Sony Alpha a850 review
Design
The a900's doppelganger, an inspection of the a850 doesn't reveal any cosmetic differences for the simple fact that there aren't any to be had.
To be clear, as there are no revelations here, the a850's body dimensions, size, shape, layout and menu systems are identical to the a900.
Despite speculation of changes to internal processing, an interview with Sony confirmed that, again, there are no changes here either. The bottom line is that the a850 will produce superb, like-for-like full-frame images, just like the a900. Now that can be no bad thing.
There's an air of elegant simplicity about the a850. It's tank-like build is reassuring and the button layout commands ease of use. I'm also particularly fond of the SteadyShot ‘on/off' switch to the rear - not only does this compare to high-end lenses with a similar control, albeit without the through-the-viewfinder benefit, it also takes the faff out of menu digging. Ideal when switching from tripod to handheld shooting.
The top-panel display has an on/off light for darker scenarios, so you'll always be able to see what you're doing both on-camera and in the viewfinder.
Surrounding this panel are four quick-access buttons to adjust exposure compensation, drive mode, white balance and ISO - the foundations of further control at your fingertips.
In fact the only real mishap of button-placement is the Preview Button to the bottom right of the lens base to the front of the camera - this feels awkward to press, and becomes a finger-bending struggle to utilise with ease.
As a pro-spec camera expect serious, gimmick-free use. While the a850 doesn't provide live view or movie modes, or a pop-up flash, this isn't always going to be at the top of a pro's 'want list'. In place, of course, you do get a hugely resolute 24.6MP full-frame sensor and what feels like a resounding pro camera considering the price-point.
Have your say!
Latest comments
March 25 10:40
WDC
The '17' for value reflects the initial narrow price difference between this and the a900 (which scored 18) at the time of release and review. And $1000AUD difference between the two cameras has no relevance in the UK, given the a900 and a850 body only prices are roughly £1800 and £1700GBP respectively.
December 10 17:42
goran
i have a850 great camera.
November 09 01:19
paul
just upgraded from an alpha a300 to the a 850 , the camera rocks , that said the a 300 never let me down , did every thing a starter dslr should ,i like the easy to use menus , the build quality , and the fact all my a 300 accesorys fit the a 850 , at this level live view and video are not neaded , this is a camera that is easy to use and takes brilliant photos
February 26 22:00
Tora
baehlttawk777July 5, 2011 Thanks for your efforts, but can you tell me about its maximum shutter speed? Because i'm trying to take some night shots, as well as pics of stars.