A380 330 230 details on Sony sites

[David Kilpatrick]

HVI-20 wrong flash - that's for older Sony cameras.

The built-in flash does have AF assist, confirmed in a later spec. I do not think the attachable flash does but it may be programmed to emit a burst, who knows.

David

[stevecim]

going by google translate on the Sony japan. the new bodies have wireless flash .
rear curtain sync flash, slow synchro, synchro and high speed Wireless
※ External Flash HVL-F58AM, HVL-F56AM, HVL-F42AM, HVL-F36AM using

and batteries used.

NP-FH50
※NP-FH30、NP-FH40、NP-FM500H、NP-FM55H

does this mean all these batteries will work with nthe new cameras? does anyone read japanese here

[stevecim]

not quite the same page, but looks like a100 and a200/300/350/a700/a900 batteries will work with the new alphas but not the other way around. (i'm not 100% sure on this, so don't flame me if I'm wrong ) the "new" alpha battery is also used in a lot of sony camcorders.
I'm sure anyone who has a Sony video-cam, with the same battery, would take that into account when shopping for a Dslr.

Stephen

[David Kilpatrick]

Can't believe that they just cut and pasted a report for all three cameras, changing the names and adding some stuff for the LV models! Words repeated exactly for each model.

They will have been briefed by Sony on the right-hand grip, left hand card slot thing. It makes sense. I didn't spot that benefit.

David

[bfitzgerald]

Just looking closely at the camera shots, ok the build does look better (well as far as maybe materials), but I can still see some potential problems. The LV models still have the "stick out" swivel LCD which makes in not that comfortable to get your eye to the VF. We still have the same VF mag for the LV ones too, and the non LV one. I find it odd, that neither of these areas was improved, considering these points were raised repeatedly on numerous forums.

The only minor interesting thing might be, the new claimed improved processing engine.

[roysmith]

I agree. They have simplified the design too much, removing useful functions and prioritizing looks over comfort, but I believe this is only with the cheaper models... my guess Sony is trying to get users from the P&S market to move on to the next level without feeling overwhelmed. And I also think the successor of the A700 is going to be quite different in this aspect... or at least I hope so!

[Greg Beetham]

Can't believe that they just cut and pasted a report for all three cameras, changing the names and adding some stuff for the LV models! Words repeated exactly for each model.

They will have been briefed by Sony on the right-hand grip, left hand card slot thing. It makes sense. I didn't spot that benefit.

David

I don't get it, who are 'they' David? I must have missed a previous post or something I think.
Greg

[alphaomega]

I think that it is a mistake by Sony to "lump" the A380 in with the A230/330. Having used the A350 for some time I quite like the outputs of this sensor and this camera should have been lifted up into perhaps an A400 with a few of the A700 goodies added such as DOF preview, wider ISO range and the full D-range optimizer. The higher lift of the flash would also be welcome, but CF card to be kept. I really think that the A230/330 as presented would be fine for beginners but the A350 replacement is a missed opportunity to bridge the gap between the A2/3 series and A700/900 at the top. I really cannot see P&S upgraders need a 14.2 Mp APS-C sensor, but then I presume competition has forced Sony's hand.

[Greg Beetham]

I don't think DOF preview (closes down the diaphragm) would be all that compatible with LV, that's probably why they canned it, they most likely think that we can just take the shot and adjust from there, and thinking we don't need/want it anymore...
I'm wondering if one of the greatest inventions Minolta ever did is still available, (using daylight flash fill with subjects in shade and daylight in the background), auto balance of the two exposures just by pressing the AEL button and holding it before pressing the shutter button...really needs a system flash though, like a 36 or 56, the popup might be a bit chancy.
Greg

[Javelin]

The A700 has this. It's called slow sync and is on the AEL button when you have the flash on/popped up. you just have to be carefull what your pointed at when you press the buton because it spot meters the area you want to light up. it works well even with the built in flash.

I'm wondering if one of the greatest inventions Minolta ever did is still available, (using daylight flash fill with subjects in shade and daylight in the background), auto balance of the two exposures just by pressing the AEL button and holding it before pressing the shutter button...really needs a system flash though, like a 36 or 56, the popup might be a bit chancy.
Greg

[Greg Beetham]

I did some experiments one time with my A100 and it works fine with both flashes 36 and 56 (didn't try the popup), works in A mode (slow sync) and S mode (hss sync), can't remember if I tried M mode (leaving the flash in Auto, not switched too M) or P mode, it probably would work best in P mode with the ISO set to Auto...must give it try...when I get a sec...
Greg

[David Kilpatrick]

Can't believe that they just cut and pasted a report for all three cameras, changing the names and adding some stuff for the LV models! Words repeated exactly for each model.

They will have been briefed by Sony on the right-hand grip, left hand card slot thing. It makes sense. I didn't spot that benefit.

David

I don't get it, who are 'they' David? I must have missed a previous post or something I think.
Greg

The Imagereports link given.

David

[Javelin]

Do these cameras have grip sensors or not do you think? they do seem to have eyestart and it looks like there is a place for a grip sensor. but theres only one contact. I wonder if they incorporated the shutter button with it, it seems to be metal.

[bfitzgerald]

I will bet money right now, that they are not grip sensors, but simply a cosmetic addition.
I could be wrong, but history has proved me mostly right

[Greg Beetham]

I will bet money right now, that they are not grip sensors, but simply a cosmetic addition.
I could be wrong, but history has proved me mostly right

Barry F willing to bet money, wow that's serious...hmmm what if they are a plastic pressure sensitive switch? and the contactor is actually underneath...
Greg