Cheapest Full-Frame Introduced by Sony

2009.09.07

In a move everyone will appreciate, Sony has recently introduced the Alpha A850, the cheapest full-frame DSLR to date. The good news is that it has nearly all the same specifications as its more expensive sibling, the flagship Sony Alpha A900. This includes the same 25 megapixels full-frame sensor with built-in stabilization and VGA-resolution 3" LCD. Everything else remains identical except for a reduced viewfinder coverage of 98%, compared to the A900's 100%, and slower continuous drive of 3 FPS, instead of 5 FPS.

This is not a bad compromise at all, although arguable the A900 will remain the better value for a while due to its 100% coverage viewfinder, the only one on a stabilized full-frame DSLR and on one without the integrated vertical grip. The Sony Alpha A850 is scheduled for availability in September for a suggested price of $2600 USD. Simultaneously, Sony is introducing new bright 28-75mm F2.8 SAM lens to be available in November for $800 USD and a 30mm F2.8 Macro DT whose price and availability information is not yet available.

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