8/28/09
Sony unleashes some new DSLR photo products; three cameras and a new lens that was actually unleashed a few months ago, I guess we need reminding(!) The A550 and A500 were no surprise, and are supposed to be an upgrade from the 330-380 series, but not the A700, which has better features for people that really use a camera. They are using a new sensor that promises less noise at high ISOs, we’ll see. The A850 was a surprise to me, It looks to be a A900 without the full 100% viewfinder, and $700 less coin ($1999 body only, available 9/09). I’d buy one of those before I’d buy a second APS-C body. I’d also buy an A700 for $999, instead of the A550 for $950 if you’re considering upgrading or require a more advanced APS-C camera. I was hoping Sony would come out with an A700 replacement, but it looks like the wait may be a little longer.
The new 28-75mm F/2.8 lens appears to be the same, or very similar to the Tamron, and the Konica Minolta 28-75mm F/2.8 lens I reviewed here. The specs and size are about the same. This lens was pretty good on APS-C cameras, but had very soft corners with full frame coverage. The selling price is listed at $800, for about $100 more you can get the much better Minolta 28-70mm F/2.8 G lens, used.
I most likely won’t be reviewing the lens if it turns out to be the same as the older version, and probably won’t be reviewing the new cameras either, as I’m happy with what I have, and don’t receive (or ask for) loaners from Sony.