| Packed with innovative features to get the best shot, the rugged Sony A850 DSLR camera features a 35mm full frame 24.6 megapixel Exmor CMOS image sensor that provides a larger capture area, improved wide angle performance, and tighter depth of field control. The A850 also incorporates SteadyShot INSIDE in-camera image stabilizer which actually shifts the image sensor to compensate for camera shake without sacrificing image quality. Additional features include Dual BIONZ imaging processors for continuous shooting at up to 3 fps, an ultra-bright glass pentaprism viewfinder, 3.0-inch Xtra Fine LCD display and HDMI output. Ultra-Fine Images
The camera's Exmor CMOS sensor delivers the photographic expressive power of wide angles and perspective that only a 35 mm full-frame sensor can offer, and is designed to take advantage of the resolving power of high-precision alpha lenses. Its high pixel count and large size provide enhanced image detail and a wider dynamic range for natural color reproduction and subtle tonal gradations. Image processing gets a boost in speed and power from two BIONZ processing engines. Large amounts of data captured by the 24.6-megapixel sensor can be quickly processed to achieve a fast shooting response. Additionally, this dual BIONZ system applies advanced noise reduction algorithms producing images of exceptional quality and detail, especially at high ISO sensitivities. The camera's innovative intelligent preview function takes the guesswork out of setting up a shot and the hassle of taking multiple shots to achieve a desired effect. After pressing the depth of field preview button, the camera grabs a RAW preview image which is processed and displayed on the LCD screen. You can then fine tune white balance, determine the best level and effect of dynamic range optimization, adjust exposure compensation and check histogram data, all before you actually take the picture. Preview images are not recorded on the camera's |
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 Need more stars! LOVE LOVE LOVE it! |
| Review Date: June 18, 2010 |
| Reviewer: SailorGal, |
| This is the most awesome camera there is. I can't believe you can get a professional quality camera at such a low price! I LOVE this camera. I thought I was a pretty good photographer before, but this camera has made me a fabulous photographer! I've taken shots of wildlife that I just stare at and can't believe they are so good. There is almost no challenge any more to getting amazing shots. If you are a photographer who likes the challenge of a difficult shot, you will probably get bored with this camera because it makes those shots just too easy. I'm still learning this camera's capabilities, but I LOVE shooting things with it! My house is now filled with framed prints that I took. When I actually got around to reading the manual, the pictures blew me away. I'm not a pro, I just take pictures like one! |
Too good for my eyes...
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| Review Date: June 16, 2010 |
| Reviewer: David R. Evans, Australia |
I bought the Sony Alpha 850 in March, sold it two months later and firmly believe it is the best camera I have ever owned.
Everything about the 850 screams pro-level quality; from build to lay-out and operating system and ease of use, this camera is outstanding. And it costs around $500 less than its nearest full-frame competitor. (And the Sony 50mm 1.4 prime lems is a little gem too.)
So why on earth did I sell it? No live view. Poor eyesight inhibited my focusing competence via the viewfinder. That's it.
Image quality is not a feature; it is everything and this camera delivers the best IQ I have seen to date.
I hope this is an eye-opener to others... |
Sony a850 is One Fine Camera
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| Review Date: April 26, 2010 |
| Reviewer: E. Leute, Vermont |
The a850 is one fine camera. I've been a Leica user since age 12 and found most other brands imprecise and unsatisfying, and was waiting for a Leica full frame DSLR. But when Sony announced the sub-$2000 full-frame a850, I had to bite, especially at a price differential of $21,000. After all, I've owned [and own] an assortment of Sony products and over 40 years have never had to replace any of them due to product failure. So the risk was minimal.
Let me dispense with the frequently reported shortcomings of this camera, and the only reason I ranked it 4, instead of 5 stars. It does not include "Live View" or "Movie mode". As a traditional enthusiast "film" photographer I use neither of these features, so their omission is inconsequential to me. Their omission, however, allows highest end digital photography to become available at unprecedented low prices. If you need these features then look elsewhere.
However, the strong points are:
1 - When Konica-Minolta ceased camera production Sony purchased rights to use their auto-focus design, originally introduced in 1985 for Minolta's premium line of "Maxxum" cameras and lenses. Therefore, any Minolta "AF" lens works perfectly with this Sony; and I already had 3 of them covering from 28mm to 300mm. They are readily available used at very low prices. The 50mm f:1.7 primary lens is particularly sharp. Thus, for the price of the body, I had a complete camera outfit. The current Sony lenses for the a850 are basically repackaged Minolta AF designs with improved weather protection. Additionally, Zeiss makes a superb line of premium professional lenses for the purist [but at high prices].
2 - Anti-shake is mounted in the camera body, not the lens, allowing any lens that can be mounted to use this feature, even the 1985 Minolta lenses for the Maxxum. It will even work with non-autofocus lenses mounted with adapters.
3 - Sony "kit" lenses are priced significantly lower than competing brands since anti-shake does not have to be incorporated into each lens.
4 - A dial atop the camera allows instant selection of Auto operation, Aperture priority, Shutter priority, Manual operation and 3 custom settings.
5 - Despite a myriad of features, the controls are easy to use. On my earlier Canon G7 almost all control settings, such as shutter speed, aperture, white balance, et., had to be set through the LCD menu - a slow tedious process, causing some photos to be missed. On the a850 all such settings are directly settable using controls accessible with the right hand. White balance, ISO selection, aperture and shutter are instantly adjustable. Once these buttons are mastered the camera becomes extremely responsive to use.
6 - Tha a850 takes noiseless pictures at ISO settings to 3200 while most cameras get noise interference above 200 ISO.
Although this is the lowest priced full frame camera available, it is solidly built and does not feel flimsy. The 24.6mb CCD gives extraordinary results that look sharp, even on my Sony 70 inch HDTV. The smallest details can be cropped and enlarged without pixellation. However, with the 75mm to 300mm macro zoom lens the a850 becomes truly weighty and I use a monopod to increase stability. I can highly recommend the a850 to serious camera enthusiasts and professionals while it is probably more camera than an average family snapshooter needs.
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no-nonsense Full Frame DSLR
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| Review Date: April 16, 2010 |
| Reviewer: S. Pustylnik, Rockville, Maryland |
Sony A850 camera is well crafted tool. It incorporates Image Stabilization camera based technology (SSS), which works very effectively with Carl Zeiss (CS), Minolta Maxxum, A-Mount designed Sigma, Tamron, Tokina lenses.
A850 Full Frame sensor resolution is incredible. Image Resolution translates into sharp detail and natural color tones.
At the same time, user who doesn't need full resolution for casual photos can choose 13 Megapixel or 6 Megapixel modes.
Camera feels solid in hands. Controls are well positioned. Menu is intuitive.
Auto Focus is fast and accurate. Low light assistant allows accurate focus at night.
All 11 Maxxum, Sigma, Tamron lenses from my collection work very well on A850.
Some lenses, like Sigma 20mm f/1.8 focus much better that on previous camera bodies.
A850 does great photos with inexpensive Minolta Maxxum lenses, like 28mm f/2.8 AF, 50mm f/1.7 AF, Maxxum 70-210mm f/4 AF and other good oldies.
My only concern is intimidating amount of features that will take years to master.
For examples of photos made with Sony A850 google my name.
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Great camera
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| Review Date: February 6, 2010 |
| Reviewer: William P. Rowland, atlanta, ga |
I've had the chance now to use this camera for over a month and I love it. I have the 85 f/1.4 zeiss lens attached to it for portraits / weddings, and it gets the job done--the resolution is amazing. I will hopefully be adding the 16-35 or 24-70 later this year. Some make a big deal about this camera having high iso 'issues', but they are mistaken. I prefer natural light and have gone up to ISO 3200 without complications--using nik dfine's noise reduction software only makes it better! I also have used flash in order to lower my iso and deliver great imagery.
The camera feels solid and has some weight to it with good glass. The shutter noise is very distinct, but that is to be expected with such a large mirror. In-body stabilization is as advertised and is incredible--I'm able to get crisp, hand held shots at 1/15 s with an 85 mm lens.
I've always been told that with anything involving optics, you will never go wrong with the system with the best glass, and I believe Sony is the leader by offering zeiss lenses. Yes--they don't have all of the different lenses that Canikon offers, but 99% of my work is done in the 16-200 mm range, and they offer amazing lenses for that focal length range (I guess I could go even longer-twss-with the 400 mm G series lenses they offer).
Get this camera if you're looking for a well-built machine that can deliver professional images. Full frame for less than $2000 = awesome.
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