Sony Alpha

Sony α is the name of the series of digital system cameras manufactured by Sony, whose first model was introduced on 5 June 2006.

Sony leads thus further the division of digital SLR cameras with so-called A-mount, Konica Minolta, which was abandoned in early 2006. Konica Minolta used, as well as earlier Minolta, for this series in Europe, the brand name Dynax, Maxxum in America and in Japan α (alpha ). Sony used uniformly α the brand.

In summer 2010, system cameras were presented with fixed Translucent Mirror SLT - series A-mount also branded α; the two models Alpha 33 and Alpha 55 are technically otherwise largely the same time pre- set Alpha 560 and Alpha 580 SLT series quickly established itself and, thanks to the later appearing Alpha 77 and 99 many lovers.

Shortly before, in the spring of 2010, two mirrorless system cameras ( NEX -3, NEX -5) were introduced α with interchangeable lenses NEX series also branded. The NEX use a new E-mount with a very short back focus. The lenses with E-mount (Sony E-mount called the mount because the flange focal length of 18 mm - English "eighteen millimeter " ) are not applicable to the A-mount SLRs; the lenses with A-mount adapter on the E-mount be reversed available for use.

It appeared in the course of time many more Sony NEX - Cameras ( NEX 6, NEX 7, etc. ), so that the name is so strongly established that the customer independently saw the ALPHA series, the NEX series. The turn was not planned by Sony and insecure on top of that the customers of both series. As a result, Sony dropped the name of NEX in 2014 and sells die from now on all cameras with interchangeable lenses (A and E bayonet ) only under the name Alpha. In order to distinguish it yet, the cameras are divided into ILCA and ILCE, where the last letter always stands for the bayonet type. This is regardless of whether it is a DSLR or NEX design. In addition, confirmed Mark Weir, Senior Technology Manager at Sony digital imaging, that the name of NEX is no longer performed in 2014. Sony is that both systems are understood as a whole with many possibilities of cross- compatibility.

SLT and DSLR models

Sony α Timeline

  • APS -C sensor Sony / Sony.
  • Full frame sensor KB Sony / Sony.

Flash systems

Technology

With the following technical features some or all cameras in the α - series are equipped.

Lens bayonets

The A-mount for the α - SLR and SLT cameras corresponds to the already used for Minolta Maxxum A-mount from 1985 and is equipped with all autofocus lenses already published series compatible, which one for a new camera uncharacteristically high range of lenses the consequence. It has a flange focal length of 44.5 mm.

Established in 2010, introduced the NEX E-mount models available with 18 mm over a much shorter flange back, which is why these cameras can be much more compact. Lenses for the A-mount lens can be used (with the drive for the aperture control ) using the Sony adapter LA -EA1, but here the automatic focusing is supported only for lenses that have built their own focus motor (identification SSM and SAM). Since the end of 2011 Sony offers an additional adapter, the LA -EA2, which includes a semi-transparent mirror. This adapter is a NEX camera for SLT camera with autofocus phases so that each lens can be used for the A-mount without limitation it.

Image stabilization

Function to reduce camera shake. Sony calls their way of image stabilization Super SteadyShot or SteadyShot Inside. This technology corresponds to the anti -shake technology from Konica Minolta. The image sensor is to move with actuators so that the effects of camera shake are compensated. Benefit from this technology, all AF lenses, the effect can be seen in contrast to the stabilization in the lens is not in the viewfinder, but only in the recorded image. The new Sony Alpha α230 models, α330, α380, α450, α500 and α550, the image stabilization, however, can not be as in the conventional models via a small switch, but only on the on or off menu.

Sensor Cleaning function

Another feature of the series is the automatic cleaning function of the image sensor. At any time the camera the antistatic coated sensor is freed by rapid vibrations from dust and dirt. These same actuators are used, otherwise serve the image stabilization. This method is less effective than specifically used for cleaning ultrasonic generators.

Eye-Start function

Directly on the viewfinder mounted infrared sensor that automatically activates the autofocus when the eye of the photographer ( or another object) approaches the viewfinder. Partly combined with a grip sensor which switches off the function when the camera is not supported by the handle. The grip sensor is not available in EU countries due to its nickel content.

Regardless of the backlight is switched off automatically when the sensors on the eyepiece approaches an object. This is particularly useful in the dark, so there is no glare when looking through the viewfinder. Included with the Models from 2008 also an eyepiece cover is included, with which you can block the infrared sensor.

Live View

The Sony α300 and α350 Sony have installed the first time Live View via a second image sensor ( from manufacturer Quick AF Live View called ). This function makes it possible to see the viewfinder image on the display, and so to compose the photo without insight into the viewfinder. For this function is located in the viewfinder on the exit pupil a small image sensor which produces the live image for display. In the penta- mirror viewfinder is a hinged mirror that either redirects the image to the viewfinder or on these image sensor. Thus, the actual recording sensor, the mirror is not activated and not raised, what the noise and the AF speed is performed ( phase AF, no contrast AF, which is used by most other manufacturers for live view ). The later featured camera models Sony α330, Sony α380, Sony α500 and Sony α550 are also equipped with Live View via the second image sensor, the Sony α450, Sony α500, Sony α550, Sony Alpha 560 and Sony Alpha 580 additionally allow Live View on the main sensor, the exact manual focusing is used (so-called MF check Live View).

Lenses

Together with the appearance of the α100 Sony has announced about 20 lenses that appear under the name of Sony. However, most of them are identical to their predecessors of Minolta. The abbreviation stands for SSM Super Sonic Wave Motor.

Sony A-mount lenses

  • DT 11-18 mm F4.5 -5.6 ( wide-angle zoom for cameras with APS - C sensor )
  • DT 16-50 mm F2.8 SSM ( fast standard zoom for cameras with APS - C sensor )
  • DT 16-105 mm F3.5 -5.6 ( standard zoom for cameras with APS - C sensor )
  • DT 18-70 mm F3.5 -5.6 ( adjusted kit lens for cameras with APS- C sensor )
  • DT 18-55 mm F3 0.5-5 .6 (current kit lens for cameras with APS- C sensor )
  • DT 18-135 mm F3 0.5 to 5 .6 SAM ( optional kit lens for cameras with APS- C sensor )
  • DT 18-200 mm F4.5 -5.6 ( super-zoom for cameras with APS - C sensor )
  • DT 18-250 mm F3.5 - 6.3 ( super-zoom for cameras with APS - C sensor )
  • 24-105 mm F3.5 -4.5 ( standard zoom, full frame compatible)
  • 28-75 mm F2, 8 (SAM standard zoom, full frame compatible)
  • DT 55-200 mm F4 -5.6 ( telephoto zoom lens for cameras with APS- C sensor )
  • 75-300 mm F4.5 -5.6 ( telephoto zoom lens, full frame compatible)
  • DT 55-300 mm F4.5 -5.6 ( telephoto zoom lens for cameras with APS- C sensor )

Under the brand name of Carl Zeiss lenses will be offered a range of quality, designed exclusively for Alpha cameras.

  • 24mm F2 SSM Distagon T * ( full frame compatible)
  • 50mm F1.4 SSM Planar T * ( weather-proof design, full frame compatible)
  • 85mm F1.4 Planar T * ( full frame compatible)
  • 135 mm F1.8 Sonnar T * ( the currently fastest lens in this focal length, full frame compatible)

G lenses are partially identical to previously manufactured Minolta lenses. They differ from the normal lens range by their higher quality (in terms of optical performance and build quality ).

  • 70-200 mm F2.8 G SSM ( full frame compatible)
  • 70-200 mm F2.8 SSM G2 ( full frame compatible)
  • 70-300 mm F4.5 -5.6 G SSM ( full frame compatible)
  • 70-400 mm F4 -5.6 G SSM ( full frame compatible)
  • 70-400 mm F4 -5.6 G2 SSM ( full frame compatible)
  • 35 mm F1.4 G ( full frame compatible)
  • 300mm F2.8 G SSM ( full frame compatible)
  • 300 mm F2.8 SSM G2 ( full frame compatible)
  • 500mm F4.0 G SSM ( full frame compatible)

Sony E-mount lenses for ILCE (or NEX )

  • 24 mm F1.8 Sonnar T * ( for cameras with APS- C sensor )
  • 35 mm F2.8 Sonnar T * ( full frame compatible)
  • 55 mm F1.8 Sonnar T * ( full frame compatible)

They differ from the normal lens range by their higher quality (in terms of optical performance and build quality )

  • ECU 1 Extra large Wide Angle Lens ( Rapid conversion of a pancake lens ( E16 mm f / 2.8 ) to extremely large field of view )
  • ECF1 fisheye lens ( Rapid conversion of a pancake lens ( E16mm F / 2,8 ) in fish eye effect )
Sony Alpha 77 Sony Alpha 99 Live preview Apodization Zeiss Sonnar
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