Photoclubalpha

I was thinking lets summarize all or thoughts. Personally I think, the 850 is a clever move. Reuse what's already there and try to increase market share with a cheap FF model.

Ok, there are other things to take care of, but there will be a A500/A550, no? And new lenses. Just not everything now!

Hard to vote, as we don't have a price for it.
I think it "could" be a smart move, "if", the price is very appealing
If not, it will be a puzzling and odd strategy from Sony.

Whatever happens, it causes a problem for the A900..I suspect few will buy one if the A850 is cheaper
IMO Sony could have updated the A700 easily, and made a lower mp faster FPS A850, and kept almost everyone happy, whilst allowing the A900 to carry on unhurt.

If Sony is attempting to release a FF camera that more people can actually afford to buy it might be a reasonably good move, but what about the lenses?
All the Sony lenses that actually work well on a digital FF camera cost heaps, (except maybe the 50mm f1.4).
The 24-70 f2.8 ZA SSM is a desirable lens but it's priced at $3,300.00 here,
same goes for the 16-35 f2.8 ZA SSM it's price on Sony Style here is $3,000.00,
the 70-200 f2.8G is $3,200.00 although that could be replaced with the new Sigy without any problem.
Where are the reasonably good affordable enthusiast class lenses, like an equivalent to the KM28-75 f2.8 and the KM17-35 f2.8-4 in the Sony lens inventory, that would 'fit' with an enthusiast FF cam for general photography?
Greg

Positive, if the price is right. Might be something for me.

yes i think its a good move

i now that the price is a third lower than the A900 so for the EU where the A900 2000 euro`s cost , the new A850 shall be around 1350 , 1400 euro`s

gustav

Don,
You make your living with a camera and Sony has done very little to attract or keep you as a customer. I am a hobbyist that spends too much money on gear and it appears that they are providing exactly what I was hoping for. I use the a700 for wildlife and high school sports. Thew new FF will fit nicely into the landscape / portrait slot.
Funny how this is working out.

I think the a850 is competitive against film era SLRs, and I think this has been Sony's only intended frame of reference since they got into the FF business.

After 1 day and 46 votes we have around:

20% negative
20% neutral
60% positive

Not too bad!