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Press Release - Thursday, 27 August 2009
Full-frame DSLR shooting at a real-world price : New
α850 with 24.6 megapixels and pro-style features

- Full-frame 24.6 effective megapixel Exmor™ CMOS
sensor and dual BIONZ processors for detail-packed, low-noise images
with high sensitivity up to ISO 6400 (with expanded ISO range)
- Bright optical glass pentaprism viewfinder with
98% coverage
- SteadyShot INSIDE™ offers up to 4.0 steps
anti-shake performance with all lenses
- Photo quality (921k dot) 3.0-inch Xtra Fine LCD
- Fast, high-accuracy 9-point AF with 10 focus
assist points
The new DSLR-α850 from Sony offers serious photo
enthusiasts a step up to the creative possibilities of full-frame imaging at
a compelling price.
Ruggedly built for unflinching pro-style handling and
performance, the α850 shares the same 24.6 megapixel sensor and virtually
all features of the flagship DSLR-α900, introduced last year. Like its
full-frame sibling, the α850 fully exploits the creative possibilities of
the α family of lenses that includes premium full-frame optics from Carl
Zeiss, plus five high-performance G Lens models.
At the heart of the α850 is a full frame 24.6
effective megapixel Exmor™ CMOS sensor that captures flawless, detail-packed
images with vibrant, lifelike colours and fine textures.
The purity of high-resolution image data captured by
the full-frame sensor is optimised by two-stage noise reduction in both
analogue and digital domains. Noise reduction is first applied as the
full-frame sensor converts light to electronic signals. Dual BIONZ™ image
engines process large amounts of digital data, applying finely-tuned noise
reduction during image processing to deliver pictures with extremely high
level of sharpness and minimal noise level. This combination of high native
sensor resolution and powerful noise control techniques ensures superlative
image quality, even at high sensitivity settings up to a maximum ISO 6400
(with expanded ISO range).
The camera’s optical glass pentaprism viewfinder aids
accurate shot composition, offering an extremely bright view with minimal
distortion and an approximate 98% field coverage.
Serious enthusiasts will also prize the camera’s fast,
high-accuracy autofocus system that provides excellent framing freedom while
making it easier to achieve optimum focus with moving subjects. The 9-point
AF system is supplemented by 10 focus assist points to assist subject
detection, improved out-of-focus detection to reduce focus hunting and a
dedicated F2.8 sensor for enhanced AF accuracy with wide aperture lenses.

Shots can be viewed on the large, high contrast
3.0-inch Xtra Fine LCD that offers an exceptionally high resolution (921k
dot) for critical evaluation – even outdoors or in bright ambient light.
For greater creative control, an Intelligent Preview
function indicates the effects of exposure, white balance, and D-Range
Optimiser adjustments prior to shooting. This Preview is invaluable when
composing complex scenes that may typically combine multiple light sources
with different colour temperatures.
Touching the Fn button switches the display to Quick
Navi mode, allowing convenient one-handed adjustment of key shooting
parameters. A secondary backlit LCD panel on the top of the camera body
gives useful confirmation of major settings, even when the main LCD is
turned off.
In common with all other DSLR cameras from Sony, the
α850 features SteadyShot INSIDE™. This in-body optical stabilisation system
delivers up to 4 steps of anti-shake correction with all compatible lenses,
opening up even greater creative possibilities when shooting handheld.
Like its full-frame sibling, the α850 is ruggedly
built for dependable performance in gruelling conditions with a high-tensile
aluminium chassis and all-magnesium alloy body shell. Viewfinder, card
slots, controls and other sensitive areas are protected from dust and
moisture by rubber seals. In addition, an anti-dust system guards the
full-frame sensor from the effects of dust entering the body during lens
exchange.
The supplied high-capacity InfoLITHIUM™ rechargeable
Battery Pack (NP-FM500H) delivers power for up to 880 shots (approx.) per
charge. Battery levels can be monitored in precise 1% increments, cutting
uncertainty about remaining shooting time.

The camera can be connected to your BRAVIA™ or any HD
TV (requires optional HDMI cable) for a big-screen view of your shots.
On-screen image quality is optimised for superbly lifelike reproduction on
BRAVIA™ models supporting PhotoTV HD. On-screen playback can be controlled
via an optional wireless remote commander (RMT-DSLR1).
The α850 is fully compatible with the range of
official accessories by Sony for the flagship α900.
The choice of full-frame lenses to complement the α850
is enhanced with the new 28-75mm F2.8 SAM. This compact, easy-to-carry lens
is ideal for photo enthusiasts looking to add a bright, general purpose zoom
to their collection of full-frame optics. Delivering excellent imaging
quality, this zoom offers a wide F2.8 aperture. Ideal for day-to-day
shooting tasks, its bright maximum aperture makes the 28-75mm F2.8 SAM
particularly valuable for interior scenes and available-light portraits.
Also, with Memory Stick™ at the heart of the Sony
alpha, you have every advantage. The advanced Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo HX
(4GB, 8GB, 16GB or 32GB) is the perfect tool for continuous shooting mode,
with the ideal combination of massive storage capacity and blisteringly fast
operation. Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo HX 32GB will never miss the key shot
because the number of pictures taken in 1 min is approx 160* photos (in
RAW+JPEG/L (24M)).
Delivered with USB Adaptor, Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo HX
32GB is ideal for users who want to transfer data in high speed: approx.
660[1] pictures in L (24M) size at RAW+JPEG mode in 26 minutes.
The DSLR-α850 full-frame digital SLR camera is
available from September 2009 and the 28-75mm lens will be available from
November 2009.
[1] these figures are measured under certain
conditions












 













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