Sony DSLR-A700 Digital Camera Review
Written by gadget
The Responsive Sony DSLR-A700 Digital SLR
Enjoy exceptional image quality with the Sony DSLR-A700 which features Sony’s impressive 12.24 effective megapixel Exmorä CMOS sensor and new high-speed BIONZä processor with RAW noise reduction. Designed for real enthusiasts and semi-professional photographers, this camera combines uncompromising performance and responsiveness with outstanding High-Definition image quality.
Superb Image Quality
The new 12.24 effective megapixel Exmorä CMOS sensor offers high-speed processing and wonderfully clear, crisp images with deep, lifelike colours, tones and textures. The advanced Exmorä CMOS sensor carries out A/D conversion using special converters, as a result the digital signals are unaffected by external noise and interference (something that can affect analogue signals produced by other sensors). These digital signals are then fed to the newly developed BIONZä processing engine, where further RAW noise reduction occurs before the image is compressed and encoded.
Intelligent Sony Technology
The A700’s enhanced D-range Optimiser (DRO) automatically adjusts the contrast and hue for perfectly-exposed shots, even when shooting backlit portraits or tricky high-contrast scenes. The level of optimisation can be adjusted in five increments and a new advanced bracketing mode will capture the same scene at five different DRO settings to guarantee you capture the best possible image. The maximum ISO 3200 sensitivity allows you keep on shooting in any available light safe in the knowledge that the A700 will continue to produce stunning shots. When shooting in low light or without a tripod, Sony’s in-camera Super SteadyShot optical image stabilisation technology will reduce camera-shake to dramatically reduce the chance of blurred images.
Intuitive Camera Navigation
The ‘Quick Navi’ interface allows the user instant access to the range of camera functions via the easy-to-use joystick and a selection of icons on the 3-inch Xtra Fine LCD screen. Chosen settings can be adjusted directly without having to access cumbersome sub-menus, while a global ‘snapshot’ of 28 camera settings can be saved in one of the three user memories for instant recall – ideal for controlled studio set-ups. Frequently-used functions, such as file size and auto-focus area select, can be assigned to a dedicated custom button for super-fast shooting sessions.
Creative Freedom
The Sony DSLR-A700 has fourteen pre-set ‘Image Styles’, including ‘Deep’, ‘Autumn’, ‘Vivid’ and ‘Landscape’, which instantly let the user create a wide range of moods. The creative effects can then be manually fine-tuned using contrast, sharpness and zone-matching parameters, allowing the user full creativity to really enhance their photography.
Full High-Definition Image Display
The ‘PhotoTV HD’ picture mode lets you enjoy your images in full high-definition quality via the built-in HDMI output which connects directly to any HD-ready TV. Your images are automatically optimised for subtler, more natural colour and textures so you can really relive your shots and allow your customers to experience the beauty of your images. PhotoTV HD also controls image browsing, zoom, HD slideshows and other functions when the A700 is linked to an HD television. In addition, your HD slideshows can be controlled using the supplied IR remote commander that doubles as a remote shutter release for self-portraits and other ‘shooting at a distance’ applications.
With a rugged build quality and pro-friendly features, the Sony DSLR-A700 redefines ease of use for such a highly-specified digital SLR camera.


