You might remember we posted about the Sony A900 specifications just a few days before it was released, it had been rumoured for a while but when it came out with such competitive pricing everyone was shocked!

As a first competitor to the Nikon D700, the Canon 5DMKII and the highest resolution FF cam before this the Canon 1Ds MKIII

The full frame market is certainly heating up!

Features

• 24.6 MP 35mm format full-frame CMOS sensor (highest res in class)
• SteadyShot INSIDE full frame image sensor shift stabilization (world first)
• High Speed Dual Bionz processors
• Eye-level glass Penta-prism OVF, 100% coverage, 0.74x magnification
• 9 point AF with 10 assist points, center dual-cross AF w/2.8 sensor
• 5 frames per second burst, newly developed mirror box
• Intelligent Preview Function
• 3 User programmable custom memory modes on mode dial
• Advanced Dynamic Range Optimizer (5 step selectable)
• 40 segment honeycomb metering
• 3.0″ 921K pixel Photo Quality (270 dpi) LCD display, 100% coverage
• Direct HDMI output
• ISO 200-3200 (ISO 100-6400 expanded range)
• Magnesium Alloy body and rubber seals for dust and moisture resistance
• AF micro adjustment
• $2999.99 body price; available late October 2008

The interesting things to note are 100% viewfinder coverage – impressive, lack of live view, AF micro adjustment (everyone is jumping on this now with it available on the 5DMKII and started by Nikon), a decent performance with 5FPS shooting and a good high res LCD.

The image quality is pretty good too, you can see a comparison side by side of the A900 vs the Canon 1Ds MKIII here.

It shows excellent resolution but falls down at higher ISO (quite bad above ISO400) but at the same RRP as the Nikon D700!

You can read the full review here:

Sony Alpha DSLR-A900 Review

It looks like the Full Frame 24.6 megapixel Sony A900 might be a reality, it has been rumoured for a long time.

From the leaked advert:

The new a900 has arrived. A new height in the “a” revolution is now within reach. Engineered with the exclusive 24.6 Mega Pixel Full Frame Exmor CMOS sensor, an industry breakthrough from Sony, this powerhouse integrates only the best imaging technologies from the world’s leading image sensor manufacturer. A work of art for the truly discerning individual.

• 24.6 Mega Pixel Full Frame Exmor CMOS Sensor
• Dual BIONZ Image Processing Engine
• Intelligent Preview
• 100% Viewfinder, 0.74x Magnification
• 3.0”, 921K-out Hybrid LCD
• 9-point Centre Dual-cross AF (with f2.8 sensor and wide-area 10-point assist)
• 5 fps Continuous Shooting
• SteadyShot INSIDE

It looks like its going to be a beast of a camera aiming at the lower medium format market, much cheapear than a digital back. Also squarely aimed at the market only the Canon 1Ds MKIII currently occupies, with the Nikon D3x not yet released there is only one full frame, high res camera available.

I’ve heard rumours it’s going to be priced around the same price as the Nikon D700 – is that even possible?

September 10th or 12th (depending who you listen to) will be an interesting day for Sony uses and the rest of the camera world.

More, higher spec, high megapixel, full frame cameras will make it cheaper for all of us.

Man Sony is pumping out the new dSLR models, and this is not the end of it – there’s another big one coming after these two. This comes very shortly after Sony Announced New Entry Level dSLR – Alpha A200 – 10 Megapixels.

Basically the A300 is a slightly upgraded version of the recent Alpha A200, and the A350 is the same as the A300 but with 4 more megapixels.

The A200 directly competes with the new Nikon D60 and the A350 would be more in line with the Canon 450D.

The DSLR-A300 model can shoot about three continuous frames per second and the DSLR-A350 model can shoot up to two-and-a-half continuous frames per second, when using the optical viewfinder. Both are powered by the Bionz processing engine and supplied InfoLITHIUM™ battery for fast start-up times, quick response and long battery life – up to 730 shots per full charge when using the optical viewfinder and up to 410 shots per full charge in live-view mode.

Along with these Sony also announced a new cheaper less powerful flash – the Sony HVL-F42AM – (but added some features) – similar to SB-600 I guess but the first flash with White Balance control built in?

Read the full release here:

Sony announces Alpha 300 and 350

Now this is news, even cheaper than the A100 and firmly aimed at kicking the entry level competitors asses, far better specced than the Nikon D40/x and will do well against the Canon EOS 400D (I think a 450D or similar should be coming soon).

I’m not really sure if I like the rather cheesy 10.2 Megapixels on the bottom, but I guess they know more megapixels attracts the entry level users – hence the D40x upgrade too.

I’d guess perhaps an updated Nikon D80 should be heading out within 2008 as well, or maybe something more along the lines of the D50, which can trump the current D40.

Built in-body stabilization really is a plus. It’s priced very competitively too with the price in Malaysia being listed at RM1999, which normally means the street price will be lower (Around RM1800 to compete with D40/x?). It will ship with the 18-70mm kit lens.

The DSLR-A200 model features upgrades influenced by the recently-introduced, enthusiast-class DSLR-A700 camera and replaces the former Sony DSLR-A100 model, which was Sony’s first in the DSLR class.

The new model is designed to be faster, lighter and easier to use. Upgraded features include a wider, 2.7-inch Clear Photo LCDTM screen for easy playback viewing; a more compact body and an easily-accessible mode dial; an easy-to-use function menu (camera function display); improved noise control for higher quality images; an auto focus speed 1.7x faster than the previous model; improved predictive control performance; quieter shutter sound; automatic pop-up flash; and a battery life indicator that displays the percentage of battery life remaining so you know exactly when to recharge.

I guess they are skipping on the new-gen 3″ LCD to keep the price down.

Read the full specs here:

Sony Alpha DSLR-A200

Ah finally a proper review of the long awaited mid range Sony dSLR the A700!

A strong entry into the market firmly placed up there with the Nikon D300 and the Canon EOS 40D. With some extras the others don’t have like Super Steadyshot and dual memory card slots.

Features

• 12.2 effective Megapixel Sony “Exmor” CMOS sensor with on-chip noise reduction
• Support for Minolta and Sony lenses that use the Alpha mount
• Super SteadyShot image stabilization system
• Rugged, weather resistant body
• Dust reduction system
• Ultra high resolution 3-inch LCD display
• 5 frame/second continuous shooting
• Fully adjustable Dynamic Range Optimizer; user can bracket for DRO as well
• 11-point center dual cross autofocus system
• Dual memory card slots (CF + MS Duo), with the former supporting UDMA cards
• HDMI output

The DRO is very interesting getting some HDR like effects at the maximum setting.

With their Alpha DSLR-A700, Sony has created a midrange digital SLR that keeps up with the “big boys”. The A700 offers an excellent mix of photo quality, performance, features, and build quality — not to mention support for legacy Minolta lenses. Yes, it’s lacking the live view feature of its competitors, but I don’t really miss it, to be honest. While I don’t see Canon and Nikon owners rushing to eBay to sell their gear to buy the A700, it’s a great D-SLR for those with a collection of Minolta lenses. I enjoyed my time with the DSLR-A700, and can recommend it without hesitation.

Read the full review here:

DCRP Review: Sony Alpha DSLR-A700