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Sony Alpha DSLR-A700 review
Sony’s DSLRA700 ?™ (alpha) Digital SLR Camera.
Proprietary new on-chip column A/D conversion and dual noise reduction -
The ?™(alpha) 700’s new Exmor CMOS sensor, developed and
manufactured exclusively by Sony, maximizes the performance potential of
the ?™(alpha) lens lineup with 12.2-megapixel resolution that’s
rich in highlight and shadow detail. Because proprietary Sony noise
reduction technologies are applied both before and after analog-to-digital
conversion, right on the Exmor CMOS sensor itself, signal output is
exceptionally clean even at sensitivity settings as high as ISO 3200. In
addition, a 3-layer low pass filter preserves high-resolution detail while
suppressing moir? effects and color artifacts.
Another step forward in the evolution of image quality - The ?™(alpha)
700’s new Bionz image processing engine employs proprietary Sony
technology to capture colors with a rich sense of texture and depth, just
as the human eye perceives them. It begins with a cleaner signal because
the Exmor CMOS sensor’s on-chip circuitry suppresses noise from the
outset, and it packs the power needed to process the sensor’s massive
data output with lightening speed. What’s more, Bionz refines the
signal even more by screening out noise during both RAW data conversion and
image processing, faithfully reproducing the full range of detail,
contrast, and color that is captured by ?™(alpha) lenses.
Improved body-integrated image stabilization that works with any
?™(alpha) lens - The ?™(alpha) 700 incorporates an improved version
of our Super SteadyShot image stabilization system to help prevent blurring
caused by camera shake. Unlike lens-based systems, the Super SteadyShot
system is built into the camera body and works by shifting the image
sensor. As a result, it can provide protection against blurring with any
?™(alpha) lens. What’s more, the new system’s more effective
stabilization enables users to shoot at shutter speeds from 2.5 to 4 steps
slower than would otherwise be possible, so even shots that would normally
require the use of a tripod or flash can be taken handheld.
Improved accuracy with moving subjects and large-aperture lenses - A new,
center dual cross 11-point AF sensor system, developed and manufactured by
Sony, significantly boosts autofocusing accuracy and speed to ensure fewer
missed shots. The 11-point layout allows great freedom in how subjects are
framed, and the system’s quick response heightens accuracy when
shooting moving subjects. In addition to the center dual cross sensor, a
dedicated new sensor has been incorporated to significantly boost focusing
precision when shooting at apertures of F2.8 or larger.
Optimum exposure and contrast in backlit situations - The ?™(alpha)
700’s D-Range Optimizer helps you take advantage of the Exmor CMOS
sensor’s wide dynamic range, and obtain richer shadow and highlight
detail in backlit situations. In Standard mode, it assures more natural
exposure balance by optimizing brightness and contrast for the image
overall. In Advanced mode, it analyzes each area of the composition
separately and offers 5 optimization levels for finer control, as well as a
new D-Range Optimizer bracketing function that records the image at three
different optimization levels for easy best-shot selection.
920,000-dot (approx.) resolution for ultra-sharp image display -
On-the-spot image review is one of the fundamental benefits of digital
photography, and the ?™(alpha) 700 maximizes that advantage with a big,
new 3.0" Xtra Fine LCD. Boasting a pixel count approximately four
times higher, and contrast approximately 2.8 times higher, than our
previous 2.5" monitor, it has a screen display resolution of 270 ppi ?
higher even than the 200 ppi resolution that is generally acknowledged to
be the upper limit of what the human eye can distinguish. Hybrid
construction and AR (Anti-Reflective) coating assure that fine details are
easy to see even when viewing the monitor outdoors.
Convenient new RGB histogram and index display options - The ?700’s
new 3.0" Xtra Fine LCD also offers a range of new viewing and
information display options. In addition to conventional histogram and
flashing highlight/shadow warning displays, it offers an RGB histogram
color balance checking. There’s also a view that displays five
preceding/following frames in addition to the current frame, greatly
facilitating best-shot selection from a series of bracketed or sequential
images. In index view, the monitor can be set to display 4, 9, or 25 frames
according to preference.
Easy one-handed access to settings while shooting - A quick press of the
Function (Fn) button switches the LCD from standard information display to
Quick Navi information display, where you can quickly and easily adjust
shooting parameters simply by choosing them with the multi-selector and
rotating the front or rear control dial. With Quick Navi, your creative
flow isn’t interrupted because you can exercise complete control
using only the thumb and forefinger of your right hand.
Stunning resolution and detail, displayed right on your TV - For the
ultimate experience in home viewing pleasure, the ?™(alpha) 700 can be
connected directly to a Sony BRAVIA™ HDTV to enable 1920 x 1080
full-resolution PhotoTV HD display. With BRAVIA PhotoTV HD, you’ll
enjoy a totally new viewing experience, one that combines the transparent
clarity, color fidelity, and rich contrast of slide film with the
big-screen impact of a slide projector. From skin tones to waves on a
beach, BRAVIA PhotoTV HD brings out radiant beauty in every detail, filling
the room with luminous, high-resolution images that launch photography into
a new dimension. *Compatible Sony BRAVIA HDTV and HDMI cable (sold
separately) required for PhotoTV HD viewing.
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