Sony 300 User Manual

Sony Unveils New Quick AF Live View D-SLR Cameras

α350 and α300

The latest additions to Sony’s D-SLR family feature new Quick Auto Focus Live View

technology, 2.7-inch variable angle LCD screen and up to 14.2-megapixel resolution

Auckland, 04 February 2008 – Sony Electronics New Zealand expands its line of Digital

Single-lens Reflex (D-SLR) cameras with the launch of the α350 and α300. The α350 sports a

class-leading, high resolution 14.2-megapixel CCD image sensor, while the α300 features a

10.2-megapixel CCD image sensor. Implemented for the first time in Sony’s α lineup, both

cameras incorporate the 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 comfort and freedom when composing images.

Coupled with other proven features such as the BIONZ™ image processing engine, in-built

Super SteadyShot® image stabilization system, D-Range Optimizer1, 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 α350 and α300 are poised to take photography to the

next level with its advanced SLR features and Sony’s digital imaging innovations.

“Sony continues to expand our D-SLR portfolio with the α350 and α300 to bring consumers

advanced functionality and outstanding performance. Built on our strong foundation and

D-Range Optimizer uses technology provided by Apical Limited.

expertise in digital imaging technologies, the α350 and α300 are ideal for users seeking high

performance cameras that remain easy to use” says Fleur Picot, Product Manager for Digital

Imaging, Sony Electronics New Zealand.

Both cameras integrate several key technologies and features that deliver high picture quality

and results under a wide range of shooting conditions:

Quick AF Live View, Large 2.7-inch Variable LCD Screen, 1200-Zone Metering and Smart

Teleconverter

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

in both models – 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 α350 and α300 deliver

fast, accurate autofocusing performance in both live view and optical viewfinder shooting

modes. Also, the increased predictive focusing accuracy makes shooting moving subjects

easier.

Both models also feature 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.

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, BIONZ Image Processing Engine, D-Range Optimizer and High ISO

Sensitivity

The α350 features an effective 14.2-megapixel APS-C size (23.5mm x 15.7mm) CCD sensor

while the α300 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

optimizes the performance potential of the CCD sensor, both models deliver images with rich

tones, fine detail and vibrant colour.

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 now applicable in all formats (including

RAW) and metering modes.

Both cameras also offer 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 minimize “noise” on the final image.

Super SteadyShot and Anti-Dust System

The popular body-integrated Super SteadyShot image stabilization system delivers enhanced

anti-shake performance in the α350 and α300 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 α series models, the α350 and α300 have a special anti-static coating on

their 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 minimize dust formation in the camera body, therefore reducing the need to manually

clean the camera or edit spots on images.

Sony 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

+ 6 hidden pages