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Sony Alpha DSLR-A700 Digital Camera (Camera Body)

BH #SODSLRA700 • MFR #DSLRA700
 78 reviews
Sony
Sony Alpha DSLR-A700 Digital Camera (Camera Body)
Key Features
  • 12.2 Megapixel CMOS
  • 3.0" LCD Display
  • Super SteadyShot Image Stabilization
  • Super-Accurate Exposure Control
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 with 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 camera's 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 that 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.

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Sony A700 Overview

  • 1Description
  • 212.24 Megapixel Exmor Imaging Sensor
  • 3Super SteadyShot Image Stabilization
  • 4Bionz Image Processor
  • 5High Speed Continuous Shooting
  • 6Dynamic Range Optimizer
  • 7Flexible Exposure Modes
  • 811-Point Center Dual Cross AF Sensor
  • 9Super-Accurate Exposure Control
  • 10Simple Camera Control Menus and Exposure Mode Dial
  • 11Versatile Recording Formats
  • 12Built-in Flash
  • 13Anti-Dust Technology
  • 14Rugged Magnesium Alloy Body
  • 15Advanced Pentaprism Viewfinder with Eye-Start System
  • 16XtraFine 3.0" LCD Screen
  • 17PhotoTV HD Viewing with HDMI Output
  • 18Powerful Supplied Software
  • 19Lithium-Ion Battery with Stamina Power
  • 20Remote Control (Wireless & Tethered)
  • 21Dual Media Options
  • 22Professional Lenses and Accessories

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 with 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 camera's 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 that 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.

12.24 Megapixel Exmor Imaging Sensor
The APS-C size Exmor CMOS imager provides over 12 million pixels of resolution, with on-chip noise-canceling before and after A/D conversion to produce image output that exhibits rich tonal reproduction with a impressively high signal-to-noise ratio.
Super SteadyShot Image Stabilization
The Super SteadyShot Image Stabilization system moves the image sensor in response to camera shake, enabling every lens to benefit from a stabilized image, and provides an advantage of up to 4.0 stops to sharpen images in lower light, for hand-held shots that would normally require a tripod. It also makes the camera perfect for indoor sports shooting, and candlelit subjects that would be ruined by flash.
Bionz Image Processor
The advanced Sony Bionz Image Processor utilizes hardware-based Large Scale Integrated (LSI) circuitry that improves camera response time, screens out noise before RAW data conversion, handles Dynamic Range Optimization processing and prolongs battery life.
High Speed Continuous Shooting
The high-speed processing power of the Bionz engine, a quick-response coreless motor to drive the shutter, and dual mirror stoppers to prevent mirror bounce combine to enable the DSLR-A700 to capture action more effectively at either 5 or 3 frames per second, even shooting at full 12.24 MP resolution. You can also shoot continuously to the limit of available memory in JPEG Fine and Standard modes.
Dynamic Range Optimizer
The Dynamic Range Optimizer (DRO) recovers details in dark or bright areas of the picture, and provides multiple levels of Optimization: Normal DRO improves shadow detail using standard gamma curves for fast shot-to-shot response time, Advanced DRO adjusts dynamic range area-by-area for the greatest precision, and maximizes detail in both highlight and shadow areas, Advanced Auto mode, allows you to select any of 5 DRO correction levels, and DRO Advanced Bracketing that automatically takes three shots at different DRO levels with a single shutter press.
Flexible Exposure Modes
For greater creative freedom in a wide range of shooting conditions, the DSLR-A700 camera provides full manual exposure control as well as Program Auto, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, and Exposure Compensation modes. There are also a series of scene modes available for great exposure - even under difficult lighting situations.
11-Point Center Dual Cross AF Sensor
The Sony AutoFocus system uses a large f/2.8 sensor to improve your ability to frame the subject and capture moving subjects with greater focusing precision, and a focus drive clutch lets you switch seamlessly between auto and manual focusing by pressing a simple button.
Super-Accurate Exposure Control
A 40-segment honeycomb sensing system provides multi-pattern measuring for superior exposure control accuracy in a wide range of lighting conditions.
Simple Camera Control Menus and Exposure Mode Dial
With a quick press of the Function (Fn) button, the A700 camera switches the LCD display from standard menu information to a Quick Navigation screen for camera setup via joystick and forward-back controls. The menus are easy and intuitive, and memory function lets you save and recall personalized camera settings. The easy-to-use Exposure Mode Dial gives you quick access to Program Auto, Aperture priority, Shutter-speed priority, Manual and full Auto exposure setting modes -- as well as six scene selection modes that optimize camera focus, exposure, brightness, contrast and other settings for Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Sports Action, Sunset and Night View/Portrait scenes.
Versatile Recording Formats
Images can be captured in RAW, cRAW (optimized for fast action), RAW+JPEG and three JPEG modes (Extra Fine, Fine and Standard), for greater versatility in every digital photo application.
Built-in Flash
The flip-up flash covers a wide focal range, synchronizes at 1/250 second, supports red-eye reduction and slow flash features as well as manual flash mode to set flash intensity. In addition, a wireless flash signal is available for external flash synchronization.
Anti-Dust Technology
Changing lenses can let dust particles collect on the image sensor surface, degrading picture quality - and once there, dust is difficult to remove. To combat this constant problem, the Sony α (Alpha) DSLR-A700 Digital Camera incorporates comprehensive anti-dust technology. A special Indium Tin Oxide CCD coating repels dust, and what little dust gets past this first line of defense is dislodged by a unique CCD "shake" routine - resulting in clean, clear pictures.
Rugged Magnesium Alloy Body
The α (Alpha) DSLR-A700 is built to very high standards of durability and performance with a durable and lightweight magnesium alloy body, so you can shoot on location in difficult conditions with confidence that your equipment can handle the challenge.
Advanced Pentaprism Viewfinder with Eye-Start System
With a bright focusing screen, an optical glass prism and high quality viewfinder lenses, it is easy to clearly see your subject, compose your shot and adjust focus manually. Furthermore the Eye-Start Autofocus System uses sensors right in the eyepiece to begin precision autofocus adjustments the moment you bring your eye to the viewfinder.
XtraFine 3.0" LCD Screen
With the high resolution 3.0 inch LCD Dispaly in the A700 camera, it's like having a high-resolution photo viewer built into your camera. The displays sharp, bright images are even easily visible outdoors under bright light with a wide viewing angle so you can share your photos more easily.
PhotoTV HD Viewing with HDMI Output
The A700 provides direct HDMI output so you can view and share photos in breathtaking clarity and detail. You can choose between standard 3:2 and widescreen 16:9 aspect ratio, and with a Sony Bravia HDTV, photos are automatically optimized in sharpness, gradation and color reproduction for HD display.
Powerful Supplied Software
The DSLR-A700 comes with a powerful RAW conversion and image management system that gives you the power to handle large volumes of RAW data while taking full advantage of the sophisticated imaging capabilities of the camera.
Lithium-Ion Battery with Stamina Power
Based on CIPA standard, the supplied NP-FM500H Lithium Ion rechargeable battery lets you take up to 650 shots on a full charge, and recharges quickly with the supplied battery charger.
Remote Control (Wireless & Tethered)
For shooting as well as viewing convenience, Sony supplies a multi-function wireless remote control with the DSLR-A700 -- allowing you to control HDTV photo viewing and trip the shutter by remote to put yourself in the picture. Furthermore, with the supplied remote capture application, the camera can be controlled from a compatible PC via USB without even touching the camera, and files can be stored directly onto the computer instead of the media card.
Dual Media Options
The Sony α (alpha) DSLR-A700 camera accepts both CompactFlash (Type I/II) media and Memory Stick Duo media.
Professional Lenses and Accessories
The DSLR-A700 accepts a superb array of precision optics, including Sony wide-aperture zoom lenses that perform brilliantly over a broad range of focal lengths, Sony "G" Series lenses with advanced motorized autofocusing, amazingly bright Carl Zeiss T* coated lenses, and Minolta a-mount lenses - plus professional-quality flash units and system accessories to expand your creative horizons. Sony's full line of accessories also includes a vertical grip that offers the same ease of operation and handling as when shooting normally. It houses two InfoLithium batteries (sold separately), which will effectively double your shooting time.

Sony A700 Specs

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
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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