The Sony Alpha DSLR A700 is a 12.2 megapixel (CMOS) DSLR camera from Sony (announced September’07) featuring a new 23.5 x 15.6 mm (APS-C type) CMOS sensor, Sony Alpha mount; compatible with Minolta A-type bayonet mount.
It features dust and moisture resistance, magnesium aluminum casing, IONZ image processor, ISO100 – 3200 equivalent, super steadyshot (analogue and digital stabilization) and HDMI output for high quality playback on HD TVs. Optional battery grip, Wireless Flash support, and a 3″ LCD screen. The camera measures Approx. 141.7 x 104.8 x 79.7 mm and weighs Approx. 690 g.
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).
Sony Alpha A700 Reviews
DigitalTrends reviews the Sony Alpha A700 and writes: taking photos with this camera is a joy. It felt solid, nicely balanced with the 16-105mm lens and, as noted, the controls are readily available. The large LCD makes it easy to move through the various options…The alpha DSLR-A700 is an excellent camera and I recommend it without reservation.”
PCWorld reviews the Sony Alpha A700 and writes: “My informal test shots with the A700 were mostly up to expectations. I was impressed with their overall sharpness, especially in macro (close-up) images. In photos with deep shadow and bright highlights, the A700 delivered significantly more shadow detail than did the Panasonic Lumix DMC-L10K, the Samsung GX-10, or my Canon 30D reference camera. ”
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."