Good news to those DSLR beginner who intend to buy a new camera! Sony will launch their three new entry-level Digital SLR camera Alpha A230, Alpha A330, and Alpha A380. Compare to previously model Sony Alpha series, these new launched cameras have multi-colored menu screens down to the control layout, and these cameras are lighter and cheaper to suit the beginner, which also intended to be user-friendlier.

One new add-on feature of Sony Alpha A230, A330, and A380, which are included dual memory card slots for SD and SDHC and their proprietary Memory Stick format, to encourage first-time SLR users to step up from their familiar compact cameras. The existing model of Sony Alpha is only support for Compact Flash card.

Sony has equipped these new DSLR camera with 9-point AF. And, these cameras will all feature in-body Steady Shot image stabilization. These compatibility with all Sony Alpha lenses as well as Minolta, or Konica Minoca AF lenses. Sony Alpha A230, A330, and A380 have the same optical viewfinder which is cover 95% field of view. In these three new launched cameras, Sony has make the buttons and control only at the right side of the LCD. These three cameras is also equipped with their BIONZ image processor, and include a pop-up flash.

For Sony Alpha A230, A330, and A380, users are able to select the different colors for the background of menu display screen – black, white, pink, or brown. Useful optional on-screen help guides inside these three new cameras, is something good to DSLR camera beginner again.

Sony Alpha A230
Price of Sony Alpha A230 with one kit lens is $549, while with two kit lenses is $749. Sony Alpha A230 has resolution of 10.2 megapixels with the APS-C size CCD sensor.

Sony Alpha A330
Price of Sony Alpha A330 (price = A230+ $100) with one kit lens is $649, while with two kit lenses is $849. It is available in copper brown color. Same to A230, Sony Alpha A230 has resolution of 10.2 megapixels with the APS-C size CCD sensor. Different to A230, A330 has a tilting LCD, which can tilts upward by 135 degrees and downward by 55 degrees.

Sony Alpha A380
Price of Sony Alpha A380 (price = A230+ $300) with one kit lens is $849, while with two kit lenses is $1049. Sony Alpha A380 has resolution of 14.2 megapixels. Same to A330, A380 has a tilting LCD, which can tilts upward by 135 degrees and downward by 55 degrees as well.

These cameras are available for pre-order now, at http://www.sonystyle.com/retail

KUALA LUMPUR, 5th MAY 2009 – Canon Marketing (Malaysia), a global leader in photographic and digital imaging solutions has today wowed the DSLR photo enthusiasts with its latest EOS 500D. Having pioneered the DSLR industry since 50 years ago, Canon continues to lead the way with this new model that comes packed with powerful 15 megapixel sensor and high definition (HD) movie recording capability.

Launched in conjunction with Canon’s 50th year anniversary for its SLR technology, the new entrant promises leading performance and a host of innovative features that would entice even the digital compact photographers to step up into the world of DSLR.

Big features, Powerful results
EOS 500D comes with an all new 15 megapixel APS-C size CMOS sensor, paired with Canon’s latest DIGIC 4 imaging processor. The result of this powerful combination is a fast-operating camera loaded with advanced features that are able to capture ultra-sharp, high quality images with fine detail and life-like hues, while affording creative control to the photographer, with enhanced ease of use.

Thanks to more than 50 years of solid R&D, Canon’s new models are all equipped with its proprietary DIGIC 4 technology. The EOS 500D equipped with this latest technology is capable of a continuous shooting speed of 3.4 frames per second despite the higher processing load of recording 15 megapixel images.

Compared to earlier models’ performance, under low-light conditions has been improved. EOS 500D is the first in its segment to feature an expanded ISO range and able to capture images at up to ISO 12800. This is accompanied with improved high ISO speed noise reduction, which can be set to Standard, Low, Strong or Disabled.

More advanced features in the EOS 500D have been made possible by the DIGIC 4 processor. Auto Lighting Optimizer with face detection helps improve contrast and brightness of captured images. Earlier cameras offered options to enable and disable, while with the EOS 500D, the user can select from three settings to achieve the most ideal exposure.

DIGIC 4′s lens peripheral illumination auto correction feature uses specific lens data to automatically correct for vignetting, thus achieving even brightness and saturation across the whole frame without the need for post-editing.

Some of the best features have been packaged in the EOS500D, such as 9-point autofocus, spot metering, 14-bit A/D converter. These solid elements have been further enhanced with a 3-inch Clear View LCD screen of approximately 920,000 dots VGA resolution, with anti-reflective & scratch-resistant coatings for improved viewing and smudge protection. Custom functions have also been expanded to allow an even greater degree of customization; and novice photographers can now exercise greater creative control through the Creative Auto mode which lets users change camera settings via a graphical, self-explanatory interface.

All new HD Movie recording
EOS 500D shoots brilliant video, even in Full HD with its new movie mode. Encompassing powerful image capture capabilities of a camcorder, the EOS 500D is also capable of capturing high quality HD movies at 640×480 at 30 frames per second, 1920×1080 at 20 frames per second, or 1280×720 at 30 frames per second. As an added function, users can capture desired still shots while on the movie mode.

Convenient playback is possible with both conventional A/V Out terminal, as well as HDMI output. The EOS 500D can be connected to today’s large screen TVs, making the EOS 500D extremely versatile and convenient for users. The EOS 500D is a perfect photo and video combo with an affordable price tag.

Live View shooting, which allows the photographer to frame his shots from either the EOS 500D’s monitor or a computer screen, has also been refined from that in earlier models. In the EOS 500D, most menu options are now available in Live View mode; one can freely change shooting mode, AF mode (which now includes face detection AF), AF point, or even playback images.

The EOS 500D is a comprehensive suite of features and capabilities coupled with a wealth of creative options in a user friendly system.

Flash to match EOS 500D: the Speedlite 270EX
Though the EOS 500D’s built-in flash is adequate for most situations an external flash unit can enhance the experience. Among the numerous choices available, the Speedlite 270EX which succeeds the Speedlite 220EX, is an ideal pairing for the EOS 500D.

Targeted at beginners and enthusiasts, the Speedlite 270EX is lightweight at 145g, and supremely compact, requiring just two AA batteries to power. Yet it can be articulated to bounce the flash, at 60, 75 or 90 degrees, which can be determined with precision by referring to the bounce angle index on the flash.

With Guide No. switchable from 22/72 (28mm) to 27/89 (50mm), the Speedlite 270EX provides a larger flash output level than the built-in flash. It is also compatible with E-TTL II/E-TTL, for fully automatic flash photography, with quick and silent recycling.

50 years of Technological Excellence
2009 marks 50 years in Canon’s journey to being the leading SLR brand in the world with over 53 million SLRs sold and as the #1 DSLR brand in Asia (Source GfK Asia, 2008)*.The Canon brand name is now synonymous with digital SLRs as well with the introduction of various models beginning from its EOS 300D till the EOS 500D launched today. EOS has achieved exponential sales of more than 10 million DSLRs as photography becomes more accessible to amateurs and professionals alike.

The new model launched today is a reflection of Canon’s future path towards another 50 years of solid user friendly technology and its move to simplify lives. The 50th anniversary will have signature efforts like the EOS Virtual Community which functions as a common venue for Canon users to share photography knowledge online as well as for networking. The re-launch of Canon Professional Services (CPS) membership & EOS Photographer of the Year Award is also in store to commemorate the 50th Anniversary.

The launch of EOS 500D was made even more memorable with the presence of its 15 year EOS brand ambassador, renowned Hong Kong Superstar Simon Yam.

A veteran user of Canon’s SLR & now DSLR cameras, the superstar has been the face of the EOS cameras in its journey to achieve the status as a leading professional camera. Besides being present at the launch, Simon has his itinerary full with hospitality events on behalf on Canon throughout his 4 day stay in the country.

Pricing and Availability

The pricing for the EOS 500D with 18-55mm kit lens is priced at RM 3663.00 and the 18-200mm kit lens will also be released soon. The Speedlite 270EX on the other hand will be available at a recommended price of RM549. All units will be available at Canon’s authorized dealers.

“L” stand for “Luxury“, L Lens or normally called L-series lens is the most expensive and highest quality lens among the lenses made by Canon.

In general, L lenses are
- Tough build (made to withstand the trials on the fields, and some incorporating dust and moisture resistant rubber seals)
- Focus faster (The wide maximum apertures and fast, quiet USM motors enhance focusing speed)
- Offer higher optical quality (contrast, sharpness, color, background/foreground blur quality, flare, Chromatic Aberration)
- Normally the lens come with white color (according to Canon, this reduces heat gain when a lens is used in bright, direct sunlight)
- Full time manual focusing, FTM (you can let the camera autofocus, then manually adjust focus yourself prior to the shot)
- At least one fluorite or ultra-low dispersion glass element (fluorite crystal rather than normal glass), combined with super-low dispersion glass and ground aspherical elements
- Non-rotating front elements, which are optimal for some filters
- Expensive.

The presence of a red ring around the end of lens barrel that indicates an L lens, if it is made by Canon.