And so the rumors were right, the Sony’s new digital SLR finally goes official on June 6, 2006 (triple 6s). And like most Sony cameras, this one is really looking good (at least on paper).

Named Alpha 100, the camera will feature a whopping 10.2-megapixel APS-C size CCD sensor, anti-dust protection system and in-body Super SteadyShot image stabilization. These three features alone are almost enough to sway most DSLR-starters their way!

The Alpha 100 also includes several other great features. There is an eye-activated auto-focus system, which automatically begins auto-focusing whenever you bring the camera to eye-level. This can supposedly help save precious milliseconds. It also sports a generous 2.5-inch LCD capable of displaying 230,000 pixels. And another great feature is the support for both CompactFlash and MemoryStick Duo media, offering great flexibility that no other camera can.

The camera will be bundled with a SAL1870 DT18-70mm F3.5-5.6 kit lens, which is very decent in terms of focal range.

But before you run out and buy this baby, I’ll say wait for our favorite camera review sites to share their in-depth tests. Because remember, buying a DSLR body is just the beginning. You are buying into the manufacturer’s range of lenses as well.

Update: Guess what, the Big Three camera review sites have already secretly indulged themselves in the A100 while the rest of us were dying for this day to come. Here are the first looks and hands-on previews from them:

DPReview: Sony Alpha DSLR-A100 Hands-on Preview
DCResource: First Look: Sony Alpha DSLR-A100
Steve’s Digicams: Sony Alpha DSLR-A100

Update 2: The suggested retail price is to be $1,000 with the kit lens, and $900 without.

Official Sony Alpha 100 DSLR Press Release

Enjoy the all-new Sony α (alpha) DSLR-A100 camera with an amazing all-around lens to get you started. Included in this kit is the versatile new SAL-1870 lens. This standard lens easily handles the full range of shots you’ll take most often—but there’s nothing “standard” about its advanced optical design. In 35mm equivalent, it covers wide-angle 27mm to 105mm midrange telephoto for snapshots, portraits, interiors and more—an excellent all-around lens to travel with.

The Sony α (alpha) DSLR-A100 camera is an instant classic: the top-quality 10 MP DSLR system camera that builds on a two-decade legacy of Minolta photographic leadership, accepts 20 years of A-mount lenses sold worldwide—and introduces Sony imaging innovations like high-sensitivity shooting with Super SteadyShot in-camera image stabilization, Dynamic Range Optimizer to automatically increase detail in bright and dark picture areas, new Anti-Dust technology to keep the CCD imager clean for better pictures, and Eye-Start Autofocus system for faster camera response.

Feature List
The Rebirth of a Legend.
In the revolutionary new Sony α (alpha) DSLR-A100 camera, Sony’s mastery of digital technology combines with Minolta’s legendary SLR technology — including autofocus and anti-shake compatibility with over 16 million A-mount lenses sold worldwide.

Advanced Lenses and Accessories.
The Sony α (alpha) DSLR-A100 camera is your gateway to one of the world’s most sophisticated camera systems, including precision Sony standard and zoom lenses, Sony “G” Series lenses with advanced motorized autofocusing, amazingly bright Carl Zeiss T* coated lenses, professional-quality flash units and more.

10 MP Super HAD CCD.
A large APS-size CCD imager with Sony’s advanced Super HAD (Hole Accumulated Diode) design allows more light to pass to each pixel, increasing sensitivity and reducing noise — and providing greater detail when you make big prints or crop in close on your subject.

Super SteadyShot Image Stabilization.
The Sony α (alpha) DSLR-A100 camera builds image stabilization into the camera body, so all lenses benefit from anti-shake performance. And along with higher ISO sensitivity, Sony’s Super SteadyShot system minimizes blur from shaky hands so you can take sharp, clear photos with hand-held camera in situations that would normally require a tripod — and also helps both extended telephoto and macro close-up shooting.

Anti-Dust Technology.
Changing lenses in a DSLR can allow dust to enter the camera — so to keep the CCD imager clean for better pictures, the Sony  (alpha) DSLR-A100 camera utilizes both static-free anti-dust coating on the CCD filter and anti-dust vibration that automatically shakes the CCD to dislodge dust each time the camera is shut off.

Dynamic Range Optimizer.
To recover details in dark or bright areas of the picture, the Sony α (alpha) DSLR-A100 camera provides two levels of Dynamic Range Optimization: Normal DRO, to improve shadow detail using standard gamma curves for fast shot-to-shot response time, or Advanced DRO, to adjust dynamic range area-by-area for the greatest precision.

Bionz Image Processor.
At the heart of the Sony α (alpha) DSLR-A100 camera is the advanced Bionz Image Processor, using hardware-based Large Scale Integrated (LSI) circuitry that responds ten times faster than software image processors — improving camera response time, handling Dynamic Range Optimization processing and extending Stamina battery life.

Eye-Start Autofocus System.
Some DSLR systems don’t start focusing until the shutter button is half-pressed — but that can slow down camera response. The Sony α (alpha) DSLR-A100 camera begins its precision autofocus adjustments the moment you bring your eye to the viewfinder, to capture fast-action subjects other cameras might blur.

2.5” 1 Clear Photo LCD Plus Screen.
The Clear Photo LCD Plus design of the Sony α (alpha) DSLR-A100 camera’s built-in screen makes it easy to read camera setup menus even in bright sunlight — and gives you a better picture when you use your screen to set up shots and check results.

Continuous Burst Mode at 3 Frames Per Second.
To catch fast action more effectively, the Sony α (alpha) DSLR-A100 camera offers continuous JPEG image capture up to the limit of your flash memory card — plus RAW Burst Mode (up to 6 shots) with intelligent buffer management to allow more shots to be captured without waiting for the buffer to clear.

Super-Accurate Exposure Control.
A 40-segment honeycomb sensing system provides multi-pattern measuring for superior exposure control accuracy.

Flexible Exposure Modes.
For greater creative freedom in a wide range of shooting conditions, the Sony α (alpha) DSLR-A100 camera provides full manual exposure control as well as Program Auto, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, and Exposure Compensation modes.

9-Point Auto Focus Selection.
The Sony α (alpha) DSLR-A100 camera gives you all the focusing options you need for composing your shot with foreground, background or off-center subjects — including manual focus point selection, Spot AF, Continuous AF and AF Lock.

Lithium Ion Battery with Stamina Power.
A supplied NP-FM55H Lithium Ion rechargeable battery lets you take up to 600 shots2
on a full charge, recharges quickly with supplied battery charger.

Dual Media Options.
The Sony α (alpha) DSLR-A100 camera accepts both CompactFlash Type I/II media and optional Memory Stick Duo media (with supplied adaptor).

Sony Alpha A100 DSLR Specifications
Imaging Device: 10.2 (effective) APC CCD Sensor; 23.6 x 15.8 mm; RGB primary color filter
Chipset: Bionz Processor LSI with Dynamic Range Optimizer (DRO/DRO+)
Recording Media: Memory Stick Duo/Memory Stick PRO Duo media (via MSAC-MCF1N adaptor); CompactFlash Type I/ CompactFlash Type II / Microdrive media
Shutter Speed: 30 ~ 1/4000 sec, with Bulb
Exposure: Manual Exposure: Yes, w/EV indicator
EV Compensation: ±2.0 EV, 1/3 EV Steps
ISO: Auto/160/200/400/800/1600
LCD: 2.5-inch (measured diagonally) TFT (230k pixels) LCD with Clear Photo design; Eye-start Auto-focus sensor
Display: Histogram: Yes, Live, RGB Playback
Microphone/Speaker: No/ No
Red-Eye Reduction: Yes: On/ Off
White Balance: Auto, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent, Flash ( with custom White Balance color temperature adjustments)
Burst Mode: Continuous burst mode at 3 FPS to limit of media; Up to 6 RAW images in burst.
Color Mode(s): Black & White, Standard, Vivid, Adobe RGB (Except for Adobe RGB, all other color modes use the sRGB color space)
Scene Modes: Portrait, Landscape, Sunset, Night View/Night Portrait
Self Timer: Yes (10 seconds, 2 seconds, Off)
Still Image Mode(s): Normal (JPEG Fine/Standard), High-speed Burst (JPEG, RAW, RAW + JPEG), RAW (.ARW)
Memory Stick PRO Media Compatibility: Tested to support up to 4GB media capacity; does not support Access Control security function
Flash Modes: Manual Pop-up: Auto, Fill-flash, Rear flash sync, Wireless off camera flash (with Flash HVL-F56AM, F36AM)
Flash Effective Range: GN12 at ISO 100 (39 feet/ 12 meters)
Output(s): Video: Yes, NTSC/PAL Selectable
USB Port(s): Yes, Supports USB 2.0 Hi-speed
Battery Type: NP-FM55 Lithium-ion rechargeable battery (
Battery Capacity: 7.2V, 1600 mAh; CIPA standard: approx. 750 pictures3
Supplied Software: Picture Motion Browser for Sony v1.1 (Windows), Image Data Converter SR Ver. 1.1 (Windows & Macintosh), USB Driver
Operating System Compatibility: Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional, ME, XP Home and Professional; Macintosh OS X (v 10.3 or later). OS must be installed at the factory.
Limited Warranty: 1 Year Parts & Labor
Weight: 1 lb., 3 oz (545 g) body, not including battery, lens and media
Dimensions (WHD): (WHD) 5 1/4″ x 3 3/4″ x 2 7/8″ (133 x 95 x 71 mm)

SAL1870 DT18-70mm F3.5-5.6 Lens Specifications
DT 18-70mm f/3.5-5.6 Standard Zoom
DT Lens Design for optimum DSLR performance
Superb wide-angle to mid-range telephoto shots
Aspherical Lens Elements for wide-angle accuracy
ED Glass for telephoto shots with well defined colors
Circular Aperture for pleasing defocused effects
Focal Length – 35mm Equivalent: 18-70 mm
Focal Length – APS: 27-105 mm
Angle of View – 35mm Equivalent: N/A
Angle of View – APS: 76ﾟ- 23ﾟ
Min Focus Distance: 1’ 2.4″ (38 cm)
Aperture – Maximum: f3.5-5.6
Aperture – Minimum: f22-36
Maximum Magnification: 0.25X
Lens Construction: 11 elements in 9 groups with 7 aperture blades
Filter Diameter: 55 mm
Dimensions: 2-5/8 x 3-1/8” (66 x 77 mm)
Weight: 8.3 oz (235 g)
Supplied Accessories: Front and rear lens cap, SH0006 lens hood