New A37 and NEX-F3 from Sony

Sony has announced two wel-priced new interchageables, the SLT-A37 DSLR and the NEX-F3 mirrorless compact system camera.

Both models feature 16.1 effective megapixel Exmor APS HD CMOS sensors and the latest BIONZ image processors and both can record detailed, low noise stills and Full HD video movies.

Sony A37

The SLT-A37 comes with Sony’s Translucent Mirror Technology, which enables continuous shooting with non-stop phase detection autofocus and continuous live image preview at up to seven frames/second. The 3-cross 15-point AF system with tracking autofocus keeps faces and fast-moving subjects in sharp focus for both stills shooting and movie recording. The camera’s Tru-Finder EVF has 1440k dot resolution, excellent contrast and 100 percent field of view. Adjustments to exposure and other creative picture settings can be previewed in real time, either via the Tru-Finder or the tilt-angle 6.7 cm (2.7-inch) Clear Photo LCD screen.

Launched concurrently with the SLT-A37 is a new SAL18135 A-mount 18-135mm f3.5-5.6 telephoto zoom lens, which offers a generous 8x (approx.) zoom range in a compact, portable format. The SAM design assures smooth, rapid and quiet autofocusing, while Direct Manual Focus allows accurate fine tuning of focus.

The A37 single-lens kit with 18-55mm lens will sell for AUD$699, while the twin-lens kit with 55-210mm lens is priced at $899. Also priced at $899 is the A37 Enthusiast kit, which includes the new 18-135mm f3.5-5.6 lens. Stand-alone price for this lens is $649 -so the kit represents a pretty good deal. .

Sony NEX-F3

Offered in black, white or pink, the NEX-F3 provides creative control and interchangeable lenses without the bulk and size of a Digital SLR camera. Featuring the same mirrorless design as other cameras in the E-mount family, it includes controls to help novice photographers achieve the results they seek. Auto Portrait Framing identifies the subject and crops to create well-composed, high resolution portrait photos. Self-portraits are simple with a quick 180 degree flip of the LCD monitor and the Smile Shutter mode can take the picture for you automatically with the three second timer.

Released concurrently with the NEX-F3 is the SEL18200LE E18-200mm f3.5-6.3 OSS LE lens, which offers a powerful 11x zoom range in an easy to carry format. Smaller and 12 percent lighter than its predecessor the SEL18200, the new E-mount lens features Optical SteadyShot stabilisation plus Direct Manual Focus control.

The NEX-F3 single-lens kit with 18-55mm lens will sell for $699, while the twin-lens kit with 55-210mm lens is priced at $999. RRP for the SEL18200LE E18-200mm f3.5-6.3 telephoto zoom lens is $1099.

The new cameras and lenses are scheduled for release in Australia between mid-June and July.

– Margaret Brown, Photo Review