Sony Alpha DSLR-A700

The Sony Alpha DSLR-A700 is the first digital SLR developed by Sony that can no more be seen as the result of the cooperation with Konica Minolta. In its rugged magnesium alloy body it seems to be constructed for the demands of the more ambitious users of Minolta's and Sony's AF-SLR lenses.

The camera is Sony's second product in the SLR segment. It is the proof that the consumer electronics maker wants to establish itself in the DSLR sector. Like the alpha 100 and the Konica Minolta Dynax 7D and 5D the camera is equipped again with an anti-shake mechanism which compensates camera shakes by vertical and horizontal CCD movements. The characteristic mode select wheel of the predecessors is replaced by a function select button. An ergonomic approach is that after program preselection the camera can be operated completely with just the holding hand (right hand). A brighter finder, a big bright high-resolution screen, a live view mode and several optimizations concerning speed and autofocus give it advantages over the earlier alpha and Dynax DSLRs.

specifications

• Type: digital single lens reflex camera body
• Manufacturer: Sony AMC Alpha Mount Camera division
• year of launch: 2007
• Lens mount: Sony Alpha mount (was Minolta then Konica Minolta alpha- or A-bayonet)
• Sensor: 12.24 megapixel Exmor™ Imaging Sensor with light sensitivity up to ISO 3200 (enhanced mode with 6400)
• Metering: TTL (multi, spot, or center)
• Focusing: autofocus with four different modes, AF support LED
• Shutter: vertical-traverse focal plane, controlled electronically, with speeds from 30 sec. to 1/8000 sec., flash-synchronized up to 1/250 sec.
• Viewfinder: pentaprism finder, showing 95% of image, with diopter correction
• Display: 3 inch TFT, 921.600 color pixels
• Storage: memory stick or compact flash card
• Flash: built-in, guide number 12 at film speed ISO 100
• Weight: 690 g without rechargeable battery NP-FM500H (2 batteries feedable)
• Dimensions: 142×104×80mm

Links

• review at Steve's Digicams [1]