After beating 11 male challengers under the wire in the Breeders' Cup Classic last Saturday, the 5-year-old Mare Zenyatta with thankful jockey Mike Smith aboard, posed for photographers on her way out of the winner's circle at Santa Anita Park. Zenyatta, unbeaten in 14 career races, became the first female to win the Classic. Credit Sports Illustrated. Photographer: Peter Read Miller

When I was around 10 years old, my brothers and I received a subscription to Sports Illustrated one Christmas.  Although I already had a growing interest in photography, this Christmas gift would push me over the edge in that every week I was inspired by sports photography that left me in awe.

What I didn’t realize then, but have since realized, was that a large portion of those photographs that made me want to take photographs myself were taken by Peter Read Miller.   Miller has made his legacy with his unique photographs which he is able to capture because of his all important and impeccable timing but beyond that, he is able to look at a scene differently than most.

I still get Sports Illustrated today and each week when a new issue comes I instantly pick it up and look at the photographs before anything else.  This week, four photographs into their “Leading Off” section, a photograph of Breeders’ Cup winners Mike Smith (jockey) and  Zenyatta (mare) pose for photographs on the track in front of–by my count–18 photographers.

The photograph is compelling in its own right but the one thing that drew me to it was the pure brilliance behind the photography of the image.  Instead of getting the same photograph as the other 18 photographers there, the photographer of this image decided to think outside the box and cover the event for what it is; pure spectacle.

It was no surprise to me when I saw who snapped the photograph, none other than Peter Read Miller.  Miller has hundreds of such photographs; images that are unique, compelling, and purely genius.   My goal as a photographer is to capture life in a way that most people otherwise wouldn’t see. No one practices this better than Miller.

Next time you’re covering an event and fighting for position with other photographers, take a step back and ask yourself how you can photograph the event in a way that no one else is.  You may come up short but that may be a small price to pay when 20 other photographers are getting the same image anyways.

The Canon 1D Mark IV is Canon's latest pro-level digital camera.

The Photo Dictionary, we must admit, has been off the ball in the last couple of weeks. This is primarily due to the redesign of ThePhotoDictionary.com.  Since Canon announced the release of the 1D Mark IV a little over a month ago, rumors on what Canon is doing next–the rumornuts seem to think it’s going to be a “60D” (I’m inclined to think that the 7D is the 60D, we shall see).

Fortunately, Canon keeps us stimulated with something to read, releasing their “white book” for the latest and greatest (and it is great) Canon 1D Mark IV.

The manual, which is located on canon’s website as a 123 page PDF file, covers many of the 1D’s upgrades and improvements including the new sensor, auto focus system, and the first ever HD video capture capability on a 1 series camera.

Nick Ut's photograph of a 9 year old Kim Phuc covered in burning Napalm helped change the course of history.

Just the other day, I wrote about an AP story regarding the release of some graphic photographs that captured the death of a US Marine. At the center of the debate is a divide on whether the AP was justified in releasing the photographs of Lance Cpl. Joshua M. Bernard in his final moments, or if the agency had an inherent expectation to do so. And while that debate continues, Kim Phuc, the subject of a very emotional and (in)famous Vietnam Photograph taken by AP photographer Nick Ut–who later won a Pulitzer Prize for the photograph, has used the fame of the photograph to spread peace throughout the world.

“Sixty-five percent of my body got burned…I should be dead …So now I think, ‘I cannot change something that happened to me already. But I can change the meaning.’ Phuc said in an interview with HealthDay.

Phuc has dedicated her life to speaking out to burn victims and providing them hope.  Beyond her current role, however, many argue that the photograph of Phuc altered the course of history. With the debate over privacy in wartime continuing, The Photo Dictionary poses this question: Would Phuc’s influence be the same without the release of her photograph?

Share your comments here or follow The Photo Dictionary on twitter and send us your thoughts there.

The Photo Dictionary’s Twitter
http://twitter.com/PhotoDictionary

The gruesome realities of warfare took the nation by surprise and from this (in large part) gave rise to the activism that Vietnam has become associated with.  This activism often turned into hatred as returning soldiers frequently found themselves the targets of protest and assault.  For the first time in American history, many viewed our soldiers as villains and murderers.

As the years passed and the truth about Vietnam and the Vietnam Soldier’s experience surfaced, America took another turn on the American Soldier’s wartime experience. Since the mid-70’s, first hand accounts, biographies, and mainstream Hollywood movies cast a shadow of sympathy upon–not just the Vietnam Vet–but any soldier serving in war.  No longer were our soldiers merely heroic gun slingers, nor were they nothing but blood thirsty murderers. Instead, most came to see them as they were; mostly young kids looking for a chance to prove something to themselves, fulfill a dream, or take an opportunity to get out of a situation at home.  These kids were often put into situations which most could never fathom and asked to do things most could never do.

And this is, many would argue, largely due to the unprecedented news coverage that the Vietnam War received.  The news coverage of the Vietnam war was often imbalanced in its delivery but ultimately allowed for a certain level of truth that the American People never had access to.

On one hand, with the current level of technology, the world is ever shrinking and war coverage has become viewed as a right.  On the other hand, over the past few decades, the American Solider has been given a face and a humanity that simply did not exist before.  We view them as heroic individuals still, but we also see them as our Sons and Daughters, Mothers and Fathers, Husbands and Wives. Because of this, there is a certain demand for the truth and yet a certain respect for privacy that we have bestowed upon our soldiers.

Within the last year, debate on this topic has been centered around whether or not photographs of the coffins of dead American Soldiers returning home should be allowed to be photographed. On one side, an argument is made for the privacy of the soldiers and their families. On the other is an argument for the truth of American policy to be viewed by the American People.

Recently, the AP news agency was forced to make this decision after one of its photographers photographed the death of an American Soldier, twenty-one year old Lance Cpl. Joshua M. Bernard of New Portland, Maine.  AP photographer Julie Jacobson was embedded with a squad of marines on patrol and found herself in the middle of an ambush, which lead to the death of Lance Cpl. Bernard.  Jacobson had photographed Bernard prior to the ambush, during the ambush, and took photographs of a memorial his fellow Marines held for him after his death.

Jacobson, who kept a journal wrote about her experience, was clearly touched by what she had witnessed, describing how Bernard’s fellow marines tried to talk him through the experience.

AP decided to release the photographs, despite Bernard’s father stating that he felt the photographs were a disrespect to his son’s memory.

Read the AP story and decide for yourself. Share your comments here or follow The Photo Dictionary on twitter and send us your thoughts there.

The AP Story
http://www.ap.org/fallen_marine/

The Photo Dictionary’s Twitter
http://twitter.com/PhotoDictionary

UPDATE 9/1/09 9:30AM CST:

Rob Galbraith has reviewed a pre-release 7D

” The 7D represents Canon’s most interesting attempt in awhile to provide working photographers with a camera that incorporates a useful complement of pro features at a midrange camera price.”

UPDATE 9/1/09 8:00AM CST:

Imaging-resource.com has gotten its hands on a 7D and has uploaded hundreds of pictures taken with the 7D. Check it out here: http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/E7D/E7DTHMB.HTM

ISO 12800 anyone? Lets just say, very clean

Dpreview.com has also posted some samples

http://www.dpreview.com/gallery/canoneos7d_preview/

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Canon has announced today the long suspected EOS 7D. The 7D appears to be the answer to many photographers request of a camera similar to the old EOS 3.  The 7D is poised to be a mid level camera body that provides near pro-body level performance.  Below is the official press release from canon

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CANON U.S.A. REDEFINES MID-RANGE DSLR CATEGORY WITH THE NEW EOS 7D DIGITAL SLR CAMERA

The EOS 7D Features Fast Eight fps Continuous Shooting, Class-Leading 18-Megapixel Resolution and Full HD Video Recording with Variable Frame Rates and Manual Exposure Control

Lake Success, N.Y., September 1, 2009 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging, today introduced a revolutionary camera that redefines the highly competitive mid-range DSLR product category: the Canon EOS 7D Digital SLR camera. Professional photographers and advanced amateurs have been demanding higher performance and more diverse functions in their cameras, and Canon has answered – with the new EOS 7D. Far more than a slight improvement from a previous model, the EOS 7D DSLR is a brand new product that stands on its own with new features never before seen in any Canon camera. Whether it’s shooting at eight frames per second (fps), focusing with the new Zone AF mode or recording 24p Full HD video, the EOS 7D DSLR camera satisfies the most rigorous professional requirements with durability, flexibility, high-resolution images and customizable controls. With its unprecedented out-of-the-box performance and high-end feature set, the EOS 7D is poised as the ultimate step-up camera for serious photographers or a second camera for professionals in the field.
The EOS 7D boasts significant EOS advancements including a completely new 19-point Autofocus system, a new Canon iFCL Metering System (Intelligent Focus, Color, Luminance) and a new Intelligent Viewfinder. An 18-megapixel Canon CMOS sensor and Dual DIGIC 4 Imaging Processors fuel the EOS 7D’s 14-bit A/D data conversion and its ability to freeze fast motion in high-resolution with eight fps continuous shooting up to 126 Large JPEGS using a UDMA CF card, positioning this camera for the studio as well as the sideline. The EOS 7D captures beautiful low-light images with or without a flash, at occasions such as a dance recital or wedding reception, thanks to a wide range of ISO speed settings from 100-6400 (expandable to 12,800). In addition to its new still capture capabilities, the EOS 7D features Full HD video capture at 1920 x 1080 resolution with selectable frame rates of 24p, 25p or 30p. Native 24p recording helps videographers achieve a more cinema-style look for their footage without the need for post-processing.

“The EOS 7D represents a completely new chapter in digital photography and Canon product development. This camera stands alone as the most functional and innovative DSLR Canon has released to-date, bringing together all of the best professional features offered, along with numerous user requests at a price-point everyone can appreciate,” stated Yuichi Ishizuka, senior vice president and general manager, Consumer Imaging Group, Canon U.S.A.

The Evolution of Vision, the EOS 7D’s New Autofocus System
The Canon EOS 7D boasts the most advanced AF system ever seen in an EOS SLR. The completely re-designed system includes a new multi-axis cross-type 19-point AF grid, where the focusing points are evenly spread out across the image plane and clearly displayed through Canon’s new Intelligent Viewfinder. All 19 points are f/5.6-sensitive for both horizontal and vertical cross-type focusing, while the center AF point adds high-precision diagonal cross-type sensitivity for f/2.8 and larger aperture lenses. The Canon EOS 7D Digital SLR camera is the first EOS SLR to feature 19 cross-type focusing points that remain fully functional with maximum apertures as small as f/5.6, which brings the performance of the AF system to unprecedented levels for assignments as varied as fast-moving sports action or low-light wedding ceremonies.

The Canon EOS 7D’s AF system allows numerous AF area selection modes never seen before in an EOS SLR camera. New modes include:
• Spot AF mode reduces the size of a single AF point to focus on small subjects like an animal in a cage.
• AF Point Expansion mode uses a cluster of AF points adjacent to the selected AF point to automatically assist focusing on moving subjects, such as an athlete on the run.
• Zone AF divides the 19 AF points into five selectable focusing zones and makes it easier to achieve focus with subjects that are difficult to track with Single Point AF or AF point expansion, such as birds in flight.

Additional AF improvements include a revised Automatic AF point selection sequence that allows a user to pick any one of the 19 AF points as a starting point for tracking moving subjects in AI Servo mode. (Previous EOS models required the subject to first be acquired by the center focusing point.) If the subject moves away, the camera will continue to track the movement with the remaining points and display the active focusing point in the viewfinder. Also, a time-saving feature is AF Point Switching, which allows photographers to select and register one AF point for horizontal compositions and a second AF point for vertical shooting, ideal for studio and portrait photographers.

To complement the new AF system, the exposure metering system for the EOS 7D has been completely re-designed to take color information into account, another first for an EOS system. Canon’s iFCL metering includes a 63-zone dual-layer metering sensor that reads both illumination and color for consistent results in all lighting conditions, keeping exposure levels stable from shot to shot, even as the light source changes.

Canon’s new Intelligent Viewfinder uses a liquid crystal overlay to provide clear and precise displays of focusing points and zones, on-demand grid lines and a spot metering circle. The LCD overlay can also be illuminated in extreme low-light situations or turned off completely. The EOS 7D camera’s viewfinder includes a large all-glass pentaprism with an antireflective coating to maximize clarity and provide a brighter display. The EOS 7D’s Intelligent Viewfinder features 1.0x magnification with 100 percent coverage for accurate composition and checking of detail.

EOS HD Movie: Empowering the World of Videography
Canon has blazed new trails in HD video capture with the 5D Mark II. Now, the EOS 7D takes DSLR video to new heights with Full HD capture featuring fully manual exposure control, and selectable cinematic frame rates for both NTSC (National Television System Committee) and PAL (Phase Altering Line) standards. Compatible with more than 60 Canon EF and EF-S lenses, the EOS 7D lets videographers take full advantage of the camera’s large CMOS sensor to achieve the dramatic frame composition they desire. At the heart of the EOS 7D are two key proprietary Canon technologies, Dual DIGIC 4 Imaging Processors and a large APS-C-sized CMOS sensor, helping to render stunning color reproduction, amazing depth of field and fine detail, even in low-light conditions. The Canon EOS 7D allows for three video recording modes – Full HD and HD in a 16:9 aspect ratio and Standard Definition (SD) in a 4:3 aspect ratio, all at selectable frame rates. The EOS 7D Digital SLR camera will record Full HD at 1920 x 1080 pixels in selectable frame rates of 24p (23.976), 25p, or 30p (29.97); 720p HD recording at 50p or 60p (59.94) and SD video at frame rates of 50p or 60p (59.94). The EOS 7D features a new dedicated button to initiate live view for both video and still shooting. Once engaged, the same dedicated button will start and stop video recording. Like the EOS 5D Mark II, the Canon EOS 7D Digital SLR camera provides users with the capability to use an external stereo microphone for professional audio effects or a built-in monaural microphone for convenience.

The Features You Asked For
A helpful new tool for architectural and landscape photography where angles and perspective are critical is Canon’s new built-in Dual Axis Electronic Level, featuring an artificial horizon over the image on the rear LCD screen in Live View or in the viewfinder using illuminated AF points for easy leveling while shooting. The dual axis electronic level shows both horizontal roll and vertical pitch, making it easy to identify when the camera is in a fixed level shooting position and ready to take the shot.

The EOS 7D’s pop-up flash features a built-in Integrated Speedlite Transmitter for control of multiple off-camera EOS Speedlites without the need for an external transmitter. This built-in wireless option is a compact and economical solution for studio and wedding photography with multiple flash set-ups.

A new Intelligent Macro Tracking function helps reduce blur during macro shooting by recognizing when a macro lens is attached and automatically adjusting the AI Servo sampling frequency. This AI Servo adjustment accounts for camera movement forward and back, a typical occurrence when moving in close for a macro shot as photographers rock back and forth, or a flower blows in the wind.

Once in your hands, you can immediately feel the ergonomic improvements of the Canon EOS 7D camera, starting with a new super-fluid body design with continuous curves outlining the top of the camera and a revised grip that fits better in a user’s hand. The camera has a new Quick Control Button, which opens an easy-to-navigate menu on the camera’s LCD screen. From this menu, users can adjust all camera settings including AF modes as well as set custom button functions, an insightful new feature that can easily customize each button’s function to the photographer’s preference. Another new feature is the RAW/JPEG toggle button providing quick dual-format shooting, allowing photographers to quickly add large JPEG or RAW file formats to their already selected shooting mode at the touch of a button.

The Canon EOS 7D camera also features a new large, clear 3.0-inch solid structure Clear View II LCD screen with 920,000 dot/VGA resolution for enhanced clarity and color when viewing images. The camera’s nine internal seals enhance weather resistance, and its 150,000-cycle shutter durability positions the EOS 7D as a “workhorse” for professionals in any photography discipline.

New Wireless Connectivity
Canon is announcing the availability of the new WFT-E5A wireless file transmitter (WFT) exclusively for the EOS 7D Digital SLR camera. The WFT-E5A wireless transmitter offers professional photographers a wide range of digital connectivity options including IEEE802.11a/b/g and Ethernet, ideal for commercial and studio work. The WFT-E5A wireless file transmitter opens the door to new possibilities in remote and Geotagged shooting applications. Photographers can fire up to 10 cameras simultaneously from across the room or across the country while maintaining control over camera settings and remote live view on a laptop or smart phone.i The WFT-E5A wireless transmitter can also transfer and display images on DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) compatible televisions and photo frames. Geotagging is now possible via Bluetooth, using compatible GPS devices to append coordinate data to the images.

Pricing and Availability
The Canon EOS 7D Digital SLR camera is scheduled to be delivered to U.S. dealers at the end of September, and will be sold in a body-only configuration at an estimated retail price of $1,699.00ii. It will also be offered in a kit version with Canon’s EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM zoom lens at an estimated retail price of $1,899.00iii. The Canon WFT-E5A wireless file transmitter is scheduled to be available in early November and sell at an estimated retail price of $699.99iv.

Canon Digital Learning Center
Online visitors and Web surfers are encouraged to browse the Canon Digital Learning Center and take advantage of the various educational resources that Canon has to offer for novices and advanced photographers alike. The Canon Digital Learning Center provides a schedule for a wide variety of Live Learning classes across the country with renowned photographers as well as online resources and tips. The site also features online tutorials for beginners and professionals to learn their way around a digital SLR camera and inkjet printer and unlock the full creative control of digital photography. To learn more about each program and register, please visit: www.usa.canon.com/canonlivelearning

About Canon U.S.A., Inc.
Canon U.S.A., Inc. is a leading provider of consumer, business-to-business, and industrial digital imaging solutions. Its parent company, Canon Inc. (NYSE:CAJ), a top patent holder of technology, ranked third overall in the U.S. in 2008†, with global revenues of US $45 billion, is listed as number four in the computer industry on Fortune Magazine’s World’s Most Admired Companies 2009 list, and is on the 2008 BusinessWeek list of “Top 100 Brands.” At Canon, we care because caring is essential to living together in harmony. Founded upon a corporate philosophy of Kyosei – “all people, regardless of race, religion or culture, harmoniously living and working together into the future” – Canon U.S.A. supports a number of social, youth, educational and other programs, including environmental and recycling initiatives. Additional information about these programs can be found at www.usa.canon.com/kyosei. To keep apprised of the latest news from Canon U.S.A., sign up for the Company’s RSS news feed by visiting www.usa.canon.com/rss.

If you would like more details, please email me at email me.

The drawing will be held on September 12th 2009. You do not have to live in Illinois to win. If you purchase your tickets before August 5th you will be placed in an additional bonus drawing for $1,000.

A good book is good for the writing and I read many such books while studying history but the one thing that always proved a point more than any other was when a history lesson was accompanied by contemporary images. There is something very powerful about a photograph. There is an intimacy between the viewer and the subject that, I feel, cannot be replicated in any other form of media.

While I worked for a small studio in my hometown, my primary job was in the dark room making reprints of a local photographer whom for the past 60 years has captured every significant event and person that has been associated with the city. As his career–and to an extent his life–faded into the past, he decided to create a book of his work to sell locally. The book was nothing more than his photographs, but together it formed a rich narrative on the past 60 years of the small town.

This is the power of photography. A mentor of mine, who continues to have his work published in the likes of Time, once told me that, as a photographer you do not capture reality. This was a hard thing for me to accept initially but the more I listened to what he was saying the more I understood. In essence, you can capture reality with your camera but it is only the reality as you see it. As a photojournalist you are to be as neutral as possible. It is important to know the power that your photographs may have on history.

Today’s history in photographs

Yesterday was the 20th anniversary of the infamous Tienanmen Square Massacre.  There was much that lead up to the events of that day that could be discussed for hours. The one thing, though, that comes to mind when anyone utters “Tienanmen Square” is a photograph by Stuart Franklin of Magnum Photos.  The image of a man holding arbitrary bags in front of a line of tanks.  The image has become ingrained in the minds of anyone who knows of the months leading up to and following June 4th 1989.  At the time, the man in the image became a hero and spokesman for millions of Chinese people.

There have been other images like this in the past. Franklin’s photo is only 1 of Life’s “100 Photographs That Changed the World“.  Life’s series, and title, hit home the point I’m trying to make.  Photography has been and will continue to be a central part of World History.  In their stillness, photographs bring the viewer back to the fraction of a second that the image was conceived and allow that person to focus soley on the moments leading up to and after the image.

Cecil W. Stoughton was there when Lyndon Johnson was sworn in on Air Force One following the Death of John F. Kennedy.

Eddie Adams of AP captured this image durring Vietnam.  The image captured one man’s final moments on earth while demonstrating the brutality of war (it should be noted that most probably misinterpret the image, as the man being assassinated was likely the cause of many American’s losing their life).

Air force Pilots were their with their camera’s as atomic bombs were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki

John Paul Filo captured this now famous image of Kent State

The list goes on but the point remains; wherever there is history happening, there are photographers capturing it.  The power of photography can’t be understated.  The quicker a photographer embraces this power–the quicker they can harness it.

Snap on!

More Reading
100 Photographs That Changed the World

Flowers laid for Tiananmen Square

As I’ve described in the past I do a lot of work for a local newspaper. They know what they like from me and as a result I’m usually assigned similar assignments. For instance, i cover almost all the basketball for one of our three local high schools and cover every football game for this school.

As a result I’ve got a pretty nice routine down for these events that i do frequently. But it wasn’t always like that. I can’t count how many times I’ve gotten to a shoot only to realize that there were no batteries for my flash. One time, while taking a family portrait for a friend, I actually forgot the battery for my camera. There simply is never an excuse for this. You must be prepared in every aspect that way when it comes time to start taking photographs, the only thing on your mind is clicking the shutter.

1. Make sure your gear is ready. The night before a photography shoot, make sure you have your gear in order. Get your flash cards formatted and your batteries charged. Clean your lenses and make sure that you’ve packed the lenses and lighting equipment you need for the shoot.

2. Know why you are photographing . It doesn’t matter if it’s a wedding or a football game. You are going to be there for a reason and more than likely it’s because someone has asked you (hopefully paid you) to be there.  You should have an idea what they are going to use and what they need. Sometimes my editor will explicitly tell me that he needs a vertical shot, for example. If the only good shot I captured was a horizontal photograph, I have failed. Getting your client what they need is the only way you can gain respect as a photographer.

3. Know what you are photographing. I can’t tell you how many great photographers I’ve seen show up to a baseball game only to come up short because they didn’t understand what was going on.  This doesn’t just apply to sports photography though.  A wedding photographer needs to know when things are happening. A photojournalist covering a political event needs to know who the important speaker is.  In short, you must do a little research before you dive into a shoot. Understanding the subject allows you to photograph it more effectively.

4. Have a plan. Now that you know what you need to get, and you know your subject, try and plan how you’re going to get the shot.  I recently had to gather some photographs of some local landmarks.  The one shot of the series that I planned the most was of the tunnel in town (page 7).  This is a tunnel that only allows for one car at a time to go through, and is mostly used as a train is coming through town as it avoids waiting at the crossing.  I thought a bit about how to capture all of this in one photograph.  The only way was to get a picture of a train crossing the tunnel and two cars coming towards each other.  I looked at the train schedule and picked a time that correlated with a lot of automobile traffic. Having a plan allowed me to get the shot I was hoping for and it only took one try.

5. Be Flexible. Nothing ever goes to plan. Camera gear breaks. Batteries die. You may fail to follow rule 1. The star athlete may be hurt. The priest may not want you on the alter. What you envisioned in your head may end up looking like crap. It doesn’t matter how it happens but it’s going to happen–something isn’t going to go to plan  and you simply have to be prepared to switch gears.

To Conclude…

Photography is never easy and it is isn’t usually routine. However, simply having a routine to prepare yourself is a surefire way to ensure that you will consistently get quality results for yourself and your clients.

More Reading
Digital Photography: Top 100 Simplified Tips & Tricks (Top 100 Simplified Tips & Tricks)
More photography tips from The Photo Dictionary

Click on the above image to see the full leak.

Last week we mentioned that Sony’s newest entry-level DSLR’s were leaked on a Russian site. Today Sony announces that the Alpha 230, 330 and 380 are official.  The three models combine a mix of small size, high image quality, and vast flexibility not found in many other camera’s that will allow entry-level photographers to get a taste of digital SLR photography but not be burdnened by the super high costs (and size) of more advanced systems.

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SAN DIEGO, May 17, 2009 – Sony is making it easy for first-time digital SLR buyers to step up from point-and-shoot digital still cameras with the introduction today of three new easy-to-use α (alpha) cameras (models DSLR-A380, DSLR-A330 and DSLR-A230), four new lenses, a flash and accessories.

Uniquely Matched to Customers’ Needs

The new cameras are designed to overcome challenges faced by many customers taking their first steps in DSLR photography. Without compromising performance and versatility, the new models are smaller, lighter, easier to use and offer innovative expansion options not found in other systems.

“Our new alpha cameras, lenses and accessories make it easier for new users to get the great photos they expect without the steep learning curve that DSLRs have traditionally required,” said Kristen Elder, senior manager for the alpha business at Sony Electronics Inc. “By overcoming the obstacles, we’ve made it much easier for newcomers to take great pictures with DSLRs.”

Light and Compact

The 10.2 megapixel α230 camera is the lightest, most compact alpha DSLR camera body ever at 15.9 ounces. The 10.2 megapixel α330 and the 14.2 megapixel α380 cameras are also smaller and lighter than their predecessor models (the DSLR-A300 and DSLR-A350, respectively). These cameras are also more compact and feature an intuitive control layout that allows for easy single-handed operation.

SteadyShot INSIDE™ in-camera image stabilization is built into each camera body, so every α-mount lens benefits from the ability to minimize blur due to camera shake.

Quick AF Live View System

Both the α380 and α330 cameras offer Sony’s Quick Autofocus (AF) Live View technology, so you can frame photos on the camera’s LCD screen as well as in the optical viewfinder. Through the use of a dedicated image sensor, Quick AF Live View maintains the rapid response of a DSLR, while avoiding the focus delay common to other live view systems.

The new cameras feature a 2.7-inch (diagonally) Clear Photo LCD™ screen that is easy to view even in bright sunlight. Additionally, the LCD on the α380 and α330 models can be tilted up or down, making it easy to frame your subject from high or low positions, otherwise difficult to see using an eye-level viewfinder. The range of adjustment has been increased from their predecessors, making it even easier to get shots from difficult angles.

By combining Quick AF Live View and an adjustable LCD, users can frame the scene without holding the camera in front of their face, allowing parents, for example, to maintain eye-contact when photographing their children for more natural expressions.

An HDMI™ terminal gives you the option of connecting your camera to a compatible HDTV and playing back your images in high definition quality (HDMI cable required, sold separately). Additionally, BRAVIA® Sync™ works with compatible Sony® BRAVIA HDTVs to let you control camera playback using the television’s remote (HDMI cable and BRAVIA Sync capable HDTV required, sold separately).

The new cameras include dedicated slots for high-capacity Memory Stick PRO Duo™, Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo™ and SD/SDHC media (sold separately).

Built-in Help Guide

The α380, α330 and α230 models are Sony’s first DSLR cameras to feature a graphical user interface (GUI) with built-in on-screen Help Guide.

The Help Guide offers clear, concise explanations of various modes and settings, while the Graphic Display helps you understand the relationship between aperture and shutter speed, as well as the effect each has on photographic results.

Systems, Lenses and Flash

Making it easier for first-time DSLR users to get started, the new Sony cameras come in camera-and-lens packages. In addition to the two new standard zoom and telephoto lenses that are offered with the camera bodies, the company introduced new portrait and macro lenses. These purpose-built lenses make it much easier to obtain professional-looking, creative results.

Optimized for use with APS-C sized image sensors, these lenses feature a Smooth Autofocus Motor (SAM) that enables in-lens auto focus (AF) drive for smooth, quiet operation, and high optical performance in a compact size.

The DT 18-55mm F/3.5-5.6 standard zoom lens (model SAL-1855) incorporates aspherical and Extra-low Dispersion (ED) elements to provide an all purpose lens with outstanding image quality. The DT 55-200mm F/4-5.6 telephoto zoom lens (model SAL-55200/2) features an ED glass element and helps bring distant subjects closer, ideal for capturing sports. Both the SAL-1855 and SAL-55200 lenses are available separately, or packaged as kits with the new cameras.

To make the benefits of portrait and macro photography easier and more accessible, Sony is introducing a DT 50mm F/1.8 portrait lens (model SAL-50F18) and DT 30mm F/2.8 (model SAL-30M28) macro lens. The wide aperture SAL-50F18 lens helps users capture beautiful portraits with gently defocused backgrounds while the SAL-30M28 macro lens captures intricate close-ups. Both techniques are difficult to achieve with standard lenses.

To help users take better shots with flash, Sony offers an affordable, compact external flash unit (model HVL-F20AM) that is simple to operate. Unlike a camera’s built-in flash, this external flash provides higher output (Guide Number 20), and enables users to bounce light off the ceiling to eliminate harsh shadows and achieve more even illumination when shooting indoors.

Pricing and Availability

Pre-orders will begin on May 18, 2009 at www.sonystyle.com/retail and at selected retailers nationwide. The cameras and a range of accessories will be available in July at Sony Style® retail stores (www.sonystyle.com/retail), at military base exchanges and at authorized dealers nationwide.

The α380L, α330L and α230L will cost about $850, $650 and $550, respectively. The L series one-lens kit comes with the SAL-1855 standard zoom lens.

The α380Y, α330Y and α230Y will cost about $1050, $850 and $750, respectively. The Y series two-lens kit comes with both the SAL-1855 standard zoom and SAL-55200 telephoto zoom lenses.

* The SAL-1855 standard zoom lens will cost about $200.
* The SAL-55200 telephoto zoom lens will cost about $230.
* The SAL-50F18 portrait lens will cost about $150.
* The HVL-F20AM flash will cost about $130.

Visit the official site for more details