Here's a peek at the first new digital SLR product from Sony since its acquisition of Konica Minolta in 2005. Yup, that's the reason why it looks a lot like Konica dSLRs.

Sony's DSLR-A100 is based on the Konica Minolta Maxxum 5D and 7D, including the CCD-based image stabilizer and the lens mount. But the similarities stop there as other features of this camera are Sony-specific.

The following are the features of this new dSLR:

• A 10.2-megapixel Sony CCD sensor with 10M/5M/2.5M image sizes
• Dual mode dust reduction system - dust resistant coating over sensor and a dust "shake-off" when powered on or off
• Dynamic Range Optimizer - this analyzes the captured image first to instantly determine the best color tonality and exposure of an image before JPEG compression
• Bionz LSI image processor - this will allow the user to capture pictures at lighting speed with high-speed burst shooting at three frames per second continuously
• Powered by Sony's Li-Ion battery
• A large 2.5-inch LCD display with high resolution
• CompactFlash I/II card slot, FAT32 and Microdrive compatible
  

Expect to see the Sony DSLR-A100 in stores this July with its 18-70mm zoom lens. The entire A100 kit is going to retail for about $999.

We all know that Konica Minolta's end in the camera industry came to pass last March 31. Lots of beautiful pictures have been taken with this powerful camera. Sadly, the birth of the digital camera has given this camera line an end last Friday. But all hope is not lost for those of you who have loved Konica Minolta the moment you took your first few shots. Sony has taken the initiative to incorporate the Konica Minolta lenses into their future DSLRs. The next generation of Sony DSLRs could be compatible to Sony lenses and that would be really sweet as Konica Minolta is well known for having one of the best auto-focus systems and anti-shake systems developed. Some say that lens technology of Konica Minolta itself will be used for the coming Sony DSLRs, alongside those Carl Zeiss lens. Photography lovers will definitely enjoy that not all is lost with the end of Konica Minolta.

Back in January, Konica Minolta announced that they would be withdrawing from the camera and photo business.  Well that day looms, as tomorrow, March 31st is upon us. 

They cite the issue of keeping up with the sensor technology that is integral to digital photography, as a main issue for calling an end to their camera work.  Sony has reached an agreement with Konica Minolta to continue producing technology that current owners of KM hardware can continue to utilize.  The film side of things will be phased-out of production over the next 12  months.

I've never owned or used a Minolta camera, but have a few friends who have.  They've sworn by them, and I'm sure will be sad at this news.  For me, it's always a little sad when an older company - among the pioneers in an industry - calls it quits like this.  I guess it's the nostalgic part of me coming out.  Geez, I'm getting old and soft.