Sony leaks show A300, A350 swivel SLRs

Sony's contributions to the PMA photography show will include features only just reaching most lower-cost digital SLR cameras, say scouts locating information from Sony's own SonyStyle online store. The body-only Alpha A300 and its lens-equipped A300K variant (both pictured) will still share the same 10.2-megapixel sensor as the A200 but will add a swiveling LCD to the basic design. The change not only allows viewing shot information at unusual angles but is also expected to provide a live image from the viewfinder. This will aid the A300 with beginner SLR users and give it the same flexibility as less powerful but also more flexible 'prosumer' cameras such as Sony's own recently unveiled Cyber-shot H3.

A second camera, the A350, will add a sharper 14.2-megapixel sensor and stand as Sony's mid-range SLR. No details have been revealed of the camera beyond these two elements, though the camera is likely to gain the same swivel screen and live view as the A300. Pricing is also an unknown factor, though the A300 and A300K are expected to remain close to the $700 and $900 prices for their existing A200 models. The A350 would be a completely new entry to the line and serve as an intermediate step between the A300 and a top-end model such as the A700 or a possible A900 replacement.

A300 (left), A350 (right)