Sony has taken a plunge into the digital single lens reflex (D-SLR) cameras. SLR cameras allow the user to view the image they want to take through the same lens as the camera. Sony has unveiled the a (pronounced alpha) DSLR-A100 camera.

The a DSLR-A100 has a 10.2 megapixel CCD (a digital camera’s version of film) which Sony claims to be the highest image quality in its class. Sony will launch 19 lenses and has stated that the camera will be compatible with most of the previous Konica-Minolta Maxxum® mount lenses.

Sony has also added that it includes Dynamic Range Optimizer image analysis technology so that images are reproduced in sharp, natural color. The camera contains a Bionz image processing engine which allows for quick shooting.

Sony has tried to combat blur with this camera, by being very light sensitive and featuring Super SteadyShot technology dedicated to stabilizing images.

The a (alpha) DSLR-A100 camera will be the first camera to optimize the highlights and shadows of an image in the hardware of the camera. All cameras require software to optimize the image, but with Sony’s Dynamic Range Optimizer its all done in the camera before the image is converted to a JPEG.

We’ll just touch on the Bionz engine again. It can take up to 3 frames per second at 10.2 megapixels. And the a (alpha) DSLR-A100’s lithium-ion battery lasts for around 720 image captures when fully charged.

Sony also has implemented features to fight dust. Firstly, they have placed a anti-static build up in the image sensor, and also include a features that shakes the dust off the image sensor whent he camera is turned on.

You can get the a DSLR-A100’s for about $900 when it is released in July 2006.