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Featured Review:
Sony Alpha DSLR-A850 Digital SLR Camera
by DonSchap (Expert)
Price Paid: $1999.00 from SONY Style
Review Date: October 13, 2009
Used product for: 1 to 3 months
Overall Rating: 
5 of 5
Value Rating: 5 of 5
Summary:
I purchased the a850 to “extend” the width of my wide lenses, from their “limited” application on the APS-C a700 camera.
Functionally, the only differences I can find between the a900 Full Frame and the a850 Full Frame is the a850 has a slower burst rate (3fps) and no pre-focus with the eye -sensor. SONY states that it has a 98% viewfinder, rather than the a900′s 100% viewfinder, but I really cannot see that as a problem. It uses all the a900 accessories w/o any modification and is identical to the a900 in appearance, other than the label.
Compared to the a700, the a850 does not have a built-in flash, so it will require a HVL-F20AM Compact Flash or something larger to provide it.
The camera is slightly heavier than the a700 … and can use the a700′s “Remote Commander” for optical wireless (line of sight) shutter triggering and playback control. The a850 does not include the remote as a cost cutting factor and it can be purchased separately, if you do not have one.
Also, APS-C lenses can be used on the a850, by putting the a850 into APS-C compatibility mode, which allows a full 11MP image on the LCD after the image is taken. The subject through the optical viewfinder will look a bit different, though.
There is no video or live view on this camera, but for most still camera purists, these are novelty add-ons and often more trouble than they are worth.
This camera represents one of the lowest cost entries into the Full Frame market. You will be hard pressed to find something else.
Strengths:
Allows lenses to return to normal stated focal lengths (35mm-film/Full Frame)
Lower initial cost of going to full frame
Good alternative if your subjects are none move types
Weaknesses:
Slower fps (3ps) than a900 (5fps) or a700 (5fps)
No built-in flash
Similar Products Used:
Sony Alpha DSLR-A900
Sony Alpha DSLR-A700
Sony Alpha DSLR-A100
Maxxum 9000
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