The Sony A450, introduced as part of Sony’s CES 2010 offerings, is another sub-$1000 DSLR that is situated near the A500 and A550 cameras in terms of feature set. The Sony A450 is equipped with a 14.2-megapixel CMOS sensor, presumably the same one as the A550. Unlike the A500 and A550 though, the A450 does not include a fast Live View display with a tilting LCD.
The Sony A450 is a somewhat peculiar introduction in the Alpha lineup. The camera is essentially a Sony A550 (read PB’s A550 review) without the tilting LCD and fast Live View, which are arguably the best features on the A550. However, for those of you who hate Live View and wiggly LCDs, the A450 may be right down your alley.
The other great feature in the spotlight from the A500 and A550 is Auto HDR, which seamlessly blends exposures in-camera to create an expanded dynamic range in your JPEG files straight out of the camera. Thankfully, that’s one killer feature that the A450 ended up with.
Sony A450 Key Features
- 14.2-megapixels Exmor CMOS sensor
- ISO 200-12800
- 7 fps continuous shooting (5 fps w/ continuous AF and metering)
- Manual Focus Check Live View
- Auto HDR
- SteadyShot sensor-based stabilization
The Sony A450 should be available in February 2010. Check availability on Amazon.com.
Sony A450 Press Release
05 January 2010 – The newest addition to the Sony ? family of DSLR cameras teams flawless imaging with generous creative options and is ideal for consumers new to DSLR photography who want the best possible image quality.
Powerful yet easy to use, the DSLR-A450 is a perfect all-rounder when you’re ready to take your passion for great pictures to the next level. Ideal for active shooters, it’s at home in any shooting situation, from relaxed portraits to fast-moving sports action.
Inside the ?450 is a high-resolution 14.2 (approx.) effective megapixel Exmor™ CMOS sensor. It’s teamed with the powerful BIONZ processor to deliver highly detailed, ultra-low noise images. Sensitivity extends right up to ISO 12800, allowing you to capture beautifully natural handheld images in low light without flash.
With a generous 95% field of view, the bright optical viewfinder makes framing and composition a pleasure. As an extra refinement, Manual Focus Check Live View previews clear, bright full-resolution images on the 6.7cm (2.7”) Clear Photo LCD screen. With selectable 7x/14x on-screen image enlargement it’s ideal for confirming pin-sharp focus with portraits, still life, macro and architectural scenes.
The powerful BIONZ image processor enables high-speed continuous shooting at up to 5 fps (maximum – approx. figure). In Speed Priority mode (with AF and AE set at start of burst) this increases to an amazing 7 fps (maximum – actual speed depends on shooting conditions and media card). More than enough to catch sports and fast-moving action with ease.
Creative options are enhanced with Auto HDR mode that accommodates bright highlights and dark shadow details in a single frame. Two successive frames shot handheld at different exposure values are merged automatically by the camera. The result is a detail-packed High Dynamic Range image – with no need for a PC image editor and specialist skills. In addition to fully automatic operation, the exposure difference between frames can be manually set up to 3EV, in 0.5EV increments.
Featured right across the DSLR line-up by Sony, SteadyShot INSIDE™ offers up to 4 steps of anti-shake correction with the full range of 30 ? lenses and two teleconvertors, as well as compatible A-mount optics by Konica-Minolta.
The ?450 also offers the most impressive shooting stamina of any DSLR camera by Sony to date. The high-capacity battery allows up to 1,050 shots between charges* – plenty for a busy weekend’s sightseeing.
Slots for Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo and SD/SDHC memory cards (sold separately) are offered to suit users’ personal shooting preferences.
Connect the ?450 to any HD Ready TV for a breathtaking big-screen view of your photos. PhotoTV HD optimises still image reproduction on compatible BRAVIA™ models, while BRAVIA™ Sync allows control of slideshow and other camera playback functions using your TV remote.
Supplied software includes Image Data Converter SR; Image Data Lightbox SR; and PMB (Picture Motion Browser) for easy image management. The ?450 is also compatible with the wide range of high-quality DSLR accessories by Sony, including flashes, carry cases, batteries and chargers, GPS and more.
The DSLR-A450 digital SLR camera by Sony is available from the beginning of February 2010.
JK says
If it’s lower than $600 ($549?), fine. If not, it would be a pointless model. A500 with street prices of $649 would be far better buy (larger 3 inch lcd, quick AF live view).
Hamza says
My type of camera :)
Now let’s hope it hits Pakistan anytime this year
Peter K Burian says
Sony USA has not announced the a450 … so far, at least.
And Sony Canada says they will NOT be marketing the a450.
Perhaps it’s only for other countries.
Gordon says
I like this one – users of the a450 should be able to get their eye to the viewfinder without mashing their face against that articulated screen that sticks out WAY too far on other models. The better viewfinder will also be welcomed. Well done Sony.
Money says
Once again, Sony is making another DSLR that no one wants.
Hey Sony – We want DSLRs with good low ISO performance, HD Video, live view, effective auto focus system, interchangeable lenses and accessories at a reasonable price and for goodness sick – please, provide better support services (more firmware & software updates).
After 2 years, I am still waiting for Sony firmware updates for my A200, until Sony shows some signs of improving their products and support service, I’ll keep on buying other brands like Canon, Nikon, Olympus, and Fuji (even Fuji provide better service than Sony).