Sony A700 DSLR Sony DT 16 105mm F3 5 5 6 Review | 108 Data compared

The Sony Alpha DSLR-A700 is a highly capable, enthusiast-focused camera featuring a 12.2-megapixel CMOS sensor, 5 fps continuous shooting, and a detailed 3.0-inch VGA LCD. Key strengths include excellent low ISO image quality, effective sensor-shift stabilization, and the customizable "Quick Navi" interface. Conversely, the model lacks Live View and a dedicated top status LCD, forcing reliance on the rear screen for settings. Additionally, mandatory noise reduction in RAW files can degrade fine detail at high ISOs, and the build lacks weather sealing compared to competitors.

The Sony Alpha A700 is a robust 12.2-megapixel CMOS digital SLR designed for photo enthusiasts, blending Minolta’s traditional design principles with precise Sony engineering. Built with a durable magnesium-alloy and polycarbonate chassis featuring environmental weather seals, it offers a lighter build than its predecessor while maintaining a balanced, comfortable grip. Key performance advantages highlighted in the review include an upgraded Super SteadyShot image stabilization system, a fast 5 frames-per-second continuous shooting mode with an upgraded BIONZ processor, and a highly responsive Multi-controller joystick. The camera also features an exceptional, bright pentaprism viewfinder with a "super spherical acute mat" focusing screen, alongside a stunning 3-inch, high-resolution 922K-pixel LCD and direct HDMI output for modern connectivity. Despite these strengths, the review notes several design and functional drawbacks. The camera features fewer physical analog dials compared to the Maxxum 7D, shifting several primary adjustments like flash EV compensation and drive modes into software menus. Accessing top deck buttons for ISO, white balance, and drive mode requires the user to awkwardly take their hand off the main grip. Additionally, its dual storage system—housing both...

The Sony A700 review on Photography Bay highlights the 12.2-megapixel DSLR as a tough and capable prosumer workhorse that holds its own against competitors like the Canon 50D and Nikon D300. The reviewer praises its excellent ergonomics, featuring a comfortable rubberised right-hand grip, and an abundance of physical buttons and dials that minimise menu scrolling. Performance-wise, the camera boasts a "downright snappy" 11-point autofocus system that excels in low light—even outperforming the Canon 5D Mark II—alongside a fast 5 frames-per-second continuous shooting speed and a big, bright optical pentaprism viewfinder. Additionally, its body-integrated Super SteadyShot sensor-shift image stabilization works seamlessly across all attached lenses, and the inclusion of a wireless remote adds unexpected value. However, the review points out clear drawbacks, particularly regarding image noise and low-light sensor performance. The Sony A700 exhibits weaker noise performance in day-to-day scenarios, yielding unacceptable noise levels once the sensitivity reaches ISO 1600 and above. While overall image quality is highly respectable in good lighting and RAW files are easy to process in Adobe Lightroom, shooting at the maximum expanded range of ISO 6400...

The Photo Review Australia review identifies the Sony DSLR-A700 as a rugged, high-performance prosumer camera featuring a 3.0-inch 921,000-dot LCD screen with superior, anti-reflective, high-definition viewing. Key strengths include its moisture-sealed body, intuitive controls, and HDMI connectivity for enhanced, high-definition image playback. Conversely, the review notes that the high-resolution screen, while impressive, should not be solely trusted for critical exposure or color accuracy in bright sunlight. Furthermore, the lack of a top status LCD requires constant use of the rear screen, which can result in significant, rapid battery drain during extended shooting sessions.

The ePHOTOzine review of the Sony DT 16-105mm f/3.5-5.6 finds it to be a well-built, flexible lens for APS-C cameras, offering a versatile 6.5x zoom range and a non-rotating 62mm filter thread. While the lens provides solid build quality and good center sharpness at 16mm, it suffers from significant softness at longer focal lengths and noticeable lens flare when shooting near bright light.

The DPReview evaluation of the Sony DT 16-105mm F3.5-5.6 highlights its role as a versatile "walkaround" lens for APS-C, offering an impressive 24-160mm equivalent range in a compact, well-built package with excellent flare resistance. Optically, the lens shines with exceptional sharpness at the wide-angle (16mm and 24mm) settings, making it strong for landscapes and general photography. However, the review notes significant compromises, including noticeable softness at the telephoto end, reduced sharpness in the mid-range at wider apertures, and visible chromatic aberration. Furthermore, it suffers from poor ergonomics, featuring a stiff manual focus ring and an uneven zoom action.

The Sony DT 16-105mm f/3.5-5.6 is a versatile, compact "all-rounder" lens that serves as a significant upgrade over standard kit lenses, providing a broad, travel-friendly zoom range. It offers competent image resolution at shorter focal lengths and generally performs well across frequently used aperture settings. However, the ambitious 6.5x zoom introduces notable compromises, including significant barrel-to-pincushion distortion and reduced image performance at the long telephoto end. Further drawbacks include a slow, variable f/3.5-5.6 aperture, requiring users to stop down to at least f/11 for optimal sharpness at 105mm.

The DPReview analysis of the Sony 16-105mm F3.5-5.6 finds the lens offers spectacular sharpness at wide-angle settings, particularly at 16mm and 24mm. However, this ambitious focal range necessitates optical compromises, resulting in distinct corner softness, a significant drop in resolution at wide apertures, and noticeable chromatic aberration at both zoom extremes. DPReview Image quality degradation varies by zoom, with wide-angle shots showing sudden edge softness and mid-range shots exhibiting a more gradual fall-off. While a versatile performer, the lens struggles with maintaining sharpness towards the telephoto end, particularly with edge performance. DPReview