Sony Alpha DSLRA850 24.6MP Digital SLR Camera (Body Only)

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Product Details

• Item Weight: 4 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B002MPPRNG
• Item model number: DSLRA850
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,162 in Camera & Photo (See Bestsellers in Camera & Photo)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: August 27, 2009

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

The rugged Sony a850 DSLR features a 35mm full-frame, 24.6-megapixel Exmor CMOS image sensor and SteadyShot INSIDE body-integrated image stabilization for a full-frame DSLR. In addition, Dual BIONZ imaging processors allow continuous shooting up to 3fps with superb image quality and ultra-low noise.

Alpha a850 Highlights

35mm, full-frame Exmor CMOS image sensor

35mm full frame 24.6-megapixel Exmor CMOS image sensor
The A850 features a 35mm full-frame Exmor CMOS image sensor that is approximately 2.35x larger than the APS-C sized sensors found in many DSLR cameras. The result is a larger capture area, improved wide angle performance, and tighter depth of field control. In addition, its 24.6MP resolution maximizes the resolving power of your existing lenses and delivers sharper, higher contrast photos.

SteadyShot INSIDE in-camera image stabilization
Building on years of expertise, Sony has developed the world’s first body-integrated image stabilization solution for a full frame DSLR. The SteadyShot INSIDE in-camera image stabilizer actually shifts the image sensor to compensate for camera shake without sacrificing image quality. The compensation effect is equal to as many as four shutter speed steps, giving you more creative freedom when shooting in low light. And, because it is integrated into the camera body, SteadyShot INSIDE technology works with all compatible a (alpha) system lenses.

Dual BIONZ processors for up to fast 5fps performance
The A850 harnesses the power of Dual BIONZ image processing engines to deliver true-to-life images with ultra-low noise and continuous shooting at up to 3 fps.

Ultra bright, 98-percent coverage glass pentaprism viewfinder
A large, ultra bright glass pentaprism viewfinder provides you with amazing clarity and high optical performance for tighter focus control. In addition, it offers viewfinder magnification of 0.74x, allowing you to see an image nearer to its actual size, as well as 98 percent field coverage for detailed framing work.

Intelligent Preview Function
The Intelligent Preview function allows you to see the effects of manual adjustments to exposure value, shutter speed, aperture, Dynamic Range Optimizer and White Balance before you take the shot, so you can determine the optimum settings before you take the shot, instead of losing time to trial-and-error.

3.0-inch Xtra Fine LCD (921K pixels)
Review your images in stunning detail on the 3.0-inch Xtra Fine LCD display (921k pixels). With photo-quality resolution of 270ppi (pixels per inch), you can identify any necessary focus or exposure corrections at the time of capture, rather than discovering them when you transfer your images to your PC.

PhotoTV HD viewing w/ HDMI output
The A850 provides direct HDMI output to your BRAVIA HDTV and other compatible HDTV screens, so you can view and share photos in breathtaking clarity and detail. Additionally, PhotoTV HD capable BRAVIA HDTVs will automatically optimize display settings, such as sharpness, gradation, and color to display your images in a way that more closely matches the natural look of printed photographs.

Precise and fast 9-point AF system w/ 10 point assist
A high-performance autofocus system uses 9 focus points (center dual-cross type) and 10 assist points to deliver fast and precise focusing.

Rugged magnesium alloy shell
The body of the A850 is entirely covered in a die-cast magnesium-alloy shell, providing a rugged feel and surprisingly lightweight.

Moisture/dust-resistant design
Sealed viewfinder optics and rubber gasket surrounds on all buttons, dials, and switches help resist the entry of dust and moisture into the camera, and allow for safe use in a wide range of environments.

Anti-Dust Technology

Anti-Dust Technology Changing lenses in a DSLR can allow dust to enter the camera -- so to help keep the CMOS imager cleaner for better pictures, the Sony a; (alpha) DSLR-A850 utilizes both static-free anti-dust coating on the imager's filter and anti-dust vibration that automatically shakes the sensor to dislodge dust each time the camera is shut off.

Battery Performance
A supplied InfoLITHIUM lithium-ion battery provides long-lasting performance, allowing you to capture approximately 880 images on a single charge.

Durable Shutter Design
The shutter mechanism in the A850 is designed to achieve shutter speeds up to 1/8000 seconds and proven for 98,000 cycle operation.

Dual Card Slots
The A850 features a dual card slots and accepts both CompactFlash and Memory Stick Duo Media (sold separately).

40-Segment Multi-Pattern Metering
A 40-segment multi-pattern metering system provides superior exposure control accuracy in a wide range of lighting conditions.

Dynamic Range Optimizer
To recover details in dark or bright areas of the image, the A850 provides multiple levels of Dynamic Range Optimization: Standard mode, to improve shadow detail using standard gamma curves; Advanced Auto mode, allowing you to select any of 5 DRO correction levels, or DRO Advanced Bracketing, which automatically takes three shots at different DRO levels with a single shutter press.

On-Chip Column A/D Conversion
Analog-to-digital signal conversion is performed by the full frame Exmor CMOS image sensor.

Dual Noise Reduction Processing In addition to digitizing analog signals, the full frame Exmor CMOS image sensor also performs both analog and digital noise reduction. This on-chip dual noise reduction process aids in the high speed transfer of noiseless digital signals.

F2.8 Sensor
The autofocus system in the A850 features a highly accurate F2.8 sensor for improved focus precision when using lenses faster than F2.8.

Updated Image Data Converter SR3
Updated Image Data Converter SR3 software improves your workflow with faster RAW file processing and improved image correction.

APS-C Size Capturing
In addition to full frame image capture, the A850 can also crop images to the APS-C size format, allowing the use of lenses designed specifically for APS-C sized image sensors.

Viewfinder magnification of 0.74x
Viewfinder magnification of 0.74x lets you see your subjects nearer to actual size.

Eyepiece Shutter
The A850 includes a built-in eyepiece shutter which can be shut to help shield against entering light and prevent exposure errors.

AF Micro Adjustment
AF Micro Adjustment allows you to fine tune focus for various lenses. The A850 can store adjusted focus values for up to thirty lenses.

Mirror Lockup Mode
Mirror Lockup Mode raises the main mirror before exposure to reduce vibration at shutter release, resulting in better performance during long exposure shots of fireworks, stars, etc.

2EV Exposure Bracketing (3 exposures)
The A850 allows you to bracket up to three exposures in 2.0EV-step increments.

Rubberized Grip
Sony drew upon its extensive experience designing and building heavy professional broadcasting camcorders to develop a rubberized grip that allows you to hold the A850 with comfort and confidence.

Image Data Lightbox software
The Image Data Lightbox software included with your Sony a; (alpha) DSLR helps you browse, rate, and compare your images, making it easier to select your favorites for further processing.

Remote Camera Control
Remote Camera Control allows you to control your A850 from your PC.

Picture Motion Browser (PMB) Software
Sony Picture Motion Browser (PMB) software provides a simple and intuitive way to sort and archive your image collection, as well as perform common editing operations and output to data disc or the Web.

Convenient Button Placement
Concentrate on your shooting and make adjustments on the fly thanks to convenient button placement. The ISO and White Balance adjustment buttons are located on the top of the camera body near the shutter button for easy thumb operation.

Optional Focusing Screens (sold separately)
User-replaceable focusing screens for shooting specific subject types can be purchased as optional accessories.

Product Description

Inheriting technology and design from the flagship a900, the a850 places the 24.6-megapixel resolution of the 35mm full-frame Exmor CMOS sensor as well as the stunning response and imaging performance of Dual BIONZ processing engines in the hands of more discerning photographers whose skills and vision deserve the best. If only superior detail, natural color and gradation, intuitive handling, and outstanding fit-and-finish will do, this is the camera for you. This is a camera for the serious photographer? Whether you're serious about artistic expression, professional quality, or simply photographic enjoyment, the a850 will help you take your images to the next level. The dream of image quality approaching medium-format standards with digital SLR handling and speed is finally within reach.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Camera (with One Caveat), October 28, 2009

By	triplight (USA) - See all my reviews

I've owned it for about a month now, including some real-world use on a recent trip to Europe. It performed wonderfully and everything about the design is dedicated to shooting stills without distraction. It's large but comfortable, not as heavy as it looks, and with a huge viewfinder and hard buttons for every critical adjustment, I found myself able to get in the zone very quickly. The camera gets out of the way.

The one exception to this - and the reason I'm rating four stars instead of five - is that Sony left out a software function critical for using manual-focus lenses. The function is called "Release w/o Lens". It's available on the A700, but inexplicably not their current top cameras, and allows one to use A-priority with lenses that have no electronic connections, such as a Lensbaby. Just to be clear - this is a software feature and could be added easily as a convenience. It's available on just about every other DSLR out there including the cheapest Canon Rebel and I have not been able to get a response from Sony as to why they left this basic function out. This is the only unprofessional aspect of the camera and has made shooting with my MF lenses much less enjoyable.