Sony Gulf has launched its new digital single lens reflex (D-SLR) camera - a700- which takes professional photography to an advanced level, said a company official.

'Designed for the advanced users, the a700 sports a new 12.24-megapixel Sony Exmor™ CMOS sensor, an enhanced Bionz™ image processor, a new center dual cross 11-point AF sensor system, a speedy full-resolution, 5 frames per second continuous shooting performance, and a broad ISO range from 100-3200 equivalent (expandable up to 6400),' he said.

The new a700 possesses the unique body-integrated Super SteadyShot™ image stabilisation system that is effective with all ‘a’ series lenses to prevent blurring caused by camera shake.

The a700 features a large 3-inch, 921,600-dot Xtra Fine LCD for enhanced outdoor visibility and easy image review, the official added.

The a700 also sports a HDMI terminal for a direct, high-quality playback on a large screen Full HD TV. When connected to Sony’s latest BRAVIA X and W series with PhotoTV HD™ capability using a HDMI cable, images taken with the a700 are optimised for HD playback.

The a700’s 12.24-megapixel Sony Exmor™ CMOS sensor is equipped with on-chip A/D conversion and dual noise-cancel circuitry to ensure clean and low-noise images even at sensitivity settings as high as ISO 3200.

The advanced Bionz™ image processor further screens out noise before RAW data conversion and image processing to achieve images that are rich in detail, contrast, and colour – while maintaining fast camera response time.

The D-Range Optimiser  adjusts exposure and tone for a more natural and consistent look in the pictures even with the presence of shadows.

A new feature in the a700 is the ‘advanced’ mode that offers 5 optimization levels for finer control. The D-Range Optimiser bracketing that records the image at three different optimization levels allows for easy selection of the best shot.

'The a700 prevents dust particles from getting into the camera and contaminating the sensor through a couple of ways with an anti-dust coating on the low pass filter to prevent static electricity buildup and a sensor vibration function that shakes off dust at power off,' the official added.