The Sony α (Alpha) DSLR-A700 Digital Camera features advanced imaging technologies and ultra-responsive operation, as well as a lightweight, dust- and moisture-resistant, magnesium alloy construction, making it ideal for the photo enthusiast or serious photo hobbyist.
It incorporates Sony's Super SteadyShot image stabilization in the camera body and is compatible with most Minolta Maxxum mount lenses in addition to Sony's selection of high quality lenses. The camera's 12.2-megapixel Exmor CMOS sensor provides impressive image quality with noise reduction right on the sensor itself for incredibly clear images - even at high ISO settings. While the BIONZ processing engine, which has been optimized to process data-rich picture information at high speeds, and to further reduce picture noise, provides detailed images with rich tonal reproduction.
The DSLR-A700 camera provides for extensive creative control beginning with 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. Furthermore, Sony's Dynamic Range Optimizer (DRO) function provides users the ability to choose the desired level of detail recovered in areas of shadow.
Additionally, there is an extensive array of customization options to personalize the camera to match shooting styles. Up to 28 camera settings can be stored in one of three user memories for instant recall, and the cameras custom function button can be assigned to 15 frequently-accessed functions.
The large, bright, viewfinder uses a precision-ground optical glass pentaprism, and includes an interchangeable spherical acute matte focusing screen so you can easily discern focus and framing. Then view your photos on the 3-inch XtraFine LCD screen, with its ultra-sharp resolution that makes it possible to check focus and image quality with much greater accuracy.
The camera also features an HDMI output for connection to HDTV sets, putting a high-resolution spin on the conventional photo slideshow.
| Camera Type | Interchangeable Lens SLR (Single Lens Reflex) Digital Camera |
| Image Quality | |
|---|---|
| Image Sensor | APS-C (23.5 x 15.6mm) 12.24 Megapixel (effective) Exmor Sensor with RGB primary color filter and CCD-shift dust reduction mechanism |
| Effective Resolution | 12.24 million pixels |
| Color Depth | 36-Bit RGB (14-bit A/D conversion) |
| Color Modes | Standard, Vivid, Neutral, Adobe RGB, Clear, Deep, Light, Portrait, Landscape, Sunset, Night view, Autumn, B/W, Sepia |
| Image File Formats |
RAW (.ARW 2.0 - Compressed or uncompressed) JPEG (Extra Fine, Fine, Standard) RAW + JPEG (Fine) |
| Recorded Resolution |
4288 x 2856 (L-RAW) 4272 x 2848 (L) 4272 x 2400 (L) 16:9 3104 x 2064 (M) 2128 x 1424 (S) 2128 x 1200 (S) 16:9 |
| Video Recording | No |
| Audio Recording | No |
| Optics | |
|---|---|
| Lens Mount | Sony A-type bayonet mount (compatible with Minolta A-type bayonet mount) |
| Focal Length Multiplier | 1.5x |
| Optical Image Stabilization | Yes (CCD-Shift Super SteadyShot system) |
| Focus Control | |
|---|---|
| Focus Type | TTL Phase Detection Auto Focus with 11-Point Center Dual Cross AF Sensor with Eye-Start Autofocus System and AF Illuminator Light |
| Focus Modes | Multi-point, Wide focus, Spot focus, Local focus, Visual Focus Confirm |
| Exposure Control | |
|---|---|
| Sensitivity |
Auto ISO (200 - 1600) Selectable ISO (100, 200, 400, 800, 1600) Expanded Sensitivity (Up to ISO 6400) |
| Shutter Type | Electronically-controlled, vertical-traverse, focal-plane Shutter |
| Shutter Speed |
30 - 1/8000 second Bulb |
| Mirror Lock-Up | Yes |
| Exposure Metering | Multi-Pattern measuring with 40-segment honeycomb pattern (Multi-segment, Center Weighted, Spot) |
| Exposure Modes | Auto, Program, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, Full Manual (with EV indicator), Exposure Compensation (±3.0 EV in 1/3 EV Steps), AE Lock, AE Bracketing (0.3 or 0.7 EV steps) |
| White Balance Modes | Auto, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent, Flash, Kelvin temperature control (2500-9900k w/19-step Magenta/Green compensation) |
| Scene Modes | Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Sports Action, Sunset, Night view/portrait |
| Flash | |
|---|---|
| Built-in Flash | Yes Manual Pop-up (Auto, Fill-flash, Rear flash sync, Red-eye reduction) |
| Effective Flash Range | 39' (12m) @ ISO 100 |
| External Flash Connection |
Proprietary Hot Shoe (compatible with Minolta and select Sony flashes) Wireless off camera flash (with Sony HVL-F56AM & F36AM Flash Units) |
| External Flash Control | ADI, Preflash TTL |
| Maximum Flash Synchronization Speed |
1/250 second (Steady-Shot off) 1/200 second (Steady-Shot on) |
| Performance | |
|---|---|
| Start-Up Time | Not Specified by Manufacturer |
| Shutter Lag | Not Specified by Manufacturer |
| Time Between Shots | Less than 1 second |
| Burst Capability | Continuous Hi/Lo: 5 fps/3fps to limit of media in JPEG (Up to 8 RAW images) |
| Self Timer | 10 seconds or 2 seconds |
| Interval Recording | No |
| Date & Time Stamp | No |
| Memory & Power | |
|---|---|
| Built-in Memory | No |
| Compatible Memory Cards |
CompactFlash (Type I & II)/Microdrive Memory Stick Duo/Memory Stick PRO Duo media |
| File Size | Not Specified by Manufacturer |
| Battery Type | NP-FM500H Lithium-ion rechargeable battery |
| Power Adapter | Proprietary AC Adapter (optional) |
| Input/Output | |
|---|---|
| Computer Interface | USB 2.0 (Hi-speed) |
| Direct Print Capable | No |
| Remote Control | RMT-DSLR1 Wireless Remote Commander (included) |
| Video Output |
NTSC & Pal via USB port HDTV via mini HDMI socket |
| System & Software Requirements |
Microsoft Windows 2000, XP, Vista Macintosh OS X (10.3 or later) |
| Display | |
|---|---|
| Viewfinder | Eye-level fixed pentaprism with Spherical Acute Matte focusing screen (interchangeable) and Diopter Adjust (-3 to + 1.0m-1) |
| Viewfinder Info | AF information (AF points, focus confirmation light), exposure information (shutter speed, aperture, manual exposure, spot metering circle, ISO speed, exposure level, exposure warning), flash information (flash ready, flash exposure level), white balance correction, JPEG recording, number of remaining shots, memory card information, Anti-shake system indicator |
| Depth-of-Field Preview | Yes |
| LCD Display | 3.0" TFT Color LCD (921,000 pixels) with Clear Photo design |
| Information Display | Uses color LCD to present all camera info; Metering mode, Shooting mode, Aperture, AF mode, AF point, Shutter speed, ISO, Shots remaining, Drive mode, Battery level, Exposure compensation setting, Flash compensation setting |
| Language Options | English, French, Spanish, Italian, Chinese (Simplified), Chinese (Traditional), Japanese |
| Playback Options | Single Image, Index (4, 9, 16 selectable), Image + text, Image + text + histogram, Enlarged playback (Up to approximately 5x), Luminance limit Display, File browser, Slideshow, Instant bracket playback, Enlarged display, Automatic rotate function, Image correction (Contrast, Color saturation, Sharpness, Hue (5 levels)) |
| Physical | |
|---|---|
| Dimensions (HxWxD) | 5.6 x 4.3 x 3.3" (142 x 105 x 80mm) Camera Body Only |
| Weight | 24 0z. (690g) Camera Body Only |
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Comments about Alpha DSLR-A700 Digital Camera Kit with Sony 18-70mm DT AF Lens:
I switched from an A-100. Ive been using minolta/sony now for years and I would choose nothing else at this point. The overall grip feels incredible, its not too heavy and paired with the kit lens makes a wonderful starting kit. Most people say the kit lens is junk however all of those comments are from professionals more so than anyone else. The kit lens is perfect, its always been in my bag since 2004 and since I bought this I've actually used it more.
I'm more of an amateur photographer but I can be more serious than some pros I know. The one thing I love about this camera is the remote that comes with it, no more wobbly night time shots! Setting this camera on vivid or autumn for the creative abilities is amazing. living in New England this camera will be something to keep me busy for years, not just months, years.
On the downside. For some reason this camera shoots at a high ISO for no reason what so ever. Thats not to say the pictures are coming out bad, its just I have yet to test any of them out on a 11x14 or higher to see what I get. On the large con side, since my schedule stops me from taking this out a lot it sits. When it sits it is a DUST MAGNET! The A-100 was the exact same way.
If your a professional or that breakout novice such as my self, this camera is just begging you to use it and all of its features. It has a lot on the menu list but with the customizable screens and buttons its an amazing camera that will keep you very busy for a lonnnggg time.
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Comments about Alpha DSLR-A700 Digital Camera Kit with Sony 18-70mm DT AF Lens:
I've taken 600 photos with the a700 since purchasing it on Aug 26. I was a little aprehensive about using it when it arrived. I upgraded from a Nikon D200 and the a700 is set up with a few more buttons and menus. After the initial setup it is a very easy camera to use. The fn button speeds up menu choices that are most commonly used. The af is fast (even with 80's minolta lenses) and picture quality and color are great. I mainly shoot jpegs and see no differnce compared to the D200. I feel like I made the right choice with the purchase of an a700.
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Comments about Alpha DSLR-A700 Digital Camera Kit with Sony 18-70mm DT AF Lens:
This is the most ergonomic, most user defined DSLR on the market. It is completely customizable and a thrill to use. I love my a700 and would buy it again and again. I can't think of a single thing wrong with it except that I don't have two!
Comments about Alpha DSLR-A700 Digital Camera Kit with Sony 18-70mm DT AF Lens:
Very good, the product is fantastic and surpassed my expectations.
Pros
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Comments about Alpha DSLR-A700 Digital Camera Kit with Sony 18-70mm DT AF Lens:
Very easy to use
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Alpha DSLR-A700 Digital Camera Kit with Sony 18-70mm DT AF Lens:
I purchased this camera a little over a week ago and so far absolutely love it. I was in desperate need of updating my camera; I was shooting with the FujiFilm S2 Pro (which I loved when I first got it!) which is severely out of date by now. I had a personal internal conflict with switching not only from Nikon (the S2 is made by Nikon; I was considering the Nikon D300) but also to a "prosumer" camera. However, the image quality is what's most important, and it produces an image that is very sharp, has an amazing depth of color and vibrance, and is nothing less than high quality. I also had two Minolta lenses and a flash (the 3500xi) that fit the a700; the big reason I made the switch (none of my S2 lenses were Nikon so it's not like I was giving up Nikon lenses!). The lenses work well but the camera has a problem synching with the flash on full auto, AP, SP or Program mode - basically anything but manual. The only reason I find that to be a problem is that I shoot weddings and sometimes like to switch from manual so I don't miss a shot (receptions for instance). So I may have to invest in one of Sony's flashes eventually. Besides that, when the settings are right the flash and camera work beautifully together. Not to mention, there is a synch for studio lights on the camera so it also performs well in a studio setting.Overall, I am very pleased with everything about this camera. The size of the LCD is nice, the controls on it are easy to become accustomed to, it feels great in the hand (especially if you get the vertical grip), it has an iso all the way up to 6200 (which is still a useable image without much noise!) and the image quality is gorgeous! If you're debating the purchase of the a700 but aren't sure, contact a local camera shop and see if they have one to rent so you can try it. I took a flash card to use in the store to put into the camera and took the card home to view the images and was nowhere near disappointed. But, if you are waiting for a professional level camera by Sony - wait til this fall. There is a 24 megapixal Pro level camera coming out in (rumored) Sept or Oct of 2008 - the a900. Keep your eye out! I'm sure it will be worth the wait if you want a pro level camera. My website will have photos from the a700 soon (currently they are all from the S2) if you'd like to see the type of images it produces: [@]Just a note - if you are shooting in RAW and using older versions of Photoshop, it is not compatible with the camera's information so the image won't open. You need to use CS3 or Aperture 2 (which does some amazing things with the image!) so plan to upgrade if you don't have either of those.
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Comments about Alpha DSLR-A700 Digital Camera Kit with Sony 18-70mm DT AF Lens:
This camera rocks, solid build feels like a DSLR should. Great entry into the Pro-sumer line for Sony. Advanced features, excellent image quality- colors truly pop. I've owned the A100 for over a year, and am well pleased with the build and results- the A700 just knocks it out of the park- menus are very user friendly and customizable. Higher ISO, built in Image Stabilization- and still works with the Minolta line of lenses.
Only con so far is the limited but growing line of third party accessories (extrenal flashes, remotes etc)
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Comments about Alpha DSLR-A700 Digital Camera Kit with Sony 18-70mm DT AF Lens:
Camera is easy to use. Menu easily navigated and easy to understand. Solid construction. Buttons are a little awkward to use unless you have long fingers to reach the buttons on top of the camera.
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Comments about Alpha DSLR-A700 Digital Camera Kit with Sony 18-70mm DT AF Lens:
Just started using my camera this past weekend 05-06APR08 at a football scrimage. I plan on using it for sporting events and general outdoor scenery. I must say, I am completely impressed. The camera handles VERY well and pictures turn out GREAT! I use Light Room for editing my photos and I just sat back in awe. There really wasn't much to tweak. I really LOVE the stable shot feature because I know for a fact my hand was not steady during some shots that I've taken and the pictures were perfect. This camera is expensive but I HIGHLY recommend it.
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Comments about Alpha DSLR-A700 Digital Camera Kit with Sony 18-70mm DT AF Lens:
I have used this camera for the last two months for weddings,portraiture and sports shooting. Thus far it continues to amaze me. With my other cameras I had to shoot in manual exposure to get the desired results. With the a700 I can afford to shoot in aperture priority or shutter priority and be guaranteed of perfect exposure. Five frames per second is more than enough for me and the autofocus is so fast sometimes I actually take the picture before I am ready. I recently started to shoot in RAW and if I wasn't floored before this surely was the knockout punch.Image quality is just stunning. This camera coupled to the Zeiss 16-80 is a perfect set up. Flash exposure is spot on (I use both the old Minolta and the new Sony flashes...Same thing to me.)I have used up to ISO 1600 with very satisfying results. The only thing I would warn any prospective buyers on is to get a large memory card if you shoot RAW as the file size is around 18mb. In all I feel as though I found my soulmate!!
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