|
Sony's newest full frame Alpha model, the DSLR-A850 (aka the A850 or Alpha 850) is a powerful dSLR that boasts features that industry professionals demand. These include a high-resolution 24-megapixel CMOS image sensor, fast Dual BIONZ image processor setup, in-body Super SteadyShot image stabilization, weather and dust resistance, dual card slots for CF and MS Duo type media, 9-point AF system, and a broad sensitivity range to name a few.
It offers almost all features of the company's flagship full frame DSLR A900, but at a more affordable price. It is built around the same 24.6MP CMOS sensor and incorporates A900's 3.0 inch 921k LCD, sensor-shift image-stabilization and Dual Bionz processors. The only compromise is 98% viewfinder coverage against A900's 100% and slower continuous shooting. To complement the A850, Sony has also announced a mid-priced 28-75mm constant F2.8 SAM lens to fit with the A850's affordable full-frame ethos.
Sony A850 has a Sony Alpha lens mount that also accepts Konica and Konica Minolta glass. A large pentaprism sits above the lens mount, both dictating the camera body's workmanlike visual aesthetic, and providing a very large and bright TTL optical viewfinder with 0.74x magnification. The rear panel features a large 3-inch LCD display with 921,600 dot resolution, equating to VGA (640 x 480) pixel with three R, G, and B dots per pixel. This is used solely for reviewing of images, as well as for menus and status display; the Sony A850 doesn't offer live view capability.
Sony Alpha A850 offers ISO sensitivity from 200 to 3,200 equivalent, but is expandable to ISO 100 to 6,400 equivalent. Shutter speeds range from 30 to 1/8000 second, plus a bulb setting, and x-sync is 1/250 second (or 1/200 second when SteadyShot is enabled). Metering is achieved by a 40-segment honeycomb sensor, and you can also choose from centre-weighted or spot metering modes. Focusing is achieved courtesy of a a nine-point phase detection autofocus system with f/2.8 dual centre cross sensor, and there are also ten supplemental AF-assist points arranged adjacent to the main AF points.
|
