Sony A450 announced

[Yinfinity]

I am no pro, but seriously I would like to have a video option. Even though I reckon I will probably not use it much.

Coz I will be traveling next week...and I was thinking how nice it would be if I can just take a few short videos to complement the photos...

Hmmm :think: I'm under the impression that Sony might push out HD-video ready Alphas eventually in 2010, given their proven experience in Handycams.

+1 here.
Usually I would advocate the un-necessity of video function in a pro level dSLR but here we are talking about consumer oriented models.

If Sony is really targeting at consumers with its myriad of entry level cameras, why not put in video function to make them even more appealing to average consumers? Or at least, on par with Canon and Nikon as they both have incorporated video functions into models targeted at entry level.

Even if Sony does eventually incorporate video function into entry level, it just won't make any sense not to do it early. Or one can argue Sony is targeting at the part of the growing entry level market that does not find video function appealing.
Make. Believe.

 

[zuikoku]

A450 LCD not the same as A550.

A550 -
• 3.0 TFT Xtra Fine LCD
• 921,600 dots

A450 -
• 6.7cm (2.7") TFT Clear Photo LCD
• 230,400 dots

Let's not get confuse here.

Anyway I'm still a bit confuse too as both models have MF LV check but the a450 no Quick AF LV. Meaning can LV but without AF or what?

Yes.. I mean A450 = A550 (minus 3.0" LCD 921K)
So A450 is using 2.7" LCD Fixed on 230K resolution.

AFAIK, the camera is only have MF LV Check only. (is not real LV as we find on current dual sensor as A300/330/350/380/500/550)
It's not possible to do AF on this mode.

 

[cleonbong]

I can't agree more.... There are simply too many models at the bottom

I wonder how far can they go?

A230 - $ 699.00
A330 - $ 949.00
A380 - $ 1099.00
A450 - $ 1199.00 ?[/COLOR]
A500 - $ 1299.00
A550 - $ 1399.00

We need a A7XX or A8XX to be back in the game with C Camp - XD and N Camp -DXXXS

A330's RRP is $899.$949 is the limited edition one

 

[metzzy]

so it's 7fps with liveview & no tilting screen. its a200 upgrade

 

[greenieadi]

so it's 7fps with liveview & no tilting screen. its a200 upgrade

No liveview, but have Manual Focus Live View Check.

 

[Seeto]

a DSLR should do what a DSLR does best... that is TAKE STILL PICS! Y are ppl complain about the lack of HD video on a DSLR? If u wanna take HD Video... then do get a HD Camcorder! Any device that does multiple functions usually only does one well or sucks at everything!

There is actually chatter around about a A700 replacement which is supposedly A750, a FF 14MP.

 

[lenrek]

a DSLR should do what a DSLR does best... that is TAKE STILL PICS! Y are ppl complain about the lack of HD video on a DSLR? If u wanna take HD Video... then do get a HD Camcorder! Any device that does multiple functions usually only does one well or sucks at everything!

Is a trend, so it will come to Sony dSLR system, but I don't think Sony is in a hurry to release it.

There is actually chatter around about a A700 replacement which is supposedly A750, a FF 14MP.

Ya, I saw it, and it was posted here sometime back. However, I don't really believe it.

 

[TME]

Looks like Sony is building an ecosystem of Alpha DSLR users... you get a large entry-level user base, then run free workshops for them, get them interested in your higher end equipment, once you locked in sufficient users, then you can start unleashing higher end DSLRs which are more expensive to develop and of course more expensive to sell... As someone said, a bottom-up approach... they're building brand awareness by flooding the market with models that fill in-between segments that other manufacturers don't see, and so there's a SONY for every single type of entry level user now with 6 models... only time will tell if this shotgun approach will work or not... but the growth potential is really in the entry level market now... the top end users will remain small in number and most enthusiasts won't change a $3000 camera body on a whim... but it's not so difficult to cough up $1000 for a body when you can trade in your old body or sell it off 2nd hand to cover the new camera...

 

[Shoooters]

This is what you called "放长线，钓大鱼" method.

 

[jammerwong]

This is what you called "放长线，钓大鱼" method.

I hope that Sony would not take too long before the C and N come and 钓 the 大鱼s away.....

 

[lenrek]

I hope that Sony would not take too long before the C and N come and 钓 the 大鱼s away.....

Small fish will eventually grow to big fish...

 

[bene123]

Ermmm Those who are dying for the A700 replacement have to wait till end of september....
IE I think it will be the highlight item for sony Photokina.... + Sony new flagship that will settle Hi ISO issues...
Betting on fullframe 14.2 cmos sensor for 7XX

 

[TME]

Ermmm Those who are dying for the A700 replacement have to wait till end of september....
IE I think it will be the highlight item for sony Photokina.... + Sony new flagship that will settle Hi ISO issues...
Betting on fullframe 14.2 cmos sensor for 7XX

Not likely, otherwise another gap will be created, a high end APS-C body that is very important to the serious amateur segment and also the freelance segment cos the A700 is often used as an affordable and capable backup...

 

[tehzeh]

Not likely, otherwise another gap will be created, a high end APS-C body that is very important to the serious amateur segment and also the freelance segment cos the A700 is often used as an affordable and capable backup...

Hmm, but I read somewhere that this replacement might be a really affordable FF (more affordable than A850) and it serves as an upgrade for A700 owners who want to upgrade to FF. Let's say, if the A700 replacement is less than SGD2000, it does slot into the gap nicely right?

P.S. the SGD2000 price tag or USD1500 is just a rumour stated in some of the websites. So it might not be true.

 

[A Whale]

Looks like Sony is building an ecosystem of Alpha DSLR users... you get a large entry-level user base, then run free workshops for them, get them interested in your higher end equipment, once you locked in sufficient users, then you can start unleashing higher end DSLRs which are more expensive to develop and of course more expensive to sell... As someone said, a bottom-up approach... they're building brand awareness by flooding the market with models that fill in-between segments that other manufacturers don't see, and so there's a SONY for every single type of entry level user now with 6 models... only time will tell if this shotgun approach will work or not... but the growth potential is really in the entry level market now... the top end users will remain small in number and most enthusiasts won't change a $3000 camera body on a whim... but it's not so difficult to cough up $1000 for a body when you can trade in your old body or sell it off 2nd hand to cover the new camera...

Nice analysis of the situation.

Btw, Sony implemented a simillar approach on their mp3 players for quite sometime liao.. I remembered that there were so many entry-level walkman series to choose from.

They flooded the market with mp3 players of similar functions before unleashing one of the most (or probably the best) sound quality player, the X series. Day by day, the older models are starting to get obsolete. Not surprised that Sony will become the next apple in terms of marketing growth.

 

[Atarandas]

Nice analysis of the situation.

Btw, Sony implemented a simillar approach on their mp3 players for quite sometime liao.. I remembered that there were so many entry-level walkman series to choose from.

They flooded the market with mp3 players of similar functions before unleashing one of the most (or probably the best) sound quality player, the X series. Day by day, the older models are starting to get obsolete. Not surprised that Sony will become the next apple in terms of marketing growth.

Hmm actually , I am not so sure of this strategy to launch similar products into the market. From a marketing standpoint , a successful product is not one thats most superior , but one that market values most. If we can remember creative , who has released numerous models of Nomads , Jukebox , untill we cannot even tell the difference anymore.

And Nokia phones with all the number of its 6 series and N series.

Comparing this to Apple , who has very distinct and clear market proposition and product branding. Computers its Ibook , handphone its Iphone , MPS its Ipod / Itouch.

However not to say that market segmentation is not important, it makes alot of sense to design your products to target each of the market segments. However , releasing a series of similar models in a short period of time , tends to attract sales cannibalisation within the models and market confusion and to some extent , consumer confusion.

On the otherhand ,for the value conscious DSLR buyer , who really wana go for the cheapest model and is knowledgeable enough about the difference between the A230 to A550 model , the variety of options would be most welcomed by them. But the tricky bit is , if the pricing gap is not distinctive in between models , people would just think , lets the next one as its come with additional function while only costing 100 more .

 

[Linnl71]

Hmm actually , I am not so sure of this strategy to launch similar products into the market. From a marketing standpoint , a successful product is not one thats most superior , but one that market values most. If we can remember creative , who has released numerous models of Nomads , Jukebox , untill we cannot even tell the difference anymore.

And Nokia phones with all the number of its 6 series and N series.

Comparing this to Apple , who has very distinct and clear market proposition and product branding. Computers its Ibook , handphone its Iphone , MPS its Ipod / Itouch.

However not to say that market segmentation is not important, it makes alot of sense to design your products to target each of the market segments. However , releasing a series of similar models in a short period of time , tends to attract sales cannibalisation within the models and market confusion and to some extent , consumer confusion.

On the otherhand ,for the value conscious DSLR buyer , who really wana go for the cheapest model and is knowledgeable enough about the difference between the A230 to A550 model , the variety of options would be most welcomed by them. But the tricky bit is , if the pricing gap is not distinctive in between models , people would just think , lets the next one as its come with additional function while only costing 100 more .

I totally agree with this. But it's still too early to say. Only can see what Sony has up its sleeve... :bsmilie:

 

[mannfai]

Hmm actually , I am not so sure of this strategy to launch similar products into the market. From a marketing standpoint , a successful product is not one thats most superior , but one that market values most. If we can remember creative , who has released numerous models of Nomads , Jukebox , untill we cannot even tell the difference anymore.

And Nokia phones with all the number of its 6 series and N series.

Comparing this to Apple , who has very distinct and clear market proposition and product branding. Computers its Ibook , handphone its Iphone , MPS its Ipod / Itouch.

However not to say that market segmentation is not important, it makes alot of sense to design your products to target each of the market segments. However , releasing a series of similar models in a short period of time , tends to attract sales cannibalisation within the models and market confusion and to some extent , consumer confusion.

On the otherhand ,for the value conscious DSLR buyer , who really wana go for the cheapest model and is knowledgeable enough about the difference between the A230 to A550 model , the variety of options would be most welcomed by them. But the tricky bit is , if the pricing gap is not distinctive in between models , people would just think , lets the next one as its come with additional function while only costing 100 more .

It would interesting if Apple enters the DSLR market one day....imagine...iDSLR. Either white or black to choose from. Doesn't accept memory cards but you have a choice of 8GB or 16GB model. Only one button on the camera. :think:

 

[Rashkae]

It would interesting if Apple enters the DSLR market one day....imagine...iDSLR. Either white or black to choose from. Doesn't accept memory cards but you have a choice of 8GB or 16GB model. Only one button on the camera. :think:

There is no storage because the whole back is an iPod Touch / iPhone dock. The screen automatically becomes the control interface.

i'm telling you, even if it's lousy, it would sell. It's apple.

 

[yokechye]

It would interesting if Apple enters the DSLR market one day....imagine...iDSLR. Either white or black to choose from. Doesn't accept memory cards but you have a choice of 8GB or 16GB model. Only one button on the camera. :think:

like that ar... 16gb not enough for holiday shots wor... worst when using RAW, not enough memory space!... plus battery is gonna be intergrated, so cannot swap, i wont buy :bsmilie: