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S$1799
Product Summary
8.1
out of 10View score
The bad: No external status display; stiff controls; volume of mirror flip a tad loud; relatively flat directional control pad.
The bottom line: The entry-level Alpha 100 is designed for enthusiasts who want to jump onto the digital SLR bandwagon for the first time without feeling overwhelmed.
Read full review of the Sony Alpha DSLR-A100 »
Average User Rating
from 8 users
8.1
out of 10CNET Asia Review
Design
The Alpha 100 kit is neither the heaviest nor the lightest entry-level dSLR. However, it is shaped and modeled very much after Konica Minolta's Dynax 5D. The unit weighs 635g (body with battery) and, with the DT 18-70mm F3.5-F5.6 kit lens, the overall package adds up to 892g. Still, that's nearly 100g lighter than Canon's EOS 30D, which weighs 987g with the EFS 18-55mm F3.5-F5.6 kit lens.
Size-wise, the Alpha stands between Canon's EOS 30D and 350D, but is slightly thinner and shorter than Nikon's D50. If you find the EOS 350D too cramped for your fingers, the Alpha 100 could be a better fit without the weight of the EOS 30D.
| Model | Body with battery (g) | With kit lens (g) | Dimensions (mm) |
| Sony Alpha 100 | 635 | 892 | 133 x 95 x 71 |
| Canon EOS 30D | 788 | 987 | 144 x 106 x 74 |
| Canon EOS 350D | 485 | 689 | 127 x 94 x 64 |
| Nikon D70s | 680 | 1,070 | 140 x 111 x 78 |
| Nikon D50 | 620 | 830 | 133 x 102 x 76 |
Konica Minolta users would doubtless agree that the Alpha 100 bears close resemblance in design to the Dynax dSLRs. In fact, both cameras are near identical in the styling and layout of the control buttons. However, there are also subtle differences between the two units, such as a less-cluttered right-hand grip and more options on the left mode dial of the Alpha.
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The right-hand grip on the Alpha is less cluttered and the two mode dials control most of the camera's functions. |
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Unlike Canon's EOS 30D or the 350D, the Alpha 100 does not have an external status panel to display the current settings. Users will have to rely on the 2.5-inch LCD display on the back of the unit or the viewfinder. If you like to tinkle with the ISO, white balance and focus settings, the Alpha 100 can feel slightly cumbersome since you will need to shift your left hand away from supporting the unit to the left mode dial.
We're nitpicking, but we feel the buttons (left and right mode dials and the AF/MF sliding switch on the left) are a mite stiff. The flash, which doubles as a focus assist lamp by firing intermittent strobes of light, has to be lifted manually; the spring mechanism serves only to keep it in position.
The USB connection hides behind the same cover that protects the memory card compartment at the rear corner of the handgrip. At the bottom of the unit is the battery holder which uses a push-and-lift mechanism to open the plastic lid. What we would like to see is a lock to prevent accidental opening. The metal tripod receptacle is also aligned with the center of the lens and the focal plane of the CCD sensor which is good.
DesignRate It Now
User Reviews
Great SLR for amateur
Feb 11, 2008Rating: 8 out of 10 (Excellent)
Pros: Sharp image, fast respond, flash is very strong,
Cons: autofocus is very annoying, macro mode have a problem, plastic looks like cheap, anti-shake is not helpful
Opinion:
this camera is amazing! sony is perfectly adopt konica minolta into this camera. although is same with konica minolta previously, this camera is great. i have tried my camera under the rain (not heavy), and it's still working.I think this camera is good for amateur, although sony is still have a problem with a new SLR. i'm still loved now. try it.
a grat dslr camera
Feb 25, 2007Rating: 9 out of 10 (Spectacular)
Pros: excellent resolution.very good color.very good features
Cons: maual flash
Opinion:
Great pictures from a feature rich camera
Sep 6, 2006Rating: 8 out of 10 (Excellent)
Pros: Good 10 mps sensor,anti shake , dust inhibitor, battery life ,easy use
Cons: Plasticky feel,some noise issues at ISO 1600
Opinion:
The plasticky feel disappears after some use when you begin to appreciate how flexible this camera can be.
The Function Knob and button on top of the camera gives instant access to primary aspects like ISO ,Flash etc Nice feature!
The built in Flash also deserves some praise as being quite powerful and intelligent.
