BiGnoSe
newbie
Reged: 06/02/2009
Posts: 26
Loc: North Essex
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Sony acquired Konica Minolta and gave us the Alpha 100, 200 & 350. The A700 is the next generation and what a difference. Upgraded Exmoor sensor and Bionz processor will make all the difference to your shots!
Out of the box this looks and feels very solid and reliable. It’s easy to use too! So easy in fact, you can be shooting top notch 12mp pictures in a variety of formats in seconds with the Auto setting.
If you want total control, clear menus and settings allow you to shoot with ease from 1/8000sec all the way to 30secs. Aperture control is simple and clear to use as are all of the “Scene” modes that are on offer. Sony’s “Super Steadyshot” feature allows shooting at slow speeds with incredible accuracy. In the old days, 1/8 second exposures would have to be done on a tripod without it.
The setup menu is large but very useable all the same. There are lots of useful features but equally there will be a fair bit of time with your head in the manual until you’ve got the hang of it!
If you are looking for a change, then this could be a strong contender. It is compatible with Minolta equipment of old. Sigma and Tamron help improve the number of lens options available to Sony owners. The Sony lens range is expanding and the Zeiss lens quality speaks for itself.
The overall build quality is excellent and hence the value for money is outstanding. If you really need a reason to review Sony seriously, remember it is they who supply this generation of Exmoor sensor to Nikon for the D3x.
Good times!
- Ergonomically well laid out.
- Shooting menus simple to operate.
- Super Steadyshot works very well at slow speeds.
- Backwards compatible with Minolta gear.
Bad times!
- A little too noisy on images at ISO1600.
- Built in flash a lot weaker than was expected.
- Rumours are about that some Sigma lenses are having difficulty with the power of the Sony AF motor.
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Mike Lowe
WDC Staff
Reged: 15/04/2009
Posts: 53
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It does feel good in the hand. I like the intuitive layout - probably my favourite thing about the Sony. It feels very natural to use.
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fabs
Carpal \'Tunnel
Reged: 10/04/2007
Posts: 3126
Loc: Beds/Bucks
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Yes, some Sigma lenses do have an issue with the Sony AF motor but Sigma do appear to be doing something about it. I have just had my 24-70 repaired under warranty and they have replaced the relevant part with a new stronger version. One would hope that they will be fitting this new part to all new lenses being manufactured but obviously there will be a large volume of existing stock out there before the new versions will filter through.
One solution on existing lenses, if you have the A700, is to switch the AF to Slow in the camera's menu. I have done this as I have 3 other Sigma lenses and, to be honest, I really can't tell the difference, to the extent that I've just left it on slow even when using my 70-200 G lens!
One additional thing is to ensure that the A700 has Firmware v4 as this improves the noise handling by miles and enables you to switch the in camera noise reduction off. I have actually just bought a second body which came with v4 already installed and I'm convinced that the noise handling is even better than my existing one in which I installed the firmware upgrade.
On everything else I totally agree. I loved the camera so much, I bought it twice! 
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My Flickr
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ASTROVANMAN
member
Reged: 01/12/2008
Posts: 108
Loc: Nottingham
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While Sony might manufacture the sensors that Nikon uses, they are NOT the same as used in Sony's own products. The D3x does not for example use the same sensor as the A900!
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