Sony alpha DSLR-A230 with kit lens (Click to enlarge.)

Sony's just refreshed its existing line of consumer-level SLRs with three new models: the 10-megapixel Sony alpha DSLR-A230 ($550 with kit lens), 10-megapixel alpha DSLR-A330 ($650 with kit lens) and the 14-megapixel alpha DSLR-A380 ($850 with kit lens). The company says they have simpler graphical interfaces with help guides, more compact, lightweight bodies and HDMI outputs, to hook up to your HDTV. All three have two memory card slots, for Sony's Memory Stick Duo or an SD card. The two more expensive models also have live-view features and tilting LCDs. According to Sony, these SLRs, along with new lenses and a flash, are targeted at consumers who want to use SLRs more or less like point-and-shoots, but with better image quality and more options.

Sony alpha DSLR-A330 with kit lens (Click to enlarge.)

But with Canon and Nikon redefining the SLR market by producing SLRs that can capture video, like the Nikon D5000 and the Canon Rebel T1i, why didn't Sony include video features on these SLRs? I think Sony may have dropped the ball, although maybe they left out the video in order to avoid cannibalizing their camcorder products. No matter; they could have done a better job of appealing to point-and-shoot users by including video capability.

Still, Sony seems to have done a lot right with this announcement: They've also introduced four lenses (two zooms and two primes) and a flash, which in some ways may be more interesting than the SLRs themselves. Why? Sony priced these products to be inexpensive, at least cheaper than some of their past lenses and flashes, so you can afford to buy not just one, but perhaps several lenses and a flash to go with them.

Sony alpha DSLR-A380 with kit lens (Click to enlarge.)

Here's a rundown of the new lenses:

• A standard, 3x, 18-55mm zoom lens, $200
• A telephoto, 3.6x, 55-200mm zoom lens, $230
• A portrait, 50mm prime (or fixed) lens, $150
• A macro (or close-up), 30mm prime (or fixed) lens, $200

Of course, other camera companies have inexpensive kit lenses as well. But I think Sony's smart to introduce several at once, which gives the impression that Sony's looking to offer an inexpensive way for you to build up an SLR system. We'll be looking to see if Sony continues this trend in future product announcements.

My favorite among the new Sony products is the HVL-F20AM, a lightweight, easy-to-carry external flash that you attach to the SLR's hot shoe.

Sony alpha DSLR-A330 with the HVL-F20AM flash unit in the down (left) and up positions. (Click to enlarge.)

Here are two things I like about it: First, the price is only $130. Second, it pops up like the smaller, on-board flashes that most SLRs have. So, when you're not using it, it's compact and close to the SLR body. (Sony's been inventive with other SLR flash designs, such as the pricier HVL-F58AM external flash, $500, which can pivot 90 degrees left or right, as well as being able to tilt up and down, which is great for shooting vertically.)

The takeaway: Sony dropped the ball by not including video capability on these new SLRs, but their introduction of inexpensive lenses and an inventive flash may be Sony's saving grace. It will be interesting to see if Canon and Nikon and other SLRs companies pick up on this and start producing more super-cheap SLR lenses and accessories. —Terry Sullivan