Sony Alpha DSLR-A700 Expert Reviews

With the Alpha DSLR-A700, Sony shows that it still has much to prove as a manufacturer of DSLR cameras. While the camera produces good-looking images, it has several usability quirks that will frustrate experienced photographers.

Great build quality; good image quality; fast performance; beautiful LCD screen.

No status LCD; no live view; cumbersome button placement; in-viewfinder status display doesn't show ISO; rear LCD screen turns on at inappropriate times.

The DSLR-A700 lens kit includes a 16mm to 105mm f/3.5-f/5.6 lens

It features dust and moisture resistance, magnesium aluminum casing, IONZ image processor, ISO100 - 3200 equivalent, super steadyshot (analogue and

First impressions of the Alpha DSLR-A700, Sony's $1900 (as of 12/14/2007), 12-megapixel digital single-lens reflex camera, brings to mind terms like "massive," "brick-like," and "complex." With its deep right-hand grip and 2.75-pound weight (which include...

Sturdy magnesium body Extensive exposure controls

Inconsistencies with auto white balance Mediocre software bundle

With its sharp, 12-megapixel imaging and with more exposure controls than most photographers--amateur or professional--will likely use, the beefy and finely designed A700 rises to nearly pro-level photography, making it well worth its $1900 price tag. It

The Sony A700 is the second DSLR camera from Sony, a more complex model than the original A100 that is aimed at the prosumer photographer. The Sony A700 bears more than a passing resemblance to the Konica Minolta Maxxum / Dynax 7D DSLR, which is perhaps n...

Offering a compelling combination of intuitive design and handling, sophisticated functionality and excellent image quality, the Sony A700 is an easy DSLR camera to recommend. Being based so clearly upon a previous Konica Minolta camera has given Sony the...

In spite of its vast range of options for modifying every aspect of an image, the A700 can produce pleasing images at default settings, although exposure compensation is often useful with light-toned scenes.

It's been almost two years since Konica Minolta pulled out of the photo business and transferred its entire camera division to Sony, and well over a year since the first Sony DSLR (the DSLR-A100) was announced. Two years is a long time in the digital SLR

Good detail at lower sensitivities, very slightly more than ten megapixels but no massive gain, Low noise at higher sensitivities although at the expense of detail (perhaps too much luminance NR), Excellent dynamic range at ISO 200 (more highlight range t...

High sensitivity noise reduction applied before RAW image is produced, Base sensitivity isn't ISO 100, this isn't directly indicated on the camera, Reducing noise reduction setting doesn't make enough difference (doesn't change on-chip NR?), Lack of live

Excellent photo quality (though see issues below) Well built, easy-to-hold body Sensor-shift image stabilization reduces blur on most legacy Minolta and all forthcoming Sony lenses Dust reduction system Stunning 3-inch LCD display Full manual controls, in...

Noise reduction a bit heavy at high ISOs (workaround: shoot RAW) Tends to underexpose a bit No live view support (only mentioning this since everyone else has it now) Legacy hot shoe limits third party flash options Lots of buttons scattered around the bo...

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...

With its latest DSLR, Sony once again breaks the megapixel barrier for consumer cameras.

Canon's EOS 40D is the latest model in its semi-pro line and priced slightly lower than the A700. With 10.1 Megapixels it comes up slightly lower in resolution to the A700's 12, and while both cameras feature 3in screens, Sony's trumped Canon with its VGA...

12 Mpixels not much better than 10., Default settings benefit from sharpening., No Live View, upper screen or Wifi option.