Sony has just announced a new high-end, full-frame digital SLR model called the A850, and two consumer DSLR cams, the A500 and A550.
The A850 is almost identical to the company’s flagship A900, with the same 24.6MP Exmor CMOS sensor and 3-inch LCD, sensor-shift image stabilization and dual Bionz processors but is more affordable at $2,000. The A850’s compromises include a smaller viewfinder that covers 98% of the frame (compared to the A900’s 100% field coverage) and a slower continuous shot rate to lower the A900’s price by $700.
Despite the slight sacrifice, the A850 is still considered a premium kit, featuring a fast 9-point AF system for pulling off faster shots, and an Intelligent Preview function that shows the effects of exposure and white balance settings before pressing the shutter.
The two consumer-class DSLRs, the A550 and A500, are both based on new Exmor CMOS sensors and Bionz image processors that combine for high-quality, low-noise images. Both also offer 3-inch tilt-angle LCD screens, an Auto HDR mode, high sensitivity that goes up to ISO 12800 for shooting in low light, a Quick AF Live View function that adds Face Detection, and a new Manual Focus Check Live View mode that helps get the focus right.
The two cams are differentiated by resolution and continuous shooting speeds. The $750 (body only) A500 sports a 12.3MP sensor and a 230k-pixel display and a 5fps shooting rate, while the $950 A550 has a 14.2MP sensor, a better 921k-pixel LCD, and can shoot up to seven frames per second.
The A500 and A550 are both scheduled to be released in October, while the A850 will arrive in November.
Tags: Digital Cameras, DSLR, Sony
