This is visible in the Sony's pictures, though it's not really objectionable even at higher ISOs. But while we were checking this, another issue became apparent. Our camera seemed weak at reproducing fine-textured detail. Hard outlines were fine, but grass or distant vegetation was soft, appearing filled in at times.

To make sure, we tested the A700 against another SLR with the same subject and this confirmed the Sony had a serious failing in this respect. Surely we weren't the only reviewers to check this?

Sony was clearly aware of this issue because a Version 2 firmware update was arrived on 30th October, which addresses it directly. We tested the A700 with two different subjects at all ISOs both before and after the update, and it makes a considerable difference.

With the v1 firmware, the textural rendition is soft and unacceptable, while with the v2 firmware crispens things up considerably. Sony describes the change as 'subtle', but we think it makes the difference between a camera that's disappointing and one that's extremely good.

Image quality

With the textural rendition sorted, it's possible to enjoy fully the Sony's image quality, and the A700's most striking characteristic is its rich, saturated and natural-looking colour. Its tonal rendition is extremely good, particularly in the highlights - bright values don't seem to accelerate off the end of the scale as readily as they do with other SLRs.

The 'Dynamic Range Optimiser' option is interesting, too, especially when used in Bracketing mode. Here, you take one shot, and the camera saves differently-processed versions for you to choose from later. The effects can be subtle or strong, depending on the lighting, though no better than those you might get using the Shadow/Highlight tool in Photoshop.

Sony's done a great job with the A700. It feels like a solid, professional camera, and the overall colour rendition, high-ISO image quality and 5fps are terrific. If you do buy one, do check the firmware in case early production models are still in the supply chain. Updating the firmware is only a five-minute job.

Incidentally, avoid the 18-70mm kit lens if you can. Its performance is weak at the edges of the frame and it suffers from chromatic aberration too. Go for the more expensive 16-105mm zoom if you can afford it.

Via PhotoRadar