On 6th September 2007 - Sony announced its newest addition to the á digital SLR camera system. Aimed at serious photo enthusiasts and semi-professionals, the á700 teams uncompromising performance and responsiveness with superlative HD image quality – from shooting to viewing.

In addition to its rugged build quality and pro-friendly features, the á700 redefines ease of use for such a highly-specified digital SLR camera. Thanks to its intuitive new navigation system, camera settings can be adjusted in moments under the most exacting shooting conditions.

There’s also an extensive new palette of customisation options and creative tools to help photographers take their passion to the next level.

Extraordinary next-generation imaging quality. Key to the superlative performance of the á700 is its all-new 12.24 effective megapixel Exmor™ CMOS sensor. This new sensor utilises cultivated CCD imaging and original Column A/D conversion technologies to deliver high-speed and high picture quality. The latest-generation Sony semiconductors and advanced signal processing techniques ensure images with extraordinary clarity, sharpness and detailing plus rich, lifelike colours, tones and textures.

For the first time ever in a D-SLR camera, the advanced Exmor™ CMOS sensor performs A/D conversion using dedicated convertors that are located close to each element array on the sensor itself. Analogue noise cancellation prior to A/D conversion is complemented by further on-chip noise reduction once signals have been digitised.

This results in digital signals that are exceptionally immune from external noise and interference that can seriously degrade analogue signals produced by other sensors.

Digital signals with reduced noise are then fed from the Exmor™ sensor to the newly developed BIONZ™ processing engine where they are subjected to a further RAW noise reduction stage prior to compression and encoding.

With a maximum sensitivity of ISO 3200, the á700 can grab compelling sports/action shots, atmospheric interiors or relaxed portraits in any available light.

Super SteadyShot optical image stabilisation inside the camera body is compatible with the complete range of á-mount lenses. Anti-shake performance has been improved by up to half a stop over the entire focal length range. Equivalent correction now extends from 2.5 to 4 stops (depending on lens, camera settings and shooting conditions). This can drastically reduce the risk of blurred images in situations where a tripod and flash would normally be needed.

Responsive new centre dual cross 11-points autofocus. Responsive, high speed autofocus is a ‘must have’ for any serious photographer. With 11 focus points and 11 lines, the new centre dual cross sensor provides a major enhancement in AF performance under a wide range of real-world shooting conditions. High precision AF can be achieved at open aperture with lenses brighter than F2.8. In addition, lens drive control time has been shortened for object distance calculation and focus position.

An AF illuminator assists with fast, accurate autofocus in low light or with low contrast subjects.

Fast, intuitive navigation and convenient function control. A brilliantly simple new ‘Quick Navi’ interface assures fast, positive operation in high-pressure shooting situations when there’s no time to fumble with function menus. Camera settings can be accessed instantly via the easy-to-use joystick and icons on the 3-inch photo-quality screen. Selected parameters can be adjusted directly without the need to drill down into fiddly sub-menus.

For even greater convenience in the studio or on location, a global ‘snapshot’ of 28 camera settings can be stored in one of three user memories for instant recall. A dedicated Custom button can be assigned to frequently-needed functions such as file size