Sony Alpha Digital SLRs, Like.No.Others, Best Buys! Hot Auctions!

The Sony Alpha (Greek letter alpha) digital SLR camera system was introduced to the market on June 5, 2006. It initially utilizes and expands upon Konica Minolta camera technologies, including the Minolta AF SLR lens mount, whose assets were acquired by Sony after the end of Minolta's camera operations in early 2006. Prior to the acquisition by Sony, the Alpha branding had already been used on the Japanese market by Minolta for their AF camera system which is marketed as "Dynax" in Europe, and "Maxxum" in North America.

The 'A-mount system', originally known as the A-type Bayonet mount was introduced by Minolta in 1985 as the world's first autofocus system, was adopted by Sony and is retained for these new SLR range. As a result, virtually all Minolta AF lenses are supported and is adaptable on Sony DSLRs without any modification, and many Sony lenses should work as well too on Minolta's film and digital SLRs.

During the initial introduction of the Alpha system in 2006, Sony announced 19 lenses and 2 tele-converters, of which the majority are rebranded Konica Minolta lenses. On May 18, 2009 Sony introduced the first A-mount lenses to feature their new SAM (Smooth Auto-focus Motor) in-lens auto-focus motor for more lens-specific AF Speed improvements and silent operation. This introduction was made with the new X 30 series camera bodies (A350 30 = A380)...