* Officiell tråd - Sony Alpha DSLR-A700 *

"The Alpha 700 also goes to town with bracketing. You can bracket exposure, you can bracket colour balance, and you can even bracket the DRO image contrast control effect. DRO processes sensor data to adjust levels in parts of the image to even out dark and light zones and reveal detail. Normally you need extra bit depth to get a smooth image with this type of adjustment. Yet DRO can now be used on RAW files, and DRO can be bracketed. What does this mean? It means that the Sony CMOS sensor may be using 12-bit conversion, but it’s doing more, because it can produce a 12-bit RAW file after applying DRO. Let’s just call it 12-bit Plus. 12-bit and a bit. I have no idea how they do it, but unless the image coming from the sensor is the cleanest, highest dynamic range, most perfect implementation of 12-bit there is no way they can stick DRO into the process and get away with it.

This probably means the A700 has about the cleanest, lowest noise 12 megapixel image we have seen.
"

"
SSS anti-shake is improved, apparently made possible by the new mirror mechanism (it was always known that mirror vibration was a limiting factor with in-body sensors). They have been able to increase the sensitivity of the gyros without risking unwanted SSS activation. The new claim is 2.5-4 stops. Testing the camera in due course will show whether this has made a big difference.
"

"
It is encouraging to find ISO 100 as a true minimum, rather than a saturated exposure fix relative to ISO 200. This could mean that the Alpha 700 uses Konica Minolta type RGB filtering, a little stronger in density and with better colour separation ability than the typical RGB used on most sensors. The colours might indeed be a return to 7D colours. That alone would make thousands of hesitation upgrades happy, down to credit card level.
"


Front Control Dial:
Conveniently placed next to Shutter button, the Front Control Dial allows adjustment of parameters selected in Quick Navi mode using multi-selector.

Drive, WB and ISO buttons:
Buttons for selection of Drive Mode (Single-frame, Continuous advance speed high/low, self timer); White Balance Mode and ISO sensitivity.

Focus Mode Switch:
Provides instant access to selection from four focus modes: manual focus (MF), single AF (AF-S), continuous AF (AF-C), and auto AF (AF-A) mode.

Flash:
Built-in flash with guide number of 12 (same as Alpha 100). New manual control mode (same as 7D) allows flash brightness to be adjusted independently of metered exposure values.

Mode Dial:
Dial provides instant access to basic exposure modes (Program Auto, Aperture priority, Shutter-speed priority and Manual) plus Scene Selection modes.

Left Side Connectors:
Terminals for Flash Sync, remote control, DC power in, USB 2.0 and HDMI output for connection to BRAVIA television or HD display

Left Side of Screen Buttons:
Buttons for Menu, Display, Delete and Playback.

Power Switch:
Every time the camera is powered off, the CCD vibration function briefly shakes the sensor to dislodge dust particles.

Eye-Start Sensor:
Eyepiece sensor activates Eye-Start Autofocus as soon as camera viewfinder is raised to your eye.

AEL (AE Lock) / Slow Sync Button:
Auto Exposure Lock ‘freezes’ metered exposure settings. Useful when re-framing or taking a sequence of shots without changing shutter speed and aperture values that have already been set.
Functions as Index button in Playback mode.
Also includes 3-way Metering Mode switch collar for convenient selection of 40-segment honeycomb-pattern, centre weighted or spot metering.

Multi-Selector: (joypad)
Controller allows quick, simple adjustment of camera parameters with thumb and forefinger.
Press Function (Fn) button to switch LCD screen to Quick Navi information display, then operate the multi-selector to select a shooting parameter, press once and then choose the desired setting.

3 inch Xtra fine LCD:
Superb photo-quality LCD display with extremely high 921k dot resolution (640 x 480 RGB) for critical evaluation of focus and exposure.
Anti-reflective layer allows clear viewing under bright ambient lighting conditions.

Battery Slot:
Accepts new high-capacity InfoLITHIUM Rechargeable Battery NP-FM500H. Provides power for approximately 650 shots (CIPA measurement).

Super Steady Shot:
Turn switch on to active Super SteadyShot optical image stabilisation inside camera body. Provides up to four stops of anti-shake performance with all # mount lenses.

Rear Right controls:
The A700 features a focus drive clutch mechanism that allows rapid switching between focus modes simply by pressing the new AF/MF button on the back of the camera (note: this should also allow DMF).

Compact Flash/Memory Stick Slot:
Dual card slots provide compatibility with CompactFlash and Memory Stick removable media. Offers greater flexibility for choice of memory card. The memory card door is equipped with seals against moisture and dust and the camera automatically detects if the door is open to secure data (note: if this means temporarily halting buffer transfer, fine; if it means write abort and buffer flush, terrible). Accepts Memory Stick Duo, Memory Stick PRO Duo, Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo; CompactFlash card Type I, Type II (UDMA / Microdrive).

Intuitive Controls:
Clear, logically placed controls make operation easy and fuss-free – even when you’re shooting under pressure.
Three memories allow storage of all camera settings for instant recall. A dedicated Custom button can be assigned to frequently-needed functions like file size and auto focus area select.
For even greater creative control there’s a dedicated AF/MF button for instant switchover between auto and manual focus modes.

Rugged Body:
The A700 is engineered to meet the needs of discerning photo enthusiasts who demand unfaltering performance. Tough, durable magnesium alloy body panels are complemented by a reinforced aluminium alloy chassis.
Weather-resistant silicon seals protect buttons and media card slots against dust and moisture.
The precision high-speed shutter unit offers outstanding durability. Proven to approximately 100 000 cycles, it’s tough enough to cope with the challenging demands of serious photographers (note: the slower running shutter of the earlier models was said to be rated at 140,000 cycles during the photokina launch of the 7D).
Quick Navi:
The all-new ‘Quick Navi’ interface gives fast, intuitive access to camera settings.
Camera settings can be accessed instantly via the easy-to-use joystick and icons on the 3-inch photo-quality screen. Selected parameters can be adjusted directly without the need to drill down into fiddly sub-menus.
Operation is beautifully simple - assuring quick, positive operation in high-pressure shooting situations when there’s no time to fumble with function menus.

Portrait Grip:
The optional portrait grip gives relaxed, comfortable access to the ergonomically-positioned shutter release button in any shooting orientation – portrait or landscape.
The grip also adds capacity for a second battery, extending shooting stamina to a generous 1300 exposures (CIPA rating). Charge levels for both batteries are displayed separately on the camera’s LCD screen for unambiguous indication of remaining power.

Exmor CMOS Sensor:
The all-new Sony-developed 12.2 effective megapixel Exmor ™ CMOS sensor delivers extraordinary levels of detailing with clear, lifelike colours.
A 3-layer optical low-pass filter on the sensor’s surface reduces moiré effects for even higher picture quality with smooth, natural textures.
For the first time, A/D conversion and initial noise reduction is performed on the sensor itself. This ensures that digitised signals are passed to the new-generation BIONZ processing engine with immunity from external noise.

BIONZ Processor:
It’s the key to the superb responsiveness of the A700 – and the extraordinary levels of detailing revealed in every image.
Specially customised for optimum performance with the 12.2 effective megapixel Exmor CMOS sensor, the high-speed BIONZ processor features a RAW NR stage. This reduces image noise even further prior to compression and encoding.
The result – superlative images with vivid colours and exquisitely natural textures.

Super Steady Shot:
Super SteadyShot delivers sharper, clearer pictures when you’re shooting handheld, in low light or with macro and telephoto lenses where there’s an increased risk of camera shake.
Tiny gyro sensors shift the CMOS sensor module to compensate for movements of the camera body. The result? Better pictures under a wide range of shooting conditions.
And best of all, Super SteadyShot works with the full range of Alpha-mount lenses. So you can enjoy the benefits of optical image stabilisation with your entire lens collection.
The A700 features a new main mirror/shutter mechanism that reduces vibration at the moment of exposure. This improves anti-shake performance by up to half a stop for total correction from 2.5 to 4 steps of shutter speed, especially important over the critical 200-300mm focal length range.

High Sensitivity:
With a maximum sensitivity of ISO 3200, the A700 can grab compelling sports/action shots, atmospheric interiors or relaxed portraits in any available light.
A new ‘expanded’ mode boosts sensitivity further to ISO 6400. High, medium or low levels of additional noise reduction are selectable at high ISO settings for enhanced image clarity.

D-Range Optimiser:
The enhanced D-range Optimiser (DRO) automatically adjusts exposure compensation and contrast settings for beautifully-exposed results with backlit portraits and other tricky high-contrast scenes.
Optimisation can be adjusted in five increments, offering precise control over the amount of compensation to suit your creative preferences with any scene.
There’s also a new bracketing mode that captures the same scene at three different DRO settings to ensure the best possible results. (note - no mention of DRO+)
Optimisation can be applied to RAW as well as JPEG files.

Xtra Fine LCD 921K dots:
The superb new 3-inch photo-quality LCD screen adds an extra dimension to the viewing and evaluation of shots captured with the #700.
Featuring a striped pixel array, the 921k dot Xtra Fine hybrid LCD reveals the finest details with exquisitely natural texturing and colour gradations.
On-screen text is sharp and finely contoured for crystal-clear function navigation.
Progressive scanning minimises flicker that’s often a problem with larger screens.
A special anti-reflective coating ensures high contrast and excellent visibility when viewing outdoors.
Pressing the rear-mounted Display button selects a choice of new screen viewing modes. Image thumbnails can be tiled as 4-, 9- or 25-up.
Alternatively, the last five images can be ‘stripped’ above the currently selected shot – ideal for checking bracketed exposures or continuous advance shooting.
There’s also a new RGB histogram mode for confirmation of separate red/green/blue channel levels. (talk about hiding light under bushel!)

Bright Clear Viewfinder:
The bright, high-magnification optical viewfinder assists excellent framing with any scene.
A new pentaprism system with internal anti-reflective coating provides a large, bright image that aids positive, accurate manual focusing.
Exclusive to Sony, the Spherical Acute Matte focusing screen ensures high viewfinder brightness: it also aids manual focusing by making it easy to identify the correct focus point.
There’s a choice of 2 interchangeable focus screens for architectural (L Type) composition and manual focusing (M type). Focus screen replacement is only possible through authorized Sony service and depending local availability.

PhotoTV HD:
It’s easy to enjoy the finest quality High Definition images captured with the #700 while you’re at home or assessing shots in the studio.
The A700 is the world’s first SLR with an HDMI output for connection to any HD-ready TV or display.
Images are optimised for subtler, more natural colour and textures on the latest generation of Full HD BRAVIA televisions that support PhotoTV HD picture mode.
This offers a significant improvement over viewing still images on conventional TV sets that are optimised for moving video.
HD slideshows can be controlled with the supplied remote commander that doubles as a remote shutter release.

Remote Control:
The supplied infrared remote commander can be used as a ‘wireless’ shutter release which is ideal for minimising vibration when you’re shooting with a tripod mount.
The dual-purpose remote can also control HD slideshows allowing you to enjoy big, beautiful images on your HD television set from the comfort of your favourite chair.

High Speed AF:
Responsive, high speed autofocus is a ‘must have’ for anyone who’s serious about their photography.
With 11 focus points and 11 lines, the new double-cross sensor enhances AF performance under a wide range of real-world shooting conditions.
There’s also a powerful new AF drive motor that reduces noise and vibration while focusing, enhancing the ‘pro’ feel of the A700.
For macro shooting and other critical applications there’s a F2.8 AF sensor that doubles AF accuracy when used with wide-aperture lenses as bright as ƒ2.8 or brighter while improving distance metering accuracy.
The AF illuminator assists with fast, accurate autofocus in low light or with low contrast subjects.
The handy AF/MF button allows instant switchover between auto and manual focus modes.

High Speed Shutter:
The newly-developed high performance shutter unit is proven to withstand approximately 100 000 cycles.
Maximum shutter speed is 1/8000 sec (1/250 flash sync speed or 1/200 with Super SteadyShot on) to freeze fast moving action.
The new high-power coreless motor and double-stopper anti-bounce mirror mechanism allows continuous shooting at up to 5 fps.
The quiet shutter release makes picture-taking less intrusive when you’re shooting young children, wildlife or intimate subjects.

White Balance:
Expand your creative palette with precise control over white balance and colour temperature settings.
Auto White Balance is complemented by a range of preset and custom modes.
Colour temperature can be adjusted manually for even more precise control, and there’s a choice of user-configurable custom white balance settings.
Bracketing captures three frames at different white balance settings, allowing you to select the best-looking shot with ease.

Flash:
Create exactly the right lighting effects for any scene with a choice of flash modes. ADI distance metering technology assures accurately-exposed flash pictures, even with ‘difficult’ low-reflectivity subjects.
Wireless mode triggers one or more optional off-camera flash units with no cables or fiddly settings. There’s also a rear sync mode that fires the flash just before the shutter closes for natural-looking motion and light trail effects.
The built-in flash allows manual adjustment of flash brightness independently of metered exposure values. A flash sync terminal enhances compatibility with third party studio flash systems.

Shooting Stamina:
The newly-developed M-Series InfoLITHIUM battery pack delivers up to 650 shots per charge (CIPA rating).
Remaining battery power is displayed as a percentage on the display for an accurate indication of remaining power.
The optional VG-C70AM grip adds a second battery to provide a generous shooting stamina of up to 1300 exposures (CIPA rating).
Charge levels of both batteries (when fitted) are displayed separately on screen for unambiguous indication of remaining power.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

SENSOR:
Exmor™ CMOS APS-C size
12,2 megapixels
1.5x form factor
3:2 and 16:9 aspect ratio
ISO 100-3200 & Expanded mode ISO 6400
Anti-static coating + sensor vibration
BIONZ

STABLIZATION:
Super SteadyShot
2.5-4 stop correction
With all Konica Minolta and Sony a lenses

AF:
11-point
Dual-cross and ƒ2.8 central sensors
0-18 EV (at ƒ1.4)
Eye-Start

EXPOSURE:
40-segment honeycomb-pattern, centre-weighted and spot metering modes
30 - 1/8000 sec

DRIVE:
JPEG STD or FINE: Unlimited
RAW: 17 - cRAW: 24 (performance depends on memory card type)
5.0 fps or 3.0 fps

VIEWFINDER:
Pentaprism
95%
0.9X
25 mm (viewfinder eyerelief)
Ultra bright Spherical Acute Matte
Antidust System
-3.0 to +1.0 dioptre eyesight correction

LCD:
3-inch Xtra Fine LCD
921,000 dots

FLASH:
Manual pop-up
Auto, Fill-in, Red-Eye Reduction, Rear curtain, High Speed Synchro*, Wireless,* Slow sync direct access button, PC sync terminal (* with optional accessory flash)
ADI + Multisegment Pre-flash
Standard: 1/250
With Super SteadyShot :1/200
HSS: 1/8000 sec
+/-3.0 EV

OTHERS:
USB 2.0 High Speed
650 shots battery life
Dual Slot for CF I / CF II / Microdrive and MS Duo / MS Pro Duo / MS Pro HG - UDMA enabled
Portrait Grip - Full vertical control

CONSTRUCTION:
Body - Magnesium alloy
Portrait Grip - Magnesium alloy
Dust / Moisture resistance = Yes
100,000 (approx) shutter cycle endurance

DIMENSIONS:
approx.141.7×104.8×79.7mm
approx. 690g

On Tuesday I went to Dublin and attended the Photovision show at Croke Park.

This was the first public outing of the A700 following the announcement last week. I'm going to put down my thoughts regarding the camera in no paricular order looking at the things that were of interest to me. If I have left out anything interests you, ask questions and I'll do my best to answer them.


Shutter/Mirror.

I can't comment on the technical quality of the shutter, but it sounds and feels much smoother and there was noticeably less vibration transmitted to my fingers when it fired compared to the A100. Also, this might sound silly, but it now sounds more like a camera should sound and less like a screen door slamming


Focusing.

I took along my Dynax 7 as a comparison since that is the standard that Sony said they were working too. I compared the focussing speed in a wide a veriety of conditions as possible (not a huge variety in the hall!) The focussing was fast and positive. I even pointed it up at a hole in the false ceiling at an area that was almost black and it locked on using the focus assist. It equalled the Dynax 7 in every test I gave it.

It was absolutely superb for grab shots, I would have the camera down, bring it to my eye and press the shutter as soon as i could see it was pointing where I wanted. From bringing it to my eye (eye start on) to pressing the button was less than a second and it it was focussed and I got the shot every time.


Ergonomics.

I guess this is probably the most subjective part of all.

I have small hands and the grip where you hold the camera in your right hand initially felt almost too large. However I found once I positioned my hand slightly differently to how I would hold the A100 it was fine. I think it's simply that I have been used to the A100. After a while, I no longer noticed it.

I know it doesn't have the second dial. but I liked the layout of the controls. The three weather-sealed buttons on the top of the body give quick access to the common functions and I REALLY liked the Quick-navi. To use this, you press the function button and the screen displays all the camera settings. You can then use the joystick to navigate around the screen and select the setting you want to change. You press the joystick down (into the camera) and it acts as a button bringing up the options of whatever setting you had highlighted. I find this quick and easy to use but that may simply reflect my background as a computer programmer.

I liked the Vertical grip and it definitely improved the balance of the camera with large lenses. It's similar to the VC-7D.


LCD.

The rear LCD is clear, bright and noticeably sharper and easier to read. The extra resolution made a difference when reviewing shots.


Image quality.

This is hard for me to judge without the opportunity to examine them closely on a computer monitor. I can say the shots did look good when they connected the camera to a large LCD TV they had there. The images did look over sharpened on the large TV, but apparently that's a problem common to all large displays. Sony said they have a new range coming out which are specically designed to display still photos and have extra circuitry to improve the image quality. We will have to wait and see on that.


Overall.

I really liked the camera adn I will definitely be buying one. I felt the same way about the A700 as I did when I first started using the film 7. Both were (and are) an absolute joy to use that made me just want to go out and take pictures. To quote Ferris Bueller "If you have the means I recommend you pick one up"

From what I was told they camera should be available in the UK second week of October so not too long to wait.