The latest full frame DSLR from Sony is a 24.6 megapixel entry that is charted to sell for less the $2000!
Sony uses their EXMOOR CMOS sensor and dual image processing engines to produce fine quality high resolution output. The sensor is designed with wide angle lenses and high precision units from the Sony alpha line. The dual engine implementation allows for a greater amount of effective noise reduction when shooting with higher ISO settings.
Special Features
In camera based Image Stabilization is a feature of the Sony Alpha line with the A850 claiming up to 4 stops of ‘shake reduction’ with viewfinder LED indicators for control. All lenses benefit from in camera IS and this means that legacy Minolta lenses will also benefit.
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Sony’s Intelligent Preview functionality allows for a RAW image to be captured and then fine tuned before the actual image or sequence of images is taken and stored. Whether the nearly 1 Million Pixel LCD display is large enough to analyze and adjust White Balance and the histogram to make this a truly useful feature remains to be seen. It is an interesting idea to aid in exposure control that warrants more investigation.
Dynamic Range optimization is included and allows for DR bracketing! That is a useful feature with a sensor that is expected to deliver high level results. High Dynamic Range (HDR) photograph functionality is enhanced with this capability.
HDMI connectivity and a special TV mode aids in the delivery of HD images that are becoming more in demand both for the consumer’s home enjoyment and the professional requirement of another option for customers.
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A full frame digital SLR for under $2000 is a pretty powerful move from Sony. The question is, will it get people to switch from established brand like Nikon and Canon and invest in a Sony system? I see it as a no-brainer for film holdouts and Sony owners who want to upgrade but not to the A950. But the real win for Sony will be if this starts to lure some Nikon and Canon photographers into the Sony camp.
This is an amazing price for full frame. But since Nikon uses Sony sensors I dont think the a850 will hold the title
of “only full frame sensor for $2,000″ for very long………..
NIce camera as a full format and at a price of $1,999.00. But there are a few technical/marketing mistakes, things to have considered to compete against the BIG boys, Canon and Nikon. First and foremost, the lens compatibilty should have been for either Nikon or Canon and not Minolta/Konica. That would have engaged a larger market. Image stability built into the camera body is a plus and has the advantage of using the older 35mm lenses (no AF) with an adapter, This has the edge over its competition The competition can always lower their prices, but to have a camera with more and better features would be the seller. Most Canon and Nikon users will not switch to another system unless it offers compatibility to their existing system, including lenses, flash units, filter size, etc. One more minor detail: there is no auto-sensor clean; this is important to most photographers who are willing to spend nearly $2,000 just for the camera body.
Does this camera have image cache, or picture store?
Ken-
I thought that the A850 did have sensor cleaning. Are you sure that it doesn’t?
There is Sensor Cleaning/Dust Reduction that is the same as implemented on the A900 Full frame from Sony.
Sony has high quality and performance lenses from Carl Zeiss that are second to none. As far as the Big boys are concerned, they may be a bit worried as Sony is the Big Boy in the Consumer Electronics Game. There isn’t an area that worldwide they have not absolutely dominated when they put their mind to the task. The user base of legacy lenses from Konica Minolta is pretty staggering in the consumer segment and they have been the last to convert to Digital. Now they can use their older film based lenses and newer G series and Zeiss glass. Powerful options!
There are some questionable marketing/feature issue I would agree including the average AF system, and the tacit admission that they achieve lower noise/higher image quality as much through signal processing as the demonstrated ‘given advantage’ of the larger sensor.
Testing and real world use and acceptance will tell the tale. But less the $2000 for a Full Frame!! That is a competive advantage that cannot be easily overlooked. For those who want the large file size this could be a real winner. I know print shops that will line up to buy this for a shop and layout camera. Offset, D2P, and other will love that huge file that won’t require tweaking for big quick jobs!