 A great camera, great value for your money
The A700 is Sony's declaration that they can play in the big leagues (as they showed us with the A900).
Even though it may be a year and a few months old, this camera enjoys the benefits of the recent launch of firmware version 4 which enhances the noise reduction in both JPEG and RAW among other things. It practically reinvogorated this camera.
It's 12.24 megapixels will work well for large prints (although if you're gonna print wall size, you're better off with the A900).
This camera is fast, responsive, easy to use and highly customizable. You can chose from a variety of options to make your photography faster and more enjoyable with this camera.
It may be heavy for some people, but thats due to the magnesium casing which protects the inside. This camera is meant for hard work and serious business.
For those people who used Minolta SLRs and still keep their lenses, they can use them on this camera, since the Alpha DSLR line benefits of the A-mount that Minolta and KonicaMinolta cameras used.
It doesnt have live view, if you need it, you should get the A300/350.
This camera however, shares one feature along with its A100/900 sisters, the Depth Of Field button, which in few words, closes down the lens to the selected aperture so you can see how sharp the image will be. This is a VERY important tool to have if you care about composition and want absolute control of how your pictures will come out.
Don't be thrown off by the fact this is the oldest camera in the range right now, if you really want and need all the features this camera has to offer, get it, the replacement model for this camera wont be arriving before Fall 2009, thats a lot of time to wait and you will miss a lot of shots during that time. At the prices this camera has right now, its a great deal. You wont regret getting this camera.
The great advantage of this kit is that it comes with a 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 zoom lens. You will read a lot of negative reviews about this lens, about how unsharp it is, how this, how that. Dont pay attention to it. If you're on a budget and you need this camera and a decent lens to start with, get it. The unsharpness issues you can correct by setting the camera's sharpness levels. Besides, its the photographer that makes the picture, not the lens. Having an expensive lens wont make you take better pictures.
Ive shot a lot of photos with this camera and lens and Im extremely happy so far. This lens may not be exactly a fast lens, but its a great lens to begin using a DSLR.
The A700 gives you a great value for your money, lots of options and excellent results at an affordable price.
Don't hesitate, if you want/need this camera, get it. You wont be disappointed.
Possibly the best value in semi-Pro Digital SLRs
Sony Alpha A700K 12.24MP Digital SLR Camera with 18-70mm f/3.5-5.6 Aspherical ED LensSony Alpha A700 12.24MP Digital SLR Camera with 16-105mm LensSony Alpha A700 12.24MP Digital SLR Camera (Body Only)
A FREE color temperature analyzer included (which would cost $1,200 separately)! As I describe below, there is a little discussed feature that allows you to set the white balance for the ambient light practically perfectly.
I have had my Sony Alpha 700 for about six weeks now, have used it extensively on a vacation, and have tried most of the features.
I'm impressed with:
- the solid "feel" of the camera build
- the 5 frames per second continuous shooting until the card is full (many other more expensive cameras have a limit)
- autofocus is blazing fast, and as reviewed in PopPhoto, is faster than even the best Nikons and Canons in good light.
- there are several ways to access almost any setting or function, and seemingly endless customization of settings.
- Though the Auto white balance isn't always as accurate as I'd like, there is an amazing feature with will allow you to set an custom white balance in a mixed or difficult light situation by using a gray or white card and having the camera "read" the light. It not only gets the Kelvin temperature right, but also adjust to Green/Magenta filter color casts from G9 to M9. To get that quality ambient light sensing, you would have to buy a $1,200 Color temperature sensor (Minolta made one). So basically you get a color analyzer for free with the camera.
- I have quickly gotten used to the separate buttons for the setting I adjust most frequently: Drive setting (for bracketing or time delay), White Balance, and ISO.
- The Dynamic Range (DR) Capabilities are phenomenal. I've shot photos in horribly contrasty situations and been able to get detail in both shadows and highlights. There are 8 levels of adjustment for DR.
- The information you can get on playback is extensive and useful when you press the "C" button.
- I love having a % of battery life left, but I hated having to have to sell my old batteries from my Alpha 100 because they won't fit due to the new feature.
What I don't like:
- the little "joystick" control is difficult for me when I try to press it to confirm a setting. Otherwise it works fine directionally.
- I've found that I get better exposures with a -.5 EV compensation. The histograms are almost always perfect in that situation.
Overall, it's the best value in a semi-pro (bang for the buck) that I've come across after extensive evaluation. I'm also confident that Sony will continue to market it's DSLRs seriously and continue to offer a wider model line. Sony has staying power and marketing muscle. So far it only has about 6% of the worldwide DSLR market, but I'm confident that will grow due to the quality and value of it's camera product line, including the Zeiss lenses.
 Bad Camera/Lens?
Pictures look bad. I only tried with Sony 18-200 Lens, so it may be the problem of camera or/and lens. I returned it and bought Nikon D80 together with Nikon 18-200 Lens. There is not comparison.
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