Sony A850 DSLR Review | 108 Data compared

The DPReview review of the Sony Alpha DSLR-A850 highlights the camera as a cost-effective, high-resolution 24.6 MP full-frame option, boasting a durable, weather-sealed magnesium body, a bright 98% viewfinder, and in-body SteadyShot stabilization. While offering excellent image quality in good light, the model lacks modern features like live view or video, and is limited by a slow 3.0 frames per second burst rate. Performance compromises include high noise levels at sensitivities above ISO 400 and aggressive, often soft, internal JPEG processing that makes it a tool primarily for dedicated, raw-shooting photographers rather than a versatile, modern camera. Ultimately, the A850 is framed as a "no-nonsense" tool that democratized full-frame, as noted in the analysis.

The Sony Alpha DSLR-A850 offers an affordable entry into full-frame photography by featuring a massive 24.6-megapixel Exmor CMOS sensor for a fraction of the cost of similar high-end models. It excels in delivering stunning image quality, accurate colour rendering, minimal noise, and immense fine detail that easily rivals professional-grade cameras. The camera features a rugged, retro-styled body, a highly responsive power-up time, and dual Bionz processors that minimise shot-to-shot pauses. Key pros include its exceptionally bright and clear optical pentaprism viewfinder, a high-resolution 3-inch LCD screen, dual memory card bays, and an effective in-camera SteadyShot image stabilisation system that works across all compatible Zeiss, Minolta, and Konica Minolta lenses.

The Trusted Reviews evaluation of the Sony Alpha a850 highlights it as a "stripped-down", pro-spec variant of the flagship a900, designed to make full-frame digital photography accessible at a lower price point. The review praises its robust build quality, intuitive button layout, and identical, high-performing processing system that delivers superb image quality. Conversely, the review notes several design compromises, including a poorly placed preview button and the complete omission of modern features like live view, video, or a built-in flash. It is noted that, as a "gap-filler" with a reduced burst rate, the cost savings may feel minor compared to a discounted flagship a900.

The Sony Alpha 850 is a heavyweight full-frame DSLR camera featuring a 24.6-million-pixel CMOS sensor built into a rugged magnesium alloy body shell. Its massive 6048×4032 image size allows photographers to create massive 51x34cm prints with stunning sharpness, especially when paired with Carl Zeiss lenses. Key strengths highlighted in the review include its aggressive full-frame pricing, clean image noise performance up to ISO 800, and a powerful internal image stabiliser offering up to 4 f-stops of anti-shake performance. It also provides data flexibility by offering a space-saving compressed RAW format (cRAW) alongside standard RAW and JPEG options. However, the reviewer emphasizes that this machine is not ideal for beginners due to several stark feature omissions. On the downside, the camera lacks movie capture capabilities entirely, has no Live View functionality due to its fixed optical pentaprism, and does not include a pop-up fill flash or a tilting/swinging LCD screen. Additionally, its burst shooting speed is quite limited at just 3 frames per second, and image noise degrades noticeably at its maximum ISO setting of 6400.

The What Digital Camera review identifies the Sony Alpha A850 as a robust, 24.6-megapixel full-frame DSLR that delivers high-end imaging performance, including dual Bionz processors and a durable, heavy-duty build at a competitive price point. Key advantages include a high-resolution 3-inch LCD screen, intuitive dedicated SteadyShot control, and excellent image quality suitable for studio work. Conversely, the review notes significant limitations, such as a slower 3fps burst rate, 98% viewfinder coverage, and an awkwardly placed Intelligent Preview button. Furthermore, the A850 lacks modern features like video recording, live view, and a built-in flash, while requiring high-quality lenses to perform optimally.

Based on the provided field test report, the Sony Alpha A850 stands out as a highly affordable 24.6-megapixel full-frame DSLR that delivers extraordinary, gallery-quality image resolution at low ISO settings (ISO 100 to 200). Built like a "tank" with a rugged magnesium alloy body and moisture-resistant seals, it shares identical image quality and most core features with the pricier A900, including an oversized 35mm sensor that eliminates the field-of-view crop for true wide-angle shooting. Serious photographers will appreciate the dual BIONZ processors, a reliable 9-point autofocus system (with 10 assist points), and an intuitive user interface driven by a high-resolution 3-inch LCD screen featuring "Intelligent Preview" to evaluate adjustments before shooting. Furthermore, it is uniquely equipped with a built-in SteadyShot image stabilizer—providing a two to three shutter speed step benefit—and offers total compatibility with legacy Konica-Minolta Maxxum/Dynax lenses.

In this ⁠Luminous Landscape review written by Michael Reichmann, the Sony Alpha 850 is celebrated as a highly aggressive, price-disrupting 25-megapixel full-frame DSLR that cost around $2,000 at launch. It provides virtually identical image quality, menus, and physical controls to Sony’s more expensive flagship A900 model, undercutting competitors like the Canon 5D MKII by roughly 25%. The core strengths highlighted in the review include its intuitive, photographer-centric ergonomics, a large and incredibly bright optical viewfinder, and exceptional image quality comparable to much costlier full-frame cameras up to ISO 1600. Additionally, it features excellent built-in, sensor-based image stabilization that automatically stabilizes any attached lens. However, the review points out several notable compromises and limitations inherent to the system. To achieve the lower price point compared to the A900, Sony reduced the maximum continuous shooting speed from 5 to 3 frames per second, slightly dropped the viewfinder coverage to 98%, used a minor variation in the metal body finish, and omitted the remote control. On a broader scale, the camera completely lacks Live View and video capabilities, which Reichmann notes as significant...

The Photo Review Australia assessment highlights the Sony DSLR-A850 as a high-resolution, 24.6-megapixel full-frame camera offering the capabilities of the flagship A900 at a lower price point. Key strengths include the 3.0-inch, 921,000-dot Xtra Fine LCD, in-body SteadyShot stabilization, and superb, low-sensitivity image quality suited for landscapes and studio work. Conversely, the review notes significant limitations to meet its price point, including a 98% viewfinder coverage, a slow 3 frames-per-second burst rate, and a lack of live view or video capabilities. Noise increases at ISO 1600 and above, making it less ideal for high-speed action or extreme low-light scenarios.

The Sony Alpha 850 is a rare 24-megapixel full-frame DSLR that delivers remarkably vibrant images, exceptionally consistent auto white balance, and a bright, expansive optical viewfinder. Handling the robustly built camera body is highly satisfying, and utilizing just its central focus point allows for highly accurate, rarely missed focusing. The A-mount system also provides great value due to its compatibility with a highly affordable catalog of vintage Minolta glass and solid Zeiss lenses, such as the 24-70mm f/2.8 zoom.