Sony shows off Alpha DSLR "Flagship" and "High Amateurs" models

Though the models and exact specs aren't yet announced, Sony was showing two new prototype DSLRs in their Alpha line as "a sign of things to come." The two models being shown were the "Flagship" and "High Amatuers" Alphas, which are both stated to have the BIONZ image processor and image stabilization, just as the A100. We'll be keeping an eye out, Sony. Peep the gallery.

Gallery: Sony shows off Alpha DSLR "Flagship" and "High Amatuers" models

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[Sinbios @ Mar 8th 2007 6:48PM]

Ironic that the pictures of the best camera in the world suck so much.

[Sinbios @ Mar 8th 2007 6:48PM]

Oops, wrong headline. Meant to comment on the Canon.

[Nerdtalker @ Mar 8th 2007 7:53PM]

Those definitely aren't the best cameras in the world, unless Sony has suddenly come out with something that rivals Canon's 1D Mark III overnight.

Lenses, my friend... Lenses...

[t-bone @ Mar 8th 2007 10:15PM]

Is it just me, or is the Pro one really ugly? Why isn't the vertical grip built-in? I'm not a Pro and I love the vertical grip I got for my camera and only take it off to change the batteries.

[kadajawi @ Mar 8th 2007 11:24PM]

I like the top of the Pro... bit retro'ish. Reminds me of the old Nikon F models. Unfortunately it really doesn't fit to the rest of the camera design.

[- @ Mar 8th 2007 11:39PM]

That case needs the vibrating dust-off feature the alpha has.

[Hugo @ Mar 8th 2007 11:52PM]

What does the text below the cameras read?

[kombizz @ Mar 9th 2007 12:57AM]

What is the specs of this new camera.
What is the difference between this one and the older version.
I have been waiting for a long time in order to get a better camera perhaps 2nd or 3rd generation of Minolta–Soney DSLR with better specs, even better than Canon's 1D Mark III .

http://www.kombizz.photopoints.com/

[TMeister @ Mar 9th 2007 1:45AM]

More info please! I can't believe the utter lack of enthusiasm this news is receiving!

I wished the design for the pro model would've taken more cues from Minolta's superb Maxxum 9 instead of the 70s throwback Nikon pentaprism look, which is hinting that it doesn't have a built-in flash? The Maxxum 9 was the first pro-level camera to have a built-in flash, how can they omit that now? Do "pros" really carry flash heads with them 24/7?!

I'm hoping to hear more from Sony, as I have a considerable investment in Minolta glass. Sony needs to start reducing their lens costs and slowly offer more lenses from the Minolta library.

I don't understand why Canon fanboys are so quick to egotistically claim their lenses are so superior. Minolta G lens have always been on par, if not better in contrast, than their L equivalents, and with Sony's uptake of the alpha platform Carl Zeiss enters into the equation with their T* lenses. Come on Sony, update and bring back Minolta's best glass so I don't have to look to eBay for glass.

[�COM-4 @ Mar 9th 2007 4:19AM]

Wow, pretty sad that they are branding these cameras as SONY instead of Minolta. That's like putting a Ford badge on Jags.

[Sinbios @ Mar 9th 2007 5:07AM]

But it's NOT Minolta anymore. Sony bought the line, why would they put the Minolta name on it?

[�COM-4 @ Mar 9th 2007 7:36PM]

It doesn't matter that they purchased the line. The Alpha is a classic line that came from the Minolta heritage so it would be more appropriate that they kept the Minolta branding. SONY has no SLR heritage or any still camera history. Like I said it's analogous to naming the Jags Fords, it's sad.

[Michiel @ Mar 9th 2007 5:03AM]

High Amateurs?

You'd have to be high to buy Sony.

[Nick @ Mar 9th 2007 6:12AM]

Ryan: it's 'Amateurs' not 'Amatuers' -- spell checker out to lunch?

[steve @ Mar 9th 2007 1:08PM]

The High Amateurs model is clearly designed by amateurs on drugs

[tekdroid @ Mar 9th 2007 5:27PM]

yes, the differences between this and their current range would be nice to know. The pyramidcam's top is quite unsavoury, but I could get over that real quick. The grip seems quite comfy.

[tekdroid @ Mar 10th 2007 10:04AM]

"SONY has no SLR heritage or any still camera history."
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Still camera history in Sony is very extensive. SLR was where they were lacking before the buy-out.

[�COM-4 @ Mar 10th 2007 5:51PM]

SONY only recently entered the still camera business over the last 10 years like CASIO and the other NO-NAMES. They don't have any still film camera heritage like Minolta, Canon, Nikon etc. They went straight to digital cameras when they became popular having no previous experience in still cameras. ALPHA is a Minolta marque not a SONY one. Why didn't VW rename the Lamborghinis VWs? LMAO

[Jon @ Mar 12th 2007 12:19AM]

Its still a Minolta inside with a Sony badge some some new clothes. I'd rather have Minolta in some form than no Minolta at all.

[IvanG @ Mar 13th 2007 3:01PM]

These are wooden mockups still.

Here's tons more info, more G lenses and more Zeiss lenses to come, as well as a new body not based on minolta called the A1(pro). The other one, A10, will be based on maxxum 7d according to the writer.

http://www.dyxum.com/gear/sony/announcements_2007/PMA_2007_Report.asp

http://www.dyxum.com/gear/sony/announcements_2007/PMA_2007_Report_lenses.asp

[FMcamaroZ28 @ Mar 13th 2007 9:53PM]

Does this mean that us A100 users will finally get a vertical grip???