Sony Alpha DSLRA850 Body
Introducing the α850
Inheriting technology and design from the flagship α900, the α850 places the 24.6-megapixel resolution* of the 35mm full-frame Exmor™CMOS sensor as well as the stunning response and imaging performance of Dual BIONZ™ processing engines in the hands of more discerning photographers whose skills and vision deserve the best.If only superior detail, natural color and gradation, intuitive handling,and outstanding fit-and-finish will do, this is the camera for you. This is a camera for the serious photographer ? whether you’re serious about artistic expression, professional quality, or simply photographic enjoyment, the α850 will help you take your images to the next level. The dream of image quality approaching medium-format standards with digital SLR handling and speed is finally within reach.
SteadyShot INSIDE™ image stabilization refined for full-frame imaging
More powerful and faster than the SteadyShot INSIDE systems used in α-series DSLRs with APS-C type image sensors, this in-body image stabilization system has been redesigned to achieve optimum quality with the 35mm full-frame Exmor CMOS sensor. It is so effective that you’ll be able to shoot sharp images handheld at shutter speeds up to 4 stops slower than would otherwise be possible. *SteadyShot INSIDE works with all compatible α-series lenses, including macro and wide-angle types.
Dual BIONZ™ image processing for beauty and speed
The large volume of image data generated by the α850’s 24.6- megapixel Exmor CMOS image sensor is no challenge for the power of Dual BIONZ image processing engines. Not only do the BIONZ engines give you exceptionally fast response, including the capability for continuous 3 fps shooting at full resolution*, but they deliver images with true-to life color and tonal gradation as well.They also apply two stages of advanced noise reduction so the finest image details come through. The combination of the high-resolution Exmor image sensor and Dual BIONZ image processing engines delivers exceptionally high resolution and outstanding dynamic range, making it possible to take advantage of the stellar optical quality of precision α-series lenses.
24.6-megapixel Exmor™ CMOS full-frame sensor
Sony’s established semiconductor expertise is behind the exceptional performance of the α850 in many ways, but perhaps most prominently in its full-frame 24.6-megapixel Exmor CMOS image sensor. This sensor – the same one used in the flagship α900 – was designed specifically for 35mm full-frame imaging, implementing proprietary Sony planarization technology for maximum flatness, plus over 6,000 on-chip column parallel analog/digital converters so that the analog image is converted to noise-resistant digital form right at the beginning of the processing chain. Noise reduction is applied both before and after analog/digital conversion for an even cleaner signal.
A bright, low-distortion view from corner to corner
Optical precision is as advantageous in a viewfinder as it is in the rest of a camera, and the α850 does not compromise. An optical glass pentaprism and high-power condenser lens, plus the use of high refractive index glass for all eyepiece elements, offer an exceptionally clear, low-distortion view that contributes significantly to shooting ease and comfort. Greater clarity is achieved under the widest possible range of shooting conditions by the use of multi-layer anti-reflection coatings on almost all optical surfaces. 0.74x* magnification and expansive 98%* coverage facilitate framing. The standard Spherical Acute Matte focusing screen makes manual focusing easy, and a high eye-point improves visibility for eyeglass users.
Durable magnesium alloy body
Sometimes capturing great images means working under demanding conditions, and the α850 is built to take them in stride. The body’s front, rear, and top are formed of a lightweight high-strength magnesium alloy, while the interior chassis features high-tensile aluminum in a tower-bar configuration for rugged reliability. The critical mirror box is made of carbon fiber reinforced polycarbonate resin that achieves the ideal combination of weight and rigidity. Overall, the balance and handling of the design are superb, maximizing comfort and efficiency in extended shooting sessions.
9-point autofocus detection with 10-point assist
Fast, accurate autofocus with a wide range of subjects means fewer missed shots, and that is precisely what you get with the α850’s center dual-cross 9-point AF sensor system. There’s even a dedicated central sensor that enhances accuracy when shooting at apertures of F2.8 or larger. Ten additional “assist” sensors significantly improve subject detection when Wide AF is selected, as well as enhancing out-of-focus discrimination so that the system doesn’t “ hunt” when attempting to focus. The sensors themselves have been specially designed for pinpoint detection and faster focusing. There’s even an AF Micro Adjust function that lets you fine tune auto-focus for individual lenses and register the settings so they will be automatically recalled when the corresponding lenses are attached.
White balance settings for the right color in any light
In addition to versatile and accurate auto white balance, the α850 offers a range of user-tunable white balance presets that can be quickly accessed via a button on top of the camera body, including a Color Temperature mode in which you can directly specify the color temperature in kelvin together with magenta or green color-correction filters in a range of densities. There are also three user-definable custom settings. The Drive mode menu includes a selection for white balance bracketing, in which each image is recorded at three different white balance settings.
D-Range Optimizer for naturally balanced exposures in virtually any shooting situation
The D-Range Optimizer function differs from Auto HDR in that it works equally well with moving and stationary subjects, and can capture a natural level of shadow and highlight detail that more realistically represents the tonal range of human vision. Idealfor portraits and active subjects such as children and pets, it uses proprietary Sony technology in the newly developed BIONZ engine to optimize images in real time, making it possible to use the D-Range Optimizer even during continuous shooting. Settings include Auto, which automatically optimizes images based on an area-by-area analysis of the scene, and Level, which allows the user to choose from 5 levels of optimization.
Creative Style supports your artistic vision
13 customizable styles are provided for use as a basis for creating images that are true to your photographic intent. You can use the base styles as they are, or fine-tune them by editing contrast, saturation, sharpness, brightness, and zone parameters (no saturation adjustment is provided for the monochrome Sepia or B/W styles). Up to 6 customized creative styles can be registered in the camera’s “ Style Box” for instant recall whenever needed.
3-inch* Xtra Fine LCD monitor for accurate image review
This monitor provides clear, bright image review with 270 ppi (approx.) resolution and high contrast. Hybrid construction and a multilayer antireflective coating ensure optimum visibility even under bright sunlight. The large monitor also shows full RGB histograms and provides a comprehensive info display that allows functions and camera settings to be checked at a glance. The standard detailed display can be switched to an enlarged, simplified mode for easier reading, and the display is automatically rotated for correct orientation when the camera is held vertically. A variety of index view options during playback make shot selection easy.
Quick Navi display allows fast parameter adjustments on the fly
When you need to access and adjust a parameter quickly, the Quick Navi display is a fast, convenient way to do it. Just tap the Function (Fn) button next to the LCD monitor to switch it from the standard info mode to the Quick Navi mode, then you can quickly select and adjust a range of important shooting parameters via the multi-selector using only your thumb. Alternatively, you can adjust the selected parameter via the front or rear control dials, if you find that more comfortable. Parameters that can be accessed and adjusted via the Quick Navi display include ISO sensitivity, exposure compensation, flash compensation, flash mode, drive mode, white balance, focus area, D-Range Optimizer, Creative Style, image quality, image size, and memory card slot.
