Sony intros A300, A350 SLRs with swivel LCDs

Ending speculation, Sony today updated its Alpha-series digital SLRs with two models targeted at photographers only just graduating from compacts. Both the 10.2-megapixel A300 and 14.2-megapixel A350 are the first to bring a unique swiveling LCD that offers both camera settings and a live preview of the actual image regardless of the actual viewing angle. Improving on most live SLR previews, however, the new system does not slow down autofocusing speed while in use.

Either camera offers in-body image stabilization and can shoot quickly when using just the optical viewfinder, reaching up to three frames per second on the A300 and 2.5 frames per second on the higher-resolution A350. Both reach up to ISO 3200 sensitivity and offer special correction to reduce high-ISO noise. The A350 ships first, arriving in March with a 18-70mm f3.5-5.6 kit lens for $900 or in body-only form for $800. The A300 comes later with a similar lens for $800. Options will include additional lenses, a battery grip, and an adapter to fit Memory Stick cards into the cameras' CompactFlash slots.

Filed under: gadgets, digital imaging
Other story tags: sony, Alpha