Sony Thursday introduced three new digital SLRs in its Alpha family. The cameras feature a number of innovative features for both professional and value-minded photographers.
The Sony a850 is the little brother of the a900, a pro unit released last year. Like the a900, the a850 features a 24.6 megapixel Exmor CMOS sensor. Two BIONZ processors enable fast data capture and image processing, allowing you to snap photos at three frames per second.
Unlike the a900, however, the new a850 sells for $2,000 (body only).
More details and photos after the jump.
The Sony a850 provides a preview function that displays a RAW image, letting you adjust white balance ,exposure and other photo details before taking a shot.
The a850 also offers features two LCD screens: a 3-inch Xtra Fine LCD for focusing and a backlit LCD on the camera’s top to adjust settings.
The a850 is available in September and compatible with all a900 gear.
Sony also unveiled two other other DSLRs: the a500 and a550. The a500 ($750, body only) is a 12.3 megapixel image engine with a 230,00-pixel LCD. The a550 ($950, body only) has a 14.2 megapixel sensor and is the first DSLR in its range that shoots seven frames per second for under $1,000. The camera also includes a 921,000-pixel LCD.
Both cameras include Sony’s Quick AF Live View for fast focusing. Live View uses Face Detection, able to track eight faces. Meanwhile, the cameras include Manual Focus Check Live View for finding the perfect settings.
The cameras can also be purchased with an 18-22mm lens; the a500 ($850) and a550 ($1050).
