Comments on: Sony A850 Full Frame DSLR

By: Michael Dorman

Michael Dorman — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 17:10:33 +0000

Having just jumped ship from Nikon (d2x) to Sony with the 850 all I can say is wow. This is a great camera regardless of price. Everything a pro photog would want and none of the hype and gimmickry (HD Video). The ability to preview a shot and dial in all the adjustments on that one shot on screen and then go to work instead of shooting shot after shot to zero in on the look is a real time saver and the IS being in the body means EVERY lens I mount on it will be stabilized. I love it. As for the styling, I really like it. It is very reminiscent of a film camera and when placed next to a Minolta camera, It’s clear that this Sony as well as it’s big brother both wear their Minolta heritage boldly and proudly. This is the Pro level camera that Minolta would have/should have made. I have no regrets.

By: Swiss JHG Photo

Swiss JHG Photo — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 20:56:06 +0000

Definitely one I could put on my buying list! Looks like the quality/value ratio is really amongst top in its category.

By: Michael Clements

Michael Clements — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 05:33:06 +0000

I used the a850 a few days ago and now it’s definitely on my want list. And for those criticisms of the body design, I really can’t see the problem, it feels good in the hand, it has extraordinary technical performance for the price, so stop the whining and try one out!

By: Kevin

Kevin — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 00:56:06 +0000

You can’t go wrong with Sony soon they will have a big share of the market eventually .I know alot of Canon users that buy Sigma or Tamaron lenses and lose the Image stabilization .On the Sony all lenses have image stabilization whether it is 20 years old or a new Sigma Cheap or expensive and there is alot of good aftermarket lenses for a great budget .The Sony flashes have a design everyone should use very secure and innovative.The only gripe is using adapters for running pocket wizards or poverty wizards though not that expensive at 15 dollars for the FS 1200.. The Sony wireless flash is great though it has some limitations..The new full frames are amazing…

Check this out..most were down with cropped sensors all Sony

http://dslrperfectlight.sony-asia.com/photographers.html

By: Florian

Florian — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 10:16:41 +0000

@dean s.
Given thing, the sony lenses are expensive. But despite the fact that they simply make some of the best lenses available in the whole market (the zeiss 24-70 for example), you can always buy some really good used Minolta lenses which you will get to a discount price.

But one thing is true: As sony overtook Minolta, the relabeld the lenses and doubled the price. An awfull thing to do, but typical Sony I would say.

And never forget on thing: You can always get an outstanding lens from Sigma etc. for a reasonable price AND have image stabilazation. For normals persons who don’t have 2000 bucks for a lens this is really great.

By: akkus

akkus — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 12:30:27 +0000

It looks fascinating with all the functionalities in single magic box. This might be all photographers dream. I hope I should get one soon. Thanks for the post. It has all the technical details in it.

By: Myles

Myles — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 15:42:07 +0000

Looks awesome. Thankfully it doesn’t do HD video. I’m going insane trying to work out whether to buy a 5Dm2, or save up (and wait) for a 7D, a Nikon D700x or the seductively mythical Red Scarlet.

By: Richard

Richard — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 15:52:33 +0000

At first, I was turned off by the A900/A850 styling, but I have to say, it grows on you quickly! Now, I like the design very much. It has a kind of funky, retro styling which is different from the rest of the market. And that’s a *good* thing.

I’m not bothered by the limited lens selection. The Vario-Sonnar lenses by Carl Zeiss are gorgeous, and I’d be very happy with the 24-70mm for most of my photography. If you need ultra-wide angle, there’s the gorgeous 16-35mm. There are also 85mm and 135mm primes.

If you need long lenses, there’s the fabulous G Series. Cost is acceptable — the Vario-Sonnar exact a price premium, and deservedly so. The cost of image stabilization (or lack thereof) is irrelevant.

My only issue with the A850 is the poor high ISO performance. But anything under 1600 ISO is fine.

By: AnitaM

AnitaM — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 15:21:53 +0000

i am such a sony girl and have been waiting for the 850 series to come out
i have to write to santa to bring me this one for xmas.

By: Dean S.

Dean S. — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 20:45:30 +0000

I agree with Morgan… That thing is ugly!

But seriously, the only problem I have with the Sony line is the lenses… Is it my imagination or are Sony lenses way more expensive than the Nikon or Canon counter parts? I mean for example, Sony’s 70-200mm lens is $1,800… Well that’s about the same as Canon’s 70-200mm IS lens except that Canon’s has built in image stabilization… the Sony doesn’t. Now I know most Sony bodies have image stabilization built in. So there for if Sony’s 70-200mm doesn’t “need” image stabilization in the lens then shouldn’t it be priced similar to Canon’s non-IS version of the 70-200mm, which is around $1300? Does anyone else agree?