Revolutionary new 12.2-megapixel (effective) CMOS sensor - Exmor™
35mm F1.4G (SAL35F14G), M mode, 1/320 sec., F4, ISO 200, White balance: Custom
Proprietary new on-chip column A/D conversion and dual noise reduction
The α™(alpha) 700's new Exmor CMOS sensor, developed and manufactured exclusively by Sony, maximizes the performance potential of the α™(alpha) lens lineup with 12.2-megapixel resolution that's rich in highlight and shadow detail. Because proprietary Sony noise reduction technologies are applied both before and after analog-to-digital conversion, right on the Exmor CMOS sensor itself, signal output is exceptionally clean even at sensitivity settings as high as ISO 3200. In addition, a 3-layer low pass filter preserves high-resolution detail while suppressing moiré effects and color artifacts.
Advanced new Bionz™ image processing engine
70-200mm F2.8G (SAL70200G), M mode, 1/800 sec., F4, ISO 200, White balance: Custom
Another step forward in the evolution of image quality
The α™(alpha) 700's new Bionz image processing engine employs proprietary Sony technology to capture colors with a rich sense of texture and depth, just as the human eye perceives them. It begins with a cleaner signal because the Exmor CMOS sensor's on-chip circuitry suppresses noise from the outset, and it packs the power needed to process the sensor's massive data output with lightening speed. What's more, Bionz refines the signal even more by screening out noise during both RAW data conversion and image processing, faithfully reproducing the full range of detail, contrast, and color that is captured by α™(alpha) lenses.
Look sharp, with Super SteadyShot® Inside
Vario-Sonnar® T* DT16-80mm F3.5-4.5 ZA (SAL1680Z), M mode, 1/8 sec., F4, ISO 200, White balance: Custom
Improved body-integrated image stabilization that works with any α™(alpha) lens
The α™(alpha) 700 incorporates an improved version of our Super SteadyShot image stabilization system to help prevent blurring caused by camera shake. Unlike lens-based systems, the Super SteadyShot system is built into the camera body and works by shifting the image sensor. As a result, it can provide protection against blurring with any α™(alpha) lens. What's more, the new system's more effective stabilization enables users to shoot at shutter speeds from 2.5 to 4 steps slower than would otherwise be possible, so even shots that would normally require the use of a tripod or flash can be taken handheld.
| Comparison of body-integrated image stabilization effect | |||
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| Super SteadyShot OFF | Super SteadyShot ON | Body-integrated image stabilization unit |
Super SteadyShot switch |
Super SteadyShot® Flash Movie
Because the Super SteadyShot system is mounted inside the α™(alpha) 700's body, it provides effective image stabilization with any α™(alpha) series lens.
Faster, more precise, 11-point autofocus system
100mm F2.8 Macro (SAL100M28), A mode, F4.5 (1/10 sec.), +1.0EV, ISO 100, White balance: Daylight
Improved accuracy with moving subjects and large-aperture lenses
A new, center dual cross 11-point AF sensor system, developed and manufactured by Sony, significantly boosts autofocusing accuracy and speed to ensure fewer missed shots. The 11-point layout allows great freedom in how subjects are framed, and the system's quick response heightens accuracy when shooting moving subjects. In addition to the center dual cross sensor, a dedicated new sensor has been incorporated to significantly boost focusing precision when shooting at apertures of F2.8 or larger.
AF sensor layout
AF sensor
AF sensor for
F2.8 aperture or larger
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The 11-point layout makes it easy to focus on the subject's eyes when taking vertically oriented portrait photos, and it provides good coverage for quick, precise focus with moving subjects, too.
D-Range Optimizer for superior exposure balance
Optimum exposure and contrast in backlit situations
The α™(alpha) 700's D-Range Optimizer helps you take advantage of the Exmor CMOS sensor's wide dynamic range, and obtain richer shadow and highlight detail in backlit situations. In Standard mode, it assures more natural exposure balance by optimizing brightness and contrast for the image overall. In Advanced mode, it analyzes each area of the composition separately and offers 5 optimization levels for finer control, as well as a new D-Range Optimizer bracketing function that records the image at three different optimization levels for easy best-shot selection.
D-Range Optimizer off
DT11-18mm F4.5-5.6 (SAL1118), A mode, F8 (1/200 sec.), +0.3EV, ISO 200, White balance: Custom
Standard
Advanced Auto
Advanced: Level (Lv5)
- Advanced mode creativity
- Creative use of the D-Range Optimizer's advanced mode enables you to achieve the results you want even in difficult backlit shooting situations.
3.0" Xtra Fine LCD
920,000-dot (approx.) resolution for ultra-sharp image display
On-the-spot image review is one of the fundamental benefits of digital photography, and the α™(alpha) 700 maximizes that advantage with a big, new 3.0" Xtra Fine LCD. Boasting a pixel count approximately four times higher, and contrast approximately 2.8 times higher, than our previous 2.5" monitor, it has a screen display resolution of 270 ppi ? higher even than the 200 ppi resolution that is generally acknowledged to be the upper limit of what the human eye can distinguish. Hybrid construction and AR (Anti-Reflective) coating assure that fine details are easy to see even when viewing the monitor outdoors.
Without AR coating (high reflectivity, low visibility)
With AR coating (low reflectivity, high visibility)
- (1) AR coating
- (1) Luminance
- (2) R channel
- (3) G channel
- (4) B channel
Convenient new RGB histogram and index display options
The α700's new 3.0" Xtra Fine LCD also offers a range of new viewing and information display options. In addition to conventional histogram and flashing highlight/shadow warning displays, it offers an RGB histogram color balance checking. There's also a view that displays five preceding/following frames in addition to the current frame, greatly facilitating best-shot selection from a series of bracketed or sequential images. In index view, the monitor can be set to display 4, 9, or 25 frames according to preference.
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D-Range Optimizer for superior exposure balance
Easy one-handed access to settings while shooting
A quick press of the Function (Fn) button switches the LCD from standard information display to Quick Navi information display, where you can quickly and easily adjust shooting parameters simply by choosing them with the multi-selector and rotating the front or rear control dial. With Quick Navi, your creative flow isn't interrupted because you can exercise complete control using only the thumb and forefinger of your right hand.
- (1) press
- (2) choose
- (3) adjust
| 1 | ISO | 7 | AF area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | Exposure compensation | 8 | D-Range Optimizer |
| 3 | Flash compensation | 9 | Creative Style |
| 4 | Flash mode | 10 | Image quality |
| 5 | Drive mode | 11 | Image size |
| 6 | White balance |
PhotoTV HD ? a new dimension in viewing pleasure
Stunning resolution and detail, displayed right on your TV
For the ultimate experience in home viewing pleasure, the α™(alpha) 700 can be connected directly to a Sony BRAVIA™ HDTV to enable 1920 x 1080 full-resolution PhotoTV HD display. With BRAVIA PhotoTV HD, you'll enjoy a totally new viewing experience, one that combines the transparent clarity, color fidelity, and rich contrast of slide film with the big-screen impact of a slide projector. From skin tones to waves on a beach, BRAVIA PhotoTV HD brings out radiant beauty in every detail, filling the room with luminous, high-resolution images that launch photography into a new dimension.
*Compatible Sony BRAVIA HDTV and HDMI cable (sold separately) required for PhotoTV HD viewing.
PhotoTV HD takes advantage of Sony's high-level product integration to achieve a level of synergy not possible with conventional equipment. With its stunning image quality, it represents a whole new way of enjoying photography.
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