SONY is set to launch the SLT Alpha 58, a new entry-level flagship Alpha camera. Set to replace the Alpha 57, the Alpha 58 is due out in mid-April, priced around $598 body only.
The Alpha 58 features a 201-million-pixel, APS-C, HD imaging sensor (the Alpha 57 uses a 16-million-pixel sensor) and an OLED Tru-Finder electronic viewfinder (EVF), to help convey more colour and contrast in viewed images. The EVF has a resolution of 144 million dots.
The Alpha 58 also sports a 2.7in (460,000-dot resolution), tilting LCD monitor, as well as a Bionz image processing engine, borrowed from the Alpha 99 to help improve image quality in low light.
The news comes as Sony UK product manager for SLT and NEX, Joe Asai, tells AP that - amid the booming CSC market - Sony wants its Alpha cameras to cater for users who wants the more secure, DSLR-like handling, rugged feel and better grip offered by the SLT line-up.
The camera's maximum burst rate is five frames per second (or 81 ps in continuous advance priority AE mode), according to Sony. Also included are 15 picture effects and a 15-point AF system.
To help accurately track moving subjects, the 492g newcomer incorporates auto-object framing and lock-on autofocus. In a presentation, Sony said the Alpha 58 can establish 'continuous detection of subject size' to enable 'optimal AF point alignment with the target frame'. Sony has told AP that it will discontinue its Alpha 37 model around Easter and that production of the Alpha 57 will likely cease soon after.
Sony has also unveiled three new A-mount lenses, including a redesigned 18- 55mm f/3.5-5.6 The new SAM [Smooth Autofocus Motor] II version boasts a new rear element to combat ghosting and flare. It is priced around £180 and due out in April.
A revamped 70-400mm f/4-5.6G telephoto lens with an AF claimed to be 4x faster than its predecessor, priced around $1,898, and a Carl Zeiss Planar T• 50mm f/1.4 LA SSM, costing about $725, are due in this month.
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