Dear Tom Bonner,

I have read your post. As a former Minolta owner I have to make some statements for clarification, since I think there is a bit of a misunderstanding: I am well aware that Sony already offers the option of using flash card memory. It was not my intention to suggest that they don’t offer CF cards (e.g. ‘memory stick preference’ does not mean that there is nothing else. It only says that they have preferred this option in the past). However, my post doesn’t discuss the features of the existing product line. All I was trying to say was that this is a basic feature and a must have for all high end DSLR cameras today. It is not something with which to differentiate from competition.

Don’t get me wrong, but you did not meet the point. Mr. Kondo argued (within the referenced interview) that the NEW FLAGSHIP CAMERA BODIES would be likely to have a full format sensor and would use CF cards as memory. Hence I was referring to Sonys latest announcements about features of their product lines to come. These features will be, among others, CF cards for memory.
Would you argue that these features represent competitive advantages? Would you argue: “Buy this camera body, since it uses CF memory” ? As your post also indicates, CF memory is an essential feature. It is not unique in the market place. Hence it is not a competitive advantage; Sony HAS to offer – like in the A100 – the CF memory function. It is not a feature to distinguish Sony against it competitors.

Of course you can use your memory stick in the A100. Let’s assume you have had a 4MP digital camera from Sony and an appropriate 256 MB stick (makes app. 120 pictures in high resolution in your 4MP). If you want to store your A100-photos in JPEG and RAW at the same time you’re bound to buy a larger memory stick or even a (new) CF card.

Your idea “Buy a Sony A100 and get a free Sony brand Compact Flash card” promotion” sounds nice. Unfortunately it is just a copy of what already happens in the market place. Currently Canon and Nikon have started cash back promotions in Europe to increase their market share.

Does Sony employ a sound strategy? I can not agree. Who will be justified? So, let’s observe the market share in the DSLR business for Sony….

Oliver comments:
Dear Tom Bonner,I have read your post. According to the information I found you’re a photographer in California. As a former Minolta owner I would really like to agree with you, but it is not possible.Don’t get me wrong, but you did not meet the point. Mr. Kondo argued (within the referenced interview) that the NEW FLAGSHIP CAMERA BODIES would be likely to have a full format sensor and would use CF cards as memory.Would you argue that these features represent competitive advantages? Would you argue: “Buy this camera body, since it uses CF memory” ? As your post also indicates, CF memory is an essential feature. It is not unique in the market place. Hence it is not a competitive advantage; Sony HAS to offer – like in the A100 – the CF memory function. It is not a feature to distinguish Sony against it competitors.