Camera Labs

Hi folks,

In this press release Sony announce the α850.

Photo courtesy of Amateur Photographer

Here's the UK model feature list:

• Ultra-high resolution 24.6 effective megapixel 35mm full-frame CMOS sensor with Exmor™ technology plus on-chip A/D conversion and dual noise reduction for flawless, detail packed images
• Ultra-bright optical pentaprism viewfinder with 98% field coverage
• Dual BIONZ image processors utilize performance of 24.6 effective megapixel full-frame sensor for ultimate imaging performance
• SteadyShot INSIDE optical image stabilization offers 2.5-4.0 steps anti-shake performance with α-mount lenses or Konica Minolta a-mount lenses
• 3fps continuous shooting at full resolution 24.6 megapixels
• Photo quality 3.0-inch Xtra Fine 921k dot resolution LCD screen for critical shot evaluation
• Fast, high-accuracy 9-point centre dual-cross AF with 10 focus assist points and F2.8 sensor
• Rugged magnesium body with aluminum alloy chassis and controls sealed against dust and moisture
• High sensitivity up to ISO6400 (in expanded ISO range) with high-ISO noise reduction for clearer low-light shooting
• Secondary top-mounted display panel
• Evolved D-Range Optimizer delivers beautifully balanced exposures with rich shadow and highlight detail, especially in backlit situations
• Intuitive Quick Navi display for fast, easy access to camera settings
• Intelligent preview gives immediate feedback of adjustment settings on LCD prior to shooting
• 13 selectable Creative Styles for versatile image finishing options in any shooting situation - can be customzed for even greater creative control
• High-capacity InfoLITHIUM battery allows up to 880 shots between charges (using viewfinder) with % display of power remaining (CIPA measurement)
• Dual anti-dust system protects sensor during lens exchange
• User replaceable high quality focusing screens (option) in L-type (grid pattern) and M-type (super spherical acute matte)
• HDMI™ output for viewing on HD Ready display plus PhotoTV HD mode for optimized Full HD images on compatible BRAVIA television
• Supplied with Image Data Converter SR, Image Data Lightbox SR and Remote Camera Control PC software: also includes Picture Motion Browser software for fun, easy image library management and sharing online

Bob.

_________________
OM-D E-M5 + ED 12-50mm, H-PS14042E, H-F007014E, L-RS014150E, M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 45mm 1:1.8.
Gitzo GT1541T, Arca-Swiss Z1 DP ball-head.
Astrophotography: TEC 140 'scope, FLI ML16803 camera, ASA DDM60 Pro mount.

So let me get this straight, the only difference between the 850 and 900 is 3fps Vs 5fps????

_________________
Ed


Canon 40D + Grip | Sigma 10-20 EX | 17-85 | Sigma 70-200 f/2.8 EX II | 50 F/1.8 | 430 EX II + Other Stuff
Flickr
Portfolio - Not recently updated!
Saving for: -

Also smaller viewfinder.

Of course the street price is key, but the manufacturer list price is within expectations. If that translates appropriately to street prices I'm likely to get one

I have enough FF lenses on Sony that I can get body only without forking out for a ton of new lenses, although I will want to upgrade at some point. Really looking forward to some seriously shallow DoF fun that you just don't get on smaller sensors.

_________________
Canon DSLRs: 7D, 5D2, 1D, 600D, 450D full spectrum, 300D IR mod
Lenses: EF 35/2, 50/1.8, 85/1.8, 135/2+SF, 28-80 V, 70-300L, 100-400L, TS-E 24/3.5L, MP-E 65, EF-S 15-85 IS
3rd party: Zeiss 2/50 makro, Samyang 8mm fisheye, Sigma 150 macro, 120-300 f/2.8 OS, Celestron 1325/13
Tinies: Sony HX9V.

I was thinking of getting the A900, but now with the A850 might be a better upgrade, about the price difference is still a question of time, if the A850 expected sales don't turn up they'll for sure reduce it. So maybe a 4 to 6 month wait would be wise. If I ever do get the A850 I'll for sure get a nice CZ lens like the SAL-2470Z, but I'll need some serious photo knowledge before getting it, so keep commenting on my posted photos and tell me how incredible they are.

Again, I'm sure my wife won't tell the difference between the A350 and A850, cause she'll never understand why I need to spend some much more for a little difference. (because the A350 is still a great camera) thanx for agreeing.

Thank you Bob for the info share... thumbs up buddy

Amazing value,great work Sony!
And if 5MKII + 24-70mm = A850 + 24-70mm,then Sony has really an edge here,because the Zeiss lens it's a bit better and also,you get IS with this lens & any other lens you attach.

_________________
Gear: Nikon D80, 18-105mm, 35mm F/1.8, 85mm F/1.8, SB-600
Visit my work here

Nice move, and this should shake up the DSLR market and make things interesting.

_________________
PhilipGoh.com

Is the sensor the same as in the A900?
Ah yes: "the α850 shares the same 24.6 megapixel sensor and virtually all features of the flagship DSLR-α900".
And I thought there was some "backlight" sensor coming up from Sony with increased sensitivity...

_________________
Thomas (beware: Nikon-fanboy and moderator!) My Lens Reviews, My Pictures, My Photography Blog
D800+assorted lenses

Having read the a500/550 announcement it's funny to see them advertise ISOs up to 12800 whereas the A850 stays at max ISO 6400...
The smaller siblings also have the added feature of in-camera HDRs!

_________________
Thomas (beware: Nikon-fanboy and moderator!) My Lens Reviews, My Pictures, My Photography Blog
D800+assorted lenses

hope the a850 slightly cheaper than the a900 & sounds great deal to me though its a bit slightly stripped version of a900..

_________________
Soon.....

The working assumption is they cost reduced the A900 by using a lower quality viewfinder, maybe cheaper/slower mirror assembly, and possibly reduced processing power in some form. It is assumed the sensor is unchanged.

The Exmor R backlit sensors are the big thing in compacts. I haven't looked into it in detail myself, but the understanding is it only provides significant advantages at higher pixel densities like those in compacts. It reduces the impact of in chip wiring on the light loss. The bigger photosites on DSLR sized sensors are not as obstructed in comparison.

I do wonder if the basic technology in the A5xx is improved since A700/A900. The A500 sensor seems at first glance to be the same as A700, but the A550 is a new sensor as far as we know. Although the 14MP sounds same as the A350, that was CCD whereas the A550 is CMOS. They have improved the noise reduction processing in camera so that may be why they're able to be more generous on the high ISO range on the A5xx range where the A850 is left with the same basic functionality as the older A900.

_________________
Canon DSLRs: 7D, 5D2, 1D, 600D, 450D full spectrum, 300D IR mod
Lenses: EF 35/2, 50/1.8, 85/1.8, 135/2+SF, 28-80 V, 70-300L, 100-400L, TS-E 24/3.5L, MP-E 65, EF-S 15-85 IS
3rd party: Zeiss 2/50 makro, Samyang 8mm fisheye, Sigma 150 macro, 120-300 f/2.8 OS, Celestron 1325/13
Tinies: Sony HX9V.

that kind of body style what makes me a Sony mate i love to hold a camera with curves like that i love my 700 because of it....

well then thanks for sharing...

_________________
Good Aperture Everyone! Good reply is always Making me very very happy thanks...
Sony A700; sony 18-70mm, 18-250.
My flickr!! http://www.flickr.com/photos/loymercs/
My Blog!! http://loymercsclick.blogspot.com/

it is great value for most of photographer/amateur-pro out there.
This camera is very similar to A900. If i'm not shooting sports, then this A850 is good enough and I'll save $650

_________________
RadiantLite - Cameras and Lenses Comparison Reviews, buying guide, photo taking techniques and other tips
My Portfolio - Some photos from my work

Sony, what is it exactly you are doing?

Any studio or landscape photographer doesn't need high FPS, so they'll get the a850.

Sports wont use either.

Wedding Photographers will get a 850 if any, although will probably just go canon/nikon for the better high ISO performance and FPS.

If they made it a heck lot cheaper and 16MP, sure winner. Nice moden competiton to the D700 (and new 7D?)

Who ever does their research for what the market needs - needs a good slap. Well done Sony.

_________________
Canon EOS 5DmkII + BG-E6 + Canon EOS 40D + BG-E2N + Canon EOS 33
Canon 17-40 F/4L USM + Canon 24-70 F/2.8L USM + Canon 28mm F/1.8 USM + Canon 70-200 F/2.8L USM IS + Canon 85mm F/1.8 USM
Canon Speedlite 580EX II + Canon Speedlite 540EZ + 2 x Nikon SB-80DX
Cactus V2s Wireless Trigger - 5 x Cactus V2s Wireless Reciever

MY FLICKR!

What Sony are doing is pushing FF lower down. Kinda like when the original Canon 5D came out. They're not directly targeting existing FF cameras, but carving out a new bit of space. The high speed side, for the moment, is left to the A550. As was already pointed out it also somehow manages a higher maximum ISO, even if it remains to be seen what it will be like at those settings... I'd guess it'll be like the 50D ISO12800 setting. Yes, it is there, but you really don't want to use it.

_________________
Canon DSLRs: 7D, 5D2, 1D, 600D, 450D full spectrum, 300D IR mod
Lenses: EF 35/2, 50/1.8, 85/1.8, 135/2+SF, 28-80 V, 70-300L, 100-400L, TS-E 24/3.5L, MP-E 65, EF-S 15-85 IS
3rd party: Zeiss 2/50 makro, Samyang 8mm fisheye, Sigma 150 macro, 120-300 f/2.8 OS, Celestron 1325/13
Tinies: Sony HX9V.

Seems the info I posted earlier was pretty accurate. And the A850 turns out to be a nice camera indeed, at a great price. Not that I'd buy it, but I can certainly see why others would.

Now where's that 500mm?

- Bjorn -

_________________
Street and documentary photographer | Google+ | Twitter | Blog | Tumblr

Leica M9-P (my article on Camera Labs) | Leica D-Lux 5 | 50mm Summilux