]

Just in case you haven't seen it, on the main site is DK's initial view http://www.photoclubalpha.com/2010/08/2 ... anslucent/. There are some interesting insights in to how the SLTs work "in real life".

David - it sounds like you've used one (although I could be wrong)? I'm interested in how did it feels in the hand compared to the Nikon D5000.

[WaltKnapp]

What it is to be spoiled for choice .

Just look at all the a7xx !

Walt

[Allam2009]

What it is to be spoiled for choice .

Just look at all the a7xx !

Walt

I was very amused last night to find that I knew more about the A7xx than the Dutch sales team!

[David Kilpatrick]

No, I haven't used one. The information on my page is all from Sony, it just takes careful reading to work out the bits which will really make the camera/s different or appealing. If I had used one, I would know what the mirror was made of, mylar or glass.

It's now less than a month to photokina, we have invitations from elsewhere for photokina previews etc (which I won't attend as I have no magazine appearing before photokina). My problem with all these cameras is that I won't be able to review them for people who pay me; they just don't want to see any more new Sony cameras on the schedule. Maybe one of them and that will be the limit, probably the A55.

David

[alphaomega]

David Kilpatrick stated above

My problem with all these cameras is that I won't be able to review them for people who pay me; they just don't want to see any more new Sony cameras on the schedule. Maybe one of them and that will be the limit, probably the A55.

I can well understand that some magazines - particularly more professional ones - cannot be bothered reviewing an A390 or A450 having maybe done the A380 and A550 but surely they will all be interested in looking at the A55. This is a "break-through" camera with so many new features that their readers must be interested. I personally look forward to seeing reviews and might buy one once the price descends from around £800 to nearer £600. The DPReview is v.g. even although some of their negative comments smell a bit of it is not as good as the EOS 1D IV. Well you can have one of those for £3,500 or thereabouts. Imagine DPReview giving a Gold Award to a Sony camera. Unheard of until now.

[David Kilpatrick]

I'm sure the A55 will be on the review list, but probably not the others. I'm generally obliged to buy any camera I want to review as there is little point in waiting six months until Sony has a sample. That's fine on a one camera a year basis, but three or four a year begins to get heavy.

Last year I bought an A380 and sold it within the month, just to complete a review while it is was still of some interest.

David