Sony A700 compared to other manufacturer's

Sony Alpha A700 vs other semi-pro models
Manufacturer	Sony	Canon	Canon	Nikon	Nikon
Model	Alpha A700	EOS 30D	EOS 40D	D200	D300
Imaging System	Sensor Manufacturer	Sony	Canon	Canon	Sony	Sony
Sensor Type	CMOS	CMOS	CMOS	CCD	CMOS
Color Filter Array	RGB	RGB	RGB	RGB	RGB
Total Megapixels	13.05	8.5	10.5	10.92	13.1
Effective Megapixels	12.25	8.25	10.1	10.2	12.3
Effective Sensor Size (mm)	23.5 x 15.6	22.5 x 15.0	22.2 x 14.8	23.6 x 15.8	23.6 x 15.8
Focal Length Multiplier (approx.)	1.5x	1.6x	1.6x	1.5x	1.5x
Sensor-shift image stabilization	Yes	No	No	No	No
Ultrasonic sensor dust-removal function	Yes (via anti-shake mechanism)	No	Yes	No	Yes
Image Processor	BIONZ (2nd generation)	DIGIC II	DIGIC III	Not stated	EXPEED
A/D Conversion	12-bit	12-bit	14-bit	12-bit	12 or 14-bit
Viewfinder	Type	Eye-level pentaprism	Eye-level pentaprism	Eye-level pentaprism	Eye-level pentaprism	Eye-level pentaprism
Coverage	95%	95%	95%	95%	100%
Magnification (-1 diopter with 50mm lens at infinity)	0.9x	0.9x	0.95x	0.94x	0.94x
Eyepoint (mm)	25	20	22	19.5	19.5
Dioptric Adjustment Range (diopters)	-3.0 to +1.0	-3.0 to +1.0	-3.0 to +1.0	-2.0 to +1.0	-2.0 to +1.0
Focusing Screen	Interchangeable Spherical Acute Matte	Fixed, precision matte screen	Interchangeable (3 types). Standard Focusing Screen Precision Matte Ef-A	B-type BriteView clear matte screen II, with superimposed focus brackets and on-demand grid lines	Type-B BriteView clear matte screen Mark II, with on-demand grid lines
Viewfinder Info Display	16:9 area frames, AF frames, Spot metering area, Flash compensation, Flash status, Flash mode, (wireless/ HS), Manual focus, AF mode, Shutter speed, Aperture, EV scale, Autoexposure lock, Shots remaining, Shake warning, Super SteadyShot scale, Aspect ratio	AF (AF points, focus confirmation light), exposure (shutter speed, aperture, spot metering circle, exposure level, AE lock, exposure compensation, AEB level, bulb, ISO speed), flash (flash ready, red-eye reduction lamp on, high-speed sync, FE lock, FEB shooting, flash exposure compensation, insufficient flash warning during FE lock), white balance correction, maximum burst, CF card full warning, CF card error warning, No CF card warning	AF (AF points, focus confirmation light), exposure (shutter speed, aperture value, manual exposure, AE lock, exposure compensation amount, AEB level, partial metering area), flash (flash ready, red-eye reduction lamp on, high-speed sync, FE lock, flash exposure compensation amount), warnings (exposure warning, improper FE lock warning, CF card full warning, CF card error warning, no CF card warning, busy), maximum burst for continuous shooting (now 2 digits), shots remaining, ISO sensitivity (always diplayed), B&W mode	Focus area brackets/spot metering areas, center-weighted metering area, on-demand framing grid, black and white mode indicator, battery status, no memory card warning, focus confirmation, metering mode, AE lock indicator, FV lock indicator, flash sync indicator, shutter speed, aperture stop indicator, aperture value, exposure mode, electronic analog exposure display, flash compensation indicator, exposure compensation indicator, Auto ISO indicator, ISO value, number of exposures remaining/buffer space/preset WB recording indicator/exposure compensation value/flash compensation value/PC mode indicator, flash-ready indicator	Focus area brackets/spot metering areas, on-demand framing grid, battery status, focus confirmation, metering mode, AE lock indicator, FV lock indicator, flash sync indicator, shutter speed, aperture stop indicator, aperture value, exposure mode, electronic analog exposure display, flash compensation indicator, exposure compensation indicator, Auto ISO indicator, ISO value, number of exposures remaining/buffer space/preset WB recording indicator/exposure compensation value/flash compensation value/PC mode indicator, flash-ready indicator
Depth of Field Preview	Enabled with depth-of-field preview button	Enabled with depth-of-field preview button	Enabled with depth-of-field preview button	Enabled with depth-of-field preview button	Enabled with depth-of-field preview button
Live Preview on LCD	No	No	Yes	No	Yes
Recording System	Recording Media / Quantity / Slot Type	Type I or II CF card / Microdrive / MS Duo / MS Pro Duo	Type I or II CF card / Microdrive	Type I or II CF card / Microdrive	Type I or II CF card / Microdrive	Type I or II CF card / Microdrive (UDMA supported)
Compatible File System	FAT 12 / FAT 16 / FAT 32	FAT 16 / FAT 32	FAT 16 / FAT 32	FAT 16 / FAT 32	FAT 16 / FAT 32
Recording Formats	RAW (ARW 2.0), JPEG	RAW (CR2), JPEG	RAW, sRAW (CR2); JPEG	RAW (NEF), JPEG	RAW 12-bit or 14-bit NEF), TIFF (32-bit), JPEG
Maximum Resolution	4288 x 2856 (RAW); 4272 x 2848 (JPEG)	3504 x 2336	3,888 x 2,592	3872 x 2592	4288 x 2848
Reduced Resolutions	3:2 3104 x 2064; 2128 x 1424 16:9 4272 x 2400, 3104 x 1744, 2128 x 1200	2544 x 1696; 1728 x 1152	2816 x 1880; 1936 x 1288	2896 x 1944; 1936 x 1296	3216 x 2136; 2144 x 1424
RAW + JPEG Recording	Yes, selectable JPEG resolution, Fine compression only	Yes, selectable JPEG resolution / compression	Yes, selectable JPEG resolution / compression	Yes, Selectable JPEG resolution / compression	Yes, selectable JPEG resolution / compression
Color Space & White Balance	User Selectable Color Space	Yes sRGB (thirteen variants) + Adobe RGB	Yes sRGB + Adobe RGB	Yes sRGB + Adobe RGB	Yes sRGB (two variants) + Adobe RGB	Yes sRGB + Adobe RGB
Processing Parameters (Contrast, Sharpness, Saturation, Color Tone) / # of Increments	7 options each for sharpness, saturation, contrast, and brightness, plus 4 options for zone matching.	6 Preset 'Picture Styles' with 3 User defined settings	8 options for sharpness, 9 options for contrast, saturation, and color tone. 6 Picture styles (Standard, Portrait, Landscape, Neutral, Faithful, Monochrome), plus 3 user defined	7 options for sharpening, 5 for contrast, 7 for hue, 4 for saturation. Second sRGB color space boosts saturation somewhat.	7 options for sharpening, 5 options for contrast, 3 options for brightness, 5 options for saturation, 5-step hue adjustment.
Preset WB settings	6 (Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent, Flash), plus Auto and Custom	6 (Daylight, Cloudy, Shade, Incandescent, Fluorescent, Flash)	6 (Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent, Flash)	6 (Incandescent, Fluorescent, Direct Sunlight, Flash, Cloudy, Shade)	7 presets with fine tuning; four Manual presets
Manual Color Temperature Setting Range	2500 - 9900K with 19-step magenta / green compensation	2800 ~ 10000K in 100K increments	2500 ~ 10000K	2500 ~ 10000K in increments of roughly 10 mired	2500 ~ 10000K in increments of roughly 10 mired
WB Adjustment Range	Preset WB: -3 to +3; Fluorescent WB: -2 to +4;	+/-9 steps in 1-step increments 5 mireds per step	Amber-Blue correction, in 9 steps; Magenta-Green correction, in 9 steps; Both types of correction can be combined	+/-3 steps in 1-step increments, roughly 10 mireds per step	Fine tuning possible, details unknown
Autofocus System	Type	TTL phase detection	TTL-CT-SIR with a CMOS sensor (TTL secondary image registration, phase detection)	Entirely new Canon CMOS AF sensor (TTL secondary image registration, phase detection)	TTL phase detection by Nikon Multi-CAM1000 autofocus module	TTL phase detection by Nikon Multi-CAM3500DX autofocus module (contrast detection using LiveView Tripod mode)
# of Focusing Points (Focusing Point Type)	11 points, (1 center twin-cross type and 11 single-axis with high accuracy f/2.8 center point)	9 points (1 center cross-type and 8 single-axis)	9 points (all cross-type) Center is "unique hybrid cross-type AF point"	11 normal points or 7 wide points (1 center cross-type, 10 single-axis)	51 points (15 cross-type, 36 single-axis)
Superimposed Focus Point Display	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
AF Working Range (ISO 100)	EV 0 ~ 18	EV -0.5 ~ 18	EV -0.5 ~ 18	EV -1 ~ 19	EV -1 ~ 19
AF-assist Beam	Yes, LED, range 1 - 7m	Yes, stroboscopic flash	Yes, stroboscopic flash	Yes, bright incandescent lamp, range 3m	Yes details unknown
Eye-start Focusing	Yes (grip detection too)	No	No	No	No
Exposure Control	Shooting Modes	12 - Auto, Program Shift, Aperture-priority AE, Shutter-priority AE, Manual, Memory Recall, Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Sports, Sunset, Night view/portrait	12 - Program AE (Full Auto, Portrait, Landscape, Close-up, Sports, Night Portrait, Flash Off, Program), shutter-priority AE, aperture-priority AE, depth-of-field AE, manual exposure	12 - Program AE, Aperture-priority (Av), Shutter-priority (Tv), Manual, Depth-of-field AE, Green Zone, Portrait, Landscape, Close-up, Action, Night Portrait, Flash Off	4 - Program, shutter-priority AE, aperture-priority AE, manual mode.	4 - Program, shutter-priority AE, aperture-priority AE, manual mode.
Metering Zones	40	35	35	1,005	1,005
Metering Modes	Multi-segment Honeycomb pattern, Center-Weighted, and Spot	Evaluative (linked to any AF point), center weighted, 9% partial, 3.5% spot	Evaluative (linked to any AF point), center weighted average, 9% partial, 3.8% spot	1) 3D Color Matrix Metering II (type G and D lenses); color matrix metering II (other CPU lenses); color matrix metering available with non-CPU lenses if user provides lens data; metering performed by 1,005-segment RGB sensor 2) Center-weighted: Weight of 75% given to 6, 8, 10, or 13mm dia. circle in center of frame 3) Spot: Meters 3mm dia. circle (about 2.0% of frame) centered on active focus area (on center focus area when non-CPU lens is used)	1) 3D Color Matrix Metering II (type G and D lenses); Color Matrix Metering II (other CPU lenses); color matrix metering available with non-CPU lenses if user provides lens data; metering performed by 1,005-segment RGB sensor. 2) Center-weighted: Weight of 75% given to 6, 8, 10, or 13mm dia. circle in center of frame. 3) Spot: Meters 3mm dia. circle (about 2.0% of frame) centered on active focus area (on center focus area when non-CPU lens is used)
Metering System Working Range (F1.4, ISO 100)	1) Honeycomb-Pattern / Center-Weighted Average; EV 0 ~ 20 2) Spot; EV 2 ~ 20	EV 1 ~ 20	EV 0 ~ 20	1) EV 0 to 20 (3D Color Matrix or center-weighted metering) 2) EV 2 to 20 (spot metering)	1) EV 0 ~ 20 (Matrix or center-weighted metering) 2) EV 2 ~ 20 (spot metering)
ISO Range / Extended	100 ~ 3200 / 6400	100 ~ 1600 / 3200	100 ~ 1600 / 3200	100 ~ 1600 / 3200	200 ~ 3200 / 100, 6400
Exposure Compensation	+/-3 EV in 1/3EV increments	+/-2 EV in 1/2 or 1/3 EV increments	+/-2 EV in 1/2 or 1/3 EV increments	+/-5 EV in 1, 1/2 or 1/3 EV increments	+/-5 EV in 1, 1/2 or 1/3 EV increments
Automatic Exposure Bracketing	3 or 5 shots in 1/3, 1/2 or 2/3 EV steps	+/-2 EV in 1/2 or 1/3 EV increments	+/-2 EV in 1/2 or 1/3 EV steps	2 to 9 exposures in increments of 1/3, 1/2, 2/3 or 1 EV	2 to 9 exposures in increments of 1/3, 1/2, 2/3 or 1 EV
Shutter Speeds, Frame Rate,	Shutter Type	Electronically controlled mechanical focal plane	Electronically controlled mechanical focal plane	Electronically controlled mechanical focal plane	Electronically controlled mechanical focal plane	Electronically controlled mechanical focal plane
Shutter Speed Range	1/8000 ~ 30 sec., bulb	1/8000 ~ 30 sec., bulb	1/8000 ~ 30 sec., bulb	1/8000 ~ 30 sec., bulb	1/8000 ~ 30 sec., bulb
Maximum Frames Per Second / Buffer depth	5 fps / unlimited Standard Fine JPEG, 16 Extra Fine JPEG, 12 cRAW+JPEG, 12 RAW+JPEG, or 18 cRAW frames (manufacturer spec)	5 fps / 28 LF JPEG or 10 RAW frames	6.5 fps / 75 LF JPEG or 17 RAW frames, (manufacturer spec)	5 fps / 31 LF JPEG or 21 RAW frames	6 fps / 100 Large Normal JPEG or 17 (12-bit) RAW fames (up to 8 fps with optional MB-D10 battery pack) (manufacturer spec)
Flash	Built-in Flash / Guide Number at ISO 100.	Yes (12 meters / 39 feet)	Yes (13 meters / 43 feet)	Yes (13 meters / 43 feet)	Yes (12 meters / 39 feet)	Yes (12 meters / 39 feet)
Max flash x-sync speed. (sec.)	1/250 (1/200 with Super SteadyShot)	1/250	1/250	1/250	1/250 (up to 1/320 at reduced GN)
Flash Exposure Compensation	+/-3 EV in 1/3 or 1/2 EV steps	+/-2 EV in 1/2 or 1/3 EV increments	+/-2 EV in 1/2 or 1/3 EV increments	-3 to +1 EV, 1/3 or 1/2 EV steps	-3 to +1 EV, 1/3 or 1/2 EV steps
Slow-sync flash	1st or 2nd curtain	1st or 2nd curtain	1st or 2nd curtain	1st or 2nd curtain	1st or 2nd curtain
PC Sync Terminal	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Playback System	LCD Size / Pixel Count	3.0 in LCD / 921,600 pixels	2.5 in. LCD / 230,000 pixels	3.0 in. LCD / 230,000 pixels	2.5 in LCD / 230,000 pixels	3.0 in LCD / 921,600 pixels
Enlarged Playback / Scroll	1.1 - 13x / Yes	1.5~10x in 15 steps / Yes	1.5~10x in 15 steps / Yes	1.1 - 25x / Yes	Zoom and scroll possible, details unknown
LCD Monitor Brightness Adjustment Range	11 steps	5 steps	7 steps	5 steps	Yes, details unknown
Automatic Rotation for Vertical Shots	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Video Out/ HD Video	Yes/Yes (HDMI)	Yes/No	Yes/No	Yes/No	Yes/Yes (HDMI)
Other Features	Computer Connection	Yes, USB 2.0 High Speed, PTP-compliant	Yes, USB 2.0 High-Speed, PTP-compliant	Yes, USB 2.0 High-Speed, PTP-compliant	Yes, USB 2.0 High-Speed, PTP-compliant	Yes, USB 2.0 High-Speed, PTP-compliant
Direct Printing (PictBridge printers)	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Menu Languages	6 (English, French, Spanish, Italian, Japanese, Chinese)	15 (English, German, French, Dutch, Danish, Finnish, Italian, Norwegian, Swedish, Spanish, Russian, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Korean, Japanese)	18 (English, German, French, Dutch, Danish, Portuguese, Finnish, Italian, Norwegian, Swedish, Spanish, Greek, Russian, Polish, Simplified/ Traditional Chinese, Korean, Japanese)	13 (Japanese, German, English, Spanish, French, Italian, Dutch, Portuguese, Russian, Swedish, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, Korean)	15 (Japanese, German, English, Spanish, Finnish, French, Italian, Dutch, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Swedish, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, Korean)
Camera Default Reset	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Custom Functions (Quantity)	Yes (21)	Yes (19)	Yes (details unknown)	Yes (45)	Yes (48)
Remote Control	Wireless: with included RMT-DSLR1 IR remote control or Wired: with optional RM-S1AM or RM-L1AM	N3-type remote control	N3-type remote control	Yes, 10-pin remote terminal for optional MC-30/36 remote cords or WT-3 wireless remote	Yes, 10-pin remote terminal for optional MC-20/30/36 remote cords or WT-4 wireless remote
Info LCD Panel / Illumination	No / n/a	Yes / Yes (dedicated button)	Yes / Yes (dedicated button)	Yes / details unknown	Yes / Yes (power switch)
Body Structure	Body Cover / Chassis	Magnesium Alloy (front), Polycarbonate (rear) / Aluminum	Magnesium Alloy / Stainless Steel	Magnesium Alloy / Stainless Steel	Largely Magnesium Alloy	Largely Magnesium Alloy
Environmental Seals	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Power System	Battery Compatibility	NP-FM500H	Main: BP-511 / BP-511A / BP-512 / BP-514 Backup: CR2016	Main: BP-511A, BP-511, or BP-512 Backup: CR2016	EN-EL3e	EN-EL3e
Rated Shooting Capacity at 20�C/68�F	CIPA: 650	CIPA: 1100	100% AE: 1100 50% Flash: 800 (manufacturer spec)	Up to 1800 (manufacturer spec)	CIPA: 1372
Dimensions & Weight	Dimensions (WxHxD, mm)	142 x 105 x 80	144 x 106 x 72	146 x 108 x 74	147 x 113 x 74	147 x 114 x 74
Weight (body only)	690 g	700 g	740 g	830 g	825 g
Oper. Env.	Operating Temperature Range	0 ~ 40�C	0 ~ 40�C	0 ~ 40�C	0 ~ 40�C	0 ~ 40�C
Operating Humidity Range	Not stated	< 85%	< 85%	< 85%	< 85%
Kit Lens	Focal length / aperture	18-70mm f3.5-4.5 DT or 16-105mm f3.5-5.6 DT	-	-	-	-
Lens Compatibility	Lens Mount / Compatibility	Sony Alpha mount; compatible with "most" Konica Minolta A-mount (Maxxum-compatible) AF lenses as well.	EF / All EOS lenses, plus EF-S lenses.	EF / All EOS lenses, plus EF-S lenses.	DX Nikkor: All functions supported; Type G- or D-AF Nikkor: All functions supported; Micro Nikkor 85mm F2.8D: All functions supported except some exposure modes; Other AF Nikkor (excluding lenses for F3AF): All functions supported except 3D Color Matrix Metering, i-TTL balanced Fill-Flash for digital SLR; AI-P Nikkor: All functions supported except 3D Color Matrix Metering, i-TTL balanced Fill-Flash for digital SLR and autofocus; Non-CPU: Can be used in exposure mode A and M with metering; electronic range finder can be used if maximum aperture is f/5.6 or faster. IX Nikkor Lenses cannot be used.	DX Nikkor: All functions supported; Type G- or D-AF Nikkor: All functions supported; Micro Nikkor 85mm F2.8D: All functions supported except some exposure modes; Other AF Nikkor (excluding lenses for F3AF): All functions supported except 3D Color Matrix Metering, i-TTL balanced Fill-Flash for digital SLR; AI-P Nikkor: All functions supported except 3D Color Matrix Metering, i-TTL balanced Fill-Flash for digital SLR and autofocus; Non-CPU: Can be used in exposure mode A and M with metering; electronic range finder can be used if maximum aperture is f/5.6 or faster. Up to 10 non-CPU lenses can be registered. IX Nikkor Lenses cannot be used.

Sony Alpha A700 vs other semi-pro models

Manufacturer

Sony

Canon

Nikon

Model

Alpha A700

EOS 30D

EOS 40D

D200

D300

Imaging
System

Sensor Manufacturer

Sony

Canon

Sony

Sensor Type

CMOS

CCD

CMOS

Color Filter Array

RGB

Total Megapixels

13.05

8.5

10.5

10.92

13.1

Effective Megapixels

12.25

8.25

10.1

10.2

12.3

Effective Sensor Size (mm)

23.5 x 15.6

22.5 x 15.0

22.2 x 14.8

23.6 x 15.8

Focal Length Multiplier (approx.)

1.5x

1.6x

1.5x

Sensor-shift image stabilization

Yes

Ultrasonic sensor dust-removal function

Yes (via anti-shake mechanism)

Yes

Image Processor

BIONZ
(2nd generation)

DIGIC II

DIGIC III

Not stated

EXPEED

A/D Conversion

12-bit

14-bit

12-bit

12 or 14-bit

Viewfinder

Type

Eye-level
pentaprism

Coverage

95%

100%

Magnification (-1 diopter with 50mm lens at infinity)

0.9x

0.95x

0.94x

Eyepoint (mm)

19.5

Dioptric Adjustment Range (diopters)

-3.0 to +1.0

-2.0 to +1.0

Focusing Screen

Interchangeable Spherical Acute Matte

Fixed, precision matte screen

Interchangeable (3 types). Standard Focusing Screen Precision Matte Ef-A

B-type BriteView clear matte screen II, with superimposed focus brackets and on-demand grid lines

Type-B BriteView clear matte screen Mark II, with on-demand grid lines

Viewfinder
Info Display

16:9 area frames, AF frames, Spot metering area, Flash compensation, Flash status, Flash mode, (wireless/ HS), Manual focus, AF mode, Shutter speed, Aperture, EV scale, Autoexposure lock, Shots remaining, Shake warning, Super SteadyShot scale, Aspect ratio

AF (AF points, focus confirmation light), exposure (shutter speed, aperture, spot metering circle, exposure level, AE lock, exposure compensation, AEB level, bulb, ISO speed), flash (flash ready, red-eye reduction lamp on, high-speed sync, FE lock, FEB shooting, flash exposure compensation, insufficient flash warning during FE lock), white balance correction, maximum burst, CF card full warning, CF card error warning, No CF card warning

AF (AF points, focus confirmation light), exposure (shutter speed, aperture value, manual exposure, AE lock, exposure compensation amount, AEB level, partial metering area), flash (flash ready, red-eye reduction lamp on, high-speed sync, FE lock, flash exposure compensation amount), warnings (exposure warning, improper FE lock warning, CF card full warning, CF card error warning, no CF card warning, busy), maximum burst for continuous shooting (now 2 digits), shots remaining, ISO sensitivity (always diplayed), B&W mode

Focus area brackets/spot metering areas, center-weighted metering area, on-demand framing grid, black and white mode indicator, battery status, no memory card warning, focus confirmation, metering mode, AE lock indicator, FV lock indicator, flash sync indicator, shutter speed, aperture stop indicator, aperture value, exposure mode, electronic analog exposure display, flash compensation indicator, exposure compensation indicator, Auto ISO indicator, ISO value, number of exposures remaining/buffer space/preset WB recording indicator/exposure compensation value/flash compensation value/PC mode indicator, flash-ready indicator

Focus area brackets/spot metering areas, on-demand framing grid, battery status, focus confirmation, metering mode, AE lock indicator, FV lock indicator, flash sync indicator, shutter speed, aperture stop indicator, aperture value, exposure mode, electronic analog exposure display, flash compensation indicator, exposure compensation indicator, Auto ISO indicator, ISO value, number of exposures remaining/buffer space/preset WB recording indicator/exposure compensation value/flash compensation value/PC mode indicator, flash-ready indicator

Depth of Field Preview

Enabled with depth-of-field preview button

Live Preview on LCD

Yes

Recording
System

Recording Media / Quantity / Slot Type

Type I or II CF card / Microdrive / MS Duo / MS Pro Duo

Type I or II CF card / Microdrive

Type I or II CF card / Microdrive
(UDMA supported)

Compatible File System

FAT 12 / FAT 16 / FAT 32

FAT 16 / FAT 32

Recording Formats

RAW (ARW 2.0), JPEG

RAW (CR2), JPEG

RAW, sRAW (CR2); JPEG

RAW (NEF), JPEG

RAW 12-bit or 14-bit NEF), TIFF (32-bit), JPEG

Maximum Resolution

4288 x 2856 (RAW);
4272 x 2848 (JPEG)

3504 x 2336

3,888 x 2,592

3872 x 2592

4288 x 2848

Reduced Resolutions

3:2
3104 x 2064;
2128 x 1424

16:9
4272 x 2400,
3104 x 1744,
2128 x 1200

2544 x 1696;
1728 x 1152

2816 x 1880;
1936 x 1288

2896 x 1944;
1936 x 1296

3216 x 2136;
2144 x 1424

RAW + JPEG Recording

Yes, selectable JPEG resolution, Fine compression only

Yes, selectable JPEG resolution / compression

Yes, Selectable JPEG resolution / compression

Yes, selectable JPEG resolution / compression

Color Space &
White Balance

User Selectable Color Space

Yes
sRGB (thirteen variants) + Adobe RGB

Yes
sRGB + Adobe RGB

Yes
sRGB (two variants) + Adobe RGB

Yes
sRGB + Adobe RGB

Processing Parameters
(Contrast, Sharpness, Saturation, Color Tone) / # of Increments

7 options each for sharpness, saturation, contrast, and brightness, plus 4 options for zone matching.

6 Preset 'Picture Styles' with 3 User defined settings

8 options for sharpness, 9 options for contrast, saturation, and color tone.

6 Picture styles (Standard, Portrait, Landscape, Neutral, Faithful, Monochrome), plus 3 user defined

7 options for sharpening, 5 for contrast, 7 for hue, 4 for saturation. Second sRGB color space boosts saturation somewhat.

7 options for sharpening, 5 options for contrast, 3 options for brightness, 5 options for saturation, 5-step hue adjustment.

Preset WB settings

6 (Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent, Flash), plus Auto and Custom

6 (Daylight, Cloudy, Shade, Incandescent, Fluorescent, Flash)

6 (Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent, Flash)

6 (Incandescent, Fluorescent, Direct Sunlight, Flash, Cloudy, Shade)

7 presets with fine tuning; four Manual presets

Manual Color Temperature Setting Range

2500 - 9900K with 19-step magenta / green compensation

2800 ~ 10000K in 100K increments

2500 ~ 10000K

2500 ~ 10000K in increments of roughly 10 mired

WB Adjustment Range

Preset WB:
-3 to +3;
Fluorescent WB:
-2 to +4;

+/-9 steps in 1-step increments
5 mireds per step

Amber-Blue correction, in 9 steps;
Magenta-Green correction, in 9 steps;
Both types of correction can be combined

+/-3 steps in 1-step increments, roughly 10 mireds per step

Fine tuning possible, details unknown

Autofocus
System

Type

TTL phase detection

TTL-CT-SIR with a CMOS sensor
(TTL secondary image registration, phase detection)

Entirely new Canon CMOS AF sensor
(TTL secondary image registration, phase detection)

TTL phase detection by Nikon Multi-CAM1000 autofocus module

TTL phase detection by Nikon Multi-CAM3500DX autofocus module
(contrast detection using LiveView Tripod mode)

# of Focusing Points (Focusing Point Type)

11 points, (1 center twin-cross type and 11 single-axis with high accuracy f/2.8 center point)

9 points
(1 center cross-type and 8 single-axis)

9 points
(all cross-type)
Center is "unique hybrid cross-type AF point"

11 normal points or 7 wide points
(1 center cross-type, 10 single-axis)

51 points (15 cross-type, 36 single-axis)

Superimposed Focus Point Display

Yes

AF Working Range (ISO 100)

EV 0 ~ 18

EV -0.5 ~ 18

EV -1 ~ 19

AF-assist Beam

Yes,
LED, range 1 - 7m

Yes, stroboscopic flash

Yes, bright incandescent lamp, range 3m

Yes
details unknown

Eye-start Focusing

Yes
(grip detection too)

Exposure
Control

Shooting Modes

12 - Auto, Program Shift, Aperture-priority AE, Shutter-priority AE, Manual, Memory Recall, Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Sports, Sunset, Night view/portrait

12 - Program AE (Full Auto, Portrait, Landscape, Close-up, Sports, Night Portrait, Flash Off, Program), shutter-priority AE, aperture-priority AE, depth-of-field AE, manual exposure

12 - Program AE, Aperture-priority (Av), Shutter-priority (Tv), Manual, Depth-of-field AE, Green Zone, Portrait, Landscape, Close-up, Action, Night Portrait, Flash Off

4 - Program, shutter-priority AE, aperture-priority AE, manual mode.

Metering Zones

1,005

Metering Modes

Multi-segment Honeycomb pattern, Center-Weighted, and Spot

Evaluative (linked to any AF point), center weighted, 9% partial, 3.5% spot

Evaluative (linked to any AF point), center weighted average,
9% partial,
3.8% spot

1) 3D Color Matrix Metering II (type G and D lenses); color matrix metering II (other CPU lenses); color matrix metering available with non-CPU lenses if user provides lens data; metering performed by 1,005-segment RGB sensor
2) Center-weighted: Weight of 75% given to 6, 8, 10, or 13mm dia. circle in center of frame
3) Spot: Meters 3mm dia. circle (about 2.0% of frame) centered on active focus area (on center focus area when non-CPU lens is used)

1) 3D Color Matrix Metering II (type G and D lenses); Color Matrix Metering II (other CPU lenses); color matrix metering available with non-CPU lenses if user provides lens data; metering performed by 1,005-segment RGB sensor.
2) Center-weighted: Weight of 75% given to 6, 8, 10, or 13mm dia. circle in center of frame.
3) Spot: Meters 3mm dia. circle (about 2.0% of frame) centered on active focus area (on center focus area when non-CPU lens is used)

Metering System Working Range
(F1.4, ISO 100)

1) Honeycomb-Pattern / Center-Weighted Average; EV 0 ~ 20
2) Spot; EV 2 ~ 20

EV 1 ~ 20

EV 0 ~ 20

1) EV 0 to 20 (3D Color Matrix or center-weighted metering)
2) EV 2 to 20 (spot metering)

1) EV 0 ~ 20 (Matrix or center-weighted metering)
2) EV 2 ~ 20 (spot metering)

ISO Range / Extended

100 ~ 3200 / 6400

100 ~ 1600 / 3200

200 ~ 3200 / 100, 6400

Exposure Compensation

+/-3 EV in 1/3EV increments

+/-2 EV in 1/2 or 1/3 EV increments

+/-5 EV in 1, 1/2 or 1/3 EV increments

Automatic Exposure Bracketing

3 or 5 shots in 1/3, 1/2 or 2/3 EV steps

+/-2 EV in 1/2 or 1/3 EV increments

+/-2 EV in 1/2 or 1/3 EV steps

2 to 9 exposures in increments of 1/3, 1/2, 2/3 or 1 EV

Shutter Speeds,
Frame Rate,

Shutter Type

Electronically controlled mechanical focal plane

Shutter Speed Range

1/8000 ~ 30 sec., bulb

Maximum Frames Per Second / Buffer depth

5 fps /
unlimited Standard Fine JPEG, 16 Extra Fine JPEG, 12 cRAW+JPEG, 12 RAW+JPEG, or 18 cRAW frames
(manufacturer spec)

5 fps /
28 LF JPEG or 10 RAW frames

6.5 fps /
75 LF JPEG or 17 RAW frames,
(manufacturer spec)

5 fps /
31 LF JPEG or 21 RAW frames

6 fps /
100 Large Normal JPEG
or 17 (12-bit) RAW fames
(up to 8 fps with optional MB-D10 battery pack)
(manufacturer spec)

Flash

Built-in Flash / Guide Number at ISO 100.

Yes (12 meters / 39 feet)

Yes (13 meters / 43 feet)

Yes (12 meters / 39 feet)

Max flash x-sync speed. (sec.)

1/250
(1/200 with Super SteadyShot)

1/250

1/250
(up to 1/320 at reduced GN)

Flash Exposure Compensation

+/-3 EV in 1/3 or 1/2 EV steps

+/-2 EV in 1/2 or 1/3 EV increments

-3 to +1 EV, 1/3 or 1/2 EV steps

Slow-sync flash

1st or 2nd curtain

PC Sync Terminal

Yes

Playback
System

LCD Size / Pixel Count

3.0 in LCD / 921,600 pixels

2.5 in. LCD / 230,000 pixels

3.0 in. LCD / 230,000 pixels

2.5 in LCD / 230,000 pixels

3.0 in LCD / 921,600 pixels

Enlarged Playback / Scroll

1.1 - 13x / Yes

1.5~10x in 15 steps / Yes

1.1 - 25x / Yes

Zoom and scroll possible, details unknown

LCD Monitor Brightness Adjustment Range

11 steps

5 steps

7 steps

5 steps

Yes, details unknown

Automatic Rotation for Vertical Shots

Yes

Video Out/ HD Video

Yes/Yes (HDMI)

Yes/No

Yes/Yes (HDMI)

Other Features

Computer Connection

Yes, USB 2.0 High Speed, PTP-compliant

Yes, USB 2.0 High-Speed, PTP-compliant

Direct Printing (PictBridge printers)

Yes

Menu Languages

6 (English, French, Spanish, Italian, Japanese, Chinese)

15 (English, German, French, Dutch, Danish, Finnish, Italian, Norwegian, Swedish, Spanish, Russian, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Korean, Japanese)

18 (English, German, French, Dutch, Danish, Portuguese, Finnish, Italian, Norwegian, Swedish, Spanish, Greek, Russian, Polish, Simplified/ Traditional Chinese, Korean, Japanese)

13 (Japanese, German, English, Spanish, French, Italian, Dutch, Portuguese, Russian, Swedish, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, Korean)

15 (Japanese, German, English, Spanish, Finnish, French, Italian, Dutch, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Swedish, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, Korean)

Camera Default Reset

Yes

Custom Functions (Quantity)

Yes (21)

Yes (19)

Yes (details unknown)

Yes (45)

Yes (48)

Remote Control

Wireless: with included RMT-DSLR1 IR remote control
or Wired: with optional RM-S1AM or RM-L1AM

N3-type remote control

Yes, 10-pin remote terminal for optional MC-30/36 remote cords or WT-3 wireless remote

Yes, 10-pin remote terminal for optional MC-20/30/36 remote cords or WT-4 wireless remote

Info LCD Panel / Illumination

No / n/a

Yes / Yes (dedicated button)

Yes / details unknown

Yes / Yes
(power switch)

Body Structure

Body Cover / Chassis

Magnesium Alloy (front), Polycarbonate (rear) / Aluminum

Magnesium Alloy / Stainless Steel

Magnesium Alloy /
Stainless Steel

Largely Magnesium Alloy

Environmental Seals

Yes

Power System

Battery Compatibility

NP-FM500H

Main: BP-511 / BP-511A / BP-512 / BP-514
Backup: CR2016

Main: BP-511A, BP-511, or BP-512
Backup: CR2016

EN-EL3e

Rated Shooting Capacity at 20�C/68�F

CIPA: 650

CIPA: 1100

100% AE: 1100
50% Flash: 800
(manufacturer spec)

Up to 1800 (manufacturer spec)

CIPA: 1372

Dimensions & Weight

Dimensions (WxHxD, mm)

142 x 105 x 80

144 x 106 x 72

146 x 108 x 74

147 x 113 x 74

147 x 114 x 74

Weight (body only)

690 g

700 g

740 g

830 g

825 g

Oper.
Env.

Operating Temperature Range

0 ~ 40�C

Operating Humidity Range

Not stated

< 85%

Kit Lens

Focal length / aperture

18-70mm
f3.5-4.5 DT
or 16-105mm f3.5-5.6 DT

Lens Compatibility

Lens Mount / Compatibility

Sony Alpha mount; compatible with "most" Konica Minolta A-mount (Maxxum-compatible) AF lenses as well.

EF / All EOS lenses, plus EF-S lenses.

DX Nikkor: All functions supported;
Type G- or D-AF Nikkor: All functions supported;
Micro Nikkor 85mm F2.8D: All functions supported except some exposure modes;
Other AF Nikkor (excluding lenses for F3AF): All functions supported except 3D Color Matrix Metering, i-TTL balanced Fill-Flash for digital SLR;
AI-P Nikkor: All functions supported except 3D Color Matrix Metering, i-TTL balanced Fill-Flash for digital SLR and autofocus;
Non-CPU: Can be used in exposure mode A and M with metering; electronic range finder can be used if maximum aperture is f/5.6 or faster.
IX Nikkor Lenses cannot be used.

DX Nikkor: All functions supported;
Type G- or D-AF Nikkor: All functions supported;
Micro Nikkor 85mm F2.8D: All functions supported except some exposure modes;
Other AF Nikkor (excluding lenses for F3AF): All functions supported except 3D Color Matrix Metering, i-TTL balanced Fill-Flash for digital SLR;
AI-P Nikkor: All functions supported except 3D Color Matrix Metering, i-TTL balanced Fill-Flash for digital SLR and autofocus;
Non-CPU: Can be used in exposure mode A and M with metering; electronic range finder can be used if maximum aperture is f/5.6 or faster. Up to 10 non-CPU lenses can be registered.
IX Nikkor Lenses cannot be used.

Sony A700 vs the Competition