Sony Alpha a700 DSLR hands-on

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Prashant @ Oct 2nd 2007 10:16AM

how much will it retail for?

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Darkiewonder @ Oct 2nd 2007 10:19AM

Best Buy has it for 799. Good price [Then again, I'm a sucker for anything that's over 500 and call it a "good price"] :D

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primetime4 @ Oct 2nd 2007 10:23AM

I think you are looking at the A100 for 799. Lowest the A700 is available for right now is 1299 without a lens.

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Darkiewonder @ Oct 2nd 2007 1:24PM

Ah you're right. i just realized it now. xD

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PhotoJoe @ Oct 4th 2007 1:34PM

It looks like a PRESS HERE AND TURN THIS WHILE TILTING THE CAMERA monstrosity.

When will people learn that a dedicated control for each function is best? How will you keep the camera at eye level and quickly dial in -1 overall exposure comp, +1 flash comp, drop the ISO to 100, and set the correct color balance without having to hunt down multiple menu options? Minolta (the guys Sony bought their DSLR from) had the user interface perfect on the 7D(6 Megapixels, most important items have dedicated buttons, dials, multi-directional toggles, or switches. You could do all that I mentioned without taking your eyes out of the viewfinder.

PS: I did that adjustment dance just yesterday. I went from 0 EXP COMP, 0 Flash COMP, Daylight Balance, 400ISO to -1/+1, Flash Balance, ISO 100. Shoot outside at the 7 year old showing off his skateboarding, turn when hearing the 3 year old squeal in delight and see him standing in the doorway giving the cat an awkward carry hug. [Flash power up due to distance to subject, EXP at -1 due to dark interior of home behind subject and the dark blue he was wearing, ISO100 for less noise and better image quality, color balance set to flash because the aftermarket flash on the camera is not the same as daylight in terms of color temp. Two seconds max. Most of that was picking the color temp.

Neutral

Stuart @ Oct 6th 2007 7:52PM

Actually; most people who have actually tried this camera (including ex-Minoltians) have liked the new design, and have found very quick and easy to use.

Everything either has a dedicated button - or else - is on the main display. You just toggle the joystick to move from a setting which has a dedicated button to any of those that do not.

My main reservation about the design is indeed the lack of controls or whatnot on the top right panel. They could have used that panel to greater use.

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