Barry knew it!!!

[pakodominguez]

Apparently, Sony was listening to you, Barry...
http://www.photoclubalpha.com/forum/vie ... tle#p12373

[KevinBarrett]

Don, suddenly you're A1000's biggest fan!

[bfitzgerald]

Whilst I am critical of Sony in many ways, it does appear the do have some kind of clue about what goes on (at times that is)
If you look at their rivals (Canikon mainly), neither have anything FF that is "more affordable" (being relative to the cost of current FF digital that is), seems an obvious area to exploit, and where neither have made any progress.

But we will have to wait on the price of this new Sony FF camera. If they can whack it out for D300s prices (£1300 odd), then it could rock the boat in a big way. I have said for a while, I don't think D300s class cameras are sustainable in the long term, not at over £1000.

The big 2 will surely respond, at some point. There will be a FF battle, and we should see higher end APS-C cameras at a lower price point too, as FF starts to replace them. Now you know why micro 4/3 is knocking around, it's going to be impossible for Olympus to compete in the traditional high end DSLR field, or E3 class..they will probably divert more and more to micro 4/3, offering something different, than fighting a battle they cannot possibly win. But Don is right in that I did not expect the same sensor as the A900, lower res.

[pakodominguez]

The big 2 will surely respond, at some point. There will be a FF battle, and we should see higher end APS-C cameras at a lower price point too, as FF starts to replace them. Now you know why micro 4/3 is knocking around, it's going to be impossible for Olympus to compete in the traditional high end DSLR field, or E3 class..they will probably divert more and more to micro 4/3, offering something different, than fighting a battle they cannot possibly win. But Don is right in that I did not expect the same sensor as the A900, lower res.

It makes sense using the same 24 MP sensor because they don't need to develop a new lower or higher sensor, just improve the software.

What I didn't expect is this battle starting that early and I didn't expect Sony been the first kicking everybody else ass -until now Sony was just a follower, with a 1500 US$ FF camera in the market they are putting a huge pressure on Canon and Panasonic, the other 2 sensor-makers.

Anyway, I'm not that sure that A850's users manual is real and or definitive, it was written in April 2009 and, as previous KM or Sony users manual, is really poor written and slim information-wise.

Regards

[bfitzgerald]

It might make sense from a part and production perspective, to share the sensor. But from a model line up one, it does raise questions on the future of the A900, as the spec is so close.

Don't agree on the manuals front, I have found most of the Minolta manuals pretty good overall, and all the Sony ones, very poor by comparison. They are not alone, Nikon don't do great manuals either. But Minolta were pretty good at it IMO, much more logical and easy to read.

Sony still cannot say "thank you for buying a Sony DSLR" in their manuals, which has been pointed out to them directly, in the past. No wonder they get a rep for corporate arrogance, minor point..but still. Honestly I would fire most of the Alpha team, they seem to have trouble grasping some basic stuff. Only sony could make these mistakes!

Bionz NR raw on the A700
Making a flashgun that is too pricey and weedy power wise, with no AF assist (thus killing appeal to non A900 buyers) F20AM
Updating some lenses with a noisy and not that fast SAM motor, thus rather pointless
Worst DSLR jpeg engine on the market
Removing shutter lock release, forcing users into M mode for MF and telescope work etc (even the A900)
Making a cheapo plastic 50mm APS prime, which sells for near £140 (most expensive cheapo 50mm from all makers), and no cheaper than an ebay 50mm f1.7
Turning the entry Alpha series into an toymaster series, and 3 of them too, nobody likes them!
Making a new kit lens that is the same old boring boring as other makers, yet it does not appear to be as good as rivals either.


I could go on, but I won't bore anyone too much, sometimes it's worth sticking around on A mount for entertainment reasons, let's hope the new A500 series has no obvious blunders!

[bakubo]

Only sony could make these mistakes!

Take a look at the Canon, Nikon, Pentax, Olympus, etc. forums and you will find many complaints about the mistakes they make too!