Sublime image quality

Revolutionary new 12.24-megapixel (effective) CMOS sensor—Exmor™

12-megapixel resolution

35mm F1.4G (SAL35F14G), M mode, 1/320 sec., F4, ISO 200, White balance: Custom

Proprietary new on-chip column A/D conversion and dual noise reduction

The α700's new Exmor CMOS sensor, developed and manufactured exclusively by Sony, maximizes the performance potential of the α lens lineup with 12.24-megapixel resolution that's rich in highlight and shadow detail. Because proprietary Sony noise reduction technologies are applied both before and after analog-to-digital conversion, right on the Exmor CMOS sensor itself, signal output is exceptionally clean even at sensitivity settings as high as ISO 3200. In addition, a 3-layer low pass filter preserves high-resolution detail while suppressing moiré effects and color artifacts.

Exmor™

Top of this page

Advanced new BIONZ™ image processing engine

Vivid colors and higher resolution

70-200mm F2.8G (SAL70200G), M mode, 1/800 sec., F4, ISO 200, White balance: Custom

Another step forward in the evolution of image quality

The α700's new BIONZ image processing engine employs proprietary Sony technology to capture colors with a rich sense of texture and depth, just as the human eye perceives them. It begins with a cleaner signal because the Exmor CMOS sensor's on-chip circuitry suppresses noise from the outset, and it packs the power needed to process the sensor's massive data output with lightening speed. What's more, BIONZ refines the signal even more by screening out noise during both RAW data conversion and image processing, faithfully reproducing the full range of detail, contrast, and color that is captured by α lenses.

BIONZ image processor

Image processing
  • (1) Lens
  • (2) Captured image
  • (3) On-chip column A/D conversion + Dual noise reduction
  • (4) RAW data noise reduction
  • (5) Image processing
  • (6) Data compression
  • (7) Recording to memory media: MemoryStick / CF card

The Exmor CMOS sensor and BIONZ image processing engine work as a team to reduce noise and ensure crisp, accurate reproduction of details captured by the α lens.

Top of this page

Advanced noise reduction for clearer images

Clear image with noize reduction

50mm F1.4 (SAL50F14), M mode, 1/160 sec., F5.6, ISO 100, White balance: Custom

ISO400

ISO400

ISO800

ISO800

ISO1600

ISO1600

ISO3200

ISO3200


ISO settings

You can select sensitivity settings from ISO 100 to 3200. ISO 6400 is also available in extended ISO mode.

Exmor™ + BIONZ™ multi-stage noise reduction

The α700 employs advanced technologies at every stage of image acquisition and processing to reduce the electrical signal noise that can degrade image quality, especially when taking long exposures or using high ISO sensitivity settings. When a photo is taken, the Exmor CMOS sensor's on-chip circuitry suppresses noise both before and after it carries out analog-to-digital signal conversion. Within the BIONZ image processing engine, noise reduction is also applied during both RAW data conversion and image processing to ensure an absolute minimum of noise in the final image data. In addition, high ISO noise reduction is automatically applied when shooting at ISO 1600 or more.

High ISO noise reduction High ISO noise reduction OFF

OFF

High ISO noise reduction ON

ON

High ISO noise reduction
When ISO sensitivity is set to 1600 or higher, high ISO noise reduction is automatically activated. (High, Normal, or Low is user-selectable.)

 Analog signal Analog signal  Digital signal Digital signal  Noise Noise

α700 Noise Reduction

Exmor™ CMOS Sensor BIONZ™ Image Processor Output
Noise Reduction with α700

Conventional Noise Reduction

Conventional Image Sensor Circuit Board Conventional Image Processor Output
Conventional noise reduction
  • (1) Receptor
  • (2) Charge Voltage Conversion
  • (3) Analog Signal Noise Reduction
  • (4) Dual Noise Reduction
  • (5) On-chip Column A/D Conversion
  • (6) A/D Conversion
  • (7) Digital Noise Reduction
  • (8) Digital Signal
  • (9) RAW Data NR
  • (10) Image Processing + NR
  • (11) Analog Signal
  • (12) Longer analog signal path generates more noise.

Top of this page

Look sharp, with Super SteadyShot® Inside

SuperSteadyShot

Vario-Sonnar® T* DT16-80mm F3.5-4.5 ZA (SAL1680Z), M mode, 1/8 sec., F4, ISO 200, White balance: Custom

Comparison of body-integrated image stabilization effect

Super SteadyShot OFF

Super SteadyShot OFF

Super SteadyShot ON

Super SteadyShot ON


Body-integrated image stabilization unit

Body-integrated image stabilization unit

Super SteadyShot switch

Super SteadyShot switch


Improved body-integrated image stabilization that works with any α lens

The α700 incorporates an improved version of our Super SteadyShot image stabilization system to help prevent blurring caused by camera shake. Unlike lens-based systems, the Super SteadyShot system is built into the camera body and works by shifting the image sensor. As a result, it can provide protection against blurring with any α lens. What's more, the new system's more effective stabilization enables users to shoot at shutter speeds from 2.5 to 4 steps slower than would otherwise be possible, so even shots that would normally require the use of a tripod or flash can be taken handheld.

Super SteadyShot® Flash Movie

Lens lineup

Because the Super SteadyShot system is mounted inside the α700's body, it provides effective image stabilization with any α series lens.


Top of this page