Sony's 'Flagship' and 'Advanced Amateur' Alpha DSLRs nearly here?

If you can think back to March for a second (we know, it's a stretch), you may recall Sony's two mysterious Alpha DSLRs posing inside a restrictive glass container. The codenamed "Flagship" and "Advanced Amateur" models have since made their way onto Sony's official website, hinting that these two may be hitting shelves sooner rather than later. Of course, Sony isn't the only big gun with potential DSLR plans swirling in the backroom, so don't be surprised if these two happen to coincide with rival launches that are supposedly forthcoming. Unfortunately, details beyond face value are still unknown, but feel free to leap on through to take a peek at the Advanced Amateur Alpha on its best behavior.

[Via AkihabaraNews]

[Blake @ Jul 6th 2007 12:57PM]

No! They can't do this! My a100 will be outdated.. Well.. Not like it isn't already.

[Tyk @ Jul 6th 2007 1:02PM]

Looks like the advanced amateur model.

The 12 mp aspc sensor should become standard across all non-Canon/Sigma/Fuji dslrs as models are updated. Im still waiting for the 1.1x crop flagships from Sony and Nikon.

[Zarniwoop @ Jul 6th 2007 1:19PM]

What is that ugly pack under all of the cameras?

[Zarniwoop @ Jul 6th 2007 1:22PM]

Ok so it seems convenient enough to have a second grip for taking Portrait shots, but is it removable? It's just so darned ugly.

[gibber9583 @ Jul 6th 2007 1:27PM]

It certainly looks like its removable. Notice the lines....it must be...right?

[Rees Clissold @ Jul 6th 2007 1:27PM]

Probably a big battery pack.

[Geir E @ Jul 6th 2007 1:44PM]

That is vertical grip, and its most likely optional. So ofcourse removeable. But it's a really nice help for vertical shots.

[Huleboeren @ Jul 6th 2007 1:45PM]

Its a "battery grip" - it makes horizontal shots much easier as there is a second trigger on the battery grip.
and it has extra battery life :D
http://images.google.dk/images?hl=da&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:da:official&hs=4LC&resnum=0&q=battery%20grip&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&um=1&sa=N&tab=wi

[Simon @ Jul 6th 2007 1:58PM]

It's a Blu-ray drive.

[Nizam Rahman @ Jul 6th 2007 2:34PM]

I'd like me a Blu Ray drive grip myself...

All jokes aside, with great Sony DSLR, comes great Sony sensors. Which means it will also make its way into Nikon bodies! Woohoo!

[Bill M @ Jul 6th 2007 5:34PM]

Zarniwoop,

It reminds me of my removable motor drive on my Maxxum 9000. Not only was it (and still is) a high speed device but also offered a convenient vertical grip for portraits. Back then, the 9000 was also offered with an optional grip for off the camera flash along with a data back. I wouldn't be at all surprised if the same complete set of accessories (if needed) were offered again.

Hopefully, the new Alpha Pro will have a large enough buffer to capture a high number of consecutive shots. I have a Maxxum 5D which has been a joy to use. Hopefully Sony's plan to challenge Canon and Nikon for a decent share (20%) of the DSLR market succeeds.

Bill

[Stan Winstone @ Jul 6th 2007 1:21PM]

Nice looking but does any pro plan to switch from Nikon or Canon?

[Martin @ Jul 6th 2007 1:41PM]

I'd like to get an SLR in the next couple of years, and the in-body image stabilization is really tempting.

I know a couple of people who recently converted to digital and compatibility with their bag full of Minolta lenses made the a100 the only choice that made sense for them. By the same token, somebody who's invested a lot of money in Nikon or Canon lenses is practically chained to those brands.

[Mr. B @ Jul 6th 2007 2:09PM]

Beyond that, the large investment creates a substantial emotional loyalty to the brand. (Start a Canon vs. Nikon thread on a photog forum and see what happens)

There is some novelty the vertical battery grip on those cameras. The shutter button on vertical grips is usually at the end, having it closer to the middle in line with the lens must help in balancing the camera in your hands.

While breaking into the dSLR market is quite an uphill battle, it can only be good for prices and innovation. I wish Sony the best of luck.

[David Susilo @ Jul 6th 2007 2:12PM]

no freakin way I'll move from Canon to Sony. Their ISO 400 is looking as grainy/noisy as Canon's ISO 1,600 !!

[Darnell @ Jul 6th 2007 1:33PM]

Zarniwoop
It looks to be removable as there is a clear seem between it and the bottom of the camera.

I'm curious as to see exactly how this rumored 1.1x chip is taken by Nikon users. I'm sure many of them have bought into the DX lenses. What impact will this have on their useability?

Stan Winstone
No, I know I'm not trading my Canon, but for Nikon users, they should benefit from Sony's latest chip. So for Sony, it's still a win-win. I think their flagship model is for previous Sony enthusiasts looking to move up in features.

[Michael @ Aug 15th 2007 8:41AM]

Darnell, it is more a case of Minolta enthusiasts, not Sony. I've been a loyal Minolta 35mm user for over thirty years now and have a substantial amount invested in both equipment and lenses. If there is one thing that Sony brings to the table, it is ergonomics. All the buttons are where they logically should be and things work easily enough that a new user shouldn't have any problem learning how to use their new "toy" more quickly as a result. One of the things I've enjoyed about buying new Minolta cameras over the years is that I can literally pick a new model up and instantly it feels natural in my hands. Combine that with the rich history (and loyalty) of the Minolta heritage and it truly is a match made in heaven between the two brands.

Canon has led thus far on dominating the DSLR category with Nikon playing a significant role as well. All other players have had to split the remaining piece of the pie between them. While it is very true that most Canon or Minolta users would never think to convert brands, the same holds true for most Minolta users. These new cameras will allow Sony to capitalize on that and produce a truly high end "Pro" level DSLR that will at least give them a model or two that appeals to the Pro market. Until now, every review I've ever read comments that the Alpha One is a mid-tier camera at best. With that unit as their flagship model, Sony (or for that matter, Minolta) would never be considered by serious photographers. Now, that should change.

As for the expensive lenses I've heard others bitch about. It has ALWAYS been reported that one of the reasons Sony purchased Minolta was so they could have access to Minolta's fine glass. I've only got Minolta branded lenses in my bags and can vouch that I wouldn't consider using Sigma (or others) given the choice. It does look like Sony has tried to capitalize on the former's reputation for quality however and they've marked everything new up accordingly. Until I get my hands on one of the new lenses, I can't say for sure if the additional dollars are worth it. One of the problems is, I've got pretty much everything I need in my bag already. A couple of short, every day lenses is all I need because of the CCD ratio making my long lenses even longer. I've got enough overlap between them all that I can easily make due with what I've already got.

[Mike @ Jul 6th 2007 1:40PM]

It looks like an add-on. Probaby a hybrid portrait grip/mount/battery pack.

[adam @ Jul 6th 2007 3:31PM]

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