The α700's new Exmor CMOS Sensor, developed and manufactured exclusively by Sony, maximizes the performance potential of the α lens lineup with 12.2-megapixel resolution that's rich in highlight and shadow detail. Because proprietary Sony noise reduction technologies are applied both before and after analog-to-digital conversion, right on the Exmor CMOS Sensor itself, signal output is exceptionally clean even at sensitivity settings as high as ISO 3200. In addition, a 3-layer low pass filter preserves high-resolution detail while suppressing moiré effects and color artifacts.

The α700's new BIONZ image processing engine employs proprietary Sony technology to capture colors with a rich sense of texture and depth, just as the human eye perceives them. It begins with a cleaner signal because the Exmor CMOS Sensor's on-chip circuitry suppresses noise from the outset, and it packs the power needed to process the sensor's massive data output with lightening speed. What's more, BIONZ refines the signal even more by screening out noise during both RAW data conversion and image processing, faithfully reproducing the full range of detail, contrast, and color that is captured by α lenses.

The α700 incorporates an improved version of our Super SteadyShot image stabilization system to help prevent blurring caused by camera shake. Unlike lens-based systems, the Super SteadyShot system is built into the camera body and works by shifting the image sensor. As a result, it can provide protection against blurring with any α lens. What's more, the new system's more effective stabilization enables users to shoot at shutter speeds from 2.5 to 4 steps slower than would otherwise be possible, so even shots that would normally require the use of a tripod or flash can be taken handheld.

The α700's D-Range Optimizer helps you take advantage of the Exmor CMOS Sensor's wide dynamic range, and obtain richer shadow and highlight detail in backlit situations. In Standard mode, it assures more natural exposure balance by optimizing brightness and contrast for the image overall. In Advanced mode, it analyzes each area of the composition separately and offers 5 optimization levels for finer control, as well as a new D-Range Optimizer bracketing function that records the image at three different optimization levels for easy best-shot selection.

The α700's versatile Creative Style settings let you quickly adjust image parameters to suit your preference and creative intent. There are four basic Image Styles (Standard, Vivid, Neutral, and Adobe RGB), and three styleboxes to which you can assign any Image Style of your choosing. The four basic Image Styles can be adjusted for contrast, saturation, and sharpness, and the styles in the three styleboxes can be adjusted for contrast, saturation, sharpness, brightness, and zone matching (no saturation adjustment on Sepia or B/W). With a total of 14 Image Styles to suit the subject and situation, the α700 makes it easy to get the precise image you want.