We're in northern Italy today to witness the official unveiling of the new 12 megapixel Sony Alpha A700 DSLR to the European photo press. This story will be updated later today after we've had a chance to digest all the info and to try out the new A700.
Re: Sony launches second generation Alpha A700 DSLR
Interesting that Live View is not featured. The unofficial word is that the price will be just under £1,000 in the UK, - body only. There is a new 16-105 (24-158) f.3.5-5.6 kit lens for the A700 and three other new lenses annoucned today (70-300 (105-450 on the A100/700) f/4.5-5.6 sonic AF motor G-series (full frame), 18-250 (27-375) f/3.5-5.6 and 55-200 (83-300) f/4-5.6.
Re: Sony launches second generation Alpha A700 DSLR
I've spent the afternoon up a mountain (!) using the new A700. First impressions are quite good. The viewfinder seems a bit brighter and larger than the A100, which I also have with me. I haven't had a chance to evaluate the pictures yet, though interestingly my Epson P-5000 storage viewer is able to read the A700 RAW files.
The A700 is a solidly built camera and the vertical/portrait mode grip reproduces all the main controls in just about the same positions as you would expect to find them. Incidentally, the both the body and the optional grip are weather sealed.
One small disappointment is that the charcteristic metallic noise of the shutter/mirror operation that is so noticeable with the A100, is still evident with the A700. But on the plus side, being able to shoot at 5fps instead of 3fps is great and the A700 generally feels more responsive.
Re: Sony launches second generation Alpha A700 DSLR
Hi Ian,
You answered the one question that I had.....about the shutter/mirror noise. It is probably my E-1 and M8 that spoil me, but when I think of my KM5D, the jack-hammer sound comes to mind. It looks like Sony piles the features in, but could have used some help in the body styling.....hey, function over beauty....LOL
Bob
Sony launches second generation Alpha A700 DSLR
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