Sony Alpha DSLR-A700K

alwayslearning

alwayslearning

Well-known member
Still looking to buy my first digital SLR, I was considering the Sony A100 because of the accessories I have for my Maxxum 7000. I'm glad I didn't get it yet because now this one is available. I'm wondering if any of you with experience could mention if you think this one is worth the 1400 bucks?

http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs...10151&langId=-1&productId=8198552921665227951

Thanks, Larry

That 16mm - 105mm lens sure is inviting too.

I found a pretty convincing review (for me) here:
http://www.dpreview.com/news/0709/07090601sonydslra700.asp

Larry

I'd like to know more detail, but this, from the link above @dpreview, sounds good ...

The camera’s new 12.2-megapixel Exmor™ CMOS sensor conducts analog-to-digital (A/D) signal conversion and dual noise reduction right on the sensor itself. Noise reduction is applied to analog signals before A/D conversion and the resulting digital signals are then subject to a second round of noise reduction.

According to Lubell, “These digital signals are virtually immune to external noise and interference.”
Click to expand...
Larry

Here I compared the A700 and the D200. Some images I like the Nikon better and others, I think more, I like the A700 better.

http://www.imaging-resource.com/IMCOMP/COMPS01.HTM

Sure is interesting days for photogaphy.

Larry
 
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myself said:
I'm wondering if any of you with experience could mention if you think this one is worth the 1400 bucks?
Click to expand...
Any thoughts? Could I get just as good, cheaper in another camera? Are there adapters on the market for mounting the Minolta lens on a Canon or Nikon?

Larry
 
hey larry-

sorry. seems no one was answering your questions.

with respect to digital slrs...i am strictly a nikon or canon guy. sure, this camera looks pretty sweet but im not a huge sony fan because they seem to be a jack of all trades master of none. in the camera rhelm...i just couldnt see getting anything but nikon or canon because they have always done it the best.

the fact that nikon and canon images have qualities respective to the camera from which it came (nikon pictures have filmic or organic qualities canon pictures are vibrant and sharp) appeals to me too. they have a standard, they stick to it and do nothing but try to improve upon the way they do things. i dont know if the same can be said of sony. especially with respect to their camera gear.

also, that camera seems to be priced a little too high. check out comparable cameras with similar features. also, the most important thing to consider is the glass, moreso than the body even. pick a camera that gives you the lens options you want. cant say enough about what ive seen from both nikon and canon threads.

having said all that, im not swaying you away from sony. its a good looking camera and the reviews look very positive. it just seems like in the camera world, 90% shoot with either nikon or canon and the other 10% of the market is split up with everyone else.

that seems pretty telling.
 
I appreciate your reply rlm7189.
I'll probably stick with the Sony just because I have so many Minolta toys that will work on it. One thing it lacked that I really, really want, is time lapse. However, as I was intending to do with the A100 whenever I could afford it, I can just build a circuit that will do that for me off of the the remote shutter. Just this morning, I found this in the review of the A700:

"With the supplied remote capture application, the camera can be controlled from a compatible PC via USB without even touching the camera, and files can be stored on the computer instead of the media card."

I can't find anything about what this "capture application" is capable of, but since it captures directly to the HD via USB, I'm wondering if it will also control the camera for time lapse? Do other cameras have this and will it do time lapse?

Larry
 
That just sounds like to me the camera comes with software and a usb to give you an alternate way of capturing footage instead of using the capture card itself.
 
Yes, I see that it let's me capture directly to a HD ... but since it says "the camera can be controlled from a PC", I was wondering if that is standard fare for digital SLR's and if so, does "control" include the ability to have the pc tell the camera to do time lapse?

Thanks,
Larry
 
Do any of the SLR's that you folks have, come with any software? If it does, does it enable a pc to control your camera should you so desire? If so, is time lapse one of those things it can do?

Larry
 
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http://www.dpreview.com/news/0710/07103003sonya700firm.asp

Sony has released the first firmware update for its α700 DSLR, improving image sharpness and noise performance as well as tweaking flash performance with non-ADI lenses. Also available are patches for the Alpha's bundled Image Data Converter and Image Data Lightbox software. The update is applicable only to early production cameras with "Ver.1" software which may be checked by pressing and holding the Menu button then hitting Display.

A700 Firmware Upgrade
Oct. 30, 2007 2:22am

To all of our Alpha enthusiasts,

I want to let you know we’ve been reading all of your comments and considering your ideas and thoughts for future product models. We truly appreciate them.

Today I’m writing to let you know about a performance upgrade for the new DSLR-α700 camera.

As part of our efforts to provide the best product experience, we make efforts to reach out to customers not only before but also after making a purchase. At Sony Electronics’ customer support web site at www.sony.com/support, people can get the latest information on their products.

I’ve invited Mark Weir, the senior technology and marketing manager for Alpha and Cyber-shot cameras in Sony Electronics’ Digital Imaging and Audio Division, to provide an overview of the new upgrades available online on Oct. 30.

Hi, this is Mark.

As Rick mentioned, Sony is releasing updated firmware for the DSLR-α700 camera, as well as updates for the Image Data Converter and Image Data Lightbox bundled software applications. The camera firmware update improves image sharpness and reduces noise under certain circumstances. It also improves flash control at very short distances with non-ADI control lenses. The updates for the bundled software applications correct the functioning of such features as image display and file type indication. These updates relate only to early production Firmware “Ver.1” models, which were manufactured through early October. Firmware “Ver.2” models (press Menu & Display together to check) already include this upgrade. Although these improvements are subtle, it is recommended that customers make the update to improve the camera and application software performance.
 
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