The Next Technology Stage : Sony

The Next Technology Stage

Sony engineers are working on exciting new developments that will take the α series to the next level. By incorporating cutting-edge electronics into the SLR, a camera with a long history of innovation, the engineers aim to create α models that produce "Images of beauty for everyone," and which will help make photography really enjoyable.

D-Range Optimizer - Off D-Range Optimizer - On

D-Range Optimizer

The D-Range Optimizer amplifies any dark areas of an image's wide subject-brightness that falls outside the dynamic range of the image sensor, so that this data too can be included in the photograph. Put simply, it enables users to shoot subjects against the sun, something that was difficult to do before its introduction.

The D-Range Optimizer provides a natural reproduction of the image because it amplifies the data received by the image sensor before it is interpolated into the formed image.

Power Management Know-how

Sony has accumulated much know-how in power management due to its efforts in extending battery performance in video cameras, designing efficient circuitry for their power supplies and in the actual development and manufacture of the battery itself.

Thanks to this know-how α battery life has achieved a top-of-the-line rating. This reduces the frustration for users caused by rapid loss of power, a major challenge for digital camera manufacturers.

CMOS Sensor - Exmor™

Developed by Sony, the Exmor™ CMOS image pickup device incorporates a unique on-chip column A/D converter and dual noise-reduction technology that reduces noise before and after A/D conversion.

The result is much lower noise compared to A/D conversion carried out on a separate chip. As a result, Sony's α DSLR cameras can take photographs using high-sensitivity settings with ease and without noise interference.

* Exmor is registered trademarks of Sony Corporation.

Quick AF Live View

The Live View function enables users to see an enlarged view of the viewfinder image on the LCD at the back of the camera. This is a common feature in compact cameras but not in AF SLR cameras, which require the light entering the lens to be used for both the viewfinder and AF.

One way to enable Live View is to utilize the light meant for the AF; another way is to create the Live View image from all the light flowing through the lens. But these methods interrupt operation of the SLR's phase detection AF and prevent its use when Live View is employed.

Sony engineers use a different approach that avoids this problem, leaving the AF free to work as normal. They have placed a second image sensor in the viewfinder's optical path and use the resulting image to create the Live View image.

DYNAX The Next Technology Stage

DYNAX The Next Technology Stage