Sony A850, A550 and A500 DSLRs Cameras Released Sony's High-end Alpha DSLR Series Get New Models

Sony today announced extensive additions to the top end of its Alpha
DSLR spectrum by adding the new Sony A850, A550 and A500 DSLR cameras.

The A850 is similar to the A900 model released earlier this year. It
features the same full frame, 24.6-megapixel sensor, sensor image
stabilization and dual processors. However, to cut costs, the new Sony
A850 has a viewfinder that provides 98% coverage rather than the full
image. It has a 3-inch LCD with live view, shoots at up to 3fps at full
resolution and works with both CF and Memory Stick Pro Duo cards. The
A850 will be available in September.

As for the A550 and the A500, they're mid-tier, crop-frame DSLRs
targeting mainstream photographers that come between the high end A700
and the budget A300 series. The two cameras are distinguished by their
shooting speed and resolution. The new Sony A550 can snap 14.2MP images
at 7fps, and has a preview LCD with nothing less than 921,000 pixels. On
the other hand, Sony A500 can snap 12.3MP images at 3fps and comes
packed with a 230,000 pixels LCD. Both models will ship in October.

The cameras are priced at $2000, $950, $750 for the A850, A550 and A500
respectively.