A new, center dual cross 11-point Auto Focus sensor system, developed and manufactured by Sony, significantly boosts Auto Focusing accuracy and speed to ensure fewer missed shots. The 11-point layout allows great freedom in how subjects are framed, and the system's quick response heightens accuracy when shooting moving subjects. In addition to the center dual cross sensor, a dedicated new sensor has been incorporated to significantly boost focusing precision when shooting at apertures of F2.8 or larger.

Thanks to the α700's blazingly fast new BIONZ engine, high-speed shutter, high-power coreless motor, and optimized processing sequence control, users can capture full-resolution 12.2-megapixel images at speeds up to 5 fps. A low-speed 3 fps setting is also offered, and continuous shooting of L-size images is possible up to the limit of available memory in JPEG Fine and Standard image quality modes.

A quick press of the Function (Fn) button switches the LCD monitor from standard information display to Quick Navi information display, where you can quickly and easily adjust shooting parameters simply by choosing them with the multi-selector and rotating the front or rear control dial. With Quick Navi, your creative flow isn't interrupted because you can exercise complete control using only the thumb and forefinger of your right hand.

The α700 is equipped with a 40-segment honeycomb-pattern metering sensor that uses advanced new algorithms to ensure balanced exposures under a wide range of lighting conditions. Users can select 40-segment honeycomb-pattern metering, center-weighted metering, or spot metering via a 3-way metering mode switch conveniently positioned on the back of the camera.

For rugged and reliable performance under adverse conditions, the top and front covers of the α700's body are constructed of a strong, lightweight magnesium alloy. Within the camera, a high tensile-strength aluminum alloy chassis and high-rigidity engineering-grade plastics further contribute to high structural integrity and low weight.

No matter how strong internal and external body components are, cameras will be subject to damage if they are not protected against dust and moisture*. On the α700, buttons, dials, and switches are protected by gaskets and sealants for worry-free shooting outdoors.

To ensure long-term reliability under heavy use, the α700 is equipped with a newly developed high-precision, high-speed shutter unit that offers outstanding durability. Capable of withstanding the performance demands of 1/8000 sec. shutter speeds and 5 fps continuous shooting, the shutter unit has a service life of approximately 100,000 operating cycles, and is optimized to enable high-precision Super SteadyShot sensor-shift movement.

To provide plenty of power for worry-free extended shooting, the α700 is equipped with a newly developed high-density InfoLITHIUM battery (NP-FM500H). When fully charged, it packs enough power for approximately 650 shots*. In addition, battery level is displayed in precise 1% increments that never leave you guessing, and as a quick-view 5-level icon.

With any digital SLR camera, care needs to be taken to ensure that airborne dust particles don't get into the camera and contaminate the sensor when you're changing lenses. On the α700, an anti-dust coating prevents static electricity buildup on the low-pass filter, and makes it easier to remove any stray dust particles inside the camera with a blower. In addition, the image sensor itself is fitted with an anti-dust system that dislodges dust particles by vibrating the sensor at high-speed every time the camera is switched off.