2010 Sony predictions!

[bfitzgerald]

Feel free to add your own thoughts...

Mine are..

For 2010 I predict..
2 New A7xx models (one D300s price or near, one cheaper) in Q1 of 2010, it will be a substantial update to the older A700, but..won't have video (but it will have sensor based LV)
New entry range cameras, Sony will stubbornly stick to the same odd looking and handling designs, and remove the AF motor from the bodies too. (though I might be a generation early on this) Sony really don't want folks buying up bargain Minolta lenses anymore.
There will be no A5xx firmware updates
New A900 model later in the year, but it will put some more distance between it and the A850 spec wise, to justify the price, will feature video and sensor LV
More SAM lenses, some current designs updated to SAM
Fast tele range expanded, esp primes, and more CZ lenses, including more CZ primes
A600 Model, might hit the spot for enthusiasts who want a more serious A5xx type camera, but it won't have MLU
Sony will release a micro 4/3 rival, but will keep the current A mount
Cybershot range will continue to ignore any enthusiast models (S90, LX-3 etc)


2011 predictions

Sony will drop in camera AF motors in all bodies below the A7xx
Wireless flash will be removed from lower end bodies
More Tamron re-badges

[Birma]

Now, I'm not sure if reading your posts is starting to brain-wash me, but I think that looks like a pretty good set of predictions . Not my hopes, mind you, just predictions. (I'm not so sure about a 600.) You don't mention the fancy new see-through mirror gadget? Is this just part of the new 7xx/9xx models? I think the caveat here must be that Sony do tend to surprise us, not always in a good way .

[peterottaway]

Looking at things from a marketing perspective rather than the technical, perhaps we will end up with 3 model ranges.

1. The discussed non mirror camera with an APS-C sensor.

2. Any replacements for the current 2xx, 3xx and 5xx as their advanced P & S replacement with a common body type.

3. An advanced range incorporating a similar style but with both APS-C and FF sensors with pricing beginning at USD 1400 up to just below the Nikon D3 / D3s is on the street. Even though a D3 priced model is more about selling the brand more than individual cameras.

Personally I am more than happy with an A850 or D700 type of camera in both price and specification. I've given up trying to predict FPS, Video and what variety of LV goes where.

[Birma]

Ok, so where did the A450 come from? A total surprise for me - who would think the line up need that model?

Barry, do you want to up date the 2010 predictions based on this?

[01af]

Doh ... just why do grown-up persons feel inclined to post endless lists of silly "predictions" about non-existant cameras?

-- Olaf

[bfitzgerald]

Lol, no need to update it, with Sony anything goes!

Wow, if anyone doubted Sony's desire to flood the DSLR market with models, well you have it all here.
Shame they didn't bother to address any of the real gaps. I think it's a complete waste of time releasing a model that has not a single enhancement, not even a better OVF size wise.

Unless, they are using this to replace some of the entry models.

Thanks for your wonderful contribution to the topic 01af

[KevinBarrett]

Boys...