 A700 Fun, Easy, Great Features |
| Review Date: November 24, 2007 |
| Reviewer: K. Edwards, Issaquah, WA |
For years I shot Canon SLRs and for a while I moved to Nikon and Canon smaller digicams. When I jumped back to the SLR format in digital I ended up with the Konica-Minolta 5D over the Canon and Nikon cameras in my budget because of great image quality and in camera stabilization which works very well.
I recently upgraded my KM 5D to an A700. WOW!! This is by far the easiest camera I have ever used. Head and shoulders above traditional menus and tiny LCD Icons. The rear LCD shows you all the important settings at one time in a large easy to read format, sometimes with colors to alert you to what might be an unusual setting.
When you need to change anything from Shutter Speed to White Balance you do it right on the settings screen either by pressing one of the several dedicate buttons or using the easy thumb joystick. For shooting I almost never have to go into a menu except to format the memory card.
Auto Focus and Shutter:
It is fast and quiet. The AF has been tested faster than the new Canon in most lighting situations, though lenses on both systems will affect speed.
Both Sony and Now Sigma are coming out with quite focusing lenses that have built in motors so, Sony users will have lots new lens choices.
KEY FEATURES I LIKE:
Stabilization:
The in body stabilization works well With my 18-250 I have pulled off some shots even at 1/10s while at 250mm That is over 5 stops of stabilization, Sony only claims 3.5 stops. This stabilization works on all Sony And Minolta format auto-focus lenses. Some systems like Canon do not offer stabilized lenses in key formats like primes(non zooms) that are used for close-up macro shots or portrait work. It also adds cost and weight to each lens, with this system if you can find a bargain on a lower cost lens or a used lens it is still stabalized.
Example: Minolta made a 70-210 f4 lens often called a "beercan" that is legend in sharpness and image quality. It is often seen used here and on auction sites for $125-$175. It like all Sony compatible lenses becomes stabilized and would be like getting a $600 plus lens for $150.
ISO:
The Sony A700 offers ISO 100-3200 and up to 6400 as "extended ISO" but all ISO ranges are available at all times, no menu settings will enable or disable them like on the Canon 40D. It offers the ISO in 1/3 stop increments, but using the the front control wheel lets you jump a full stop at a time.
Dynamic Range Optimizer (DRO):
Sony has several levels of DRO that do what used to take shooting in RAW format and working in tools like Photoshop. It automatically recovers overly bright areas and areas hidden in the shadows so your pictures look more like what your eye can see. Unlike some other cameras that just apply shadow recovery settings to the whole image, Sony has DRO levels that analyze and adjust the image by area to make the effect more natural and keep noise down.
Wireless Flash:
The built in flash is also a wireless trigger for the Sony Flashes and others including the old KM 5600hs and 3600HS, and some Sigma and Metz models. On some systems this is a $150 to $200 add on.
Remote abilities included:
For taking family shots etc. Sony has free wireless remote that lets you take trigger the camera or a 2 second delay then shoot. Plus tons of controls for showing and reviewing your images on a TV. If you hook up the camera to an HDMI TV and to a printer at the same time you can do a family slide show and tell it to print picture from the remote as people ask for copies.
It also has remote control software for the computer so you can set it up like a studio and shoot and review images from the attached PC. Great for doing lots of portraits at events without more expensive software or accessories.
It supports both Standard Video and HDMI output so you can see the images on your new HD TV.
Memory Card Support:
Unlike the 40D it supports the new UDMA 300x CF cards and memory stick pro HG so that you can take 25+ cRAW shots a 5 FPS before it needs to pause or an unlimited number of JPGS in any size. You can have both a CF card and Memory stick installed at the same time and switch over when one fills without stopping to open your bag and change memory cards.
Body Seals:
Its not splash proof but Sony has sealed all the doors and controls so dust and stray moisture will not hurt the camera. Some makers like Canon reserve full seals for more expensive cameras.
IT JUST FEELS GOOD IN MY HAND:
It was love at first touch.. a camera designed to fit in the hand.
Unless there is a specific lens or very special accessory that you need on another camera brand, this camera should be #1 or near the top of the list for cameras you consider.
Sony may be new to DSLRs, but they make sensors for lots other DSLRs like Nikon and when they bought the camera business they got most of the designers with years of experience from Minolta. Sony is building cameras for people who love photography and with features for people who like a camera to work with new technology like HD TVs. That makes it a fun camera to own.
I looked at the Canon 30D, 40D, Pentax K10D and Nikon D300 before choosing this camera.
BTW the Nikon D300, would be my second choice, but would cost much more, and still would have limited options on which lenses are stabalized. |
Sony's First True Professional Grade Digital SLR
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| Review Date: November 17, 2007 |
| Reviewer: John Kwok, New York, NY USA |
Late last month I had the good fortune to try the Sony Alpha 700 camera at Sony's Photo Plus East booth. I found the camera easy to use, with the controls well-laid out from an ergonomic perspective. I was surprised that I could activate autofocusing via my eye movement. I was also quite impressed with the camera's built-in image stabilizer. And yet, what impressed me most was how well the camera performed with two Zeiss lenses I borrowed; a zoom lens and the Zeiss 85mm f1.4 Planar (Both lenses, along with the 135mm Sonnar, are built in Japan by Sony using not only Zeiss designs, but also stringent Zeiss quality control. As an aside, I heard incorrectly from a Sony representative that Zeiss doesn't build its own lenses, but allows others to manufacture them under the Zeiss name. This is an incorrect statement since Zeiss builds several lenses for its ZM rangefinder camera system and the Hasselblad V series medium format cameras at its Oberkochen, Germany factory.). Both lenses produced crisp, high contrast images of the kind I've come to expect from Zeiss lenses, having used both discontinued Contax/Yashica SLR Zeiss lenses and Zeiss Ikon ZM rangefinder Zeiss lenses recently.
The Sony Alpha 700 is a true professional grade digital SLR, built to similar exacting standards as those from its key competitors; Canon and Nikon. While the camera reminds me most of an updgraded version of late, lamented Minolta Maxxum flagship professional digital SLR cameras, there are ample new features built within the camera that demonstrate Sony's commitment to technical innovation, beginning with the built-in image stabilizer. Therefore, this new digital SLR will appeal to those who are either advanced amateur or professional photographers, especially those who are familiar with the Minolta Maxxum system (However, I predict that Sony's new innovations, including its autofocusing Zeiss lenses, will draw some interest from photographers who might otherwise consider only Canon or Nikon digital SLRs.). Believe the hype about this camera which you may have read in Popular Photography, American Photo or Shutterbug. It is hype that is indeed well-earned. |
Finally a great camera ... FINALLY
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| Review Date: December 20, 2007 |
| Reviewer: F. Carnahan, Nixa, Missouri USA |
I have to start off by saying I did not want to like this camera! I have been a Minolta professional since the early 90's and embraced the Konica/Minolta 7D when it FINALLY hit the market. But I was very disappointed when Sony bought out the line then only produced the equivalent of the K/M 5D. Definitely a descent consumer grade camera, but not suited for professional work. I waited and waited and decided to jump ship to Canon. Then I heard a rumor of an upgrade to their line. In a way they ticked me off. The wait was way too long and I had decided to spend an exorbitant amount of money to switch systems. The camera body is irrelevant from a financial standpoint. I have about twelve grand tied up in specialty lenses that I use on a consistent basis.
So, with the rumor in the air, I waited a bit longer. I won't say that I am thrilled I waited, but I will say that I am becoming increasingly happy with this camera. In some ways, it surpasses it's competition, the new 40D. In other ways, the Canon has it beat. I'm not a loyalist, I am realistic about equipment.
What bugs me about this camera:
First, simple and silly perhaps, but since this camera is a solid 100 to 200 dollars higher than the Canon, I would hope, dare I say, expect it to come with a CF card. Nope! Now, they are cheep enough today, but all the more reason to include one.
Second, I have lived without it for years, but I would like to see live preview like you find on the Canon and Nikon equivalents. It would be beneficial while shooting architecture as well as table top. I view on a big LCD TV and it would be nice to see live preview.
Also, 12 bit instead of 14 bit color like Canon has. No huge deal, but we are moving forward, right?
Now, what I love about the camera. I have been shooting the K/M 7D since it first came out and the controls are similar enough to get right in and go. I love the virtual "one button for each function" thing. And the quick navigator was intimidating for about three seconds, then it was/is just great.
The screen is very hi res and gives great detail. I can actually zoom in and get exceptional proofing right on the camera itself. Canon and Nikon both are pretty good too, but I have to say the Sony has them beat hands down with the screen.
I shoot Architecture quite a lot and always use the K temperature setting. On this camera, it is accurate and matches the settings given to me by my color meter. What blew me away was seeing a green/Magenta adjustment along with the K value setting. It is listed in full degrees and not fractions like my filter package, but the thing saves a lot of time correcting in Photoshop and calculating filters. The beauty is that it is done manually in camera and there is no "ghosting" effect or picture degradation due to multiple filters being used in front of my lens. The thing works GREAT!
Also for architecture and any ultra wide shots, the Sony 11-18 mm zoom is proving to be the most distortion free lens of it's kind on the market today. The lens is virtually distortion free. This lens is superior to the Canon and Nikon equivalents that cost almost twice as much.
Now, 12 meg. 20% more than offered by the other two in the same range of camera. Not noticeable in some cases like portraiture when you simply don't need that much res, but surely worth it in commercial and architectural shooting.
The remote control is pretty slick too. Without switching anything in the camera, you can hit the standard shutter button or a 2 second delay. I thought the delay would be really cool, because every other camera I ever had with a two second delay was used because the mirror locked up immediately and two seconds later the camera shutter went off, effectively removing the chance of camera vibration. This thing just waits two seconds and fires normally. So, I have no idea why there is a 2 second delay button. Perhaps someone can enlighten me. But I have to admit, I find myself using it in several cases. It's a nice option.
The best reason now, I have read in Pop-photog that Sony told them that this would be their Midlevel camera. If that means they will be coming out with a 900 model with, perhaps, a full frame in the 22 meg range. I will be a very happy camper!
The bottom line for me is, it took them a bit too long, but it looks like Sony is actually producing a serious intermediat/professional grade camera. I will stay for a bit longer and see where this goes.
All of this and much more makes me glad I now have this camera.
The functions are easy, as easy as any on a camera with so many features. I really like the camera. For now, I will stick with the line and see where they go with it. Hopefully, Sony will keep with it's tradition of innovation and excellence they are known for in video and television industry and move forward with a true usable professional line. |
Not a Sony Fan...Until Now!!!
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| Review Date: December 26, 2007 |
| Reviewer: David A. Mcclelland, Ontario, Canada |
Sony Alpha A700 12.24MP Digital SLR Camera (Body Only)
Sony Alpha A700 12.24MP Digital SLR Camera with 18-70mm f/3.5-5.6 Aspherical ED Lens
Some people are die-hard Sony fans...anything they purchase has to be a Sony. I don't fit into that catagory. In fact, when I was setting up my home theatre, I didn't even consider Sony. I could go as far as saying I really hate sony...proprietory memory cards and over priced products to name a few of my dislikes.
When I started searching for my first DSLR, I started at [...]. I have always found their site to be unbiased and not company sponsered. I noticed while there that the top picks included the A700. I Reluctantly read their review and then proceded to do more on-line research about this camera.
Having not owned a DSLR before, I was able to look at a lot of cameras without a specific brand(some folks already have lens so they tend to be brand specific). After lots of research, I ended up back at the Sony. I seriously considered the Nikon D300 but I found that for an extra $500, the Sony was the best buy for me. It doesn't have quite as many pro features but it was a lot of camera for less money. If you google a700 vs. D300 you will find people who have shot identical photos with both cameras and they post the results side by side. The honest truth is that in many of these samples, the D300 shoots a slightly crisper, sharper picture but not even close to $500 worth. Also, in my reading, a few sites have suggested that Sony is acually producing the sensor for both cameras just slight tweaked for the Nikon. I can't confirm that for sure but it was said by some reliable photography websites.
I picked up the A700, which I should mention was a replacement for my Minolta Dimage 5 purchased in 2001. Obviously we are talking totally different leagues if you know that camera at all (it was a digital camera with an LCD viewfinder simulating an SLR but not truely an Single Lens Reflex). I spent the extra cash and bought the SAL1680Z Carl Zeiss® Vario-Sonnar® T* DT 16-80mm F3.5-4.5 ZA Lens. I had a chance at Henry's Camera store to try out the different lens and upload samples to their computer and the Carl Zeiss lens produced a more accurate picture, particularly in the whites and light grays. Also the edge detail of items was cleaner. For the card, I bought a LEXAR 4GB UDMA 300x card which is the new highspeed format writing at 45 meg per sec. This card is fast and the camera fully supports it. I should note that if you tend not to use the camera to upload to the computer, you have to have a special UDMA compactflash card reader to enjoy the full benefits of a highspeed card.
My photography background is self taught, stictly a hobbiest and non-professional. My goal for this camera is to take some courses (staring in January) and learn how to operate a camera in more that just "Auto". Out of the box, I have to say that this is truely a camera that can be used by an amateur photographer like myself and obtain amazing results. The pictures in daylight are superb with crisp, sharp images and astounding colour accuracy. With my old camera, the challenge was taking night or reduced light shots. The image stabilization in this camera is amazing. I can actually take zoom shots at night, with no tripod with clarity and depth. The other thing that I really, really appreciate with this camera is the size and amazing detail of the LCD screen. I remember with my old camera, going to Chicago to Navy Pier on a beautiful night waiting for the fireworks. During that wait, we took some beautiful shots of the sunset, the city at night and the fireworks...but we didn't have a tripod. Pictures looked great on the tiny little low resolutiuon 1.5" screen...but then we uploaded them to the computer, what a disappointment...only a small handfull turned out. The Sony A700 makes this problem history. To me, it makes a lot of sense to have the stabilization on board the camera rather than have to "buy" it with each lens or compensating by always lugging a tripod. Even if there is a slight blur in a photo, the high quality LCD lets you see the picture is not clear and it allows you to reshoot.
The manual that came with this camera was actually really good. Some manuals are nightmares but not this one. It not only goes over the description, it shows comparison samples of different settings. The on-screen menu on the LCD is easy to navigate but many common features of the menu can also be accessed by buttons on the top of the camera (Drive, white balance etc.) Even the pre-set features like "Vivid", "Portrait" and "Night" perform extremely well. My last camera didn't always perform well with these settings.
D-Range is another really neat feature. This is a setting that allows the camera to adjust to those photos where a dark object is in front of a light background. Like a person standing in front of a window on a sunny day. It can be set to auto adjust or by manual increments. I took a photo the other day of a home decor item hanging in the window. With d-range turned off, the item and the wall around the window was too dark to make out. Turn it on to auto and the item was more visible while still maintaining the detail of the trees in the background of the window. Then by tweaking the setting in manual D-Range, the item hanging in the window was perfectly focused while the highlights of the exterior were still visible with a subtle blur.
The battery life is not as long as some of its competitors, rated at 650 shots per full charge based on a mix of flash and non-flash use. What is really great is that the battery tells you exactly how much charge is left in percentage value.
Something that was included that I really like is the remote control. Yesterday our family got together for Christmas and for the first time in many years, we were able to get a family shot with everyone together. Usually for us the camera person is missing. Also, my wife and I like to take trips to areas where we can go hiking. We have lots of photos of nature and lots of photos with one of us but now we will have shots with both of us. The remote can also control the camera's slide show if hooked to a tv. While on the topic of TV's the HDMI output to HDTV is available (I haven't bought the cable yet). If you are shooting photos for tv use only, the camera can be set to take in wide screen format which is nice for certain applications.
As mentioned, I am taking a part-time course at our community college. I am looking forward to discovering the full potential of this camera. Based on reviews I have read and my limited experience thus far, the A700 has put Sony as a worthy competitor in the Advanced Amateur/Semi-Pro catagory. It is also nice to see Sony cameras with CompactFlash slots which are cheaper to buy and just plain faster. |
Great Camera!
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| Review Date: December 1, 2007 |
| Reviewer: Oleg St., San Francisco, CA, USA |
Bought this camera yesterday from the SonyStyle retailer store. This DSLR is AWESOME!!! I was conducting thorough research comparing it mainly with Canon 40d (I previously used Canons only). Sony has many features Canon does not have, in particular - internal stabilization, which makes lenses price cheaper, and HD output. Sony is a bit slower in burst shooting: 5 fps against Canon 6.5 fps, but if you are not exclusively into sports, that really does not matter. And, of course, Sony LCD display is much superior.
Well done, Sony! A+
P.S. Don't buy it with a kit lens - it is ok, but not the best choise. Start with Sony 50 mm 1.4f lens or Carl Zeiss 16-80 lens! |
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