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Windows 7 gets installed on Amtek U560 UMPC, what's next?
It may not be quite the all purpose OS that Windows XP has become, but Windows 7 is certainly proving to at least be a good deal more versatile than its immediate predecessor, and folks just can't seem to stop testing its limits. One of the latest to be put through the wringer is the Amtek U560 UMPC, which is based on a pre-Atom A100 processor that clocks in at a mere 600MHz. Despite that, however, and the system's paltry 512MB RAM, the UMPC seems to have been more than up to the task, with it snagging a passable Windows 7 Experience Index rating of 1.2. Head on past the break to check it out in action.[Via SlashGear]
Sony's Advanced Amateur DSLR called the Alpha a700?
Anyone who's the least bit into digital photography knows that Sony is coming out with two new DSLRs -- the Flagship and Advanced Amateur models -- sometime in the future, but other than a few in the wild shots and rumored specs, we still don't know much about the mysterious duo. Info is slowing coming to light, however, with several of Sony's foreign sites now showing a flash video that clearly depicts the Advanced Amateur model branded as the a700 -- which would follow the original a100 and perhaps signal an a900 branding for the Flagship. Seems like we're getting close to an actual announcement here, so we'll keep you posted.[Via Photography Blog]
More pics of Sony's new Alpha DSLRs surface
While Sony was showing off its new Alpha DSLRs all the way back at PMA in March (where we snapped up plenty of pics of 'em), it looks like the company is just now starting to let loose some official shots to flaunt the cameras in their best possible light. Unfortunately, they aren't yet providing any specs to go along with the pics, although we do know that the cameras will boast the same BIONZ image processor and image stabilization of Sony's A100, which these cams are set to succeed. From the looks of it, Sony will have more to say about 'em at the Seoul International Photo & Imaging Industry Show that's just getting underway. Until then, you can check out a couple more pics of the various models after the break.
DSLR dust removal / sensor cleaning shootout
We already know that megapixels don't matter (right?), but an oft hyped (but untested) feature that has emerged on DSLRs is automatic sensor cleaning. The anti-dust capabilities (or lack thereof) of Canon's EOS-400D, Olympus' E-300, Pentax's K10D, and Sony's Alpha A100 were put to the test, and although the methodology was less than scientific, the results were intriguing nonetheless. Essentially, each camera was given a before / after test shot in order to judge the results, and after the digicams sat through a dirtying process, they were "self-cleaned" 25 times and finally rated. Considering that Olympus was given credit as being the first manufacturer to include dust cleaning technology in its products, it's not too surprising that it took home the gold, but even sitting in first place, the E-300's effectiveness was only rated at 50-percent. Canon's EOS-400D came in with high expectations, but received a "poor" rating as the cleaning effectiveness clocked in a paltry five-percent. If you thought these two were bad, it only got worse when the Pentax K10D and Alpha A100 stepped to the plate, as both highly-regarded cams were deemed "useless" in the anti-dust department. So if your number one priority in a new DSLR is how well it cleans up after itself, there doesn't seem to be a standout option just yet, but feel free to hit the read link and decide for yourself.[Thanks, Romain B.]
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-1991%
Sony Alpha 100 DSLR previewed
The first DSLR from Sony is sure getting plenty of hype, but we think we'll reserve judgement until we spy a solid review of a production unit. Until then we'll have to make do with this hands-on preview of the 10 megapixel Sony Alpha A100, and try not to get caught up in that fancy Greek lettering. Luckily, things are looking plenty good in pre-production, with features galore, and a potential to rival the image quality of cameras nearly twice as expensive. Specially notable is an eye sensor to automagically activate auto-focus, Sony's special sauce image stabilisation that mixes the best of Sony and Konica Minolta tech, the 2.5-inch 230,000 pixel LCD, and of course the large 10 megapixel CCD. The camera build is pretty solid, shooting speed is fairly fast, and other little niceties like Konica Minolta and Minolta lens compatibility make this camera very attractive. PopPhoto is predicting a roughly $800 street price, and while the similarly specced $1700 Nikon D200 might have it beat in a few (important) areas, Sony's new kid on the block might have a chance to do battle with Canon's EOS 30D or at least pose a serious threat to its own price range.
