Sony Unveils Accessories For Alpha DSLR

By Greg Tarr On Apr 18 2011 - 4:01am

SAN DIEGO – Sony introduced a powerful compact external flash with quick shift bounce for its Alpha series d-SLR cameras along with several accessories including a bracket, carrying case and lens hood.

The HVL-F43AM external flash (shipping this summer at a $350 suggested retail) includes GN43 output (105mm ISO100), Quick Shift Bounce adjustment, wireless ratio control and is dust and moisture resistant.

The Quick Shift Bounce system allows the flash head position to be adjusted instantly when switching between horizontal and vertical compositions.

This is said to maintain consistent shadow positions regardless of camera orientation, for more natural-looking ‘bounce’ effects.

The unit’s Wireless Ratio Control makes simplifies the selection of light emission ratios for up to three separate flash units. This allows quick creation of sophisticated multi-point lighting effects without the need for complex professional equipment.

Flash power levels are switchable in 22 increments, from 1/1 through to 1/128 level in 1/3 steps. High output power is complemented by a 2.9 second (approx.) recycling time. The flash includes a high-quality LCD screen and direction buttons.

Also coming this summer are the VCT-55LH bracket, LCS-AMB soft carrying case and ALC-SH111 lens hood.

The VCT-55LH is described as a versatile mounting bracket that offers space for mounting additional ISO cold shoe accessories. Designed for Amount cameras, the bracket can also be used with E-mount cameras such as the NEX-5/NEX-3 and the Handycam NEXVG10E HD camcorder.

Other accessories – like a shotgun microphone – can be mounted while the camera’s main shoe is occupied.

The VCT-55LH ($50 suggested retail) will support the CLM-V55 clip-on LCD monitor.

The LCS-AMB soft carry case ($50) protects A-mount cameras and attached standard zoom lenses in transit.

It features a suspended partition to cradle the camera securely while allowing quick access. Finished in black polyester, the case can be slung over a shoulder using the supplied strap, carried by the grab handle or attached to a belt. It also features pockets with space for up to two extra batteries, spare memory cards and lens caps.

The ALC-SH111 lens hood ($20 suggested retail) is compatible with DT 35mm F1.8 SAM and 85mm F2.8 SAM lenses. The round-profile hood shades from direct sunlight to prevent glare and lens flare.