don't think there will be a700 replacement

[argh69]

a700 is considered the enthusiasts line up and now the new a500 series has taken this spot. why would sony introduce another enthusiasts model when the consumer already has this option in the a500? and not only that, but consumers also have the next step available of choosing pro with the a850 for $2k dollars? the only thing the a850 is lacking is the 5fps but maybe it can still achieve this by being in dx crop mode or something.

we had entey level a100-a300 > enthusiasts a700 > pro a900

now we got entry level a200-a300 > enthusiasts a500 > pro a800-a900

 

[ktc01]

You have to go back a little in history to understand the Sony segmentation strategy. It is based on a Minolta cut which basically has a 3xx, 5xx, 7xx, 9xx at the core of its product strategy. Anything intermediate, eg 6xx, 8xx, are placeholders.

Of all the segments, the 7xx has always had a special place in the line as a standard bearer of new technologies for the brand and sometimes for the industry. This is normally followed by the 9xx, which is the toughed up-pro version of what the 7xx has.

So no need to be too worried, think the 7xx range will be here to stay, and the advanced amateur market will always be catered to.

TC

 

[racer47]

If 3 bodies can fill the beginners spot then 3 should be able to fill the enthusiasts niche, sort of like my car, Pontiac G6. There were 4 levels available when I purchased mine, the value model, the base G6, the GT, and the GPT. Same basic car but much different in the driving.

Mike

 

[Ken_5D]

a700 is considered the enthusiasts line up and now the new a500 series has taken this spot. why would sony introduce another enthusiasts model when the consumer already has this option in the a500? and not only that, but consumers also have the next step available of choosing pro with the a850 for $2k dollars? the only thing the a850 is lacking is the 5fps but maybe it can still achieve this by being in dx crop mode or something.

we had entey level a100-a300 > enthusiasts a700 > pro a900

now we got entry level a200-a300 > enthusiasts a500 > pro a800-a900

Price... Sony pretty much telegraphed there is at least one more body coming in the next few months.

A230-A380 P&S Bridge cameras for people who never plan to get deep into photography but want DSLR response and larger sensor IQ. Its really a new class of DSLR in look and feel for a very different users.

A500-550 Entry level for photography enthusists both under 1000. These are your 1000D 500D / D90 D3000 competitors

All of these camera released between $499 and $950.. the next camera is the A850 at $1999. Sony is not going to leave a hole of $1000 between camera in the market range Canon and Nikon have the D300 and 50D.

More than likely they are prefecting something special for the A700 replacement and planning the technology bang for a big show release like PMA. Since Nikon is not doing an D400 yet and they both shared the same basic sensor I suspect they will both have what ever new Sony is cooking up.. and if the realy high ISO JPG results of the A500 are an idicator Sony has been working hard.

Keep in mind the A700 is a pretyy complete photo tool. It even has everything Barry wants.. to to entice upgrades it needs more than LV etc.. If Sony reads this forum and I know they do.. they know Most A700 users are about IQ IQ IQ..

Its coming.. and the longer it takes the bigger it will be.
---------
Ken - A700 Owner..
Some of my work at:
http://gallery.cascadephotoworks.com

 

[Legacys_Quest7]

Agree.

a700 is considered the enthusiasts line up and now the new a500 series has taken this spot. why would sony introduce another enthusiasts model when the consumer already has this option in the a500? and not only that, but consumers also have the next step available of choosing pro with the a850 for $2k dollars? the only thing the a850 is lacking is the 5fps but maybe it can still achieve this by being in dx crop mode or something.

we had entey level a100-a300 > enthusiasts a700 > pro a900

now we got entry level a200-a300 > enthusiasts a500 > pro a800-a900

Price... Sony pretty much telegraphed there is at least one more body coming in the next few months.

A230-A380 P&S Bridge cameras for people who never plan to get deep into photography but want DSLR response and larger sensor IQ. Its really a new class of DSLR in look and feel for a very different users.

A500-550 Entry level for photography enthusists both under 1000. These are your 1000D 500D / D90 D3000 competitors

All of these camera released between $499 and $950.. the next camera is the A850 at $1999. Sony is not going to leave a hole of $1000 between camera in the market range Canon and Nikon have the D300 and 50D.

More than likely they are prefecting something special for the A700 replacement and planning the technology bang for a big show release like PMA. Since Nikon is not doing an D400 yet and they both shared the same basic sensor I suspect they will both have what ever new Sony is cooking up.. and if the realy high ISO JPG results of the A500 are an idicator Sony has been working hard.

Keep in mind the A700 is a pretyy complete photo tool. It even has everything Barry wants.. to to entice upgrades it needs more than LV etc.. If Sony reads this forum and I know they do.. they know Most A700 users are about IQ IQ IQ..

Its coming.. and the longer it takes the bigger it will be.
---------
Ken - A700 Owner..
Some of my work at:
http://gallery.cascadephotoworks.com

--
http://www.legacys-photo.com

 

[HUM469]

I do marketing and sale as the source of income to pay for my equipment, travels, and all that other crap that takes up the non-shooting time so perhaps I have a different perspective on things. No, I don't market or sell photography gear, but the general principle is the same - know your target market. I know plenty on here think Sony has it all wrong because they think we here (the more devoted, gear interested, sometimes serious photographers) are the sole target. We aren't. To build a large base, there are many targets. Here's the plan as best I can tell based on history so far.

Ok, so I started writing a lot here about how I saw all the models fitting in and making perfect sense. I realized I could sum it up much better than dagging it out. Basically outside of these forums, many people I meet in the several photo clubs I am involved in buy new bodies every 3 to 5 years. Two different photo store owners I know confirm this based on their long time customers. This and other dedicated forums are a minority exception rather than the rule in terms of how often users upgrade or need the latest and greatest. I see the Sony cameras as the following:

The A100 solved the need of a quick dSLR to do the double duty of catching many of the Minolta film shooters as well as a number of Sony P&S or bridge camera users. It did this well and started a Sony base in addition to the 5D and 7D users Sony inherited.

The A700 gave and still is giving some 5D and 7D users a comfortable upgrade path. I also know several film holdouts who finally made the switch because of it not to mention it was a bit of a statement camera that Sony could and would take still photography seriously. It was enough of a statement that some photographers even switched mounts, which is rare but the camera wasn't meant primarily to grow the mount, just keep the loyal involved.

The A200/300/350 were freed of the need to capture film and some Minolta digital users, so they much more aggressively persued the entry level. They did the job greatly by being simple, efficient and definitely in tune with what that segment needed. Mostly on the strength of these bodies for their targeted demographic, much of Sony's current market share was built.

The A900 was another statement, a show of force which had the pleasant side effect of bringing in some new users as well. Most A900 shooters I have met came from several locations. Some are MF shooters with an A900 backup/walk around kit. Some were mount switchovers, and some upgraded from the 7D, A700 cameras. A great many users at the A100, A700 and 7D levels said they could not afford to make the jump no matter how much they wanted to. Make it under $2000 tough....

THe A230/330/380 attempt to deal with a somewhat different market place a year on. The P&S upgrader is more used to seeing a new bridge camera every year, CaNikon both came out with "sub-entry level", and the small, light promises of micro 4/3rds are further weakening the whole bridge cam concept. These are more or less "interchangeable lens" bridge cams, and despite all the complaints on here, I have seen the target demographic getting rather excited about them. They will convert more P&S users further growing the Alpha user base.

At this point, the A100 and remaining 5D users, as well as some A200/3*0 users are starting to look for some more performance. Many of the A100, 5D, and a couple A700 users I know are looking for LV in a sub-$1000 body. Some of the more serious P&S users are also looking for something a bit less bridge cam and a bit more typical or "classic" entry/enthusiast level. The 500's fill this just fine. meanwhile the majority of A700 users I have met (and myself too) feel that we will have a FF in our future some time soon. The under $2000 point of the A850 fits that perfectly. Some will go for it now, others will wait.

As for the A700 class, that will continue. All the pressing issues body-wise are taken care of and the wider market upgrade timing is coming due for those who are most likely to buy the next A700 (current A700 owners not interested in FF and many A100/200/3*0 owners) in the next year. Photokina and PMA are both next year and as someone else said, the 700 class is one of the two statement cameras. The next A9xx statemtent won't be due for another year. I will guess it now, but the next A7xx will be out in 2010 and will definitely have something very newsworthy about it. Definitely LV, Video possibly, revolutionary sensor... time will tell. Like everyone else, I would love to know. The fact that it isn't here though is further proof to me that Sony knows exactly what they are doing to keep building market share. It's not doom and gloom just because we are impatient or un-interested in the tools Sony needs to be successful. It's simply a clearly laid out plan for market growth.
--
-Dylan Anderson

 

[Ralf B]

in line with target market events. The Axx and A9xx may be 'just' announcements and some prototypes like Leica did last year with their S2.

Pure speculation of course while having my morning coffee.
--
Ralf



http://ralfralph.smugmug.com/
10.000 slides still to scan........

 

[Steve FStop]

Dylan wrote;

As for the A700 class, that will continue. All the pressing issues body-wise are taken care of and the wider market upgrade timing is coming due for those who are most likely to buy the next A700 (current A700 owners not interested in FF and many A100/200/3*0 owners) in the next year. Photokina and PMA are both next year and as someone else said, the 700 class is one of the two statement cameras. The next A9xx statemtent won't be due for another year. I will guess it now, but the next A7xx will be out in 2010 and will definitely have something very newsworthy about it. Definitely LV, Video possibly, revolutionary sensor... time will tell. Like everyone else, I would love to know. The fact that it isn't here though is further proof to me that Sony knows exactly what they are doing to keep building market share. It's not doom and gloom just because we are impatient or un-interested in the tools Sony needs to be successful. It's simply a clearly laid out plan for market growth.

I agree with you that the a7XX line will continue...

..but why has Sony deliberately 'removed' the a700 from their DSLR product line before they launch the next a7XX?

I am interested in your thoughts on this please...

Regards Steve

--
Shoot True - You only get one chance!

 

[HUM469]

I agree with you that the a7XX line will continue...

..but why has Sony deliberately 'removed' the a700 from their DSLR product line before they launch the next a7XX?

I am interested in your thoughts on this please...

I am not sure what you mean by 'removed'. I haven't seen any comment about the A700 being dropped or done away with other than in posts here on this forum. More to pointedly perhaps, none of those posts that talk about the A700 being dropped quote any sort of link or source directly. Sony style still shows the body at $999, as well as two different kits. Based on the evidence I know right now, my thought is that the A700 will continue selling through the holidays and may or may not be dropped in anticipation of an announcement leading into PMA. Possible, but I can't say for sure.

--
-Dylan Anderson

 

[Ken_5D]

As for the A700 class, that will continue. All the pressing issues body-wise are taken care of and the wider market upgrade timing is coming due for those who are most likely to buy the next A700 (current A700 owners not interested in FF and many A100/200/3*0 owners) in the next year. Photokina and PMA are both next year and as someone else said, the 700 class is one of the two statement cameras. The next A9xx statemtent won't be due for another year. I will guess it now, but the next A7xx will be out in 2010 and will definitely have something very newsworthy about it. Definitely LV, Video possibly, revolutionary sensor... time will tell. Like everyone else, I would love to know. The fact that it isn't here though is further proof to me that Sony knows exactly what they are doing to keep building market share. It's not doom and gloom just because we are impatient or un-interested in the tools Sony needs to be successful. It's simply a clearly laid out plan for market growth.

I agree with you that the a7XX line will continue...

..but why has Sony deliberately 'removed' the a700 from their DSLR product line before they launch the next a7XX?

I am interested in your thoughts on this please...

It has been removed from SOME regions.. much like cameras have not always been released in the all the regions at the start.. that could be that that region has sold out of the final alotment before the next model or they are shifting inventory towards markets where they want to keep the A700 in stock until the next model. Either way it does place a count down timer on the next model..doesn't it.
---------
Ken - A700 Owner..
Some of my work at:
http://gallery.cascadephotoworks.com

 

[Steve FStop]

Dylan,

Please have a look at this Sony video; http://www.sony.co.uk/hub/dslr/block/2/subblock/2 which covers the latest release of the new Sony DSLRs, and pay particular attention to which alpha is missing at the end of the video - it is the a700 that is missing - it has been discontinued from its current product line by Sony.

I explained this to Ken also in a previous thread; http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1037&message=32833543
..... and I'm not sure 'why' he is refusing to see the truth of the matter?

Regards Steve
--
Shoot True - You only get one chance!

 

[Steve FStop]

You wrote;

It has been removed from SOME regions.. much like cameras have not always been released in the all the regions at the start.. that could be that that region has sold out of the final alotment before the next model or they are shifting inventory towards markets where they want to keep the A700 in stock until the next model. Either way it does place a count down timer on the next model..doesn't it.

Look closely at the video Ken, the a700 is a dead parrot!

Sony has deleted it from their current DSLR product line (period)

This is the first time Sony has done this to any other DSLR too? So yes it is a bit unusual?

This is nothing to do with regions, this is a very clear visual statement from Sony Global HQ?

Regards Steve
--
Shoot True - You only get one chance!

 

[tomhongkong]

I agree that Sony need to keep the interest in new cameras going, and if they announced the 700 replacement now then what would they have new at PMA? They have to keep in the public's eye with new models and press reviews.

I predict that they will try to introduce a new model at almost each major show, (or at least once a year), next the a7xx, then possibly at the next proper opportunity the a9xx. Some of the entry models would be the logical candidates for replacement as the ones after that

tom

 

[Ken_5D]

It has been removed from SOME regions.. much like cameras have not always been released in the all the regions at the start.. that could be that that region has sold out of the final alotment before the next model or they are shifting inventory towards markets where they want to keep the A700 in stock until the next model. Either way it does place a count down timer on the next model..doesn't it.

Look closely at the video Ken, the a700 is a dead parrot!

Sony has deleted it from their current DSLR product line (period)

This is the first time Sony has done this to any other DSLR too? So yes it is a bit unusual?

This is nothing to do with regions, this is a very clear visual statement from Sony Global HQ?

Regards Steve
--
Shoot True - You only get one chance!

The A700 is end of market cycle and some places is gone there is no argument there...And if you are a region where you expect to have non to sell you remove it from the collateral you use to sell the line..

But here is the Sony global site site map..

http://www.sony.net/sitemap/

When I click electonics (don't know how often this changes. but I get one product shown to me on that site.. The A700.. no TVs no cybershots, camcorders ebooks..no other DSLRS but the A700.. so its clearly in the rotation and still being featured.

Here.. A700!
http://www.sony.net/electronics/index.html?cc=US
anmd here
http://www.sony.net/Products/dslr/cameras/index.html

here in china
http://www.sonystyle.com.cn/products/dslr/productlist.htm

How about Korea:
http://alpha.sony.co.kr/product/product_new_main.jsp

As said before.. there are regions where this camera is being discontinued Japan was the first place.

but Sony is clearly activily promoting it as part of the line in regions where they have them..

If you check all the regions some don't show the A850 yet.. but it is in stock in the US.. by your logic that means Sony has changed its mind about the A850 and removed it form its line already.

Yes it is on its way out.. but to qoute Monty Python sort of..
"its not dead yet."

---------
Ken - A700 Owner..
Some of my work at:
http://gallery.cascadephotoworks.com

 

[Steve FStop]

at least give us the link?

Regards Steve
--
Shoot True - You only get one chance!

 

[HUM469]

Please have a look at this Sony video; http://www.sony.co.uk/hub/dslr/block/2/subblock/2 which covers the latest release of the new Sony DSLRs, and pay particular attention to which alpha is missing at the end of the video - it is the a700 that is missing - it has been discontinued from its current product line by Sony.

That is strange, I know. Being as it is form a Sony UK site, I cannot be sure. All the Sony USA information I have seen still shows the A700 so that was what my knowledge is based on so far. I do appologize for not having seen the thread you posted, but I do know Ken can get a little over-protective at times. This is what I see when I look through Sony's current lineup on this side of the pond:

Lineup from SonyStyle.com

http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?catalogId=10551&storeId=10151&langId=-1&categoryId=3769&N=4294966273

A700 page (prices have been cut like that for a while now)

http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?catalogId=10551&storeId=10151&langId=-1&categoryId=8198552921644543355&N=4294966272

Maybe for one reason or another, Sony UK might be dropping the A700 early. Supply chain management can be a very complicated issue too, and we have all seen many different products cut from under-performing markets long before they are dropped entirely. Who knows in that case outside of the Sony offices.. I can only make guesses there.

--
-Dylan Anderson

 

[hanugro]

There will be another line next year that cost around $1499. It might be FF in plastic body or APS-C in metal body. It depend on what ppl want to buy. If the market (Canikon) is moving toward FF then the first may be the logic choice. If market still launch yet another APS-C high end body then the latter may be the choice. But maybe Sony will launch both.

Sony strategy seems to be reuse of component in few models. as we saw in A2/3xx, A5xx, A850/900. I feel the next camera line between A550 and A850 will be newly design (since a700 design will be more than 2yr). It will have some component from A850 like AF and micro focus adjustment. But new sensor whether it is APS/FF, and probably double A550 BIONZ chip. I think it is savvy move to make new camera affordable.

 

[Ken_5D]

Check the previous post.. for some reason when I hit enter it posted so I had to edit the old post..

---------
Ken - A700 Owner..
Some of my work at:
http://gallery.cascadephotoworks.com

 

[Steve FStop]

"Sony a700 to be discontinued?
By PR admin | July 10, 2009
Sony Japan does not have the a700 listed on their website any longer:"

See here; http://photorumors.com/2009/07/10/sony-a700-to-be-discontinued/

Regards Steve
--
Shoot True - You only get one chance!

 

[HUM469]

I just clicked a couple links on the link you sent with the video. I don't know if this will work, but I came across this:

http://www.sony.co.uk/hub/dslr/block/2

If it didn't mean to go where I wanted it to, to the left of your video, there is an arrow that simply says "Cameras". When I clicked on it, the new page says "pick the right DSLR for you" and it lists the following on a scrollable window below that:

A200 - affordable high quality imaging.
A230 - small, light and so easy to use
A350 - tilt LCD and Quick AF LV
A380 - superb quality with tilt LCD and quick AF LV
A500 - responsive, high quality LV shooting
A550 - ultra-responsive, premium quality LV shooting
A700 - pro handling and features
A850 - FF imaging made brilliantly accessable
A900 - ultimate FF imaging.

I notice the A300 and A330 are both missing in that lineup, but the 330 definitely isn't discontinued already. I am betting the omissions are something similar in both cases. (I.E. either accidental or specific market related conditions).
--
-Dylan Anderson