PMA 2010: New Sony DSLR’s With APS-C Sensor, AVCHD Movie Recording

Aside from the new ultra-compact concept cameras with APS-C sensors, Sony also showed off several “alpha” DSLR bodies with new features. These prototype cameras have the new Exmor APS HD MOS sensor, which is a general APS-C sized sensor (24mm x 16mm) that is larger than the usual Micro Four Thirds system. It also will have the ability to take 1080P AVCHD video. Sony representatives were mentioning that one of the models (presumably on the left) would be the successor to the A700. Could this be the A750 we’ve heard murmurs about in the past from the usual rumor mills? It’s hard to tell, but we do know that you should see a a DSLR with these capabilities sometime soon.

We were surprised to see another model to the right of the A700 successor (enlarged above), which looks like a more budget-friendly version without several features such as a LCD panel on the top of the camera. Could this be a sub-$750 DSLR with AVCHD capabilities? Hard to tell, but it wouldn’t surprise us. Here are some pictures courtesy of Digital Camera Review of the two new DSLR’s:

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21
Feb 2010
POSTED BY Christopher MacManus
POSTED IN

Cameras/Camcorders, Hardware

DISCUSSION 16 Comments
  • Maxxumman

    If the new a700 replacement is not around 12 – 18 MPS FF sensor, then it is a waste of time. I have waited for years now to replace my Maxxum 9, and KM 7D with a sensible size FF sensor. I couldn't care less for video or 3D, and the rest of that junk. I just want a great solid FF studio camera. But, I highly doubt that SONY gives a hoot.

  • Raider Ron

    Couldn't have put it better. Sony has clearly dropped the ball and is now looking at the micro four thirds market for a quick cash grab. When that dries up they'll move on to something else. I am an a300 owner with cash invested in some G lenses. I too was looking for a low mega pixel FF body with good low light performance from Sony. I don't think we are going to get it any time soon. I'm going to reinvest in a D700, jump ship and never look back. Shame on you Sony….

  • Maxxumman

    If SONY is trying to impress real photographers, they are going about it in a very strange way. All they are going to accomplish is causing the loyal core users of Minolta Maxxum cameras and lenses, to look to Nikon and Canon for their gear. The marketing minds of SONY appear to have a major disconnect with the minds of serious pro photographers, which I was for 22 years. If I was one of the tech people who were absorbed by SONY from Minolta, I would be thinking mutiny right about now, and shaking the bushes for a company with deep pockets, who would not interfere with the production of REAL cameras for REAL photographers. The stuff that SONY is pumping out right now just does not cut it. When this newest a7xx hits the stores, if it doesn't have a FF sensor of a sensible size, like 14 – 18 mps, then colour another very loyal customer GONE! SONY market managers, GIVE YOUR HEAD A SHAKE!

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  • keith23

    Sorry but not everyone wants a FF camera, some of us have APS-c lens sowould like a good replacement for the A700, if you whant FF what about the 850 or 900. Sorry but a high end APS-c camera is missing for the Sony line up

  • jarot

    yes, 850 is an FF camera with affordable price, that's a real camera for photographers pro or not.
    but it seems now the trend is moving, some people now trying to have a DSLR + movie capture which will make a home video with bokeh. And if sony made this new-generation product with movie-autofocus and dolby stereo audio with more like-handycam, then sony will stand out alone, beyond their rival in DSLR area.

    Someday, people will forget DSLR, now is the time to next-generation, a hybrid DSLR + HD movie capture.
    Then, the DSLR lens demand will raise, just don't be late to long Sony, people now chasing a DSLR with Movie capture.

  • Mike

    Any idea when these new dslr's w/movie capture capability will be on the market. Whats Sony's past release history. Is it like the Iphone; every summer is is it a guessing game.

  • Peter

    I bought a KM dynax 5d 4 years ago and I was thinking that Sony will introduce great FF DSLR in the future… I bought great lenses for Sony mount and waiting, waiting… Then, we have got A900 and A 850 which produce a high quality pictures but… AF and sensibility are just terrible!!! If Sony wants to get a pro-foto market they should really improve their policy… anyway… I think I will change to Canon (5D Mark II) or Nikon because I can`t wait anymore for decent pro body…it`s just annoying… Regards,

  • Peter

    I bought a KM dynax 5d 4 years ago and I was thinking that Sony will introduce great FF DSLR in the future… I bought great lenses for Sony mount and waiting, waiting… Then, we have got A900 and A 850 which produce a high quality pictures but… AF and sensibility are just terrible!!! If Sony wants to get a pro-foto market they should really improve their policy… anyway… I think I will change to Canon (5D Mark II) or Nikon because I can`t wait anymore for decent pro body…it`s just annoying… Regards,

  • Rockwerks

    I shoot and A100 and am also awaiting the A700 replacement…..right now the A550 is the most interesting but still an entry level DSLR……….Sony has lost money 2 years in a row because the refuse to give us what we want instead of recycling the junk that no one wants in the first place…..Give us a prosumer or pro grade camera in the 14.5 megapixel range and take over the market

  • Kenneth2890

    Is amazing how long its taking Sony to come out with a replacement for the Sony a700. I'm using the Sony a300 and have been waiting for a replacement since they discontinued the a700. I could care less for the video capabilities. With a professional SLR, photographer's of that class won't care for having that feature. Hopefully this camera will stay at a 12.24mp cam or at least make the new one a 15mp. Hopefully it stays APS-C, unless Sony is willing to add more full frame capable lenses with it ;-)

  • Poucemoussu

    Got a maxxum5d, great machine, and some lens. I do want the video, even if I am not using it that often. I do want a very easy to use camera too, with good picture quality.
    I don’t see why lambda customers couldn’t have a simple dslr with video at a good price, snobs can look upscale in the sony range it seems (alpha 850 and followers)…
    Great Sony, finally you did it! Can’t wait to have the thing reviewed somewhere…

  • M20003293

    Have a 7D, and an Alpha 200. What I think is that Sony needs a PROsumer camera instead of the whole line up of entry level camera’s. The A580 looks nice but I want a sturdier body and some environmental protection.
    Hopefully in Januari they will launch the replacement A700….

  • Anonymous

    Just this past week, I did a nice portrait of a couple with my Maxxum 7D. It looks fantastic! I used my old Maxxum AF 35 – 105 lens for the job. The 12 X 18 looks wonderful. SONY has not brought out a camera in the last 2 years that will in any way satisfy me the way this old clunker of a dslr has. I will keep shooting with my Maxxum 7D, and save the files that need large blow ups as a STN file, until there is not one last click of the shutter left in it. Then I will likely switch to a Nikon D700 and all new glass, or something else. Silly SONY is losing another die hard Minolta legacy customer. They are too busy farting around with video, etc., and IMO neglecting a lot of photographers who have absolutely NO INTEREST in buying entry level cameras. I am not elitist, as I will probably be viewed as by some. I do not have a lot of money. But I would pay a good chunk of money for a decent photographic tool, that I can plug my old studio lights into, or my still wonderful METZ 60CT and METZ 45 flash guns when I need to. I’ve pretty much given up on SONY as a company who gives a crap about photographers. They are more interested in fads, or creating fads to sell their other lines of products. Some of us do not wish to participate in that. I hope to buy another good used Maxxum 7D from Adorama soon……..Merry Christmas everyone!

  • Anonymous

    Just this past week, I did a nice portrait of a couple with my Maxxum 7D. It looks fantastic! I used my old Maxxum AF 35 – 105 lens for the job. The 12 X 18 looks wonderful. SONY has not brought out a camera in the last 2 years that will in any way satisfy me the way this old clunker of a dslr has. I will keep shooting with my Maxxum 7D, and save the files that need large blow ups as a STN file, until there is not one last click of the shutter left in it. Then I will likely switch to a Nikon D700 and all new glass, or something else. Silly SONY is losing another die hard Minolta legacy customer. They are too busy farting around with video, etc., and IMO neglecting a lot of photographers who have absolutely NO INTEREST in buying entry level cameras. I am not elitist, as I will probably be viewed as by some. I do not have a lot of money. But I would pay a good chunk of money for a decent photographic tool, that I can plug my old studio lights into, or my still wonderful METZ 60CT and METZ 45 flash guns when I need to. I’ve pretty much given up on SONY as a company who gives a crap about photographers. They are more interested in fads, or creating fads to sell their other lines of products. Some of us do not wish to participate in that. I hope to buy another good used Maxxum 7D from Adorama soon……..Merry Christmas everyone!