Features
What's different on the Alpha 100 compared with most digital SLRs is the use of a CCD (Charge-Coupled Device) sensor instead of a less power-hungry CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor). This sensor measures 23.6 x 15.8mm (APS-C size), similar to the one used on Nikon's D200 and which, according to Sony, should produce pictures with a wider tonal range and less noise.
The Cyber-shot DSC-T9 is Sony's first compact snapshooter to feature the company's Super Steadyshot system. | |
Unlike the compact Cyber-shot T9 and T30 (the first Sony cameras to sport optical image stabilization), the Super SteadyShot on the Alpha 100 works in a slightly different manner. Instead of moving the shift lens to adjust the light angle, the CCD maneuvers to compensate for hand movements. Konica Minolta's Dynax dSLRs use the same system, which probably accounts for why Sony adopted the same mechanism. One of the main advantages of having image stabilization built into the camera body is that any lens fitted onto the unit will also enjoy the same anti-vibration benefits. According to Sony, this allows you to shoot up to 3.5 stops slower than the shutter speed required.
The Alpha 100 adopts a two-pronged approach to tackle the problem of dust settling on the CCD, especially during lens changes. An anti-dust coating on the sensor minimizes static charge so it's less prone to attracting alien bodies, while the CCD vibrates rapidly--whenever the unit is turned off--to shake loose dust particles. The difference between Olympus' Supersonic Wave Filter and Sony's anti-dust feature is the former's sensor activates each time the camera is turned on while the latter's works whenever the unit is turned off.
The Eye-Start AF kicks in when a user gets within a 2cm radius. | |
The camera's LCD will also align the orientation of the screen whether the unit is held in a horizontal or vertical position--another feature which has been brought over from Konica Minolta. A vertical battery grip, which unfortunately was unavailable at the time of testing will be icing on the cake. The 230k-pixel 2.5-inch monitor comes with an anti-reflection coating similar to the one being used on the compact Cyber-shot T9.
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The Cyber-shot DSC-T9 is Sony's first compact snapshooter to feature the company's Super Steadyshot system.
The Eye-Start AF kicks in when a user gets within a 2cm radius.