SONY’S α850 is the Alpha range’s full-frame (24 x 36mm) sensor DSLR camera. The size of this 24.6 Megapixel Exmor CMOS sensor, and its high pixel count, produces great image detail and wide dynamic range. The α850’s dual BIONZ image processors provide fast shooting response.

The α850 offers two-stage noise reduction to ensure image quality and high levels of sharpness with minimal noise levels with sensitivity settings up to ISO 6400.

SteadyShot INSIDE in-camera image stabiliser moves the image sensor to compensate for camera shake, resulting in clearer images in low light conditions.

The α850 has a 9-point auto focus system with 10 focus-assist points for sharp images and efficient subject tracking. For improved auto focus accuracy with faster aperture lenses, the camera has a dedicated F2.8 sensor. And for precise exposure control in a wide range of lighting situations, the α850 has a 40-segment multi-pattern metering system.

The camera features multiple levels of Dynamic Range Optimization built-in: Standard mode for improving shadow detail; Advanced Auto mode which offers five DRO correction levels; and DRO Advanced Bracketing, which captures three images at different dynamic range levels automatically.

The α850 has dual card slots for both CompactFlash and Memory Stick Duo Media (sold separately). The α850’s rugged die-cast magnesium alloy body is weather sealed and weighs 850 grams. You’ll get around 880 images from a fully charged InfoLITHIUM rechargeable lithium-ion battery (NP-FM500H).

Dual BIONZ image processors enable continuous shooting at speeds up to 3 frames per second.

A 3-inch glass pentaprism viewfinder offers 98% field coverage and magnification of 0.74x, showing an image nearer to its actual size.

The Intelligent Preview function allows you to see the effects of manual adjustments to exposure value, shutter speed, aperture, Dynamic Range Optimizer and White Balance before the shot is taken, so optimum settings.

You can view images in detail on the 3-inch Xtra Fine LCD display (921k pixels). With photo-quality resolution of 270ppi (pixels per inch) focus and exposure adjustments can require less time and more accuracy.

The α850’s shutter mechanism enables up to 1/8000 seconds shutter speeds and is proven for 100,000 cycle operation.

The α850 provides direct HDMI output for viewing in high definition on compatible HDTVs. Additionally, PhotoTV HD-capable BRAVIA HDTVs will automatically optimise display settings, such as sharpness, gradation, and colour.

The camera’s Anti-Dust Technology uses both a static-free anti-dust coating on the imager’s filter and anti-dust vibration that shakes the sensor to dislodge dust each time the camera is shut off.

In addition to full frame image capture, the α850 can also crop images to the APS-C size format, allowing the use of lenses designed specifically for APS-C sized image sensors.

(When a DT lens is mounted, images are automatically cropped to the APS-C size, regardless of the APS-C size capture setting. Using a DT lens is not guaranteed because the corners of the field are darkened and the camera does not meet the primary AE performance standard. )

AF Micro Adjustment enables fine focusing for various lenses. The α850 can store adjusted focus values for up to 30 lenses.

User-replaceable focusing screens for shooting specific subject types can be purchased as optional accessories.

Mirror Lockup Mode raises the main mirror before exposure to reduce vibration at shutter release, resulting in better performance during long exposure shots.

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SPECIFICATIONS

Resolution
Approx. 24.6 megapixels

Sensor
(24 x 36mm) Full-frame Exmor CMOS sensor

Processor
Dual BIONZ image processors

File Formats
RAW+JPEG (Fine), RAW+JPEG (Fine), RAW (compressed), RAW, JPEG Extra fine, JPEG Fine, JPEG Standard

File Size
Still Actual 16:9:
6048 x 3408 (21M)
4400 x 2472 (11M)
3024 x 1704 (5.2M)
Still Actual 3:2:
6048 x 4032 (24.6M)
4400 x 2936 (13M)
3024 x 2016 (6.1M)

Creative Colour Modes
Standard, Vivid, Neutral, Clear, Deep, Light, Portrait, Landscape, Sunset, Night, Autumn, B&W, Sepia

White Balance
Auto, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent, Flash, Custom

Exposure Control
Auto, Program Auto (A) (with Program Shift), Shutter priority (S), Aperture priority (A), Manual (M)

Exposure Compensation
±3.0 EV, 1/3EV, 1/2EV steps selectable

Image Stabilisation
SteadyShot INSIDE in-camera image stabilisation

Lens Mount
Sony α, Minolta and Konica-Minolta AF

Sensitivity
Auto
ISO (selectable) 100 – 6400 (in 1/3 EV steps)

Metering
TTL metering w/ 40-segment honeycomb-pattern SPC

Metering Pattern
Multi-segment, Center-weighted, Spot, Auto Exposure Lock (AEL button)

Metering Sensitivity @ ISO 100 with f/1.4
0 EV to 20 EV (+2 EV to +20EV with Spot metering)

Mirror Lock-Up
Yes

Focus System
TTL phase detection system

Focusing Sensitivity Range
0 EV to +18 EV (at ISO 100 equivalent)

Focus Area
Wide (Auto, up to 9 areas), Spot, Local (9 local areas, selectable)

Number of Focusing Points
9 points + 10 assist focus points (local areas, selection with the multi-selector)

Burst Capability
Maximum: 3 fps

Self Timer
Yes (10 seconds, 2 seconds with mirror-up function)

Remote Control
Yes

Built-in Flash
No

Hot Shoe
Hot shoe compatible with Sony α system flash

External Flash Connection
Yes

Dedicated Flash System
Sony α system flash

Flash Exposure Compensation
±3 EV (in 1/3EV, 1/2EV steps selectable)

Flash Modes
Auto, Fill-flash, Rear sync, Wireless (with Flash HVL-F58AM, HVL-F42AM, HVL-F56AM, F36AM)

Flash Metering
ADI flash (automatic change for Pre-flash TTL)

Memory Slots
Dual memory card slots

Memory Storage
Memory Stick PRO Duo, Compact Flash Type I, Type II (Microdrive), UDMA (Mode5 compliant)

Viewfinder Type
Fixed eye-level system with optical glass pentaprism

Viewfinder Coverage
98%

Viewfinder Screen
Spherical Acute Matte Screen

Viewfinder Magnification
0.74x (with 50mm lens at infinity)

Diopter Correction
-1m to 1

Display
3″ TFT Xtra Fine LCD (921,600 pixels)

Display Area
100% Coverage
Brightness Control: ±5 steps manual

Playback
BRAVIA Sync: via HDMI with compatible BRAVIA HDTV
HD viewing requires a HDMI cable and HDMI compatible HDTV (both sold separately)

Connectivity
Supports USB 2.0 Hi-speed

Operating Systems Supported
Windows 2000 Professional SP4, Windows XP SP3, Windows Vista SP1, Mac OS X (v10.1.3-v10.5)

Software Supplied:
Image Data Converter SR3.1 (Windows & Macintosh) Image Data Lightbox SR2.1 (Windows & Macintosh, Remote Camera Control 2.0 (Windows & Macintosh), PMB (Picture Motion Browser) 4.2.13 (Windows only)

Operating/Storage Temperature
32 – 104° F (0 – 40° C)

Tripod Mount:
1/4″-20

Battery Type
NP-FM500H (7.2V, 1650MAh) InfoLITHIUM® Lithium-Ion rechargeable battery
Approx. 880 shots on full charge

Dimensions (WxHxD)
6-1/8 x 4-5/8 x 3-1/4″ (156.3 x 116.9 x 81.9mm) (excluding protrusions)

Weight
Approximately 850 grams without battery, memory card, accessories

What’s Included

* Sony Alpha DSLR-A850 Camera Body
* NP-FM500H InfoLithium Rechargeable Battery
* BC-VM10 Battery Charger
* USB Cable
* Video Cable
* Shoulder Strap
* Eyepiece Cap
* Body Cap
* Accessory Shoe Cap
* Software CD-ROM
* User Guide
* 1 Year Australian Warranty

Popularity: 3%

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