By Matthew Henry
SYDNEY: Sony today unveiled the second model in its Alpha digital still single lens reflex camera range, the 12.24 megapixel Alpha 700, which is the world’s first camera with direct HDMI output.
The Alpha 700 (RRP $2249 body only) is a step-up model over the original A100 launched this time last year, and offers high 12.24 megapixel resolution images, magnesium alloy body, five frames per second shooting and anti-dust system.
“This has been a highly anticipated extension of our digital SLR division,” said Sony Australia business development manager – digital SLR, John Wallace.
“With the Alpha 700 we aim to provide a high performance solution that meets all of the diverse, sophisticated demands of high-end enthusiast and professional photographers alike.”
The built-in HDMI output is designed to work with modern high definition flat panel TVs for sharper images when viewing on home televisions.
According to Sony, the Alpha 700’s large three-inch LCD has 921,000 pixels for a resolution of 270 pixels per inch, exceeding the human eye’s distinguishing limit of 200ppi for crystal clear and vivid image playback.
It also incorporates the exclusive 12.24 million megapixel CMOS sensor called ‘Exmor’, which according to Sony, “utilises cultivated CCD imaging and original Column AD conversion technologies to provide high speed picture quality for every shot”.
The newly developed Bionz image processing engine is designed to deliver high resolution natural colour reproduction and while processing large capacity digital data at high speed with minimal image noise.
Battery life is 650 shots according to Sony’s specifications.
The Alpha 700 will be available in October as the body-only or with two lens kits – with an 18-70mm lens (RRP $2,399) or with a 16-105mm lens (RRP $2,999).