Specifications of the Sony Alpha A300 Digital SLR Camera (from Sony Australia)
General
· Lens Used: All Sony lenses, Konica Minolta Maxxum/Dynax Alpha Lenses
· Camera Type: Digital SLR camera with built-in flash and interchangeable lenses
Image Capture
· Sensitivity: Auto, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, Lo 80, Hi 200
· Dust reduction: Static-resistant anti-dust coating (Indium Tin Oxide) with Anti-Dust Vibration mechanism
· Aspect ratio: 3:2
· No. of pixels: Total: 10.8 megapixels; Effective: 10.2 megapixels
· Sensor: 23.5 x 15.7mm (APS-C size) interlace scan CCD with primary colour filter
Recording
· D-Range Optimiser: Off, Standard/Advanced
· Delete function: Single, multiple or all frames in a folder / memory card can be deleted. Folders can be deleted in the File Browser.
· Noise reduction: Available at shutter speeds longer than 1 sec
· Image quality modes: Standard, Fine, RAW, RAW+JPEG (fine)
· Colour modes: sRGB, Adobe RGB
· No. of recorded pixels: L (14MP): 4,592 x 3,056; M (7.7MP): 3,408 x 2,272; S (3.5MP): 2,288 x 1,520
· File Format: JPEG, RAW, RAW+JPEG (DCF 2.0 compliant, Exif 2.21 supported)
· A/D conversion: 12 bit
· Format function: FAT 12, 16, 32
· Recording media: Memory Stick Duo, Memory Stick PRO Duo, Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo (MS requires optional adaptor), Compact Flash Type I & II (MicroDrive)
White Balance
· Settings: Auto, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent, Flash, Colour Temperature/Colour Filter, Custom
Super SteadyShot
· Compensation: Approx. 2.5EV - 3.5EV decrease in shutter speed (varies according to shooting conditions and lens used)
· Display: Indicator inside viewfinder
· System: CCD-shift mechanism
Display
· Other display functions: Enlarged view (maximum zoom : L size -12x, M size - 9x, S size - 6x), overexposure / underexposure warning, slideshow, image orientation (automatic rotation mode on/off)
· Image display modes: Single image (image only, image + information, image + information + histogram), index (4 / 9 / 25 images), tabbed browsing
· Information display: Navigation display functions, enlarged text view, camera orientation adjustment
· LCD monitor: 2.7-inch low temperature polysilicon TFT display, 230,400 total pixels
AF System
· AF illuminator: Built-in, Flash type, range: 1 - 5m
· Sensitivity range: 0EV to +18EV, ISO 100 equivalent
· Sensor: CCD line sensors (9 points)
· Type: TTL phase-detection system
· Eye-start AF: Selectable via main menu
· Main functions: Focus areas selection (wide area / 9-point local frame selection / fixed centre spot focus), predictive focus for moving subjects, auto-tracking focus point, focus lock (by half pressing shutter button or via the spot AF button)
· Focus modes: Single-shot, Automatic, Continuous, Manual
AE System
· AE lock: Automatically activated with AF lock, available with AE lock button
· Exposure compensation: +/- 2.0EV (0.3EV/0.7EV steps selectable)
· Metering range: EV2 - EV20 (+4EV to +20EV with spot metering), ISO 100 equivalent with F1.4 lens
· Metering sensor: 40-segment honeycomb-pattern SPC
· Metering type: Direct TTL metering (40- segment honeycomb-pattern metering, multi-segment metering, center-weighted metering, spot metering)
· Scene selector: Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Sports Action, Sunset, Night View/ Portrait
· Exposure modes: Program AE (Auto mode / P-Mode, with program shift), aperture-priority AE (A-Mode), shutter-priority AE (S-Mode), manual (M-Mode)
Built-In Flash
· Flash compensation: +/- 2.0EV (0.3EV / 0.7 EV increments)
· Guide no.: GN 12 (in meters at ISO 100)
· Flash modes: Automatic, Fill flash, Rear sync, Slow sync, Red-eye reduction, High-speed sync
· Effective area: 18mm lens coverage equivalent (same focal length)
· Flash metering and control: ADI/ Pre- flash TTL flash metering
Shutter
· Flash sync speed: 1/160 sec.
· Speed range: 1/4000 sec. -30 sec., bulb
· Type: Electronically-controlled, vertical-traverse, focal-plane shutter
Viewfinder
· Pentaprism: Quick return mirror
· Type: Fixed eye-level, penta-Dach mirror
· Diopter control: -3.0 to +1.0m-1
Shooting
· Other functions: After-view, depth-of-field preview, zone-matching
· Digital effect control modes: Adjustment functions: 8 modes (standard, Vivid, Portrait, Landscape, Evening, Night / Night Portrait, Monochrome, Adobe RGB), contrast, saturation and sharpness settings (+/- 2 steps) are also possible
· Self-timer: 10 sec., 2 sec.
· Continuous shooting limit: JPEG: unlimited (depending on media write speed and capacity), RAW: 4 frames, RAW+JPEG 3 frames
· Continuous shooting rate: Max.3 fps with viewfinder, max. 2 fps in live view mode (approx.)
· White balance bracketing: 3 frames, H/L selectable
· Exposure bracketing: Single or continuous shot (3 frames), 0.3EV / 0.7EV increments
Others
· Printing output control: Exif Print, Print Image Matching III, PictBridge, DPOF Setting
Power
· Battery performance: Approx. 730 images with viewfinder, approx. 410 images in live view mode (CIPA standard)
· External power source: AC adaptor - ACVQ900AM (optional)
· Power display: 5 levels
· Battery: NPFM500H
Connectivity
· Video output: NTSC / PAL selectable
· Compatible OS: Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional, Windows XP*SP2, Windows Vista, Macintosh Mac OS X (v.10.1.3 and later)
· PC interface: USB2.0 Hi-Speed (mass storage mode / PTP mode)
Size
· Weight Approx.: 582g (not including battery or accessories)
· Dimensions (WxHxD): Approx. 130.8 x 98.5 x 74.7mm
* Specifications subject to change by the manufacturer without notice
Sony Australia says:
Sony Australia expands its a ("Alpha") range of digital single-lens reflex (D-SLR) camera bodies to four with the launch of the A300, satisfying consumer demand in this growing market. The A300 incorporates new Quick Auto Focus (AF) Live View technology and a 2.7-inch variable angle LCD screen, giving avid photographers the convenience of live image previews, highly responsive shooting and greater freedom when composing images.
The introduction of the A300 brings Sony's total a range to four D-SLR camera bodies as well as a wide selection of lenses and accessories that are work across the entire range.
"Incorporating the extremely popular Auto Focus Live View that has been highly successful on the A350, the A300 makes it easy for digital still camera users to promote themselves to D-SLR and get better results from their digital photography. Liveview enables users to see what is happening through the lens using the LCD display on the back of the camera, just like a Cybershot compact. Quick AF Liveview means there is not the delay in shooting associated with other Liveview systems," said John Wallace, Sony Australia's Business Development Manager for the Digital SLR Division.
Coupled with other proven features such as the BIONZ image processing engine, in-built Super SteadyShot image stabilisation system, D-Range Optimizer*, high sensitivity of up to ISO 3200, anti-dust protection system and long battery life of up to 730 shots on a single charge (using the optical viewfinder), the A300 brings to D-SLR technology to those who want more creative control over their photography and are looking to step up from a point-and-shoot camera.
Quick AF Live View
Unique to Sony, Quick AF Live View technology fuses the convenience of live image previews with through-the-lens (TTL) phase-detection autofocusing. The latter feature enables quick AF, a key capability prized by D-SLR users. Sony's innovative Pentamirror Tilt Mechanism uses a tilting mirror to direct the light path to a dedicated live view sensor. The switch-over between optical viewfinder mode and Quick AF Live View mode is done via a simple push of a switch at the top of the camera. The result is fast and responsive TTL phase-detection autofocusing in live view mode that is not interrupted by mirror operation.
Combined with the advanced centre-cross 9-point autofocus sensor system, the A300 delivers fast, accurate autofocusing performance in both live view and optical viewfinder shooting modes. Also, increased accuracy of predictive focusing makes shooting moving subjects easier.
Super SteadyShot and anti-dust system
The popular body-integrated Super SteadyShot image stabilisation system delivers enhanced anti-shake performance in the A300 with improved control algorithms, enabling users to shoot at shutter speeds of 2.5 to 3.5 steps slower. This prevents blurring caused by camera shake and enables handheld shooting of scenes that usually require a tripod or flash.
Similar to previous a models, the A300 has a special anti-static coating on its low-pass filters to prevent dust build-up. In addition, the Super SteadyShot anti-vibration mechanism activates to dislodge dust each time the camera is turned off. Combined, both methods minimise dust formation in the camera body, therefore reducing the need to manually clean the camera or edit spots on images.
Large 2.7-inch variable LCD screen
The A300 also features a large 2.7-inch, variable angle Clear Photo LCD screen with a high 230,400-dot resolution. With a 130-degree upward and 40-degree downward tilt, the variable angle screen allows for a wider range of shooting angles, giving photographers greater freedom and comfort when composing images. The impact of exposure and white balance adjustments can also be conveniently previewed in live view mode.
1200-zone metering and smart teleconverter
When shooting in live view mode, an advanced 1200-zone metering system uses the dedicated live view image sensor to evaluate light levels and colour distribution to achieve optimum image exposure. In addition, the Smart Teleconverter function applies zoom scaling on images with no reduction in image quality, achieving an equivalent of 1.4x or 2x magnification with a push of a button.
High mega-pixel CCD
The A300 incorporates an effective 10.2 megapixel APS-C size (23.6mm x 15.8mm) CCD sensor. Combined with the latest iteration of Sony's BIONZ image processing engine that optimises the performance potential of the CCD sensor, the a300 delivers images with rich tones, fine detail and vibrant colour.
BIONZ image processing engine
Powered by the BIONZ processor, the enhanced D-Range Optimiser ensures more natural, evenly-exposed pictures, particularly when shooting high-contrast and strong backlit scenes. Image exposure and tone are automatically adjusted according to shooting conditions to give rich shadow and highlight detail. D-Range Optimiser is applicable in all formats (including RAW) and metering modes.
High ISO sensitivity
The A300 offers high ISO 3200 sensitivity for faster shutter speeds to reduce blurring and increase handheld shooting opportunities in low-light environments. The high ISO noise reduction feature activates at ISO 1600 or ISO 3200 to minimise "noise" on the final image.
Sony's online portal for D-SLR enthusiasts
Sony continues to inspire professional, aspiring professional and hobbyist photographers through its online resource, the a Centre, at www.sony.com.au/dslr.
With new features such as an events calendar, the a Centre is a resource for information on digital SLR technology and a community where professional photographers can share their knowledge The a Centre offers tutorials on key topics, live forums and tips and techniques from professionals.
a and the environment
Sony is consistently engaged in a review of our manufacturing operations and business practices to ensure products are developed in an environmentally responsible manner. The body cap of the A300 uses renewable polyamide 11, a vegetable-based plastic derived from castor oil. Increased use of vegetable-based plastics can lead to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and saving of crude oil resources.
*D-Range Optimiser uses technology provided by Apical Limited.
 type i and microdrives (cf type ii).gif)
