The new α850 from Sony offers serious photo enthusiasts a step up to the creative possibilities of full-frame imaging. Ruggedly built for unflinching pro-style handling and performance, the α850 has 24.6 megapixels, with a number of features of the flagship α900. Like its full-frame sibling, the α850 fully exploits the creative possibilities of the α family of lenses that includes premium optics from Carl Zeiss, plus five high-performance G Lens models.

The new α850 from Sony offers serious photo enthusiasts a step up to the creative possibilities of full-frame imaging. Ruggedly built for unflinching pro-style handling and performance, the α850 has 24.6 megapixels, with a number of features of the flagship α900. Like its full-frame sibling, the α850 fully exploits the creative possibilities of the α family of lenses that includes premium optics from Carl Zeiss, plus five high-performance G Lens models. "Providing a follow-up to our flagship model released last year,the new α850 brings the benefits of a full-frame digital SLR camera to a broader group of consumers," said Maurice Satya, Product Manager for α DSLR at Sony Australia. "Feature packed with 24.6 megapixels, Exmor CMOS sensor and dual BIONZ processors, the α850 delivers true-to-life reproduction with breathtaking resolution."

At the heart of the α850 is a full frame 24.6 effective megapixel Exmor CMOS sensor, that captures flawless, detail-packed images with vibrant, lifelike colours and fine textures. The purity of high resolution image data captured by the full-frame sensor is optimised by two-stage noise reduction, in both analogue and digital domains. Noise reduction is first applied as the full-frame sensor converts light to electronic signals. Dual BIONZ image engines process large amounts of digital data, applying finely-tuned noise reduction during image processing, to deliver pictures with extremely high levels of sharpness with minimal noise. This combination of high native sensor resolution and powerful noise control techniques ensures superlative image quality, even at high sensitivity settings up to a maximum ISO 6400 (with expanded ISO range).

The camera's optical glass pentaprism viewfinder aids accurate shot composition, offering an extremely bright view with minimal distortion and approximately 98 percent field coverage. Serious enthusiasts will also prize the camera's fast, high-accuracy autofocus system that provides excellent framing freedom, while making it easier to achieve optimum focus with moving subjects. The 9-point AF system is supplemented by 10 focus assist points to assist subject detection, improved out-offocus detection to reduce focus hunting and a dedicated F2.8 sensor for enhanced AF accuracy with wide aperture lenses. Shots can be viewed on the large, high contrast 3.0 inch Xtra Fine LCD that offers an exceptionally high resolution (921k dot) for critical evaluation – even when outdoors or in bright ambient light.

For greater creative control, an Intelligent Preview function indicates the effects of exposure, white balance and D-Range Optimiser adjustments prior to shooting. This Preview is invaluable when composing complex scenes that may typically combine multiple light sources with different colour temperatures.

Touching the 'FN' button switches the display to Quick Navi mode, allowing convenient one-handed adjustment of key shooting parameters. A secondary backlit LCD panel on the top of the camera body gives useful confirmation of major settings, even when the main LCD is turned off.

In common with all other DSLR cameras from Sony, the α850 features SteadyShot INSIDE. This inbody optical stabilisation system delivers up to 4 steps of anti-shake correction with all compatible lenses, opening up even greater creative possibilities when shooting handheld.

Like its full-frame sibling, the α850 is ruggedly built for dependable performance in gruelling conditions, with a high-tensile aluminium chassis and all-magnesium alloy body shell. Viewfinder, card slots, controls and other sensitive areas are protected from dust and moisture by rubber seals. In addition, an anti-dust system guards the full-frame sensor from the effects of dust entering the body during lens exchange.

The supplied high-capacity InfoLITHIUM rechargeable Battery Pack (NP-FM500H) delivers power for up to 880 shots (approximately) per charge. Battery levels can be monitored in precise 1 percent increments, cutting uncertainty about remaining shooting time.

The camera can be connected to a BRAVIA LCD TV or any HD TV (through an optional HDMI cable) for a big-screen view of your shots. On-screen image quality is optimised for superbly lifelike reproduction on BRAVIA LCD TV models supporting PhotoTV HD. On-screen playback can be controlled via an optional wireless remote commander (RMT-DSLR1).