Haven't heard much Alpha news lately from Sony...anyone got any scuttlebutt?

<p>Surely, something is in the pipeline...?</p>

<p>I heard Sony are about to release a cat with 1 leg, 3 wings and the voice of Frank Sinatra :-O</p>

<p>To summerize something I read on dyxum a week or so ago (but can't be bothered to find it...!). A reliable magazine, that also announced the A900 was on the way, has said they are getting a Sony DSLR with HD video for testing/review in their next edition, which is September. This seemed to be indicated as the 'A500/A550' camera, which was leaked a while ago on a Sony site. A few people suggested that this one would be with video and one without (ie A230 and A330), but very similar to the current A700 (which seems more or less discontinued now) but with a few features broken down. Some have suggested that the A500 may be the link between the A380 and A900 for a long time and Sony may just leave the gap between the them for a while, until maybe next year. That wouldn't really bother me in honesty, as I know when the A700 is replaced it will be another great camera.</p>

<p>*Rambling ends*</p>

<p>Just the stuff I write.....<a href="http://ricksfotos.wordpress.com/">Rick's Fotoblog</a></p>

<p>If any one has comments or ideas they can post them on my Blog, I see about 26 people have gone to it from this link <a href="http://ricksfotos.wordpress.com/">Rick's Fotoblog</a> , just in the past 3 1/2 hours. I'm trying to gear it to our "A" mount system. I'm trying to stay away from talking about Canon Or Nikon, too many of them out there already. You can also get to my personal Photography site from there,<br>

<a href="http://rick3.zenfolio.com/">Zenfolio | Rick Eselgroth Photography</a></p>

 

<p>I think 8fps are pretty useless Rick, unless they seriously address the AF system. We need la completely new design, with more cross sensors. Tracking with the A700 is not up to scratch.</p>

<p>"Firing at 8.5 frames per second for up to 48 full-resolution JPEG images in a burst, the Canon EOS-1D Mark II N camera ups the ante while retaining the superb CMOS Sensor of the 1D Mark II model, with its convenient 1.3x lens conversion factor". Why can't Sony do this? I think that a little faster is fine. Even though you can't just shoot non stop till your memory card is full, I think 48 frame @ 8.5fps (coming from Sony) would be a eye openner to a PRO market. The other top two camera companies can do it. Pushing the edge is all it is about in any type of buisness, right ? It just puts you at the top of your game. I think it would be a good thing if Sony did something like this, I mean this is tec. thats others have had and put into their camera lineup for years.</p>

<p >I just found this at dpreview.com http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1037&message=32278509</p>

<p >Really bad news if true! This would confirm my worst suspicions that Sony will NOT replace the a700 in it's line up, but force us to move to the full frame a900 instead if we want a full featured, quality made camera. I hope this is just an unfounded rumor as the a700 is an excellent camera that I very much enjoy using, but if this is true, I wish Sony would announce this decision, so I can sell my Alpha gear while it is still worth something! - Phil<br>

From a self-proclaimed "Pro" photographer:<br>

"After using my professional status to make an inquiry I have had an indirect response from a reasonably high level Sony rep (not off the cuff) that suggests that there is no direct replacement for the A700 in the pipeline. It is simply being dropped from the lineup. It seems that there is a Sony theory that it is cutting into potential A900 sales and the A900 is about to have a major upgrade. They want a more distinct division between amateur and Pro / Semi Pro. It seems that the A700 was blurring that distinction. It also seems that Sony is about to attack the Pro market.<br>

The advice given to me was buy A700 stock while I can, it is not to be continued with an upgrade."</p>

<p>Rick, I wouldn't pay too much attention to the post by Phil. He is always whining that Sony is doing this or that, or not doing something or other. Then he threatens to sell his Sony stuff and buy a Nikon. He's the type of person who is never happy unless he has something to complain about.</p>

<p>Ah, okay oh well it would be nice though if Sony did do that. I'm still happy with my a700 but you know how camera people are, after a few years we start looking for the latest and greatest tec stuff.</p>

<p>Rick, I don't really quite understand why you are disappointed. If you are happy with the A700, then you don't need to upgrade. If you want to upgrade and are willing to spend the money, then either the current A900 or the MkII is there for you. To be honest, the way I look at it, the next step for all of us with the A700 is going to be full frame. The real question is whether it is full frame 24MP or a lower MP count for better high ISO performance. And the nice thing is that whatever full frame Sony we buy, it'll be cheaper than the equivilent Nikon or Canon.</p>

<p>Personally I would be surprised if Sony doesn't have a camera between the A700 and the A900 because there is a slot available. Anyone who thinks that the A700 and the A900 are close are deluding themselves.</p>

<p>For me, video is unimportant. As is 8.5 fps. 5fps is plenty for me so unless you are a dedicated sport shooter, I'm sure it'll be a similar story.</p>

<p> Jiun,<br>

doesn't everyone want the best for their photography needs ? If you had someone offer you a sample of something that you really liked and then took it away and said you can't have any more because we don't sell thoughs, but sometime in the future we might, you might be a little let down.<br>

I've been with Minolta / Sony for 30years and they keep dragging their feet and don't push their ability to it's true level. I know they have the means and know how to do it, they just keep us waiting too long.<br>

Minolta did it with the Maxxum 7000 in the 80's and again in the 90's with the Maxxum 9 and it worked. Soon after everyone else followed, but they (Nikon and Canon) never were able to top it (the Maxxum 9).<br>

When Konica joined with Minolta they did it again in 2002-03 with the Konica Minolta 7D, then didn't follow it up with anything and sold their camera dept to Sony. Sony has tried now to pickup the ball and run with it again and has done great so far with the a700 and a900, but looks to be on the same road as Minolta ended up on.<br>

I do have faith in them or maybe I'm just to hopeful that they will be able to be on par with their competition.</p>

<p>Rick, you're starting to sound like this Phil guy ;-)</p>

<p>Only you can control the camera. I would stop thinking about what features you'd want or what you feel your current camera might lack. That never gets any of us anywhere. If you want to improve your photography, I would look elsewhere. If you want to improve your gear, well there is Canon or Nikon that offer different products, some of which sound like they would suit your 'wants' better.</p>

<p>Not looking to improve my photography, I would just like to see Sony at the top of their game, I mean they do make sensors for the competion. Why can't they be better that the competion ?</p>

<p>Sony have been in the game for a little over 3 years, dont you think theyve done pretty well in that time? Patience my friend.</p>

<p> Rich,<br>

yeah, I know. It must be the economy thats having a effect on my impacents, all the stress and stuff going on. I don't have the money to purchase any thing any way. Just my dreams thrown out there for the world to hear. I really enjoy the "A" mount system and was never a follower of the in thing to get or buy. I just do things my own way and the best I know how. I just hate the fact that a large pecent of the photo media don't consider the a700 or for that matter the a900 a true Pro camera system. But then again 90% of them have never used one or seen the results that these cameras can produce. I have.</p>

<p>Rick, you're beginning to sound like some guy facing a mid-life crisis, and is compensating by looking for new toys to show everyone that you've got the best. Since you're "not looking to improve" your photography, why do you need to have Sony to be better than the competition? Is it because you feel inadequate when you're using your Sony gear and everyone else is using Canon and Nikon? When you talk to your friends who own Canon and Nikon, and you mention that you use a Sony, do you feel like they're secretly snickering at you? I had the same feeling about my Minolta gear, but I got used to it, and learned to just enjoy taking pictures.</p>

<p>No mid-life crisis, and I really don't talk to any other Photographers but you people here and when I do I just tell it like I see it. Like I said I'm happy with what I have, I would just like to see Sony get more aggressive with a few things. They did take on some of the old KM techs, so even if they had just came to the game a year ago, which isn't the case, they should be able to show up any of their competition or at least be considerd = to their competitors. Well I guess #3 in the market and slipping isn't all that bad.<br /> 1/2 full or 1/2 empty, right ? Settling for that.</p>

<p>Rick, if you're happy with what you have, why fret about what Sony has or doesn't have at the moment? The current situation with Sony's line-up won't be the same down the road when you might be in the market for new gear.<br>

 <br>

When Sony first showed their mock-up of their then unnamed 'flagship' camera, they said that they weren't aiming it at the 'professional' market, so even back then they had a game plan not to compete against the best of from Canon and Nikon. Perhaps it was Sony's intent not to ever compete in the professional market, but to be content with being #3. However, nothing is forever. The marketplace is always evolving (look at what Pentax and Olympus are doing), so Sony will need to change or modify their game plan if their goal is to be #3.<br>

 <br>

Why not just enjoy what you have, rather than looking at Sony's current situation and wishing they had this or that, as it doesn't have any effect on your pictures? When you are in the market for more gear, then you should be concerned about what Sony has or doesn't have.</p>

<p>Steve,<br>

Sony is as good or even better than KM was about being tight lipped. I remember the good old days when people on the forum told us what they'd learned from their local Ritz. What's really still true is that those who know, don't tell. Those who tell or hype rumors, don't know.</p>

<p>I don't know if the A700 is going away, I'd hope not. It was a good follow on to the 7D. And now that the dust is settling, no small number of Canon and Nikon users find high end aps-c cameras pair well with ff cameras for a variety of uses, like the Nikon D300 and D700. I stopped worrying about my "next" camera when people in the family started having more concerns with where the next paycheck was coming from.</p>

<p>I figure when things change enough to really be serious about another camera, I'll see what's available then, Nikon or Sony. I've got some stuff for both systems so it's no big deal.</p>

<p>Well, I'll be honest. I'm not going to upgrade my A700 anytime soon as I just moved up from the A100 and am absolutely satisfied. What I do want, however, is for sony to come up with something "kickass" (which I won't necessarily buy) so I can tell all the Cannon and Nikon jerks - IN YOUR FACE !!!!<br>

that's what all uf us really want, isn't it?</p>

 

<p>According to this, the A700 has been discontinued, and a replacement is coming soon.</p>

<p>http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1037&message=32337237</p>

<p>Actually, according to that forum, the A700 is to be discontinued and they are speculating just like we are as to whether there will be a replacement.</p>

<p>I'm still thinking A5XX is shorterm 'replacement' (ie similar spec/lower grade/lower cost/few extra features) and the 'real' A700 replacement will be a while yet.</p>

<p>Robert, I went to the Japanese web site and it's still there listed right under the a900 with pictures and pricing .</p>

<dl><dt><a onclick="s_objectID='PRODUCTS_A_DSLR-A900';" href="http://www.sony.jp/dslr/lineup/body.html#a900"><img src="http://www.sony.jp/dslr/images/pic_product_a900.jpg" alt="DSLR-A900" width="144" height="108" /> </a> </dt> <dd><a onclick="s_objectID='PRODUCTS_A_DSLR-A900';" href="http://www.sony.jp/dslr/lineup/body.html#a900"><img src="http://www.sony.jp/dslr/images/cap_product_a900.gif" alt="35mmフルサイズ有効2460万画素、ボディ内蔵手ブレ補正機能搭載" width="185" height="85" /> </a> </dd> <dd ><a onclick="s_objectID='PRODUCTS_A_DSLR-A900';" href="http://www.sony.jp/dslr/lineup/body.html#a900"><img src="http://www.sony.jp/dslr/share/images/btn_product.gif" alt="商品情報" width="87" height="21" /> </a> </dd> </dl> <dl ><dt><a onclick="s_objectID='PRODUCTS_A_DSLR-A700';" href="http://www.sony.jp/dslr/lineup/body.html#a700"><img src="http://www.sony.jp/dslr/images/pic_product_a700.jpg" alt="DSLR-A700" width="144" height="108" /> </a> </dt> <dd><a onclick="s_objectID='PRODUCTS_A_DSLR-A700';" href="http://www.sony.jp/dslr/lineup/body.html#a700"><img src="http://www.sony.jp/dslr/images/cap_product_a700.gif" alt="有効1220万画素CMOSセンサー「Exmor（エクスモア）」。ボディ内蔵手ブレ補正機能搭載" width="175" height="100" /> </a> </dd> <dd ><a onclick="s_objectID='PRODUCTS_A_DSLR-A700';" href="http://www.sony.jp/dslr/lineup/body.html#a700"><img src="http://www.sony.jp/dslr/share/images/btn_product.gif" alt="商品情報" width="87" height="21" /> </a> </dd> </dl> <dl><dt><a onclick="s_objectID='PRODUCTS_A_DSLR-A380';" href="http://www.sony.jp/dslr/lineup/body.html#a380"><img src="http://www.sony.jp/dslr/images/pic_product_a380.jpg" alt="DSLR-A380" width="144" height="108" /> </a> </dt> <dd><a onclick="s_objectID='PRODUCTS_A_DSLR-A380';" href="http://www.sony.jp/dslr/lineup/body.html#a380"><img src="http://www.sony.jp/dslr/images/cap_product_a380.gif" alt="「クイックAFライブビュー」機能と、有効1420万画素、ボディ内蔵手ブレ補正機能を搭載した小型・軽量ボディ" width="190" height="100" /> </a> </dd> <dd ><a onclick="s_objectID='PRODUCTS_A_DSLR-A380';" href="http://www.sony.jp/dslr/lineup/body.html#a380"><img src="http://www.sony.jp/dslr/share/images/btn_product.gif" alt="商品情報" width="87" height="21" /> </a> </dd> </dl> <dl ><dt><a onclick="s_objectID='PRODUCTS_A_DSLR-A330';" href="http://www.sony.jp/dslr/lineup/body.html#a330"><img src="http://www.sony.jp/dslr/images/pic_product_a330.jpg" alt="DSLR-A330" width="144" height="108" /> </a> </dt> <dd><a onclick="s_objectID='PRODUCTS_A_DSLR-A330';" href="http://www.sony.jp/dslr/lineup/body.html#a330"><img src="http://www.sony.jp/dslr/images/cap_product_a330.gif" alt="「クイックAFライブビュー」機能と、有効1020万画素、ボディ内蔵手ブレ補正機能を搭載した小型・軽量ボディ" width="190" height="100" /> </a> </dd> <dd ><a onclick="s_objectID='PRODUCTS_A_DSLR-A330';" href="http://www.sony.jp/dslr/lineup/body.html#a330"><img src="http://www.sony.jp/dslr/share/images/btn_product.gif" alt="商品情報" width="87" height="21" /> </a> </dd> </dl> <dl><dt><a onclick="s_objectID='PRODUCTS_A_DSLR-A230';" href="http://www.sony.jp/dslr/lineup/body.html#a230"><img src="http://www.sony.jp/dslr/images/pic_product_a230.jpg" alt="DSLR-A230" width="144" height="108" /> </a> </dt> <dd><a onclick="s_objectID='PRODUCTS_A_DSLR-A230';" href="http://www.sony.jp/dslr/lineup/body.html#a230"><img src="http://www.sony.jp/dslr/images/cap_product_a230.gif" alt="有効1020万画素、ボディ内蔵手ブレ補正機能を搭載した、αシリーズ最軽量のコンパクトボディ" width="190" height="100" /> </a> </dd> <dd ><a onclick="s_objectID='PRODUCTS_A_DSLR-A230';" href="http://www.sony.jp/dslr/lineup/body.html#a230"><img src="http://www.sony.jp/dslr/share/images/btn_product.gif" alt="商品情報" width="87" height="21" /> </a> </dd> </dl> <dl ><dt><a onclick="s_objectID='PRODUCTS_A_DSLR-A350';" href="http://www.sony.jp/dslr/lineup/body.html#a350"><img src="http://www.sony.jp/dslr/images/pic_product_a350.jpg" alt="DSLR-A350" width="144" height="108" /> </a> </dt> <dd><a onclick="s_objectID='PRODUCTS_A_DSLR-A350';" href="http://www.sony.jp/dslr/lineup/body.html#a350"><img src="http://www.sony.jp/dslr/images/cap_product_a350.gif" alt="液晶を見ながら撮れる「クイックAFライブビュー」機能。有効1420万画素、ボディ内蔵手ブレ補正機能を搭載" width="185" height="100" /> </a> </dd> <dd ><a onclick="s_objectID='PRODUCTS_A_DSLR-A350';" href="http://www.sony.jp/dslr/lineup/body.html#a350"><img src="http://www.sony.jp/dslr/share/images/btn_product.gif" alt="商品情報" width="87" height="21" /> </a> </dd> </dl> <dl><dt><a onclick="s_objectID='PRODUCTS_A_DSLR-A300';" href="http://www.sony.jp/dslr/lineup/body.html#a300"><img src="http://www.sony.jp/dslr/images/pic_product_a300.jpg" alt="DSLR-A300" width="144" height="108" /> </a> </dt> <dd><a onclick="s_objectID='PRODUCTS_A_DSLR-A300';" href="http://www.sony.jp/dslr/lineup/body.html#a300"><img src="http://www.sony.jp/dslr/images/cap_product_a300.gif" alt="液晶を見ながら撮れる「クイックAFライブビュー」機能。有効1020万画素、ボディ内蔵手ブレ補正機能を搭載" width="185" height="100" /> </a> </dd> <dd ><a onclick="s_objectID='PRODUCTS_A_DSLR-A300';" href="http://www.sony.jp/dslr/lineup/body.html#a300"><img src="http://www.sony.jp/dslr/share/images/btn_product.gif" alt="商品情報" width="87" height="21" /> </a> </dd> </dl> <dl ><dt><a onclick="s_objectID='PRODUCTS_A_DSLR-A200';" href="http://www.sony.jp/dslr/lineup/body.html#a200"><img src="http://www.sony.jp/dslr/images/pic_product_a200.jpg" alt="DSLR-A200" width="144" height="108" /> </a> </dt> <dd><a onclick="s_objectID='PRODUCTS_A_DSLR-A200';" href="http://www.sony.jp/dslr/lineup/body.html#a200"><img src="http://www.sony.jp/dslr/images/cap_product_a200.gif" alt="軽量コンパクトボディに充実の基本性能。有効1020万画素、ボディ内蔵手ブレ補正機能搭載" width="187" height="100" /> </a> </dd> </dl>

<p>Rick, if you read the link Robert posted (which does contain links to that massive screen shot) you will see that the black box with the white line through it means discontinued.</p>