A700 WOW

WaltKnapp · Dec 8, 2009

gil said:
thoughts . I am not bitter in any way but was just amused on the negativism level here and probably got tired already of advocating the full exploitation of the camera to its potential. My advise to the new owner maybe a bit too direct of fully using it and then complaining about it but it is the reality as I see it . I am not saying one can't complain, just need to use it first before whining to give a better perspective. It is ok for anybody to whine but sometimes 2X-3X is enough for the same item. Whine some more but in a different thing. Ok, my rant and whining done. Will just revert back to posting images.

Part of the problem is too many lump things together. There is little if any whining as it's called by a700 owners about the a700. There is lots of worry by a700 owners and other interested photographers about the future of the a7xx level camera and where it's going if anywhere. Those are two entirely different subjects and should not really be lumped together. One can both really like the a700 and worry about the future of the a7xx line for good reason if you read what's come out of Sony in the new lines they have brought out this year.

Walt

AlphaOmega · Dec 9, 2009

I purchased my first A700 just after release by Sony. It has been "cascaded" to my son and I managed to purchased one of the last copies available here in the UK for £500. This is indeed an outstanding camera and I was very happy that I managed to get a replacement before they were sold out. My wife took over my A350 and she is extremely happy with it fitted with Tamron's 18-200 zoom I managed to get for around £150.

Not happy with what I read about the A380 and the different views on A550 low ISO performance, lack of Program shift etc. I managed to get a nearly new (still under warranty) A350 on ebay for £300 delivered. (Actually it looks completely new.) The low ISO RAW images from the A350 are just wonderful and fully satisfy my requirements. I tend to use the A700 when having to "up" the ISO and shoot fast.

So sorry Sony that I have elected to stay with your "cameras of yesterday". Try better next time if you want me to spend more money on Sony DSLRs.

Ronni H · Dec 9, 2009

FEM2008 said:
Ronni H said:

The A700 is a fantastic tool - not perfect - but a tool which most photographers in here will never grow out of.

Click to expand...

Technically, or wishfully? (Sorry, couldn't resist )

FEM2008 said:

--

Click to expand...

That would be technically

- however I may grow out of it wishfully myself in the coming 6 months

--
Never bite the Apple...

Ronni

http://www.pbase.com/ronnihansen

tompower53 · Dec 9, 2009

Phixel said:
Phixel wrote:

My thoughts on this subject may have been misinterpreted, or it may have been my fault that I was not clear in my posts. No doubt, I could have worded things better.

Phixel said:
What I wanted was to see a Sony a700 replacement which would demonstrate Sony's continued commitment to a high end APS-C DSLRs like the Canon 7D or Nikon D300 does for those brands. But I never felt a need to upgrade or replace my a700 as it has everything I need for my type of photography and more right now. Some people criticized me for asking Sony to produce an a700 saying I was "insecure", "chicken little",etc. Well here we are now two years+ after the release of the a700 with the last of the a700 bodies being sold (few kits available) and still no upgrade or replacement is in sight. So yeah, I was worried this would happen, and it appears my worries were justified.

Phixel said:
All that said, I have come to accept that Sony is done with the a700 series as we know it and I will just wait until I need another camera and then look around and see what is available from each manufacturer and make a decision then.

Phixel said:
Until then I will enjoy using my a700 until the "wheels fall off" and no more worries !

Well I can understand your thoughts except that you should be saying "I am assuming" not "it appears" as there is no real indication that Sony is abandoning high end APSC that is just your interpretation.

In fact to me it "appears" Sony has left a hole between A550 & A800 specifically for a high end A7XX to compete against Canikon.

Okay to lose or keep the faith with Sony but bear in mind that they have come out with four absolutely great cameras - A100 - A700 - A850 ( first full frame under $2000) - A900 in just a few year. If not for them Canikon buyers would be paying substantially higher prices for their full frame offerings and you constantly saying that Sony is "abandoning" us APSC high end users is just pure guess work on your part. Give it a rest and let's just wait and see. One way or the other it won't take much longer. Let's see some more of your photos instead.

JMO
--
tom power

Phixel · Dec 9, 2009

AlphaOmega wrote:
...

AlphaOmega said:
Not happy with what I read about the A380 and the different views on A550 low ISO performance, lack of Program shift etc.

Me too. Program shift has become my favorite mode on the a700 because the two control wheels gives you amazingly fast adjustments for quickly changing conditions. I just wish I had 'discovered" this mode earlier!

AlphaOmega said:
I managed to get a nearly new (still under warranty) A350 on ebay for £300 delivered. (Actually it looks completely new.) The low ISO RAW images from the A350 are just wonderful and fully satisfy my requirements. I tend to use the A700 when having to "up" the ISO and shoot fast.

Despite the mediocre reviews, I like what I see for IQ of the a350 at low ISOs. In fact I have been looking for a used a350 kit with the 16-105 lens , but so far no joy there.

AlphaOmega said:
So sorry Sony that I have elected to stay with your "cameras of yesterday". Try better next time if you want me to spend more money on Sony DSLRs.

I am not impressed with Sony's DSLR lineup right now either. Their FF cameras are not an option that interests me, and after having an a700, the lesser bodies just don't do it for me. The FF cameras have been a money loser for Sony and I wonder how long they will continue to prop them up with their entry level models. Not indefinitely, I am sure. It is my understanding that Sony has changed the status of their DSLR "division" to a "company" which means they have to stand alone in terms of their profitability and are under enormous pressure to show some profits. Only time will tell how this will all play out in the future, but the camera models offered in the next two years should be very revealing.
-Phil

tompower53 · Dec 9, 2009

Now that is some kind of deal - congrats! Enjoy that camera I guess you know about V4 upgrade which is some improvement to JPEG mostly I think?
--
tom power

Aguilar · Dec 9, 2009

It is an amazing tool, and I am in love with the RAW output. Purchased 2 months ago and been shooting CRAW since initial JPEG results paled in comparison to 7D. I've read you can get close with tweaking but having too much fun with CRAW to bother going back to JPEGs (for now anyway). My poor 7D just sits there - hard to part with it though due to practical desire for a backup + gear sentimentality. Enjoy your A700!
--
Agman

Sol · Dec 9, 2009

--
Sol
http://solarviewphotography.com/

'There would be so many more happy digital photographers in the world,
if the 100% zoom button on their computers, was permanently disabled.'
. . . . where is my 100% Lupe, anyways ??' -Sol ;-)

digitalshooter · Dec 9, 2009

Thats why the Advanced Amatuers that it was geared towards find more problems with it!

--
Thanks,

Digitalshooter!

You can put a dress on a pig, its still a pig!

Harleyguy · Dec 9, 2009

Just got my A700 delivered from B&H today. I researched the A700 and the new A550. The large live view on the A550 got my interest. I went to a camera show last weekend and handled both cameras. I liked the live view on the A550 alot and some of the newer features. But after handling both cameras I felt the A700 was the superior photographic tool. I was especially impressed with the A700's large bright viewfinder compared to my A100. I also liked the button placement, menu layout, etc. better than the A550. Being a long time photo enthuisast the presicion feel and handling of the A700 just felt better in my hands. Considering the A700 is going for $100.00 less than the A550 I know I made the right choice (for me). First thing I did was download and install V.4 firmware. Now it's out to take some pics. I'm glad I had previously obtained a Tamorn 17-50 2.8 as my standard lens. I would not want to restrict the capabilities of the A700 using that cheap 18-70 kit lens that came with the A100.

Gary Waugh · Dec 10, 2009

Well, I've had my A700 for a week now. I bought it from B&H as well. It came with V2 of the firmware so I upgraded it to V4. I'm still working my way through the various features. The camera does feel very responsive with fast accurate focus.. I do miss the light weight feeling of my A200.

I've spent some time experimenting with the creative modes and "Agorabasta Settings". I can't decide which mode I like best. Standard seems too bright and the "Agorabasta Settings" seem too dark (not what I'm seeing with my eyes). I have the feeling, the "jpg engine" could be better.

I'm pretty happy with my purchase. I sure hope Sony hasn't abandoned cameras at the semi professional level.
--
Gary

Phixel · Dec 10, 2009

Gary Waugh said:
Well, I've had my A700 for a week now. I bought it from B&H as well. It came with V2 of the firmware so I upgraded it to V4. I'm still working my way through the various features. The camera does feel very responsive with fast accurate focus.. I do miss the light weight feeling of my A200.

I've spent some time experimenting with the creative modes and "Agorabasta Settings". I can't decide which mode I like best. Standard seems too bright and the "Agorabasta Settings" seem too dark (not what I'm seeing with my eyes). I have the feeling, the "jpg engine" could be better.

I'm pretty happy with my purchase. I sure hope Sony hasn't abandoned cameras at the semi professional level.
--
Gary

I recommend you try out the "Deep" creative style for JPEGs. I find the colors more accurate than any other CS except Neutral, and it has a nice "S" tone curve built in that acts gives nice contrrast and tonal range. Deep is my favorite for shooting JPEGs as it is the closest to proper RAW output.
-Phil

Gary Waugh · Dec 10, 2009

Thanks Phil. The settings Agorabasta recommends are based on the Deep creative style. I've been experimenting with the Deep style and right now I have it set for
"0 0 2 -1 0". I'll see if this stands the test of time. Probably not!

Phixel said:
I recommend you try out the "Deep" creative style for JPEGs. I find the colors more

accurate than any other CS except Neutral, and it has a nice "S" tone curve built in that > acts gives nice contrrast and tonal range. Deep is my favorite for shooting JPEGs as > it is the closest to proper RAW output.
-Phil

--
Gary

tlanderson · Dec 10, 2009

Hi Ed,

Congrats on getting one of the most (IMHO) DSLRs made. If you want to really get to know the A700, get Gary Friedmans book on the A700. It is very good!

The other night at one of my camera club meetings, I was playing with the high ISO settings that have been listed here several times (by Agobasta) with my CZ1680. I was shooting at 2500 and 3200 and since I wasn't using the flash several people asked me if I was trying some blurring special effects. When I showed them, many were very surprised that the A700 handled so well at those ISOs. One member who shoots with a 40D told me he could never shoot at that high and get that kind of quality.

Enjoy...
--
All the best and keep shooting -

TLAnderson
(Gateway camera club member) Natick, MA
http://www.tla-photo.smugmug.com/

Sony A700, Minolta 800si, Minolta 7xi
Minolta 100 2.8 MACRO, 28-135 f4-4.5, 75-300 BBC,
Sigma 28-70 2.8, 28-300, 170-500
Sony 50mm 1.8
Tamron 17-50 2.8
Tokina 80-200 2.8

Canon G9, Fujifilm S5200 , Pentax 6x7, Takumur 105 2.4
Nikon FE, 24-50, 28 2.8, 100 2.8, 80-200,
Agfa Isola 75mm, and Konica C35 38mm 2.8

garykohs · Dec 10, 2009

I have a Canon 7D now, but when I switch back to my A700 I realize how good it really is. I did that yesterday and today to shoot some team pictures of our school's basketball team.

The A700 is wonderful because, among other talents, it's so friendly. And it's really still very competitive for those, like me, who really don't need video or live view. What a fantastic buy at $799!

My 7D does have a more advanced AF system and better high ISO capabilities, and I really like the camera, but my A700 is definitely not for sale.
--
Gary

AlphaRichie · Dec 10, 2009

Gary Waugh said:
Thanks Phil. The settings Agorabasta recommends are based on the Deep creative style. I've been experimenting with the Deep style and right now I have it set for
"0 0 2 -1 0". I'll see if this stands the test of time. Probably not!

Phixel said:

I recommend you try out the "Deep" creative style for JPEGs. I find the colors more

accurate than any other CS except Neutral, and it has a nice "S" tone curve built in that > acts gives nice contrrast and tonal range. Deep is my favorite for shooting JPEGs as > it is the closest to proper RAW output.
-Phil

Click to expand...

--
Gary

What settings did Agorabasta recommended?
Can you give me the link to that.

Thanks

dennismullen · Dec 10, 2009

Phixel said:
...Deep is my favorite for shooting JPEGs as it is the closest to proper RAW output.

When you get down to it, Raw is the closest to proper RAW output.

Cheers,

--

“Those who would sacrifice liberty for safety deserve neither liberty nor safety.” - Ben Franklin.
You can see larger versions of my pictures at http://www.dennismullen.com .

ishot3bucks · Dec 10, 2009

garykohs said:
I have a Canon 7D now, but when I switch back to my A700 I realize how good it really is. I did that yesterday and today to shoot some team pictures of our school's basketball team.

The A700 is wonderful because, among other talents, it's so friendly. And it's really still very competitive for those, like me, who really don't need video or live view. What a fantastic buy at $799!

My 7D does have a more advanced AF system and better high ISO capabilities, and I really like the camera, but my A700 is definitely not for sale.
--
Gary

How did the a700 do indoors for basketball?? That's what I'm really interested in! Some say the a550 will get better high ISO images?? What do you think??

garykohs said:

--
ISHOT3BUCKS

Trying to learn this thing called photography!!

PerH · Dec 10, 2009

Phixel said:
Gary Waugh said:

Well, I've had my A700 for a week now. I bought it from B&H as well. It came with V2 of the firmware so I upgraded it to V4. I'm still working my way through the various features. The camera does feel very responsive with fast accurate focus.. I do miss the light weight feeling of my A200.

I've spent some time experimenting with the creative modes and "Agorabasta Settings". I can't decide which mode I like best. Standard seems too bright and the "Agorabasta Settings" seem too dark (not what I'm seeing with my eyes). I have the feeling, the "jpg engine" could be better.

I'm pretty happy with my purchase. I sure hope Sony hasn't abandoned cameras at the semi professional level.
--
Gary

Click to expand...

I recommend you try out the "Deep" creative style for JPEGs. I find the colors more accurate than any other CS except Neutral, and it has a nice "S" tone curve built in that acts gives nice contrrast and tonal range. Deep is my favorite for shooting JPEGs as it is the closest to proper RAW output.
-Phil

Hi Phil! Grateful if you could guide me to setting "Deep".
I have just installed the v4 firmware.
Thank you in advance

/ Perh

garykohs · Dec 11, 2009

The A700 does fine with a little help from Noise Ninja. These were taken at ISO 2500 (raw), PP in LR2, and batch processed with Noise Ninja.

My 7D is better in three respects. It's about a stop better in the noise department - not at the pixel level perhaps but in the full shots, the AF tracking is much better, and the Canon allows you to choose a different focus point in portrait and landscape orientations. My guess is that the A550 is more like the Canon 7D in noise performance. I'm not sure how the AF tracking would compare. I don't know that you can choose a different portrait/landscape focus point with any Sony, although I sure hope they'll include this in the A7xx.

ishot3bucks said:
garykohs said:

I have a Canon 7D now, but when I switch back to my A700 I realize how good it really is. I did that yesterday and today to shoot some team pictures of our school's basketball team.

The A700 is wonderful because, among other talents, it's so friendly. And it's really still very competitive for those, like me, who really don't need video or live view. What a fantastic buy at $799!

My 7D does have a more advanced AF system and better high ISO capabilities, and I really like the camera, but my A700 is definitely not for sale.
--
Gary

Click to expand...

How did the a700 do indoors for basketball?? That's what I'm really interested in! Some say the a550 will get better high ISO images?? What do you think??

ishot3bucks said:

Click to expand...

--
ISHOT3BUCKS

Trying to learn this thing called photography!!

--
Gary

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