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)

40d astrophotography

Going through my logs I see a lot of interest for Canon 40D astrophotography. Astrosurf has posted an informative article about faint light application of Canon 40D applied to astrophotography. The article also provides noise and electronic gain comparison of Canon 40D, Canon 20D, Canon 400D and Canon 350D. Read the 40d astrophotography article.

Canon 40D Video Review

A very useful Canon 40D video review for those still pondering whether to spend their money on Canon 40D by Camera Labs. Gordon Laing literally comments on most everything visible on this Canon DSLR as well things that are not visible. Enjoy!

Canon EOS 40D in words of Canon

This is one of the few videos where someone official from Canon (in this case Canon Development Consultant) sits down with Shiny Media and gives a demonstration and walk through of Canon 40D. Enjoy!

Canon 40D Shutter Sound

I found this cool video comparing Canon 40D shutter sound with Canon 300D. Enjoy!

Canon 40D software

Canon 40D comes with very powerful software to help you get the best out of Camera. You may be able to not install the Canon 40D software and instead use what you have. However, in order to use Canon's Live View on your computer, you will need to install the software. This video shows you how you can install Canon 40D software and use some of the features it provides.

Canon 50mm f1.4 lens vs Canon 50mm f1.8 lens

So I have been really wanting to get Canon 50mm F/1.4 lens which runs close to $300. There is a cheaper Canon 50mm F/1.8 lens that runs for less than $100. I asked my close friend who happens to know more about photography than me as to which one I should choose. He told me since Canon 50mm lens are such special purpose lens, I would basically be wasting money if I go with Canon 50mm F/1.8. I held Canon 50mm F/1.8 lens at Adorama. It felt like it was made of very cheap plastic. I am very impressed by Canon 50mm F/1.8 lens anyway so I think I am going to go with his suggestion.

Have you had a chance to use F/1.4 or F/1.8 lens? If so, I would love to hear about your experience.

Canon 40D Review

A new Canon 40D Review has been posted by Sydney Morning Herald. The Canon 40D review praises the extra megapixels, the larger LCD screen, the internal cleaning mechanism but gives the verdict that Canon EOS 40D faces stiff competition from Nikon, Sony and Olympus E-3 DSLRs. Here's the verdict (but you should read the full Canon 40D review):

This is a fine camera with worthwhile advances on its predecessor. Canon has dominated this segment of the market for DSLRs between $2000 and $3000 but now faces stiff competition. The Sony A700, the Nikon D300 and the Olympus E-3 are all coming soon, which means four superb cameras to choose from in the price range. Camera shops have already discounted the 40D to about $2600, so expect some serious price cutting.

PS: I am not going to be happy with price drop. Plus I think the battery unit on Olympus E-3 makes it look like a caveman-age camera.