Right before the new firmware release Photographyblog tested the Sony A850: “In terms of image quality, the A850 is also hard to find fault with. The resolution is jaw-dropping, the dynamic range is fantastic, the tonality is great and the colours are pleasing. You do get quite a bit of noise at ISO 1600 and higher (and sometimes lower as well), but it won’t really impact on the final output unless you print those high-ISO shots really, really big, and then scrutinise them from a distance that borders on the ridiculous“. Click here to read the 6 page long review.
Reminder:
The Sony A850 is having $100.00 Instant Savings at Amazon, Adorama, BHphoto.
7 Responses
“We’re a little late in reviewing the A850…” is a gross understatement. But fortunately there were several informative, and very positive, reviews of a850 out in the blogosphere 15 months ago when I decided to buy mine. An incredible camera and a jaw-dropping bargain.
It’s a nice camera.
I like mind alot, and hope to add to my system with more glass like the SAL2470z I just got.
The only problem I have is ISO above 1600 in RAW
You should read the article Steve, and get some perspective. To quote the part on noise in the high iso samples “we urge you to judge them accordingly – remember that no matter how ugly the ISO 6400 crops may look, they still retain more detail than most other cameras can capture in the first place.”
Thank you Rob, I did read it.
I love my a850 and have used it for almost a year now, and maybe its my CS5 software not doing its job……. but my new Canon 5 is better at 1600 than my a850 that all.
When I get my 8×10’s back from my printer hi ISO stuff is better on my Canon, but my ISO 200 prints are sharper on my a850.
Do you think I’m doing something wrong?
Should I try a different RAW sofware?
Canon 5dmk2 is better @ high iso, but sucks @ low iso.
I don’t own or haven’t use the camera before, but from the reviews I read, the Canon 5D does do better in higher ISO, but the A850 does make it up in other places, plus it starts at a lower price for a start. Have you tried using noise ninja?
Lightroom 3 and DxO of the latest generation are the key ingredient in getting excellent high iso results. Tried a850, 5dMkII and Nikon D700 side by side in raw, all produced great results. One won’t be able to spot a difference after post if a pro works with a camera