Sony Alpha A700 review
Review Date : Tue, 4 Dec 2007
Author : WDC Team
The 12.25-megapixel Sony Alpha A700 is the second digital SLR the Japanese electronics giant has launched and is aimed at the serious enthusiast.
| Pros: | Fun to use, great handling, nice features, good images |
|---|---|
| Cons: | Top-plate buttons are fiddly, not much else |
In 2006 Sony launched the mid-range Alpha A100 to much fanfare, although in truth the camera was really a Konica Minolta 5D with a few new features. So it’s been with bated breath and ever-rising impatience that we’ve waited for the next model, especially given Sony’s stated desire to challenge Nikon and Canon’s dominance of the DSLR market.
The first hint of what what was to follow came with the company’s announcement of its commitment to CMOS sensor development, followed by the announcement of a new sensor, with a potential burst rate of 10.39fps, built on CMOS technology.
And now we have the outcome – the Sony Alpha 700 – a camera built to semi-pro specifications, with a host of new and improved features. Do Canon and Nikon have anything to worry about?
Next page: Sony Alpha A700 features
More Sony Alpha A700 on What Digital Camera.com
Compare the Sony Alpha A700 with other products
Sony Alpha A700 sample images
Sony Alpha A700 product photos
Verdict
There’s very little to complain about on the Sony Alpha 700. The time spent with it was an absolute pleasure – we found it very intuitive. Everything you need is easily to hand, so you can concentrate on picture taking rather than scrolling through menus. Images have excellent resolution and good exposures and tone. Auto-exposure and autofocusing are pretty much faultless, and on the rare occasions when they do get it wrong, the Sony has all the tools available to fix things. The price is good, and the street price should be better. If you can afford it, buy a decent lens, such as the Carl Zeiss we used, to make the most of the high-resolution sensor. <br><br> <a href="http://www.sony.co.uk" target="_blank">www.sony.co.uk</a>
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Latest comments
May 07 21:43
Simon Taurins
Just recently purchased from Chas Norman cameras in Tunbridge Wells. Excellent guidance on purchase and really pleased with product. Really easy to use, robust product with top quality feel, great photos, intuitive systems. Chose the 18-200 lens. Upgraded from my 15 year old Canon EOS.
February 07 19:48
Bob Woodworth
Makes you wonder why Sony ditched it when you see the reveiws. Maybe it was to expensive to produce at the price. I had my D90 stolen just before Christmas & decided to go for the discontinued A700 - I'm getting a bit fed up with all the gimicks on newer models. Don't want video/live veiw or a little screen on top crammed with info I can't read.