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.