AuntieM Loc: Eastern NC

I would like to upgrade to a full sensor Sony camera. I would like recommendations from other Sony users for full sensor cameras that you use and like, so I can start comparing the pros and cons of each for my needs.

Rob O' Loc: Freakin' Hot Arizona

Wow, not much to choose from I'm afraid. Sony has three full frame cameras, two of which are out of production. The a900 is a 24mp no frills camera with the most outstanding OVF in a DSLR. It's pretty long in the tooth though. It was designed to be a photographer's camera rather than a multimedia camera with video and special effects. The a850 is similar to the a900 but has a 95% veiwfinder (I think - might be 98%) compared to the a900's 100%. It also has a lower frame per second continuous shooting mode. However, it has the same sensor and produces the same quality of photo so many users saved their money and went with the a850. Again, both are out of production though you may be able to find them used.

The only full frame Sony DSLR available new is the a99 which was just released a couple weeks ago. It has a 24.3mp sensor, exceptional low light capability and a plethora of features. What sets it apart from other full frame DSLRs is the Electronic ViewFinder (EVF) that is the same as the a77 and a65. It gives a 100% field of view, full information including a histogram if desired right in the viewfinder, and a WYSIWYG view of the final shot before you take it. It sells for 2800 bucks, roughly 400 more than the price of the a900 when it was introduced. But, in my opinion, is well worth the extra dollars.

If I wasn't so satisfied with my a77, I think I might spring for one. But the APS-C sensor does everything I want.

Hope that gives you some insight. You really should check out the a99 on the Sony website for all the information. And if you've never seen the EVF in the a77, I think you'd be impressed.

meatyore

Well, Auntie M,you only have 3 choices in the Sony line-up: a850
a900 - both out of production
the new a99 slt -just released

all 3 are 24.3 MP

The only real difference between the older a850 and a900 models are the burst rate for continuous shooting, outside of a couple of other minor differences I cannot now bring to mind. You can read specs/pros/cons on those two here:

http://snapsort.com/compare/Sony_Alpha_DSLR-A850-vs-Sony_Alpha_DSLR-A900

I use the a850 full frame and the only disadvantage is that the sensor picks up noticeable noise after ISO 800, so if shooting low-light I switch to the a580 (crop-sensor)which has great reflexes in that situation.
Not having any hands-on experience with the new a99,,perhaps someone else here will give up the goods, or try and read some of the excellent review sites such as dpreview.com
happy camera hunting!

unclebe1 Loc: NYC & Wellington, FL

Although the a99 was announced, it's still not available (you can 'pre-order' one on B&H or Adorama). One feature, among many, that I'm waiting for is translucent mirror and NO mirror slap/delay/shake! If you read the few reports to date, it looks like one hell of a camera.

If you're interested, I'll be selling my a850 when I go to pick up the a99. ;-) Good luck!

bull drink water Loc: pontiac mi.

i was able to obtain a used a-850 at a good price,i am very happy with it.my demands are light so it fulfills most of my needs.my dt lenses work on it, however it will not shoot in 16x9 with dt lenses,only with ff lenses.

Photogdog Loc: New Kensington, PA

I apologize up front for breaking one of my own rules and going a little off topic here.

I have the Sony NEX-5N (with the optional EVF) and NEX-7. I believe Sony is using the same OLED EVF technology in the A99 and it is absolutely EXCELLENT! I used to be a died-in-the-wool optical viewfinder guy (hated EVFs), but Sony has really stepped up to the plate with electronic viewfinders.

Uuglypher Loc: South Dakota (East River)

My quandary was not too different from yours; to wit: whether to go for the A99 or wait for a Sony full frame 36Mp model?
I'm fully and happliy satisfied with...indeed, awed by...my A77 and its APS-C sensor for wildlife, landscapes, macros, and even digiscoping (the superb EVF is great for scope focusing) but may consider full-frame when Sony decides that the 36Mp sensor it presently has out on Beta test in the D800 has been sufficiently tweaked to stick in a full-framer with the Sony Alpha logo.
Dave Graham, East River, SD

Rob O' Loc: Freakin' Hot Arizona

It's in stock at Amazon. And quite a few folks on Flickr have had one for over a week.

Nevada Chuck

Your choices are extremely limited. Others have outlined what's been available, past and present. My advice, however, is to forget the full-frame lusting and get an a77 and be done with it. The only thing you can do with the full frame that you can't with the a77 is make EXTREME enlargements, or do heavy cropping because your cropping and composition skills leave something to be desired.

AuntieM Loc: Eastern NC

Thanks everyone, I certainly have my work cut out to do the pricing and comparisons with what each will do. The only reason I was looking for a full sensor Sony was that I want to get closer to my subject, while getting more in the frame - for landscapes. My A200 makes me get way too far back to get the whole scene in, and it is not what I want. I certainly will scope out the A77 and 850 to see if they are in my price range. The next thing I need to get is a good wide angle lens. I have the kit 18-55, but that does not give me what I want. So any suggestions on that would also be appreciated.