Sony announces 3 new Alpha DSLRs

[Heidfirst]

A850 - slightly cut down A900 FF edit: expected to be under $2k
A500/A550 - new 500D/5000D competitors, difference is primarily 12Mp or 14Mp sensor but also rear screen & fps.
No video on any of them.

Hands on preview of A550 at DPReview along with details/specs of the others - & no doubt at loads of other photography sites all over the web.
Luminous Landscape has an A850 hands on.

Also a modified version of the Tamron 28-75/2.8 as a mid-range FF lens.

 

[Aharami]

seems like sony is flooding the market with DSLRs
how many models do they have out now?

 

[Heidfirst]

8 - & no true replacement for the A700 yet (there is a suggestion that will appear in Spring 2010)

 

[ElFenix]

Originally posted by: Aharami
seems like sony is flooding the market with DSLRs
how many models do they have out now?

5 different models under $1000 SRP. it's the same strategy that they use for compact models: there's only so much shelf space and so you can crowd out your opponents at best buy.

 

[Pneumothorax]

The 24MP full frame for $2000 is definitely going to put pressure on Nikon/Canon.

 

[Heidfirst]

Originally posted by: ElFenix
5 different models under $1000 SRP. it's the same strategy that they use for compact models: there's only so much shelf space and so you can crowd out your opponents at best buy.

still, I prefer that they are different specs. & prices rather than multiple SKUs but 1 black, 1 silver, 1 blue, 1 red ... :roll:

 

[ElFenix]

Originally posted by: Heidfirst

Originally posted by: ElFenix
5 different models under $1000 SRP. it's the same strategy that they use for compact models: there's only so much shelf space and so you can crowd out your opponents at best buy.

still, I prefer that they are different specs. & prices rather than multiple SKUs but 1 black, 1 silver, 1 blue, 1 red ... :roll:

what do you think they're doing next

 

[magomago]

Well BB accounts for 1/2 of all DSLR sales so it seems like a wise tactic....


And A850 for under 2K is WOW. Perhaps another 5-6 years and we'll see FF at a < 1000 price point? I don't think I'd give up APS though because I like the simulated effect of longer reach....unless FF MP shoots through the roof and can give the same image with cropping. Of course, part of it is getting people to buy it. If no one wants to invest in a Sony FF system, then Canon/Nikon has nothing to worry about. Those prices...they start a coming down. Hopefully they'll pressure APS prices downwards as well. I want to see a cheaper K-7 lol.

 

[Suspicious-Teach8788]

Originally posted by: Pneumothorax
The 24MP full frame for $2000 is definitely going to put pressure on Nikon/Canon.

Certainly. It will certainly help with the prosumer crowd. But let's wait to see how the noise reduction is going to be because the 5D MarkII seriously blows the A900 away right now. IMO, the A900 was great when it was only against the MarkI and the D700.

 

[Heidfirst]

Originally posted by: DLeRium
But let's wait to see how the noise reduction is going to be because the 5D MarkII seriously blows the A900 away right now. IMO, the A900 was great when it was only against the MarkI and the D700.

it'll be near as dammit the same as the A900.
The A900 has better detail, colour & dynamic range than either the 5DMkII or D700 at low ISOs (say below 800) but the tradeoff for that is worse noise at higher ISOs.
In reality the A900 & D700 are optomised for opposite ends of the sensitivity range & the 5DMkII is trying to cover all bases.

 

[twistedlogic]

Originally posted by: Heidfirst
it'll be near as dammit the same as the A900.
The A900 has better detail, colour & dynamic range than either the 5DMkII or D700 at low ISOs (say below 800) but the tradeoff for that is worse noise at higher ISOs.

According to the Imaging Resource review of the A850:

Some image noise even at ISO 200
At anything above ISO 200, noise limits maximum print size before resolution becomes an issue

Really what is the point in going FF? I thought most users are upgrading for better High-ISO results (sports shooters who need higher SS, wedding photogs that shoot in low light) and a wider FOV (true 35mm equivalent). I know in studios where light can be controlled the Sony's would shine, but I figure most studios are already rooted in there current lens/flash system.

Edit: NM, answered in another forum "excellent for landscape, macro and studio work"

On another note, has anyone seen the A850 sitting next to the D3x? The Sony looks so tiny, lol.

 

[ElFenix]

Originally posted by: twistedlogic
According to the Imaging Resource review of the A850:

Some image noise even at ISO 200
At anything above ISO 200, noise limits maximum print size before resolution becomes an issue

noise at base sensitivity is not good.

On another note, has anyone seen the A850 sitting next to the D3x? The Sony looks so tiny, lol.

D3x is the hugest 35 mm camera ever.



the zeiss 24-70 looks like a beast of a lens. i wonder what sony will want for that tamrom/minolta 28-75?

 

[Heidfirst]

Originally posted by: ElFenix i wonder what sony will want for that tamrom/minolta 28-75?

more than Tamron & probably more than any minor differences are worth.
Tamron's Nikon mount version now comes with a micromotor but the opinion amongst Nikon users seems to be that the screw drive version is better - it focuses better in low light.

Having said that a dealer here in the UK says that the cost to him in a kit is a lot lower than on it's own & he expects a lot of dealers to split kits.
I've already got my KM one.

The Zeiss 24-70mm is superb - probably the best going, the 16-35mm is very good - better than the Canon but not as good as Nikon's superb 14-24mm.