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| Click photo for more images of the Sony Alpha DSLR-A700. |
Sony has introduced a new midrange digital SLR. The 12.2-megapixel Alpha DSLR-A700 uses an APS-C size CMOS sensor with a 1.5x crop factor, and takes lenses with Sony Alpha and Minolta A-type bayonet mounts. Sony claims that the camera's self-cleaning Exmor CMOS sensor uses a new on-chip noise reduction system before and after analog-to-digital conversion to produce clean images at high ISO settings. The A700 offers a native ISO range of 200-1600, which is expandable to 100-6400. The SLR runs on Sony's Bionz processor and implements a sensor-shift optical image stabilization system that works with all of the 25 compatible lenses. Its weatherproofed magnesium alloy body is also endowed with a built-in flash, dual Memory Stick Duo/CompactFlash memory card slots, and a 640x480, 3-inch LCD that Sony describes as having a high 921,600-dot display resolution. The camera's pentaprism viewfinder provides a 95% view at 0.9x magnification.
Among the notable features included in the A700 are a 5fps drive mode, Sony's D-Range Optimizer for opening up shadow areas while preserving highlight detail, and an HDMI output port for displaying images on an HDTV. The camera's 11-point autofocus system can be set to engage when the viewfinder eyepiece is brought up to the photographer's eye, and both wired and wireless remote control options are available.
A limited number of A700 cameras will be available in early October 2007, with larger shipments arriving in the U.S. by early November. The camera will be sold for $1400 (body only), in a $1900 kit with a new 16-105mm (24-157.5mm equivalent) f/3.5-5.6 lens, and in a $1500 kit with with an 18-70mm lens. The new 16-105mm lens will also be available separately for a $580 retail price. Sony makes a broad range of accessories that are compatible with the A700, including a $349 vertical grip and an angle finder.
Popular Photography & Imaging's Dan Richards was able to spend some time with the A700 before the announcement. Check out his hands-on report.
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