Sony A100 Review

Review Date: September 18th 2006
Author: Gavin Stoker

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Conclusion

Ratings (out of 5)
Design	4.5
Features	4.5
Ease-of-Use	4.5
Image Quality	4.5
Value for Money	4

Aiming a product at DSLR beginners, as much as existing Konica Minolta users, means ease of use and a stress-free transference of skill sets are required, and on those two counts the Sony A100 delivers. That start up time of just over a second, mere 3fps capture, and loud shutter may not be good enough to please the pros, but it's a performance that's more than adequate given it's a DSLR intended for mass market consumption. The steady introduction of Carl Zeiss branded lenses will further cement its claim on the pockets of enthusiasts anyway, and Sony has reportedly invested such a hefty sum in making its DSLR brand successful that failure is not an option. Arranged marriages can be fraught with problems, but this one appears to be working out. Sony has been careful not to claim all the glory for itself when talking to the press about the A100, hoping that what it has delivered is the best of Sony and Konica Minolta – and that seems true, at this stage. While in certain respects the product feels compromised by its enforced blend of technologies and, I imagine, rather quick development schedule – what the Sony A100 is, is a very good camera when I believe future generations will hopefully make it great.

PhotographyBLOG is a member of the DIWA organisation. Our test results for the Sony A100 have been submitted to DIWA for comparison with test results for different samples of the same camera model supplied by other DIWA member sites.

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