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The Sony a230 DSLR camera sports a new body that’s lighter and smaller than previous models in the series. Much easier to carry and use, the a230 takes photography to higher level with it’s new design and handy feature enhancements.
This 10.2 megapixel wonder features SteadyShot INSIDE in-camera stabilization, making it a much more reliable, and easier to use camera. SteadyShot is actually built into the camera body, thus enabling an a-mount lens to benefit from reduced camera shake and the resulting blur from it. You’ll notice your shots becoming much more professioanl looking with crisper, clearer image clarity.
The on-screen guide that accompanies the graphic display is also a welcomed feature, making this one of the easiest to use Digital Single Lens Reflex cameras on the market today. The guide and ehnhanced display are an effort to take some of the confusion out of DSLR photography. Many features and functions are clearly explined by the guide, and camera operation is made easier my the built-n capabilities of the display. Many of these these features can make the novice photographer better, but advanced users may find them redundant.
The display features a big, easy to read 2.7 inch diagonal LCD screen, which is clean and clear, even in outdoor situations. Reviewing images, adjusting settings and managing storage are a snap with this handy, feature rich display due to it’s Clear Photo technology.
The Active Pixel Sensor capabilities made possible by the 10.2 megapixel resolution of the a230 will enable the photographer the flexibility to produce a broader range of remarkable prints and images from the photographs they capture. Sony has definitely made effecient use of the Charge Coupled Device image technology, or CCD for short. Use of technology like this places the Sony a230 on the cutting edge of digital camera design.
In addition to it’s smaller, sleeker body design, the a230 features a redisigned button array that allows the photographer one hand operation. This simple, yet effective design improvement should impress the active photographer, and the family photo buff as well.
Connectivity to digital devices like your HDTV or Blu-Ray device is made easy by the HDMI terminal. HDMI is the industry standard for digital signal transfer and will also allow you to connect to a computer, provided you have HDMI video input capabilities installed on the computer. The HDMI terminal is enhanced by BRAVIA Sync capability if you own a Sony BRAVIA HDTV. The BRAVIA series HDTV will allow you to control the camera’s playback via the tv’s electronic remote. This feature is irrelevant with a non-Sony BRAVIA HDTV though.
Dim light situations are no problem with the Sony a230. The high sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 3200 affords you the capability of capturing clear, high resolution pictures in even the poorest of lighting situations. The a230’s broad sensetivity range combines high ISO Noise Reduction with increased analog to digital conversion ability to make it a high end choice in contempory camera models.
The Standard Plus level of the a230’s Dynamic Range Optimizer is designed to improve shots with baclit situations and recover details hidden in the shadows or glare. It’s Normal DRO enhances the detail of digital pictures by utilizing gamma curves for increased shot to shot response time. Advanced DRO seeks to adjust the dynamic range area by area to improve the acuracy of the camera.
The built-in auto popup flash will make even the most novice of photographers appear professional. This amazing little feature will pop up ad fire only when needed. The camera also features a hot shoe that’s integrated to increase lighting options via a selection of accessory flashes.
The NP-FM50 LITHIUM battery will allow the photographer to snap over 500 shots when using optical view finder mode on a full charge. The camera boasts Stamina Battery technology that will provide increased battery life. The LCD display tallies the battery charge and provides a percentage of remaining charge left. This will allow the photographer to continue shooting and stay updated on current battery charge.
he Sony a230 featues an advanced dust reduction technology that’ll keep the CCD imager clean and dust free. This will result in better pictures thanks to the static and dust free coating embedded on the CCD filter. Photos taken with this technology have proven to be clearer and of better quality, much in part to the anti-static and dust capabilities of the a230.
The a230 uses the BIONZ image processor which is an advanced technology that relies on Large Scale Integrated (LSI) circuitry to create better enhanced images. The result is a photo that has better white balance and exposure control even when shot in situations of high sensitivty. The technology is hardware based, thus making it more reliable than other options.
Built into the on screen display is a few handy featrures we found notable. Photo Tv HD compatability makes it possible for the photographer to create high resolution thumbnail images that are compatible with Sony BRAVIA HDTVs. Also, a function guide features easy to use on screen menus that will assist the photographer in camera operation. These menus can be accessed by the Fn button to control flash mode, white balance, metering, autofocus mode, AF area and D-Range optimization.
The handy index and slide show display mde makes evaluating and displaying your photos in either four, nine or twenty five frame index modes. There’s also and auto slideshow mode with an impressive fade in/out feature that will impress.
The Sony a230 has dual slot functionality to handle high capacity Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo and SD/SDHC media as well. This flexibility will make storing your images more convenient regardless of your favorite media to do so.
When combining the Sony a230 with the SAL1855 DT Standard Zoom Lens, the photographer will discover a solid, technologically driven photo creation combination. With the SAL 1855, Sony has created a solid standard zoom lens for the Alpha DSLR cameras, that features smooth and silent AF operation, a built in Smooth Autofocus Motor, that can handle a mutitude of photographic shoots. The lens will cover angles of 27mm to 82.5mm midrange. This makes it an ideal choice general interior, exterior and portrait snapshots.
The SAL 1855 is designed to be used with the CCD imaging technology that’s standard with the Sony a230 DLSR. The lens also boasts Aspherical Lens Elements to correct visual abberations, Extra-low Dispersion Glass to reduce chromatic aberration and a Circular Aperture to reduce defocusing from the aperture blades.
The Smooth Autofucus Motor (SAM) of the SAL 1855 replaces the need for a mechanical coupling system. Signals are sent to the lens mounted SAM unit directly, thus enabling a smoother autofocus response by transerring AF drive power to the lens.
The weight of the SAL 1855 is a light 8.5 ounces with dimensions of approx. – 2-3/4 x 2-3/4 (69.5-69mm) The small size of this lens complements the a230’s nimble design to make a lightweight, yet powerful photographic combination for the professioanl, and amateur as well.
