The new cameras are replacements for three existing models in Sony's lineup, with the Sony Alpha A230 replacing the A200, the Alpha A330 stepping into the A300's shoes, and finally the Alpha A380 substituting for the existing A350. All three cameras are based around Sony Bionz image processors and APS-C sized image sensors mounted on moveable platters to provide for in-body image stabilization. The Sony Alpha A330 and A230 both offer 10.2 effective megapixel resolution, while the A380 boosts this to 14.2 megapixels. Each sensor resides behind a Sony Alpha (Minolta A) lens mount, and all three cameras are capable of shooting at 2.5 frames per second. The trio also include Sony's anti dust system, consisting of a low-charge coating over the sensor, and dust removal achieved using the sensor shift mechanism.

The Sony Alpha A380, A330 and A230 have closely related bodies that, compared to their predecessors, are noticeably smaller and lighter. Sony's designers clearly focused on simplicity, wanting their newest models to be less intimidating to point-and-shoot photographers wishing to step up without sacrificing ease-of-use. As part of this, the three cameras have been redesigned with a simplified interface that reduces the number of rear-panel buttons. There's also a new GUI design with extensive settings help available through the LCD display, and a clearer display of the camera's status. New shutter / aperture gauges aim to show the effect of each variable on images in terms of blur / sharpness, and only variables that are accessible for the user to adjust are shown in any particular operating mode. The Alpha 230, Alpha 330 and Alpha 380 all feature penta dach-mirror TTL optical viewfinders with 95% coverage. The A330 and A380 both have 0.74x magnification, -3.0 to +1.0m^-1 diopter correction and a 19.7mm eyepoint. The A230 meanwhile has 0.83x magnification, -2.5 to +1.0m^-1 diopter correction and a 16.5mm eyepoint. Sony has improved the viewfinder's autofocus indication versus the previous models, with brighter 'dot-type' focus points for better visibility.

All three of the cameras include a 2.7" LCD display with 230,400 dots of resolution, with improved brightness for easier outdoor viewing. The Alpha A230's display is fixed in position and five-step manual brightness control. The Alpha A330 and Alpha A380 are more versatile in this area, offering articulated displays and supplementing the manual brightness control with a two-step automatic brightness control. As compared to the previous models, the LCD's articulating mechanism has a greater range of motion, with adjustment from 135 degrees upwards to 55 degrees downwards now possible. While the Sony A230, doesn't include live view capability, both the A330 and A380 add this popular function. When in use, the Sony A330 and Sony A380's live view mode allows for framing images on the LCD display, albeit with a slight reduction in the maximum frame rate to 2.0 frames per second. The Sony Alpha 230 does benefit in one respect from its use of a fixed LCD display though, in that it is 3.9mm less deep than the A330 and A380. It's also the lightest of the trio at some 452 grams body-only. The Sony Alpha 330 is the heaviest of the group at 491 grams, while the Sony Alpha 380 is just a touch lighter at 489 grams.

The Sony A230, A330 and A380 are all based around a nine-point autofocus system. Sensitivities available in the trio range from a minimum of ISO 100 to a maximum of ISO 3,200 equivalent, while shutter speeds are from 1/4000 to 30 seconds plus bulb. Metering is achieved courtesy of a 40-segment honeycomb SPC, and Sony has included improved Dynamic Range Optimization and white balance functionality in its latest offerings. When ambient light isn't sufficient, the cameras all offer both a built-in auto popup flash, and a hot shoe for external flash strobes. A new self-timer function can capture three or five shots after a 10-second delay. Power comes from an NP-FH50 InfoLithium rechargeable battery - a model that's featured in Sony's camcorders previously, but not in the company's DSLRs. As well as the obvious advantage in a shared battery type if you already happen to use a Sony camcorder with the same model, the choice of the NP-FH50 brings an advantage in that it includes Sony's ActiForce technology. ActiForce allows faster charging during the initial 80% of the charge process, and is also said to offer improved battery gauge accuracy.

Images are stored in either Raw or JPEG formats separately or simultaneously, on either SD / SDHC cards or Sony's own MemoryStick PRO Duo cards. Connectivity options include USB 2.0 High-Speed, as well as HDMI for connection to high-definition displays. Note that there's no standard-definition video connectivity, though. All three cameras come bundled with Sony's Picture Motion Browser, Image Data Converter SR, and Image Data Lightbox SR software. They are available in two bundles with a newly announced Sony DT 18-55mm F/3.5-5.6 lens, or the 18-55mm lens plus a new Sony DT 55-200mm F/4-5.6 lens.

All three cameras are available for preorder immediately from Sony's website, and will ship from July 2009. The Sony Alpha A230 will cost $550 with the 18-55mm lens, or $750 with both lenses. For more details, read our Sony A230 preview. Next up the line, the Sony Alpha A330 - which will be available in a copper color as well as the regular black - will cost $650 with the 18-55mm lens, or $850 with both lenses. More details on this camera can be found in our Sony A330 preview. Finally, the Sony Alpha A380 will cost $850 with the 18-55mm lens, or $1,050 with both lenses. This camera is further described in our Sony A380 preview. Color-complementing accessories will also be available, as pictured below. Note that none of the three new DSLRs will be available for purchase body-only.

Sony's latest DSLRs can be outfitted with color-coded accessories. Photo provided by Sony Electronics Inc.

While the cameras won't be available body-only, the lenses will be available separately. As well as the previously mentioned lenses - the Sony DT 18-55mm F/3.5-5.6 and Sony DT 55-200mm F/4-5.6 - there are two further newly announced lenses: the Sony DT 50mm F/1.8 and Sony DT 30mm F/2.8. All four models include a new Smooth Autofocus Motor, indicated by a silver accent on the lens barrel. Pricing and availability isn't available for the 30mm lens, but the remainder are available from July 2009. The 50mm lens will ship for $150, while the 18-55mm will be $200 and the 55-200mm will cost $230.

Finally, Sony has also unveiled a new flash strobe - the Sony HVL-F20AM. This interesting design folds flat on top of camera when not in use, and has bounce capability. Guide number for the HVL-F20AM is 20 meters (double that of the DSLRs' built-in flash strobes). It can trigger wireless flash, and is compatible with ADI metering. Battery life is said to be 150 shots on NiMH rechargeables, and the recharge time should be around five seconds. The Sony HVL-F20AM flash strobe is priced at $130.

Read on for specifications on the DSLRs, plus the official press release and product photos for all the new products. Alternatively, get the full story including our thoughts from a hands-on with all three cameras, by reading our Sony Alpha A230 preview, Sony Alpha A330 preview, or Sony Alpha A380 preview as your photographic needs dictate...

Sony Alpha DSLR-A230
General
Camera Type	SLR
Manufacturer	Sony
Model Number	DSLR-A230
Dimensions	5.0 x 3.8 x 2.7" 128.0 x 97.0 x 67.5mm
Weight	452.0 g 15.8 oz
Planned Price	$549.00
Planned Availability	2009
Warranty	1 years
Image Capture
Sensor Type	APS-C Sony CCD 10.80 megapixels (total) 10.20 megapixels (effective)
Filter Type	RGBG
Focal Length Multiplier	1.50
Aspect Ratio	3:2
Image Dimensions	3872 x 2592 (10.0 megapixels) 2896 x 1936 (5.6 megapixels) 1920 x 1280 (2.5 megapixels) 3872 x 2176 (8.4 megapixels) 2896 x 1632 (4.7 megapixels) 1920 x 1088 (2.1 megapixels)
Capture Speed	Continuous: 2.5 frames per second
Image Quality	2 levels
Image Preview / Review
Viewfinder	Yes, SLR type; eye-level pentamirror, 95% coverage, 0.83x mag., 16.5mm eyepoint, -2.5 to +1.0 diopter
LCD	2.7", 230,400 pixels
Playback Zoom	12.0x max
Lens
Lens Type	Interchangeable Lens 3x optical zoom 55mm lens thread
Lens Mount	Sony Alpha (Minolta A) mount
Image Stabilization	Yes
Focal Length	18.0 - 55.0mm (actual) 27 - 83mm (35mm equivalent)
Aperture Range	f/3.5 - 22 (W), f/5.6 - ?? (T)
Focusing System	9-point TTL phase detection (one cross-type sensor) with eye-start AF with AF assist lamp Manual Focus possible (0) steps
Exposure
ISO Sensitivity	Auto, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200
Shutter Speed	30 - 1/4000 second
Exposure Modes	Aperture, Shutter, Manual
Metering Modes	40-segment honeycomb pattern, center-weighted, spot
Exposure Compensation	+/- 2.0EV in 1/3EV increments
White Balance	Image Sensor - Auto, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent, Flash, Custom, Manual
Internal Flash	Guide Number: 10 Modes: Auto, Fill-flash, Rear sync, Wireless, High-Speed sync, Slow sync, Red-eye reduction: On/Off Range: Lens dependent
Flash Exposure Compensation	+/- 2.0EV in 1/3EV increments
Creative
Scene Modes	Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Sports, Sunset, Night Portrait/Night View
Self Timer	Yes, 2 or 10 seconds
Storage
Recording Medium	Memory Stick Duo, Memory Stick PRO Duo
File System	FAT16, FAT32, complies with Design Rule for Camera File System (DCF)
File Format	CCD-RAW, RAW, JPEG
Connectivity
Video	Yes
Computer	USB 2.0 High Speed
Other	DC input, min-HDMI
Power
Battery Type	Lithium-ion rechargeable
Battery Form Factor	Proprietary NP-FH50
Product Bundle
Software	Software/USB Driver CD-ROM
Battery / Charger	1 x Proprietary NP-FH50 Lithium-ion rechargeable battery and charger
Flash Memory	0.0MB
Other
Digital Print Order Format (DPOF) compliant	Yes
PictBridge Compliant	Yes
Internal Microphone	No
Internal Speaker	Yes
Tripod Mount	Yes
Remote Control	Yes, Optional
More Photos

Sony Alpha DSLR-A330
General
Camera Type	SLR
Manufacturer	Sony
Model Number	DSLR-A330
Dimensions	5.0 x 3.8 x 2.8" 128.0 x 97.0 x 71.4mm
Weight	491.0 g 17.2 oz
Planned Price	$649.00
Planned Availability	2009
Warranty	1 years
Image Capture
Sensor Type	APS-C Sony CCD 10.80 megapixels (total) 10.20 megapixels (effective)
Filter Type	RGBG
Aspect Ratio	3:2, 16:9
Image Dimensions	3872 x 2592 (10.0 megapixels) 2896 x 1936 (5.6 megapixels) 1920 x 1280 (2.5 megapixels) 3872 x 2176 (8.4 megapixels) 2896 x 1632 (4.7 megapixels) 1920 x 1088 (2.1 megapixels)
Capture Speed	Continuous: 2.5 frames per second
Image Quality	2 levels
Image Preview / Review
Viewfinder	Yes, SLR type; eye-level pentamirror, 95% coverage, 0.74x mag., 19.7mm eyepoint, -2.5 to +1.0 diopter
LCD	2.7", 230,400 pixels
Playback Zoom	12.0x max
Lens
Lens Type	Interchangeable Lens 3x optical zoom 55mm lens thread
Lens Mount	Sony Alpha (Minolta A) mount
Image Stabilization	Yes
Focal Length	18.0 - 55.0mm (actual) 27 - 83mm (35mm equivalent)
Aperture Range	f/3.5 - 22 (W), f/5.6 - ?? (T)
Focusing System	9-point TTL phase detection (one cross-type sensor) with eye-start AF with AF assist lamp Manual Focus possible (0) steps
Exposure
ISO Sensitivity	Auto, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200
Shutter Speed	30 - 1/4000 second
Exposure Modes	Aperture, Shutter, Manual
Metering Modes	40-segment honeycomb pattern, center-weighted, spot
Exposure Compensation	+/- 2.0EV in 1/3EV increments
White Balance	Image Sensor - Auto, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent, Flash, Custom, Manual
Internal Flash	Guide Number: 10 Modes: Auto, Fill-flash, Rear sync, Wireless, High-Speed sync, Slow sync, Red-eye reduction: On/Off Range: Lens dependent
Flash Exposure Compensation	+/- 2.0EV in 1/3EV increments
Creative
Scene Modes	Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Sports, Sunset, Night Portrait/Night View
Self Timer	Yes, 2 or 10 seconds
Storage
Recording Medium	Memory Stick Duo, Memory Stick PRO Duo
File System	FAT16, FAT32, complies with Design Rule for Camera File System (DCF)
File Format	CCD-RAW, RAW, JPEG
Connectivity
Video	Yes
Computer	USB 2.0 High Speed
Other	DC input, min-HDMI
Power
Battery Type	Lithium-ion rechargeable
Battery Form Factor	Proprietary NP-FH50
Product Bundle
Software	Software/USB Driver CD-ROM
Battery / Charger	1 x Proprietary NP-FH50 Lithium-ion rechargeable battery and charger
Flash Memory	0.0MB
Other
Digital Print Order Format (DPOF) compliant	Yes
PictBridge Compliant	Yes
Internal Microphone	No
Internal Speaker	Yes
Tripod Mount	Yes
Remote Control	Yes, Optional
More Photos

Sony Alpha DSLR-A380
General
Camera Type	SLR
Manufacturer	Sony
Model Number	DSLR-A380
Dimensions	5.0 x 3.8 x 2.8" 128.0 x 97.0 x 71.4mm
Weight	489.0 g 17.1 oz
Planned Price	$849.00
Planned Availability	2009
Warranty	1 years
Image Capture
Sensor Type	APS-C Sony CCD 14.90 megapixels (total) 14.20 megapixels (effective)
Filter Type	RGBG
Aspect Ratio	3:2, 16:9
Image Dimensions	4592 x 3056 (14.0 megapixels) 4592 x 2576 (11.8 megapixels) 3408 x 2272 (7.7 megapixels) 3408 x 1920 (6.5 megapixels) 2288 x 1520 (3.5 megapixels) 2288 x 1280 (2.9 megapixels)
Capture Speed	Continuous: 2.5 frames per second
Image Quality	2 levels
Image Preview / Review
Viewfinder	Yes, SLR type; eye-level pentamirror, 95% coverage, 0.74x mag., 19.7mm eyepoint, -2.5 to +1.0 diopter
LCD	2.7", 230,400 pixels
Playback Zoom	12.0x max
Lens
Lens Type	Interchangeable Lens 3x optical zoom 55mm lens thread
Lens Mount	Sony Alpha (Minolta A) mount
Image Stabilization	Yes
Focal Length	18.0 - 55.0mm (actual) 27 - 83mm (35mm equivalent)
Aperture Range	f/3.5 - 22 (W), f/5.6 - ?? (T)
Focusing System	9-point TTL phase detection (one cross-type sensor) with eye-start AF with AF assist lamp Manual Focus possible (0) steps
Exposure
ISO Sensitivity	Auto, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200
Shutter Speed	30 - 1/4000 second
Exposure Modes	Aperture, Shutter, Manual
Metering Modes	40-segment honeycomb pattern, center-weighted, spot
Exposure Compensation	+/- 2.0EV in 1/3EV increments
White Balance	Image Sensor - Auto, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent, Flash, Custom, Manual
Internal Flash	Guide Number: 10 Modes: Auto, Fill-flash, Rear sync, Wireless, High-Speed sync, Slow sync, Red-eye reduction: On/Off Range: Lens dependent
Flash Exposure Compensation	+/- 2.0EV in 1/3EV increments
Creative
Scene Modes	Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Sports, Sunset, Night Portrait/Night View
Self Timer	Yes, 2 or 10 seconds
Storage
Recording Medium	Memory Stick Duo, Memory Stick PRO Duo
File System	FAT16, FAT32, complies with Design Rule for Camera File System (DCF)
File Format	CCD-RAW, RAW, JPEG
Connectivity
Video	Yes
Computer	USB 2.0 High Speed
Other	DC input, min-HDMI
Power
Battery Type	Lithium-ion rechargeable
Battery Form Factor	Proprietary NP-FH50
Product Bundle
Software	Software/USB Driver CD-ROM
Battery / Charger	1 x Proprietary NP-FH50 Lithium-ion rechargeable battery and charger
Flash Memory	0.0MB
Other
Digital Print Order Format (DPOF) compliant	Yes
PictBridge Compliant	Yes
Internal Microphone	No
Internal Speaker	Yes
Tripod Mount	Yes
Remote Control	Yes, Optional
More Photos

Sony DT 18-55mm F/3.5-5.6

Sony DT 55-200mm F/4-5.6

Sony DT 50mm F/1.8

Sony DT 30mm F/2.8

Sony HVL-F20AM