Sony a700 digital SLR

Sony has launched Sony Alpha a700 digital SLR aka DSLR-A700, based on Konica Minolta Maxxum 7D.
Available for around $1500, Sony a700 features:
- new Exmor 12.23-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor
- 3-inch LCD monitor
- 11-point cross-type AF system
- maximum sensitivity of 6400 ISO
- maximum shutter speed of 1/8000th of a second.
- Bionz Image Processor
- faster focusing than previous models
- Environmental Sealing to protect dust and moisture (doesn't beat the Canon EOS 40D integrated cleaning system)
- Full 1080 HD output
- Wireless remote control (something Canon was very stupid to miss in EOS 40D)
- Dual Storage Formats: supports CompactFlash™ Type I/II media, Memory Stick Duo™ or Memory Stick PRO Duo™
- Dedicated AF illuminator
- New 'Quick Navi' control system
- RGB histograms
- Sony Alpha (Minolta A) lens mount
- Viewfinder is glass pentaprism offering 95% coverage and 0.9x magnification
- Super Steady-Shot (IS) image stabilization enhanced

Image sizes
- Large - 4272 x 2848 - 12MP
- Medium - 3104 x 2064 - 6.4MP
- Small - 2128 x 1424 - 3MP

What's in the box?
- M-series Lithium-Ion Battery (NP-FM500H)
- Battery Charger w/cord (AC-VQ900AM)
- Wireless Remote Commander (RMT-DSLR1)
- Video Cable
- USB Cable
- Shoulder strap with eyepiece cap and Remote Commander clip
- Body cap
- Accessory shoe cap
- Software/USB Driver CD-ROM
- NOTE: No Memory Stick media is included.


Why I won't buy it:
- too expensive. Canon EOS 40D is much more affordable without any significant loss.
- Sony a700 lacks Live View. You heard it right folks, no form of live view is offered on Sony a700. Folks at DPReview (owned by Amazon) asked Sony about the missing live view functionality feature in Sony a700. Sony said that "the compromises involved in current systems are unsatisfactory, and they won't implement live view until they can 'get it right'"

Sony a700 Reviews: Following are a700 reviews published by some respectable sites:
- Sony Alpha a700 official site
- Sony a700 review on DPReview. Their review is based on "a pre-production DSLR-A700."
- Sony a700 review on TrustedReviews UK
- Sony a700 review by Imaging Resource: "With Sony's new Alpha A700, the digital SLR camera market just got even hotter. Sony and Minolta fans have needed this camera, and Sony has delivered."
- Alpha a700 review by Steve's Digicams: "With 12 megapixels of resolution, impressive shooting performance, superb image quality and the combination of Super Steady Shot image stabilization and anti-dust technology, this camera it a very worthy contender."

Updates:
Sony Alpha a700 camera firmware upgrade (Mac)
Sony a700 application update (Mac)