A500 and A550 models coming soon?

[dr4gon]

I remember when the A330 models popped up a little while ago on the Sony UK Support site and they turned out true.

DSLRA350KCF
DSLRA380L
DSLRA380S
DSLRA500
DSLRA500S
DSLRA550
DSLRA550S
DSLRA700
DSLRA700P
DSLRA900

So, what do you think?

Probably a A300 type (smaller body), with the old features (AEL, old battery? etc...) and probably video and likely just under $1k at maybe about $850ish? But I wonder why two models? Here Sony goes again.....

Further speculation at Dyxum

[dr4gon]

Update:

http://www.photoclubalpha.com/2009/0...nd-550-leaked/

Further information from the Canada SonyStyle shop database includes:

VG-B50AM - presumed to be vertical grip for DSLR-A500/DSLR-A550
HVL-F40AM - a flashgun code
SAL-1024 - not the best news, as this means the Tamron 10-24mm is almost certainly ported to Sony, and that lens while impressive in range and maximum aperture is not an optical match for the existing 11-18mm. Nikon’s 10-24mm is NOT releated in any way to the Tamron, and there is just a chance that the new Sony might also be an original design. Even if Tamron makes all of them…
SAL-70300SAM - almost certainly the in-lens motor derivative of the Tamron 70-300mm f/4-5.6, an excellent lens which has needed an in-lens motor update for Nikon and will presumbly get one for Sony, making it natural for Sony to buy this design in as it is significantly better than the existing 75-300mm budget lens

Why would they have an F42 flash and an F40?

Interesting that they would rebadge the 70-300 from Tamron. It's definitely better than the Sony 75-300 though. 10-24 is sorta exciting but was rumored.

Now Sony, how about some nice higher-end lenses!

[Elisha]

if they replace the a700...they better make it compatible with the current vertical grip!

[dr4gon]

if they replace the a700...they better make it compatible with the current vertical grip!

Yeah the A700 is in a good position numberwise so I think the VG-C70AM will go ok with the next one. hmmm well then again the new +30s don't work with the VG-B30AM (at least it doesn't look like it but the bodies are totally different there's new batteries).

Interesting that the VG is a VG-B50AM. I think the C denotes a joystick (judging from the A900/A700 VG), so this might not be too pro of a camera.

[Elisha]

maybe the 5 series would be the true replacement of the current 3 series. or something to combat the T1i and D5000. or even the D90.

[DonSchap]

Well ... I do not believe the wait will be very long, judging on how quickly the "+30s" are being pumped out. It'd be cheaper to ship the entire lot as one, instead of multiples.

I really do not see a grip in the cards for the "+30s", as probably most P&S converts would not appreciate the need or the cost. It you want that you can drop back to the α300 or α350 ... or make the jump to the α500 series.

A 5-series camera was Minolta's SLR consumer level, where the 7-series has been the advanced consumer SLR. Having a larger grip option makes a lot more sense in the 500's design. If SONY has added video to this model ... it will be a radical departure form the traditional design. It is doubtful ... and that is more sensational than a drawback, in my opinion.

The 9-series was always professed to be the Pro-model SLR ... which, usually meant a more reliable, more rugged, less built-in bells and whistles. You added those options as you needed ... keeping the base model lean & mean. Obviously, the α900 is designed more like the α700, having included all the bells and whistles. Its primary attraction is the larger sensor which is stabilized.

[Elisha]

if the 5 series is true...they could just build upon the body of the current 3 series since it is bigger than the x30 series. beefing it up more would be even better. doubt it would be as big as the a700 but who knows what Sony is thinking!

[DonSchap]

I would more expect the A500 to be very close in size to the A700, especially if it boasts video. But, as you say ... let's see one!

I still wish they would move that Focus Assist lamp into the Vertical Grip ... to get it further away from the front edge of the larger and longer lenses. There is a great place to put, there.

[dr4gon]

The VG-B30AM was ridiculously overpriced for a grip of an entry level camera. It was about 1/3 the cost of a camera..... for a battery container that had like 4 buttons on it. Biggest mistake ever.... and no it doesn't seem to be compatible with any future models....

[laydros]

I get busy for a couple of days and miss a lot I guess.

Sounds like maybe they are going to do like Nikon and have entry, then low and high consumer, then pro. 5-series == Nikon D80/D90 series.

Very interesting.