Q: Hi, I''m insterested in getting the A300. May I know when it will be available in Malaysia and the retail price? Could it offer multiple package like body only, body with 16-105 or 18-200, other than the standard 18-70.
A:The A300 is currently available ONLY at our authorized retail outlets around Malaysia. It's retailing for RM2599 for the single lens kit (SAL1870) and RM2999 for the twin lens kit (SAL1870 + SAL55200). Unfortunately, it doesn't come in a multiple package this time around.
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Q: What happened to the alpha monthly newsletter? i''ve been visiting sony centre now and then.. just to get the latest news on ALPHA.
A:So sorry for the delay. As mentioned in the forum, we've been facing some transition issues. You should be able to start seeing it again in May.
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Q: Is it important to get a vertical grip for beginner? I would like to buy an alpha350 but many said that the live view is not so good for dark enviroment. So, i think i will go for alpha200. what''s the difference between a200w kits and a350k kits?
A:A vertical grip is useful for both beginners and experienced users alike. It makes shooting in portrait orientation a lot easier (and balanced) and it allows you to utilize 2 batteries for longer shooting session. The A350 works remarkably well in low light for a Live View camera, definitely better than any of our competitor's Live VIew equivalents. However, if Live View performance doesn't suit you, you can always switch back to the optical viewfinder for the exact same performance as the A200. Thus, given both the pros and cons, the A350 (or the A300) is a better option to go for. As for the difference between the 2 kits, the A200W comes with the SAL1870 and the SAL75300 whereas the A350X comes with the SAL1870 and the SAL55200. The difference the the tele lens is because of size and weight. For the best balance when using the Live View camera, the SAL55200 is a better option.
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Q: What's your opinion about new DSLR-A200?
A:This is an interesting question indeed. The A200 is probably the best beginner's DSLR money can buy. It has everything you would need to take professional quality images (10.2 megapixels, Super Steady Shot Inside, BIONZ, D-Range Optimizer, etc) without breaking the bank. The only downside is that it doesn't have Live View which makes it slightly less easier to adopt if you're upgrading from a digital compact camera. However, if your hunger to learn photography is high and the lack of Live View doesn't make you cringe, the A200 is your best bet.
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Q: I am a a700 user, looking for vg-c70am, vertical grip for a700. is this item available at sony style in KL? please let me know.
A:You can actually get it from any of our authorized dealers. If they do not have one on hand, you can order it from them as well. Check our dealer list for the full list of authorized dealers
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Q: When I preview my picture in histogram mode (A100), i notice some picture u can see the display "blink white". Not all shots have this symptom, is this common? What is triggering this?
A:This is not a camera defect but actually the camera's way of telling you that the blinking portion of your image is overexposed or underexposed till the level that there is no more details there anymore. Even if you were to do some software adjustment in your PC, you would not be able to get any details out of those areas. Of course, if that area is not so important to your picture (the sky for example), then its safe to ignore it.
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Q: My A100 flash produce some kind of "click click click" charging sound whenever I use my flash, is this common on all camera or the flash is at fault?
A:If you've never experienced such sounds previously, it would be best to get it checked. As for the flash charging sound, it should sound more like a whine when charging.
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Q: I just bought a Sony A200, the promoter introduce me to this forum and may i know how to register as a member in this forum ?
A:Basically, the first step you need to do is visit www.sony.com.my/MySony and register your warranty online for the additional 6 months. Subsequently, login to MySony and there will be a link for you to register and login to this website.
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Q: dear george, issit really our flash gun F56am dun hav any warranty about it? my flash gun hot shoe was break and it wan to cost me about RM135, is it really no under warranty for the housing also?
A:The flash does have warranty. If there are any issues or queries, please do not hesitate to check with our call centre. Warranty repairs, it very much depends on what is the damage. Warranty only covers manufacturer defects, not issues brought about through wear & tear. As for your particular case, it's difficult to judge without knowing the actual condition personally.
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Q: What the best lens to use for wedding photography? Indoor & Outdoor, Is it with large f?
A:There are many types of lenses you can use for wedding photography. Generally, most people tend to use 2 types of lenses: a wide (or super wide) angle lens & a standard tele. Why? The wide is primarily used indoors in tight situations where space is limited or for group shots. A standard tele is used for everything else. You generally never need anything longer than 100mm due to the fact that you have ample space to get up close and personal at weddings. Due to the low light conditions of most weddings (your standard hotel ballroom with tungsten light is low light), having a large aperture (F1.4 - F2.8) is definitely helpful. However, if budget doesn't allow for such fast lenses, there's always the external flash. If you're adept at using flash units, off-camera wireless (or wired) flash would give the best results as well.
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Q: My A700 has back focus issue whenever using ultra wide angle (10-20mm) lens. I found many ppl had back focus issue on A700. Check here http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1037&message=25411889
A:In actual fact, the A700's focusing is well within the specifications. However, some experience inaccurate focusing when using the A700 especially with higher grade lenses due to its low depth of field for example. If you face such a situation, Sony is considering to 're-tune' your camera to your specific lens. However, such a 're-tune' would make it out of specifications (although with your existing lens might give better results) so this is purely at the users own risk. Please check with our service centre if this option is available to you.
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Q: Few of my friends confirmed they too have this symptom. The LCD tend to be yellowish/warmer tone & it doesnt affect the photo. When i open the photo in PC, the WB is actually perfect. Just the LCD in A700 show incorrect color. Why?
A:This is actually quite a normal situation as the color can be affected your viewing environment. To best determine the color of your image, checking the RGB histogram might be a better indicator.
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Q: Sir, about offer DSLR-A100(Body+2Lenses(SAL1870+SAL75300)) My Question I have been to some Shop selling Camera and I have been testing the A100 with lens SAL1870. I find out this lens made in china. What is the Lens brand used? Since so far I have been use F828 and the lens used is Carl Zeiss. I can find anything on the lens (SAL1870) it''s self mention about the lenses brand use. See the lenses "made in china" make me not that confident to buy this package. TQ
A:Although the SAL1870 lens is a made-in-China lens, it's 100% made by Sony. Rarely have we faced any issues with the lens in spite of its origins so buy with confidence.
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Q: How am I going to contact forum moderator? I had forgot my password
A:For password related issues, please do send me an e-mail directly at george.wong@ap.sony.com.
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Q: I really want to buy a100 and is that the flash got problem for this model
A:The A100 is definitely a great buy indeed. As for the flash, we have encountered some connection issuesin early shipments which we have rectified in existing models. For those which encounter this problem, please feel free to send it into our service centre to upgrade it to the latest modified version.
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Q: Can A100 use the vertical grip for A700?
A:Unfortunately no because the vertical grip for the A700 was made only for the A700.
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Q: What is the latest A100 firmware? I heard some latest model are loaded with v1.04 but how come only v1.02 is available for download?
A:For the A100 is the v1.04. This firmware upgrade has little to no enhancement and is only applicable when sending into our service centre. Normally, whenever any A100 is sent into the service centre, we would upgrade automatically to the latest firmware.
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Q: May I ask, does the Sony A100 hav D-lighthing?
A:D-Lighting is a technology used by one of our competitors. For us, we utilize our D-Range Optimizer which has been vastly improved in the new A700.
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Q: I have bought the sony A100, can I keep in a safety box? will this "destroy" the camera? what is the best way to keep the camera & lens?
A:If it is an air-tight container, it should not in any way damage your camera. Best to add some silica gel inside to reduce the moisture inside. The best way to store it is with a dry box which well help you to maintain an optimum level of moisture to protect your camera. If you're planning to not use it for a long period of time, it is advisable to take out the camera to fire at all shutter speeds and apertures.
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Q: Last month I went to a night safari and I took a picture of birds on the big tree and the area is very dark only a little light when I shoot it using iso 800/1600 and flash hvl-36am the background black and only can see the body of the bords in white-grey color. why?
A:By using the flash, you illuminate the subject but it order to maintain a handholdable shutter speed, the background is blacked out in the first place. In order to make this shot, you need a tripod, remote shutter and utilize a REALLY slow shutter speed to make the shot. However, if the subject moves, you get motion blur anyway so it depends on whether you want a pin point sharp image or a perfectly balanced exposure for the foreground and background
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Q: Can A100 snap Black and White photos? if can, please tell me wehre is the function on the camera so that I can switch to it.
A:Of course it can shoot in Black & White. You can access this feature at your mode dial on the top left of the unit. Go to DEC mode, press the Fn button and you can access a variety of color modes like Adobe RGB, Landscape, Portraits, etc and of course Black & White.
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Q: When got new Alpha?
A:The most common question I face. Unfortunately, the only answer I can give is that we will announce in due time when it's about to arrive. Suffice to say, you'll hear about it first here in this website.
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Q: Got a new alpha twin lense kit this week. Do you think I should use an LCD protector for my display? Any lense protector or filter for my lenses?
A:Firstly, congratulations on your new purchase. LCD protectors are not a must but I do use them as I tend to be rather rough with my equipment. However, if you're the careful type, it's not necessary. As for lens filters, we currently do not have a lineup of filters but you can utilize any filters sold outside. However, bear in mind that bad filters can reduce the optical quality so be prudent in your purchase.
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Q: I bought a normal backpack from sony (not alpha bag). Can I carry my camera and lenses in it when travelling?
A:Generally, you can carry your camera in any backpack but the main problem is protection. Do ensure that your bag has sufficient padding to protect it against minor knows or bumps. Carry a plastic bag in case it rains when you're trekking as its the cheapest way to avoid rain. Of course, you can invest into specialized camera bags as well, the choice is up to you.
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Q: Where can I get manual to use alpha?
A:Unfortunately, the manual is only provided with the camera itself.
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Q: what the worst thing can happen if i use other brand lens.will it match the system in a100. plz advice
A:For major competitor brands, naturally since the mount is completely different, it will not mount in the first place. In the case of third party lenses, generally there are no issues using them but sometimes due to certain technical issues, you may need to 're-chip' them in order to work with newer bodies. For third party lenses however, you have to make sure that the lenses utilize the Sony or Konica Minolta mount system.
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Q: When I set the ISO to 800 the picture become too much noise. Is it normal compare to the other brand dslr in the market?
A:The noise levels are comparative with other competitor DSLRs using CCD at equivalent megapixels without any software noise reduction.
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Q: I try to joint July Contest but every time when come to upload picture the page show nothing,is this normal or i didnt successful upload my picture?
A:Your images have to be approved by the administrator before it actually appears on the website. However, if it has yet to appear after awhile, it would be best to inform the admin directly with your username. His e-mail is george.wong@ap.sony.com
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Q: Is there other lens from other brand that can be used by Sony Alpha? Please advice.
A:Well, Sigman, Tamron and Tokina are third party lens manufacturers which makes A-mount lenses. Availability however might not be very high at the moment and you will have to order some lenses that you may want.
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Q: well im not an alpha user, previously im into Nikon film type SLR and now i decided to get a new D-SLr, so since you guys are alpha user.. can tell me why alpha so good? as i know it''s kinda costy in term of lenses. right? well im travelling quite frequent, going to kuching sarawak next.. any alpha shops over there? hyde
A:Well, basically if you're looking purely at product specifications, one of our main strengths is the Super Steady Shot Inside which gives us Super Steady Shot benefit even for the standard kit lenses. Another reason is our incredible long lasting battery which surpasses our competitors with 750 shots (CIPA rating). For the price and value that you're getting, it's an amazing all-rounded camera to start off with.
However, what makes us truly different is this community that you see before you in this website. We provide monthly prizes for competitions and contributed articles and out workshops and seminars are FREE for life. Check out our forum and our articles section to see the activities that we have been conducting thus far.
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Q: Hey. This is more of a forum related question but here goes. Having issues logging in. There''s no direct login, resulting a prompt to go back to mysony.com to login. However, upon return, clicking on the forum link results in the registration page. Thanks~! -mach
A:Actually, we're in the process of upgrading the login section at the moment. We will inform in the Latest News section once it has been done.
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Q: I face problem with my A100 where when taking picture with flash hvl-56am while using Apature mode. First I thought may be the setting so I change to Auto mode, the same thing happen black picture. Then I go to Menu reset the setting to factory default as may be wrongly set something but still facing the same problem. panic a bit I switch off & on a few time and still the same. Lastly I pull out the battery and put back the unit in the dry box. The next day when switch on and try taking photo with and with out external flash it turn to OK (normal), I put the flash in the hot shoe also turn out OK. I want to take to the service center to tell about my problems but it did not happen again and I cannot determine what cause it to happen. When searching on the net saw some one mention about Black Frame Syndrome if i not mistaken. can some one advice what should i do bcoz i don''t want it to happen while in the middle of something. regards.
A:This is quite a serious problem and one we're looking into very seriously. As the symptoms occur erratically (as mentioned), we will have to troubleshoot on our end to determine the cause. Check back here for updates as we determine the cause and also a proper course of action for you.
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Q: I've been having intermittent freezing of my shutter when I take photos. The problem with intermittent issues is their inconsistency when sent to a service center for troubleshooting. I work under pretty standard local weather and it requires me to remove my battery in order to restart the Alpha. What gives? macdude
A:According to AMC Japan the symptoms are very rare and they don't have any feedback from other countries regarding this issue. The best course of action is for you to send it our service centre to have the main board replaced. If problem persists, please do contact us again.
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