Sony prototype alpha ultra compact "DSLR"

[haven]

In February, Sony showed a prototype of a new small semi-pro camera. The ultra compact design has no mirror and erecting prism, so it's incorrect to call it a DSLR. The camera is to compete with Micro Four Thirds models like the Olympus Pen system and Panasonic Lumix G series.

The prototype has removable lenses. The prototype was shown with three lenses.

Sony's trump card is a Exmor HD CMOS sensor in APS-C size, 24x16mm. APS-C is larger than Four Thirds (17x13mm), so its photo sites can be larger/more sensitive to light for a given pixel count. The CMOS sensor is capable of full 1080p HD movie recording.

The prototype has a very angular, spare, "artifact from the future" appearance, quite different from conventional cameras. I guess this means functions will be controlled via the large LCD touchscreen on the back.

There's a video showing the prototypes on display in Japan this week:
http://en.akihabaranews.com/39180/c...lpha-and-compact-exmor-aps-hd-cmos-prototypes

The rumor is that this new addition to Sony's Alpha line will appear late in 2010.

 

[AveryS]

These are exciting times if you make you living with a camera. Thanks for posting.

 

[john101477]

Never been a big sony fan since i worked for circuit city right out of high school but I have to agree with Avery, Lots of big things happenin in the camera world. might be neat to see how Canon and Nikon react to the new products that sony, panasonic, and Oly are releasing.

 

[Bernie]

Ah yes, welcome to the world of E.V.I.L. cameras. They seem to have the photo comunity divided. I for one, think they're great even though I haven't decided which one to buy yet. (It will probably be a Canon though.)