Sony A100 body

From the manufacturer's press release:

The Sony DSLR-a100 is the first digital SLR (D-SLR) of the a (pronounced alpha) family of Sony's new brand of D-SLR cameras.

Improved camera makes it easier to take good pictures

The a100 incorporates a range of technical features that enhance user creativity while guaranteeing excellent results for photographers of all skill levels in a wide range of shooting conditions.
Among them:

10 megapixel APS-C CCD image sensor

With a superb resolution of 10 Megapixels (10.2 million effective pixels), the 15.8 x 23.6 mm APS-C format CCD light-sensitive sensor with RGB primary colour filter delivers crisp, detailed images with a wide tonal range and fine gradation. High sensitivity and exceptionally low noise ensure excellent image reproduction even when printing large photos.

Super SteadyShot image stabilization system inside the camera body

The Super SteadyShot system compensates for camera shake when the shutter is released by shifting the CCD sensor in real time for a sharper, more stable image. This system is located inside the camera body, eliminating the need for expensive specialized optics with built-in image stabilization.

Compatible with all Sony a system lenses - including macro, telephoto and zoom lenses - the Super SteadyShot system typically compensates for vibrations long enough to change the shutter speed within 2-3.5 stops. This allows the user to lower the ISO sensitivity setting to improve image quality or to successfully capture sharp long exposure shots when shooting without a tripod in low light conditions.

Dust protection system

This camera's advanced anti-dust system minimizes the impact of dust particles entering the camera when changing lenses. The anti-static coating on the CCD sensor acts as a dust barrier, and a special function shakes the CCD converter each time the a100 is turned off to shake off particles that have fallen on its surface. Transducer vibration can also be enabled via the menu without turning the camera off.

BIONZ Image Processor

This newly developed processor optimizes data from the 10 megapixel CCD image sensor to reduce noise and ensure rich, natural colour and rich tonal gradations are faithfully reproduced, as well as exceptionally accurate reproduction of the finest details.

Dynamic Range Optimizer

The Dynamic Range Optimiser ensures a perfectly exposed image, especially when subject contrast is high or the background is strongly backlit (backlit), which can result in loss of detail in bright or low light areas of the frame. Working in two modes, standard or advanced, the dynamic range optimizer automatically adjusts gamma curves and exposure levels for a more natural, evenly exposed image in “difficult” lighting, such as shooting against the sun.

2.5" Clear Photo LCD Plus 230,000 pixels

The large, bright, easy-to-view 2.5” screen has an extremely high resolution of 230,000 pixels and uses Clear Photo LCD Plus technology to accurately reproduce the finest details and subtlest hues. The screen's Anti-Reflective (AR) coating and Clear Treatment, which reduces glare, guarantee vibrant and accurate colour with a wide viewing angle, even in daylight. The on-screen menu, in large, easy-to-read letters, shows the currently set camera settings and basic shooting information. When you rotate the camera for a vertical shot, the orientation of the information on the display automatically changes for a more convenient and natural perception of information.

A growing family of high quality optics

Since launch, the a100 has been supported by a range of compatible Sony a system lenses, from zoom lenses, telephoto and wide angle lenses, to macro lenses and telephoto lenses.

Sony G lenses

They provide excellent image quality at the highest aperture and low distortion, as well as proper quality at any focal length of the zoom lens. The special coating of the optical surfaces reduces flare and spurious images even in difficult shots against the sun.

Carl Zeiss lenses

Offering the highest quality of superb optics, performance and reliability, Carl Zeiss compatible top class Planar, Sonnar and Vario-Sonnar lenses embody 150 years of experience in producing optical instruments of the highest precision and quality.

The a100 is compatible with over 16 million Konica Minolta lenses. These lenses were sold worldwide under the Maxxum/Dynax brand.

Lighting equipment

In addition to the built-in flash, the a100 has a range of compatible flash units and lighting systems. Mounted on the camera or used separately from the camera, the two HVL-F56AM and HVL-F36AM flashes provide TTL wireless communication, high-precision ADI metering technology, and fast sync. Macro Twin Flash HVL-MT24AM and ring lamp HVL-RLAM are designed for macro photography.

Optional Accessories

What makes the a100 even more attractive is a complete set of compatible a.branded system accessories. These include adapters, extension cables and external power supplies for external flash; as well as the viewfinder magnifier, angle viewfinder and diopter adjustment attachments, remote control cables and multi-functional AC adapter/charger. There is also a wide selection of branded camera and lens cases and various straps.

Accessory list:

• teleconverter SAL-20TC/14TC;
• Sony 500mm f/8 Reflex lens;
• Sony 135mm f/2.8 STF lens;
• Sony 100mm f/2.8 Macro lens;
• Sony 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 lens;
• Sony 50mm f/1.4 lens;
• flash units HVL-F56AM and HVL-F36AM;
• double flash Macro Twin Flash HVL-MT24AM;
• ring lamp HVL-RLAM;
• a set of accessories Sony ACC-AMFM;
• case Sony LCS-AMA;
• Compact Flash memory cards;
• Memory Stick memory cards;
• remote control Sony RM-S1AM