My First dSLR

I got my first SLR camera! It's Sony alpha A300K with 18-70 mm lense. I bought it from Circuit City. First I went to Best Buy but wasn't convinced with what the salesperson told me. So I went to Circuit City. They said Sony and Canon are the best in line and Nikon is catching up. I decided to go with Sony. It doesn't have a lot of options when it comes to lenses but I'm hoping Sony will come up with more in near future.

Picture quality of SLR is way better than regular point-and-shoot. Since it's my first SLR I'm not too picky about funcationality though easy of use and price were important factors in my decision. I know Sony's products are one of the best, if not THE best, so I didn't hesitate when the salesperson recommended A300K. It was on sale for about $540, which isn't bad for SLRs.



Specifications:

General
Imaging Device : 10.2 (effective) APS CCD Sensor; 23.6 x 15.8 mm; RGB primary color filter

Megapixel : 10.2MP

Convenience Features
AF Illuminator Light : Yes, On/Off Select

Clear RAW NR : N/A

Histogram Display : Yes - RGB, playback only

Live View : Yes

Movie Mode(s) : N/A

Multi-Pattern Measuring : 40 Segment, Center Weighted, Spot

Scene Mode(s) : Portrait, Landscape, Sunset, Night View/Night Portrait

Processor
BIONZ™ Engine : Yes (LSI with Dynamic Range Optimizer (DRO/DRO+))

Optics/Lens
EV Compensation : ±2.0 EV, 1/3 EV Steps

Exposure : Manual Exposure: Yes, w/EV indicator, Manual Exposure: Yes; Aperture/Shutter Priority, Manual, Program Shift: Yes, Command Dial

Focus : Auto Focus: TTL Phase Detection, Multi-point: 9 Area, 8 Line, 1 Cross Sensor, Auto Focus Mode: Yes, Adjustable Spot AF: Selectable Sensor, Visual Focus Confirm: Direct via Spherical Acute Matte Screen

ISO : Auto/100/200/400/800/1600/3200

Lens Type : Interchangeable A-mount

Shutter Speed : 1/4000 to 30 sec., Bulb

Software
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.

Supplied Software : Image Data Converter SR ver.2.0, Image Data Lightbox SR ver.1.0, (all Windows & Macintosh), Picture Motion Browser Ver.2.1.02 (Windows only)

Operating Conditions
Flash Effective Range : GN12 at ISO 100 (39 feet/ 12 meters)

Flash Mode(s) : Built-in Auto Pop-up: Auto, Fill-flash, Rear flash sync, Slow Sync, High Speed Sync, Wireless off camera flash (with Flash HVL-F56AM, F42AM)

Inputs and Outputs
Output(s) : Video: Yes, NTSC/PAL Selectable

USB Port(s) : Yes, Supports USB 2.0 Hi-speed

Service and Warranty Information
Limited Warranty Term : 1 Year Parts & Labor