Sony’s soon-to-be-launched full-frame Alpha 850 digital SLR, announced earlier this afternoon, will carry a UK price of around £2,000, Amateur Photographer (AP) understands.

This compares to a price of more than £2,400 for Sony’s ‘professional’ flagship, the Alpha 900, the cost of which shot up 18% in April as a result of adverse currency fluctuations.

Differences over the Alpha 900, according to a Sony UK spokesman, are 98% viewfinder coverage, three frames per second (fps) burst rate, plus there is no remote included with the kit.

The Sony Alpha 900 has 5fps shooting and 100% viewfinder coverage.

In an interview with AP, Sony Europe spokesman Mr [Joe] Asai said the decision to launch the A850 followed consumer feedback that suggested photo enthusiasts were demanding a lower-priced version of the A900.

Sony UK has also confirmed the upcoming launch of two new lenses: the 28-75mm f/2.8 SAM; and 30mm f/2.8 DT Macro.

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