550 v 700

[HFnotts]

I need to change my 350 for firm reasons which I won't bore you with here.
The question is whether to go for the 700 at the excellent prices presently being charged or wait a few weeks for the 550 now that model's specs are announced.
I use the Live View on the 350 but not enough to fret about not having it.
The 550 is higher in resolution but is that amount enough to really be a concern?
Lots of questions, dilemmas etc. Ideally would wait for the 700 replacement but cannot hold off for another year.
Any thoughts would be appreciated.

[bossel]

A700 rocks! Just from the specs (live view, 7fps, +2megapix, no MLU) I wouldn't go for the A550 if I could get the A700.

Maybe you wait another few days till we have feedback on the A550 image quality.

[01af]

The question is whether to go for the A700 at the excellent prices presently being charged or wait a few weeks for the A550 now that model's specs are announced.

The advantages of the A550 over the A700 are 7-fps speed-priority mode and manual-focus-check live-view mode.

The advantages of the A700 over the A550 are better viewfinder, depth-of-field preview, and mirror pre-fire (essential when doing macro or telephoto work from a tripod). Even when you're using a tripod only occasionally, you should prefer the A700. Only if you never use a tripod then you may go for the A550. In particular, the new manual-focus-check live-view mode is virtually pointless in a camera without mirror pre-fire or mirror lock-up.

The question of 12 MP vs. 14 MP is hardly worth bothering. And both don't have AF micro-adjustment.

Finally, the A550 takes SD cards and Memory Stick Duo cards; the A700 takes CF cards and Memory Stick Duo cards.

-- Olaf

[Dusty]

The 550 has MLU, but only in Live View. From the press release; "A special new Manual Focus Check Live View mode assists with fine-tuning your composition. Low-noise images can be previewed directly from the CMOS sensor, allowing critical assessment of focus and fine detail, even in low light. "

Since it's LV from the sensor, they have to have the mirror up!

Dusty

[bossel]

..just that for taking the picture the mirror slaps down and then up again.

[bfitzgerald]

bossel is right, those who have the camera (dp staff) say that sensor based LV does not give MLU, as the mirror goes down and up again when you take a photo. So whatever way you cut it, there is no MLU on the A500/550.

If this means anything, I regret not getting an A700 (it's not to late can dig about) It is much more what I am after, the A500 models lack many things I would like.

[Javelin]

I just read about that. thats even worse than the non MLU cameras now. just when the first wave of vibrations are settling down you get a second set.

..just that for taking the picture the mirror slaps down and then up again.

[Dusty]

That doesn't make sense from an engineering point of view. I can see that you have to close, then re-open the shutter, but flipping down the mirror? That just adds steps to the process, take more energy and adds the possibility of screwing up the composition.

I just read what the guys at DPR said, but are these guys real testers who know what they're talking about? (I don't follow the site.)

Dusty

[alphaomega]

I think there are another two issues to consider as well.
Do you shoot RAW or JPEG? If RAW you have a problem with CA (if that is an issue with you) as IDC will not handle this and third party RAW converters may take some time to release update.
If high ISO quality is an issue with you it may be better to wait and see if the new EXMOR 14.2Mp sensor can outperform A700's 12Mp in v.4 configuration.
I have just purchased a new A700 at £499.99 plus £8 postage. I do not regret it but I may trade in my A350 next year when the price has fallen, the capabilities of the A550 known and RAW conversion with CA removal available and tested. I use primarily (whenever I can) my CZ 16-80 and it is prone to developing CA so for my purposes, CA removal at the raw conversion stage is a must. I must say I do not like the conversion to SD. These tiny cards are fiddly when you are in a hurry to change cards. Hopefully the A700 replacement (when it occurs) will retain CF.
Incidentally, I wonder if it is fair to say that Gustav got it wrong with the Exmor R prediction in the DSLR release?????

[Dr. Harout]

A700

[HFnotts]

You convince me.
A 700 has been ordered but none available now at £499

[bossel]

Welcome to the club

[Mark K]

The answer is simple. If you are going for an APS C sized camera, A55O is the answer.
I　have just bought a new A700 at an incredible price, half at what I　paid previously plus a free Sony dye sub printer and a Lowepro sling bag. However, the high ISO noise performance of A550 has already passed what A700 has achieved with a lighter body, reduced weight and faster AF. What else can you do? Either wait for an upgraded A700 which will shake the whole industry or get an A550 now

[David Kilpatrick]

Don't assume that because the A550 is stated to have faster AF, that it will be better than the A700. The A700 has an entirely different module with an f/2.8 centre sensor and double cross sensor, like the A900. The A550 is based on the simpler module from the A100-A380 series, with no f/2.8 sensor and a single cross centrally. The comparison will no doubt be with the A200-350, 230-380 models and not with either the A700 or A900.

I suggest for anyone using the A700, DxO Optics Pro 5.3.3 is essential raw conversion software. You will not think it has inferior high ISO performance when using that. Admittedly, it lacks ISO 12,800 but samples shown so far from the A550 and 500 don't make 12,800 look all that useful (no more than in it is in the Canon 50D etc).

David

[Winston]

Just for the record, an A700, ISO-6400 shot made into last week's Dyxum Gallery.