Camera Labs

Hi folks,

In this press release Sony announce the α500.

Photo courtesy of Amateur Photographer

Here's the UK model feature list:

• 12.3 effective megapixel Exmor™ CMOS sensor with BIONZ processor for superb high-resolution images with reduced noise and enhanced shooting speed
• Advanced Quick AF Live View with phase-detection AF for responsive freestyle shooting and fast, accurate autofocus, even with moving subjects
• Face Detection enhances Quick AF Live View performance, tracking up to 8 faces in scene and optimizing exposure, WB, flash and other settings for beautifully natural skin tones
• Smile Shutter automatically fires shutter when subject smiles: with adjustable smile threshold and on-screen smile level display
• High speed continuous shooting 5fps (viewfinder) / 4fps (Live View)
• 90º tilt-angle 3.0-inch Clear Photo LCD Plus screen with new graphic display and Auto Brightness Adjustment for easy, intuitive Live View shooting in any position
• Manual Focus Check (in Live View mode) for precise, convenient adjustment of focus and composition
• Bright optical viewfinder with 95% coverage for clear, comfortable framing
• SteadyShot INSIDE optical image stabilization offers 2.5-4.0 steps anti-shake performance with α-mount lenses or Konica Minolta a-mount lenses
• New HDR Auto mode creates images with extremely high dynamic range by automatically merging two exposures to capture highlight and shadow detail
• Very high sensitivity up to ISO 12800, with dual noise reduction for natural-looking images with excellent resolution and superb colours, even in low light conditions
• D-Range Optimizer analyses image in real time, adjusting brightness and contrast for beautifully-exposed backlit scenes: with selectable Auto or user-adjustable modes
• 6 selectable Creative Styles for versatile image finishing options in any shooting situation - can be customized for even greater creative control
• Smart Teleconverter button gives additional 'one touch' instant magnification of 1.4x or 2x to pull distant subjects closer
• Powerful, high-capacity battery pack allows up to 1000 shots between charges when using optical viewfinder (CIPA measurement)
• Dual anti-dust system reduces build-up of dust on sensor during lens exchange
• HDMI™ output for display on HD TV (requires optional cable). PhotoTV HD enhances still image viewing on compatible BRAVIA TV
• BRAVIA Sync for control of camera playback functions via BRAVIA TV’s remote
• Supplied with Image Data Converter SR and Image Data Lightbox SR PC software: also includes Picture Motion Browser software for fun, easy image library management and sharing online

Bob.

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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.

Apart from the reduced resolution are there any major differences to the A550?

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

Compared to A550, it's differences are:
* 2MP less
* lower resolution display
* doesn't have the 7fps "speed priority" continuous mode

I think that's it... I think the screen resolution is the biggest one that swings it towards the A550 for me.

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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.

Thanks for the head up Bob, Does it meant to be a a700 replacement or just sit below the a700 model range & is it a Magnesium body or just plastic/Steel constructions ?

From its Specs looks very tempting but shame no Secondary LCD on the top of DSLR

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Soon.....

While it certainly has many of the features of the A700, it isn't the replacement. Best rumours are a true A700 replacement is due next year some time.

Sony do rather lag on top LCDs. The only one with one is the A900 (and now A850 too) and it is a joke in comparison to Canikon ones.

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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.

carl g. of alphamountworld seems to think it's really "soon" as in he seems to be hinting before the end of the year (or so he writes at the end of the preview on his site).

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flickr

Sony α300
Sony HVL-F58AM Bounce-Shift Flash
Tamron SP 17-50mm F/2.8 XR Di II LD Aspherical (IF)
Tamron SP 70-200mm F/2.8 Di
Sony 50mm F/1.4 SAL-50F14
Sony 100mm Macro F/2.8 SAL-100MF28

Has anyone come across a “Review” yet?,
I’m getting restless.