The Sony Alpha DSLR has been gaining attention from photography aficionados everywhere and since its expected shipping date is still on July 28, 2006, with a price tag of roughly $1,000, it is only apt that we get up close and personal with this new Sony creation even if its alleged specs are already out in the open.

To make that possible, Mark Weir - Senior Product Manager for Digital-SLR Cameras at Sony Electronics, gave some insights on marketing and Alpha line overview, on the specifics of their DSLR, its adapted features from Konica Minolta, and Alpha's lenses.

On the topic of marketing and Alpha line overview: When asked on about how long has the Sony Alpha DSLR actually been in the works, Mr. Weir replied that "the initial announcement of the agreement was in July of 2005. I would not be able to speculate on how much further in the past the negotiations took place, because I am not aware of that." He was also asked on what he think will make Sony's SLR attempt successful when Konica Minolta's was not?

He replied with a safe answer which is "well I (he) don't know that Konica Minolta’s was not. Konica Minolta had a strong and enthusiastic following for some time. To say that they were unsuccessful, probably isn't a point of view that I would espouse. I would say that they didn't have as much share as other, rivals that did, but I wouldn’t say that they did not succeed."

On the technological side of things, how the new Bionz image processor is different than the Real Image Processors, and how is it a better fit for an SLR, the good product manager replied that "if what you’re saying is the real imaging processor specifically, I would say that probably the biggest difference is operational speed and also what it’s doing...But in the case of this processor, I think more effort is put into the image processing and the method by which the image processing is accomplished, then in most other processors...But I think that the primary difference is the dynamic range optimization. Which, as far as I know, hasn’t really been attempted in SLRs to date."

To read the full interview, click on the 'Read' link.

Dubbed as "Photographic Storytelling for Electronic Media", The Photography Channel is not found in your TV Guide.  This is a internet-only 'channel'.  Basically comprised of a bunch of video shorts that display a photographer's work, with a voice-over of the photographer explaining their motivating factors for their work. 

I clicked through a couple before I felt like I had a feel for the place.  It's not bad.  I like the idea - and think it's prime for a video-blog, or something along those lines - but ultimately it seems a bit flat to me.  I'm not one to judge of course, as I don't claim to have any redeeming photographic talent, so see for yourself.  I think they could bring this along nicely with some more in depth interviews, etc.

If you're a Flickr fan I'm willing to bet that whether you knew it or not, you've come across John Watson's work.  He goes by Flagrant Disregard and when he's not posting wonderful photographs for the Flickr community to enjoy, he's offering up a whole slew of amazingly useful Flickr Toys. 

If you follow the weekly PhotoBlog Spotlights on QJ Photography, you saw his work last week at LightProofBox.  Now here's your chance to find out about the photographer behind the view finder.


QJ: So what do you do John?
FD: I'm a parent. I'm married and have two children. I create software for a living. Primarily, I build websites for companies.
  
QJ: What was it that prompted you to create the amazing stable of Flickr tools that you offer up for use by the internet?
FD: I wanted to help people make neat stuff with their photos and experience all the enjoyment that comes with that. The first one was the badge maker. LarimdaME created a really neat laminated badge. But lots of people could only admire it because they either didn't have the training or the tools to make their own. It seemed a shame that people wanted to participate and make badges and mosaics and posters with their photos but just couldn't do it. I wanted to help them. And that's still the primary goal of everything I make for the site. I want to make it easy for everyone to have fun with their photos.
QJ: As if Flickr weren't enough of a time-waster for me, I've spent more time than I care to account for playing with your Flickr toys.  They're excellent.