Sony Alpha DSLR-A700 - It's Official!

[Photo-John]

The new 12.2-megapixel Sony DSLR-A700 has been officially announced.

Sony DSLR-A700 Press Release and Photos >>

[Canuck935]

I wonder how many a100 users or even people still using KM 7D/5D are planning on upgrading to the a700??

For me, I think this may be the camera I've been waiting for. Depending on the IQ the a700 (I await full reviews), I will most likely pick one up.

I'm still loving my a100, but it does leave me wanting. The a700 looks like everything I've ever wanted in an a-mount camera body (and I hope it is).

[Photo-John]

For me, I think this may be the camera I've been waiting for. Depending on the IQ the a700 (I await full reviews), I will most likely pick one up.

I'm still loving my a100, but it does leave me wanting. The a700 looks like everything I've ever wanted in an a-mount camera body (and I hope it is).

What makes the difference for you? I wouldn't upgrade just for the resolution. I know it's got a better frame rate and better high ISO performance. What about the new camera makes it worth replacing your A100?

[Canuck935]

For me, it's the [supposedly] improved AF speed/tracking (I was spoiled by the Maxxum 7), pc sync, bigger brighter viewfinder, sturdier construction/sealed body, and [hopefully] better high ISO capability.

I've also read that it's controls/ergonomics/etc are very 7D like (again, I was spoiled by the Maxxum 7, so this is HUGE for me). If that's true I'm going to be much more at home with this camera. While the a100 is easy to use, I feel it's still a little too 'menu' oriented for many of my frequently used settings like ISO/WB/etc (I'm very happy to see the metering mode selector switch and af/mf button on the a700).

[pisco]

I'm interested in Sony being (becoming) a competitive DSLR brand, but I'm not going to upgrade. I'm just an amateur, and the A-100 is more than I need. Sure, with better AF, I can take better pictures of my friends playing sports, but, there's a limit in spending on personal satisfaction.
It's also nice to know that your lenses and flashes are going to be usable in 10 years.

[SCOOTERINSLC]

We hope our flashes will work with the A700. I haven't read anything yet about that. I'm still a little bitter over paying $500.00 for a Sony branded 5600 flash for my girlfriend in June when my Minolta one was under $300.00 in '04. And they are exactly the same flash. If I have to turn around and buy myself another one for my A700 I'll be grumpy for a couple more years.
Very exciting news aside from that. I'm so glad they kept it layed out alot like the 7D and didn't Sonify it too much. I bounce back and forth between my A100 and 7D and just cannot get used to the A100 ergonomics. Looking forward to 5 fps and better AF! Kudos to Sony. Vertical grip right out of the gate too!