Sony α system

image by Iñigo Ochoa Gómez (Image rights)

When Sony took over the DSLR development of Minolta in 2006 the company decided to use the Japanese system name α (="alpha") of Minolta's AF mount cameras and lenses since the new Sony DSLRs got the same autofocus lens mount. In 2010 Sony introduced the Sony α NEX compact digital still cameras for interchangeable lenses but using the Sony E-mount which they share with Sony's flagship NEX camcorders. The Sony α NEX Camera Mount Adapter‎ allows to mount the most Sony α system lenses but not most of the old Minolta α system lenses.