Until the release of Sony's first digital SLR (Alpha A100) this past summer, the 7.2-Megapixel Cybershot DSC-H5 was Sony's most advanced digital camera. For a non-SLR, the Sony Cybershot DSC-H5 is capable of producing impressive well-balanced images. According to Sony, the camera's "advanced Super HAD (Hole Accumulated Diode) CCD design allows more light to pass to each pixel, increasing sensitivity and reducing noise." This allows ISO sensitivity as high as 1000 with relatively little noise.

The Sony α (alpha) DSLR-A100 is Sony's first camera in the rapidly expanding SLR market. The camera features a 10.2 megapixel 23.6 x 15.8mm APS-C-size CCD imager and Super SteadyShot® in-camera image stabilization system for high-sensitivity shooting. The camera also has a Dynamic Range Optimizer that automatically improves detail in unusually bright and dark areas of the photo.The Alpha usually ships with a 27mm to 105mm midrange telephoto lens, allowing for a fairly wide range of photography.  The current retail price is $999.

Key Features:

• 10-megapixel CCD captures enough detail for photo-quality 18 x 24-inch prints
• Kit includes 18-70mm f3.5-4.5 lens
• In-camera image stabilization and anti-dust vibration systems; Eye-Start Autofocus system
• 2.5-inch LCD display; 9-point autofocus system; 40-segment multi-pattern honeycomb metering
• Powered by lithium-ion battery (supplied); stores images on CF I/II and Memory Stick Duo card