"This Sony DSLR is magnificent. We would not hesitate to recommend the camera for a second."
Australian Personal Computer

"A serious contender. Just about everything you want, intelligent design and a very good sensor."
Digital Photography + Design

"The A700 takes excellent pictures. Colour reproduction is faithful, and Sony has done a good job of keeping image noise down."
Australian PC Authority

The Exmor 12.24 megapixel CMOS sensor captures highly detailed images that are rich in colour, contrast and shadow detail

The first thing you want to know when buying a DSLR is that the raw visual information captured by its sensor is of the highest possible quality. A technically advanced, APS-C sized CMOS high resolution sensor provides the 700 with exceptional image capture capability.

Maximising the creative potential of the lens line-up, it picks up extraordinarily fine detail that’s rich in colour, highlight and contrast, providing the BIONZ processor with optimum visual information with which to ‘craft’ finished photographs.

The 12.24MP Exmor CMOS sensor is able to perform advanced processes such as analogue to digital conversion and Sony noise reduction technology that ‘cleans’ the signal output (both before and after conversion) to ensure crisp, sharp images even when shot at high ISO settings. And a 3-layer low pass filter preserves high resolution detail while suppressing moiré effects and colour artefacts.

The 3” Xtra Fine LCD screen provides exceptional high resolution image reproduction enhanced by an anti-reflective coating

If the 270 ppi screen resolution of the 700’s 3" LCD was any higher, the human eye would be incapable of distinguishing the difference. That equates to around 920,000 dots of ultra-sharp image display for precise on-the-spot review plus the capacity to zoom in on detail to confirm focus.

The LCD screen displays detailed shooting information and at the touch of a button, the Quick Navi menu for easy adjustment of shooting parameters. The screen automatically switches to a vertical-format when you turn the camera sideways; and to conserve battery power, switches off altogether when you put your eye to the viewfinder.

Then when reviewing your images, histograms provide on-the-spot confirmation of exposure balance and highlight/shadow reproduction.

Exclusive to Sony, the BIONZ image processor sits at the heart of the 700; processing the visual information flowing through the lens to perfectly replicate colours, texture and depth

The BIONZ processor is unique to Sony. It takes the vast amount of information captured by the high resolution sensor and processes it to reflect the desired settings and styles you’ve selected.

It faithfully reproduces the scenes you are looking at when you want it to, or applies effects and visual techniques when creativity calls.

It does all this with lightning speed suppressing ‘noise’ (background electrical signals that can degrade image quality) at the same time. So, detail, colour and contrast are perfectly captured every time.

The 700 incorporates Super SteadyShot sensor-shifting technology to neutralise the effects of camera shake, regardless of the lens you are shooting with

The slightest movement can spoil a beautifully constructed shot. So all cameras incorporate next generation Super SteadyShot to keep images as sharp as possible.

Some anti-shake systems are lens-based so to benefit from the technology, you are restricted to certain lenses. But Super SteadyShot is actually built into the body, shifting the image sensor to compensate for camera shake in real time. So blur is reduced whatever lens you are using.

With Super SteadyShot switched on, you can 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.

The D-Range Optimiser works with the 700 CMOS sensor to provide better balance to images shot with back lighting

High-contrast or strongly backlit scenes can lead to loss of highlight and shadow detail.

While normal exposure compensation maintains low-light detail at the expense of burnt out highlights, the D-Range (Dynamic Range) Optimiser gives you perfectly exposed photographs. It does this by automatically adjusting the exposure levels for the whole scene.

All models also feature an Advanced Mode, which offers a higher degree of compensation by analysing and adjusting each tonal area of the image separately. Bracketing functions also record the image at different optimisation levels for easy ‘best shot’ selection.

The combination of an anti-static coating and high-speed sensor vibration on turn-off, keeps your images dust free every time

All 700 buttons, dials and switches are protected from dust and moisture using gaskets and sealants. But what about dust particles contaminating the sensor when you’re changing lenses?

A Dual Anti-Dust System is employed in the 700 to reduce the risk of blurry marks spoiling your photographs.

The first component is an anti-static coating that repels dust, making it easier to remove particles from inside the camera with a blower.

The second component is a high-speed sensor vibrator that shakes off any particles each time the camera is switched off.

A wide range of lens options including a Sony-exclusive suite from Carl Zeiss, gives the 700 enormous potential for creativity

Even the most demanding creative photographer will now be satisfied by the expanded range of -compatible lenses.

From 11mm wide angle to 500mm reflex; with fixed, zoom and specialist options in between; all possible shooting scenarios are covered.

The 700 can shoot up to ISO 6400* for low-light photography. Noise reduction technology in both the Exmor sensor and the BIONZ processor helps to minimise graininess

*ISO 6400 is an expanded mode

Autofocus accuracy and speed are significantly improved with the 700 11-point AF system

The 700 features a Sony-developed centre-cross 11-point AF (autofocus) system to capture every possible memory with perfect clarity. And the Eye-Start system from Sony automatically activates AF as soon as you put your eye to the viewfinder, and only when the camera is gripped if that mode is selected. So even the time it takes to half depress the shutter has been saved.

The 11-point system provides great freedom with subject framing, quickening response and heightening accuracy when shooting moving subjects, and it incorporates a dedicated sensor that dramatically improves focusing precision when shooting at apertures of F2.8 or larger.

The 700 features an AF/MF button on the back of the camera allowing you to slip seamlessly between modes without altering your grip or taking your eye away from the viewfinder. And a dial on the front of the camera provides easy access to four focusing modes: manual focus, single AF, continuous AF, and an auto AF mode that automatically switches from single AF to continuous AF when the system detects that a subject is moving.

By combining AF/MF button switching with the high-speed, high-precision AF mode of your choice, you can enjoy accurate and responsive focusing in virtually any situation.

The 700 HDMI port enables direct, high quality playback to the latest BRAVIA Full High Definition LCD TVs for spectacular slideshows

For the ultimate home viewing experience, the 700 connects via HDMI to enable Full High Definition 1080 display combining the transparent clarity, colour fidelity, and rich contrast of slide film with the big-screen impact of a slide projector.

With the HDMI connected, the BRAVIA Full HD LCD TV automatically applies PhotoTV HD settings optimised for still image display, assuring fast screen response and superb image quality. And you can easily control playback using the supplied wireless remote commander.

With the range you can even choose to shoot with a wide-screen 16:9 ratio (using the viewfinder boundaries) for full un-cropped and un-black-bordered image display.

Quick Navi provides fingertip control of 700 settings for ease of adjustment while a shot is being composed

When the perfect photo opportunity presents itself, you want fast access to your camera settings. So the 700 features Quick Navi to give you easy one-handed access to all the key ones.

Pressing the Function button switches the LCD from standard information display to Quick Navi information display, where you can quickly and easily adjust shooting parameters by choosing them with the multi-selector and rotating the front or rear control dial. So, you can exercise complete control using only the thumb and forefinger of your right hand, avoiding interruption to your creative flow.

The settings accessible via Quick Navi are:

• ISO
• Exposure compensation
• Flash compensation
• Flash mode
• Drive mode
• White balance
• AF area
• D-Range Optimiser
• Creative Style
• Image quality
• Image size