Review based on a production Alpha DSLR-A850
This is the first camera to be reviewed using our new 'Quick Review' format. From now on we will be using this format for cameras that are in terms of operation close and in terms of image quality fundamentally identical to either their predecessors or other models in the line that we already treated to a full review. We first confirm the image quality is identical by running a couple of basic image quality tests (noise test and shots of our 'compared to' studio scene at all ISOs) and then concentrate in the review on the differences between the two cameras. For a fuller view of the camera's qualities we therefore recommend you not only read this Quick Review, but also the full review of the Sony DSLR-A900.
When the Sony DSLR-A900 was introduced in September 2008 it looked like an incredibly good deal: a full-frame DSLR with a weather-sealed pro body and a whopping 24.6 million pixels resolution for $3000. This was price-wise in a similar ballpark to what were at the time its closest competitors, the Canon EOS 5D and Nikon D700. However, the only camera that (at 21.1 million pixels) came close in terms of resolution, the Canon EOS 1Ds Mark III, was significantly more expensive ($8000 at launch). The Sony A900 seemed like the obvious choice for resolution-hungry photographers on a smaller budget.
The digital camera market moves fast though, and within weeks of its launch the Sony's price advantage had vanished with Canon's announcement of the EOS 5D Mark II ($2,699 at launch). Canon's new 'compact' full-frame not only had a 20+ MP resolution but also came with a maximum ISO of 25,600, live view and a 1080p HD movie-mode, making the Sony look a little weak in the features department.
Sony's answer came, with a slight delay, in August 2009 in the shape of the DSLR-A850. Rather than upping the new model's feature set Sony decided to leave the A850 (compared to the A900) almost unchanged and compete exclusively on price. The new model is available at a RRP of $2000, making it the cheapest full-frame DSLR currently on the market. Obviously something had to be done to justify the price difference to the flagship A900 (and not completely annoy existing A900 owners), so Sony decided to differentiate the A850 from its bigger brother by slightly reducing the viewfinder coverage and the buffer size (the latter resulting in a 3.0 fps vs 5.0 fps continuous shooting rate). All other key features remain unchanged and are listed below.
If you're new to digital photography you may wish to read the Digital
Photography Glossary before diving into this article (it may help
you understand some of the terms used).
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Conclusion / Recommendation / Ratings are based on the opinion of the reviewer, you should read the ENTIRE review before coming to your own conclusions. Images which can be viewed at a larger size have a small magnifying glass icon in the bottom right corner of the image, clicking on the image will display a larger (typically VGA) image in a new window. To navigate the review simply use the next / previous page buttons, to jump to a particular section either pick the section from the drop down or select it from the navigation bar at the top. DPReview calibrate their monitors using Color Vision OptiCal at the (fairly well accepted) PC normal gamma 2.2, this means that on our monitors we can make out the difference between all of the (computer generated) grayscale blocks below. We recommend to make the most of this review you should be able to see the difference (at least) between X,Y and Z and ideally A,B and C. |
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This article is Copyright 2010 Dpreview.com and the review in part or in whole may NOT be reproduced in any electronic or printed medium without prior permission from the author. For information on reproducing any part of this review (or any images) please contact: Phil Askey
Sony Alpha DSLRA850 24.6MP Digital SLR Camera (Body Only) | $1,076.44 |
Sony Alpha DSLRA850 24.6MP Digital SLR Camera (Body Only) | $1,076.44 |
Sony Alpha A900 24.6MP Digital SLR Camera (Black) | $1,388.88 |
Sony Alpha SLT-a35 16 MP Digital SLR Kit with Translucent Mirror Technology and 18-55mm Lens | $579.99 |
Sony Alpha SLT-A77V/Q 24.3MP Digital SLR with Translucent Mirror Technology with 16-50mm Lens + Sony 32GB SDHC + Sony 55-200 Lens + Sony Case + Sony Remote + Mini HDMI Cable + Replacement Battery Pack + Accessory Kit | $1,598.00 |
Sony DSLR SAL-2875 28-75MM F2.8 Smooth AF Motor SAM Alpha Lens + Kit | $899.95 |
Sony DSLR Alpha CLM-V55 5-inch External LCD Monitor Kit | $398.00 |
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