Sony Alpha 230, 330 and 380 update

The details were seen first on a Russian website (this page has been down/blank, as have several other Sony and Sony Style pages in the UK, Denmark, Germany):
http://www.sony.ru/hub/dslr/
Our link here was viewed and captured as a Google English translation which has a few bugs but is otherwise pretty accurate. Please note that there is one very bad translation which offers high noise levels as a selling point… it’s misGoogled from high levels of noise suppression :-). Also note that Google translations can not be cut and pasted as text, you get the original language even if you select the translated text on screen. So a screen shot, which we can not edit easily to correct, is the only solution.
Here is a screen shot assembled from the entire page, given the likelihood that it will disappear:

Just click the image to open a full size view.
I see that many websites worldwide have grabbed this composite image which took a bit of assembling. No worry, my thanks to those who have acknowledged it.
As suggested in my earlier post, the sensors remain the same, there is no video recording and the card storage has been changed to MS Duo plus SD. HDMI, USB and both cards slot are accessed from the left hand side with a hardware switch to change between card slots (this seems to rule out parallel or sequential recording), with a new battery type (same as the battery for the HX-1, a smaller NP-FH50AM) accessed from baseplate. A DC-in socket for Sony’s unique mains connector is provided at the right hand end of the body.
A number of forum posts have said that HDMI is no big deal – but for Sony having EVERY camera in the Alpha range Bravia PhotoTV/Bravia Sync/PS3 compatible does matter. The A700 and A900 are already there, the A200-350 series was not. These models will bring the entire range into compatibility with key Sony technologies. The projector I am using, a Sony VPL-EW5, also has a hand controller which should be able to control the camera slide show.
The new cameras are aimed squarely at female buyers. There’s a whole set of colour-coordinated accessories trying to solve century-old girl problems, like where to put the lens cap if you don’t have pockets, and how to reconcile ugly camera case versus fashion handbag. Here is the UK press release:
Get even more for your α DSLR : Four compact lenses, super-slim external flash and colour-coordinated lifestyle accessories
•Portrait lens DT 50mm F1.8 SAM •Two versatile telephoto zooms: DT 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 SAM and DT 55-200mm F4-5.6 SAM •Ultra slim, easy-to-use flash HVL-F20AM – ideal flash commander for α900 •‘Handbag’-style carry case, wrap cloth, hand strap and lens cap holder in attractive co-ordinated colour finishes •1:1 macro lens DT 30mm F2.8 SAM (Autumn 2009)
It’s never been easier for keen amateurs and step-up photographers to explore the creative possibilities of their α digital SLR camera.
A choice of affordably-priced new accessories makes the perfect match for easy-to-use new α380, α330 and α230 models. Four compact interchangeable lenses are joined by a beautifully slim, light external flash that’s ideal for everyday shooting, family gatherings and fun-filled trips away. There’s also a wider choice of lifestyle-oriented accessories, beautifully styled to look great while they’re protecting your α digital SLR.
Portrait lens DT 50mm F1.8 SAM
The SAL50F18 is a light, bright portrait lens offering superb optical performance at a price that’s irresistible to first-time DSLR users. With a wide F1.8 aperture, it’s ideal for capturing crisp, beautiful portraits in natural light with smoothly defocused backgrounds. AF performance is quiet and precise thanks to the inbuilt Smooth Autofocus Motor (SAM).
DT 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 SAM and DT 55-200mm F4-5.6 SAM
There’s a growing choice choice of over 30 affordable, high quality lenses to exploit the limitless creative possibilities of α.
The range is expanded further with two light, affordable new zoom lenses. Both cover a useful range of focal lengths to expand creative options without weighing you down. The two new zooms also offer smooth AF operation thanks to an inbuilt Smooth Autofocus Motor (SAM).
The DT 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 SAM telephoto zoom is an ideal choice for everyday shooting.
It’s complemented by the DT 55-200mm F4-5.6 SAM telephoto zoom that draws distant subjects closer with a maximum focal length equivalent to 300mm (35mm equiv.)
HVL-F20AM ultra-compact external flash
Brighten up any moment with this versatile, easy to use external flash for your α digital SLR. Slim enough to slip into a shirt pocket, the HVL‑F20AM is an ideal add-on for anyone who wants an extra light source to supplement their camera’s pop-up flash. Weighing less than 100g, the smartly-styled HVL‑F20AM folds down to keep a low profile when it’s not being used. Just pull the flash head up – it’s powered up and ready for use whenever it’s needed.
There’s also a handy switch to select Bounce flash operation. This gives indirect lighting for more natural results with portraits and other subjects that can get bleached out by direct light from an inbuilt flash.
The HVL-F20AM doubles as an ideal wireless flash controller for the full-frame α900. While Sony’s flagship DSLR does not have its own integrated flash, the HVL-F20AM can be used as an inexpensive trigger for wireless remote flash heads.

New lifestyle accessories
There’s now a wider choice of accessories to protect your α camera. Adding a distinctively feminine touch to the α family, the LCS-TT10 is a new-concept carry case that is both functional and fashionable. There’s space inside for the camera plus kit lens and an extra lens as well as personal accessories. It’s finished in smart beige canvas, and features two side pockets plus a removable shoulder strap.
The new LCS-WR1AM is an ultra-soft, high-quality protective wrap that guards the camera and attached lens from scratches. Available in black, white or brown, it’s a funky alternative to carrying a standard camera bag.
It’s complemented by a new handstrap – also available in black, white or brown – that attaches to the camera body for comfortable, secure shooting.
The LCS-LC1AM is a lens cap holder for convenient storage of the lens cap, which can be mounted on the camera shoulder strap, grip, hand strap or belt (belt mount requires optional carabinier – not included). Also available in black, white or brown.
1:1 macro lens DT 30mm F2.8 SAM
Under development for Autumn 2009, the SAL30M28 makes 1:1 life-size imaging more accessible than ever before. This small, light macro lens opens up exciting new creative possibilities with a detail-packed view of the world in close-up. High quality optics can focus clearly on flowers, insects and other subjects from as close as 2cm away. There’s also an inbuilt Smooth Autofocus Motor (SAM) for quiet, precise AF performance.
Specification and European price lists from the German Sony Shop web page:

A230
available with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 SAM lens only
€ 549.99
* APS-C CCD with 10.2 million pixels
* BIONZ image processor
* Anti-dust system
* 2.7 “LCD (230,000 pixels)
* 9-point autofocus with Crosshair
* Dynamic Range Optimization
* SteadyShot
* Built-in pop up flash
* Viewfinder with 95% field coverage
* HDMI port
* BRAVIA Sync
* Dimensions (WxHxD): 128 x 97 x 67.5 mm
* Weight (without battery): 450g
A330
€600 (body only)
€650 with standard 18-55mm
* APS-C CCD with 10.2 million pixels
* BIONZ image processor
* Anti-dust system
* Tiltable 2.7 ” LCD (230,000 pixels)
* Quick AF Live View
* 9-point autofocus with Crosshair
* Dynamic Range Optimization
* SteadyShot
* Built-in pop up flash
* Viewfinder with 95% field coverage
* HDMI port
* BRAVIA Sync
* Dimensions (WxHxD): 128 x 97 x 71.4 mm
* Weight (without battery): 490g
α380
€750 (body only)
€800 with standard 18-55mm
* APS-C CCD with 14.2 million pixels
* BIONZ image processor
* Anti-dust system
* Tiltable 2.7 ” LCD (230,000 pixels)
* Quick AF Live View
* 9-point autofocus with Crosshair
* Dynamic Range Optimization
* SteadyShot
* Built-in pop up flash
* Viewfinder with 95% field coverage
* HDMI port
* BRAVIA Sync
* Dimensions (WxHxD): 128 x 97 x 71.4 mm
* Weight (without battery): 490g
If these list prices are correct, all three are expensive compared to the competition (despite the dollar prices looking not too bad). You can get a Nikon D5000 for £690 in the UK including 15% VAT, and at a rate of 1.12 Euro to the Pound, that’s almost identical. There is no way the A380 can compete with the HD 720p video, optional GP-1 satellite location recording, 4fps frame rate, ISO 6400 capability, and other key features of the D5000 or the marginally more expensive Canon EOS 500D. The Alpha 200 is currently sold in the UK for £249 with lens (€280 inc VAT) and doubling in price for the entry-level A230 does not seem sustainable.
– DK