SUMMARY
The Sony Alpha A100, launched in 2006, marked the beginning of Sony's Alpha DSLR line and featured a unique 'eye-start autofocus' system. This technology used a sensor near the viewfinder to begin focusing when it detected an object within an inch, allowing the camera to focus before the shutter button was pressed. This feature, inherited from Konica Minolta, was eventually dropped from later E-Mount cameras due to power drain and accidental triggers from camera straps. The A100 also included in-body stabilization, another Minolta legacy, though less advanced than today's systems.
TAKEAWAYS
Sony's first DSLR, the Alpha A100, had an 'eye-start autofocus' feature.
This system automatically began focusing when a sensor detected proximity to the eye.
The feature aimed to speed up autofocus by initiating focus before button presses.
Power consumption and accidental triggers led to its discontinuation in later models.