Rumor of UK A700 being discontinued?

[Javelin]

Ken_5d mentioned indirectly in one of the DPR threads that the a700 might have been discontinued according to a UK supplier. Anyone heard anythig on that front?

[Dr. Harout]

I don't think so because
1- it is still a best seller (sort of)
2- doesn't have a replace yet
3- Firmware version 4.0 is still new
4- I might be wrong

[KevinBarrett]

Problem: The a700 is the oldest camera in the alpha line-up of five camera bodies now. Presumably, if Sony is through putting the upper and lower caps on the range, then the next step is to replace current models or slot more in the middle. If the a700 is discontinued, what spec camera could take its place without making the a900 look like a very unattractive buy?

That is not to make this thread into an a7XX wishlist...

[Javelin]

People that are finally buying the A700 due to the V4 influence are reporting it out of stock in a lot of places in the UK ..

[Jonathan K]

Well let me make it a bit more interesting:
I finally convinced my brother to go Sony, not Nikon. He will get an Alpha 700, as soon as possible, since in Germany there is cashback action until September 31th.
I also told him to get the Zeiss 16-80, the one I never got, because I already have too many lenses and I just couldn't find an excuse to get another one.

I called a store which had the 700P kit (with 16-105) but not the 700Z kit. The vendor told me that the 700Z is marked as "discontinued item" in their computer. She promised me to call Sony Germany and she confirmed that the kit will not be in stock. She could not confirm whether the A700 will be discontinued , since she will get a delivery with bodies and A700P's.

So what do we make of this?

Jonathan

[Dr. Harout]

Well let me make it a bit more interesting:
I finally convinced my brother to go Sony, not Nikon. He will get an Alpha 700, as soon as possible, since in Germany there is cashback action until September 31th.
I also told him to get the Zeiss 16-80, the one I never got, because I already have too many lenses and I just couldn't find an excuse to get another one.

I called a store which had the 700P kit (with 16-105) but not the 700Z kit. The vendor told me that the 700Z is marked as "discontinued item" in their computer. She promised me to call Sony Germany and she confirmed that the kit will not be in stock. She could not confirm whether the A700 will be discontinued , since she will get a delivery with bodies and A700P's.

So what do we make of this?

Jonathan

So a new rumor begins... will the 16-80Z be discontinued or a new version will be manufactured?

[Jonathan K]

True, I didn't think of that. Maybe a newer version, better BQ, same optics, SSM?? Yeah, there we go speculating again.
That's the fun part.

Cheers Jonathan

[David Kilpatrick]

It is possible that the A700 is now due a replacement and they do tend to discontinue the camera, rather than slowly run it down. So if it was due to be phased out at PMA 2009, they might already have switched the production line to the A900, then when they have built enough of those, start the A700+ model.

My Sony UK contact tells me that A900 deliveries, final product, are now reaching all European warehouses but each country is building up a stock rather than letting them out. They want to have enough in to hit all the stores with stock at once, and not have the situation where some dealers get the first delivery, and other have to wait. And they have advertising planned to coincide with it.

David

[Dr. Harout]

My Sony UK contact tells me that A900 deliveries, final product, are now reaching all European warehouses but each country is building up a stock rather than letting them out. They want to have enough in to hit all the stores with stock at once, and not have the situation where some dealers get the first delivery, and other have to wait. And they have advertising planned to coincide with it.

David

At last, because products were launched everywhere and the Middle East was the last.

[Dulaney Ward]

In the US, B&H, Adorama, & SonyStyle apparently have the A700 in stock, but are offering it with a steep instant rebate--from $1299 to $1099 in the case of all three.

Dulaney

Alpha 700, grip, SAL18250, Sony 50mm 1,4

[Dr. Harout]

In the US, B&H, Adorama, & SonyStyle apparently have the A700 in stock, but are offering it with a steep instant rebate--from $1299 to $1099 in the case of all three.

Dulaney

Alpha 700, grip, SAL18250, Sony 50mm 1,4

Being your first post, a warm welcome to the forum.

[Dulaney Ward]

But Dr. Harout, since I have been watching & reading for several months, I feel like I already know you. Thanks.

Dulaney

[Dr. Harout]

But Dr. Harout, since I have been watching & reading for several months, I feel like I already know you. Thanks.

Dulaney

Thank you. That's kind of you.

[Dr. Harout]

And here is a new degree... Time to find a right outfit...

[Javelin]

Imperial ambassador! WOW.. congratulations.. You need a crown now



edit: oh .. hey I'm a Grand Caliph... do I get my own key for the washroom now ?! I need an avatar !

Doc I'd borrow your GC hat but I don't think I'd look as grand as you...