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The Sony Alpha A700 is a 12.2 megapixel (CMOS) DSLR with a 3 inch LCD screen.
It features dus and moisture resistance, magnesium aluminum casing, super steadyshot (analogue and digital stabilization) and HDMI output for high quality playback on HD TVs.
The Sony Alpha A700 has an 11 point auto focussing system, 0.9x viewfinder (95% frame coverage) and shoots at up to 1/8000 second (up to 18 frames per second shooting).
Also announced today with the Sony Alpha A700 are three new lenses. The DT 16-105 mm f.3.5 - 5.6 lens and DT 18 - 250 mm f3.5 - 6.3 lens will be available with the A700 and the 70 -300 mm f4.5 - 5.6 SSM G telephoto lens will be released in 2008.
The DSLR-A700 camera body, DT 16 - 105 mm lens, and DT 18-250 mm lens will be available for about $1,400, $580 and $550, respectively. The DSLR-A700K kit with an 18-70 mm lens will be available for about $1,500, and the DSLR-A700P kit with the 16-105 mm lens will be available for about $1,900. The camera body and DSLR-A700K kit will ship in October and the DSLR-A700P kit in November.
Get a price on the "Sony Alpha A700 12.24MP Digital SLR Camera (Body Only)" (Sony) at Amazon
Get a price on the Sony Alpha A700
Sony is expanding its Alpha digital SLR system with the introduction of the DSLR-A700 camera, which is aimed at photo enthusiasts or serious photo hobbyists.
The new model features advanced imaging technologies and ultra-responsive operation, as well as a lightweight, dust- and moisture-resistant, magnesium alloy construction common to enthusiast-class D-SLR cameras.
Like Sony's mainstream DSLR-A100 model, the new A700 unit incorporates Super SteadyShot(R) Inside image stabilization in the camera body and is compatible with most Minolta Maxxum(R) mount lenses in addition to Sony lenses.
"Discerning photo enthusiasts will be impressed with the rugged construction and outstanding performance of the A700," said Phil Lubell, director of marketing for digital cameras at Sony Electronics. "We also expect that this new camera will re-define the post-capture experience with HDMI(TM) output for high-quality playback of images on high-definition televisions."
Picture Quality
The camera's new 12.2-megapixel Exmor(TM) CMOS sensor conducts analog-to-digital (A/D) signal conversion and dual noise reduction right on the sensor itself. Noise reduction is applied to analog signals before A/D conversion and the resulting digital signals are then subject to a second round of noise reduction.
According to Lubell, "These digital signals are virtually immune to external noise and interference."
Clean, noise-free digital signals are then sent to the newly developed BIONZ(TM) processing engine. Lubell said this engine has been optimized to process data-rich picture information at high speeds, and to reduce picture noise in the RAW data stage before final image compression and encoding. The results are high-resolution, detailed images with rich tonal reproduction. Extraordinary Responsiveness
The A700 camera is engineered to be fast and ultra-responsive so as to become "a virtual extension of your own senses," Lubell said, "capturing fleeting moments as you see them."
A newly developed, auto-focus system features 11 wide-area sensors, including a center dual cross sensor comprised of two horizontal and two vertical line sensors for exceptional AF precision. An F2.8 line sensor leverages the brightness of fast aperture lenses for even greater precision. Lubell said that extraordinary focusing speed has been realized through improved algorithms and a high-torque focusing drive motor.
The large, bright, viewfinder uses a precision-ground optical glass pentaprism and a high refractive index eyepiece lens to provide 0.9x viewfinder magnification and 95 percent frame coverage. Manual focusing is aided by an interchangeable spherical acute matte focusing screen.
The camera has a high-performance vertical traverse shutter with a maximum shutter speed of 1/8,000th of a second to freeze fast-moving action. A high-power coreless motor charges the shutter and mirror mechanism, allowing continuous shooting at up to five frames per second. In JPEG fine or standard mode, continuous shooting is limited only by the capacity of the media card (sold separately), while up to 18 frames can be captured in RAW.
Expanded Creativity
The new camera features fourteen creative styles, including night view, autumn leaves or vivid, which can be selected to enhance images. These effects can then be fine-tuned by customizing contrast, sharpness, zone matching and other parameters.
Sony's Dynamic Range Optimizer (DRO) function has been updated on this model so users can choose the desired level of detail recovered in areas of shadow. The advanced mode offers the option of five levels of user selectable correction. Additionally, DRO bracketing creates three images from a single capture with three different levels of DRO.
There is an extensive array of customization options to personalize the camera to match shooting styles. The unit's quick navigation interface can be accessed instantly with the four-way multi-selector, and selected parameters can be adjusted directly by control dials.
Up to 28 camera settings can be stored in one of three user memories for instant recall. The unit's custom function button can be assigned to 15 frequently-accessed functions.
With the supplied remote capture application, the camera can be controlled from a compatible PC via USB without even touching the camera, and files can be stored on the computer instead of the media card.
High-Quality Pictures on an HDTV
The A700 model features an HDMI output for connection to HDTV sets, putting a high-resolution spin on the conventional photo slideshow. When connected to a Sony BRAVIA(R) LCD HD television, photos are optimized for viewing with the new "PhotoTV HD" mode. This mode brings the look of actual printed photography to the television, reproducing high-quality digital photos by fine-tuning such image parameters as sharpness, gradation and color specifically for photographs.
The exceptional viewing experience of this camera also extends to viewing photos on its 3-inch LCD screen. The screen's size and ultra-sharp resolution (921K) makes it possible to check focus and image quality with much greater accuracy.
A Flexible System
The camera will be introduced with two new lenses, bringing Sony's lens and teleconverter catalog up to 23 models. Supplied as a standard kit lens, the new DT 16-105 mm f.3.5 - 5.6 lens features a distinctive zoom range (35mm equivalency of 24 - 157.5 mm); compact, lightweight design; and internal focusing. The other addition is a powerful and compact high-magnification DT 18 - 250 mm f3.5 - 6.3 lens. Sony is also planning to introduce a specialty 70 -300 mm f4.5 - 5.6 SSM G telephoto lens featuring super sonic wave motor auto focus drive system for smooth auto focusing in Spring 2008.
Sony's full line of accessories will also expand to include a new vertical grip. Equipped with buttons and switches for the most essential control functions, it offers the same ease of operation and handling as when shooting vertically. It houses two InfoLithium(R) batteries (sold separately), which will automatically switch to the second battery when the first one runs out. Remaining charges of both batteries are displayed on the camera's LCD screen.
Memory That Keeps Up With The Camera
The model also features separate slots for Memory Stick Duo(TM) media cards compatible with the Memory Stick PRO-HG(TM) high-speed data transfer standard, as well as CompactFlash(TM) Type I/II media cards compatible with the new Ultra Direct Memory Access standard for up to 300x write speeds. Sony is also introducing new 300x high-speed CompactFlash(TM) memory cards, ideal for high-end photographers requiring fast write speeds. The new models, available in 2GB or 8GB capacity, expand Sony's current line of CompactFlash cards that also include 66X and 133X speeds, with capacities ranging from 1GB to 4GB.
Get a price on the Sony Alpha A700
Photo Review has reviewed the Sony DSLR-A700 where they write - 'Despite taking a while to produce this camera, in the DSLR-A700 Sony has delivered a camera that enthusiasts can enjoy with features that will be of value to many professional photographers. A nice step up from the A100, it goes head-to-head against Canon's recently-released EOS 40D and Nikon's D300, which is expected in November. The only feature missing from the A700 that its rivals have is live viewing using the camera's LCD screen. However, this is of only marginal benefit for most photographers and only provides an advantage over viewfinder-based shooting when the camera is tripod mounted and in situations where precise frame coverage is required. Outside of those occasions, the viewfinder gives a more accurate rendition of the hues and tonal intensities that will be recorded and it's easier to read the shooting data on the viewfinder's screen.'
CNET reviews the Sony Alpha DSLR-A700 and writes - "All in all, I'm very impressed by the Sony Alpha DSLR-A700 as an all-around midrange digital SLR. Though more expensive than the Canon EOS 40D, the built-in image stabilizer and higher resolution are worth the extra bucks, unless you really need the little extra oomph in continuous-shooting performance that the 40D delivers. Of course, it remains to be seen how the forthcoming yet pricier Nikon D300 will stack up relative to the A700. If you want to buy now, however, the A700 is a great choice."
Lets Go Digital Reviews the Sony A700 and writes - 'My conclusion after extensively using the Sony DSLR-A700 in practice and testing it thoroughly can be short. Sony's Alpha 700 is a beautiful DSLR and offers the demanding photographer as well as the amateur a perfect tool to practice photography on a high level. The camera is not perfect but if you put some effort in getting to know the camera and making it part of your digital work environment, you will soon find that you have a refined DSLR camera in your hands. If you are looking for a new DSLR or ready to get acquainted with an advanced camera system you definitely ought to put the Sony Alpha 700 on your wish list. '
Trusted Reviews has posted their review of the Sony Alpha a700 Digital SLR where they write - 'Having produced what is arguably the best entry-level DSLR on the market in the A100, Sony has followed it up with another outstanding camera. The A700 is a superb tool for the enthusiast or semi-professional photographer, providing high quality results in almost any conditions. The combination of rugged durability, fast performance, a class-leading AF system, on-board image stabilisation and great handling will prove hard to beat.'
Megapixel reviews the Sony Alpha A700 and writes - 'While the Alpha 100 was Sony's first dSLR camera and the result of its acquisition of Konica Minolta's camera division, the A700 is much more stamped as a Sony camera, and probably indicates the company's intention to anchor itself solidly in the dSLR market segment. Still, although Sony products tend to command a premium, the A700's price point places it in direct competition with very well established dSLR systems and lacks the Live View function adopted by most others, things that could hinder its success.'
DP Review has reviewed the Sony Alpha DSLR-A700 and gives it a 'highly recommended' rating. They write - 'Overall then the A700 is a good performer with good overall image quality with a nice range of features - even if on the negative side there are some quirky design decisions which may or may not affect you. Best of all though is the fact that it weighs in at the lower end of the price band for this category of DSLR, that makes it about $400 less than the Nikon D300 and $300 less than the Olympus E-3.'
Think Camera reviews the Sony a700 DSLR where they give it a rating of 8 out of 10 and write - "The Sony DSLR-A700 is fantastic to use and comes highly recommended - however, if Sony's gameplan is to be at the top of the DSLR tree, this one climbs a couple of branches, not the whole redwood. Plus, there's some stiff competition to contend with, such as the Canon 40D, which manages to include Live View and cost less in the process. But, if you're thinking of buying a camera, then go and actually handle the Sony - that is where you will feel the functionality of the design."
Get a price on the "Sony Alpha A700 12.24MP Digital SLR Camera (Body Only)" (Sony)
Posted by Darren in our Sony category on September 06, 2007