A700 Replacement
 

Looks like Sony has taken the translucent mirror technology to the next level with a translucent camera!! The light you lose through the mirror you gain through the body............:rolleyes:

[IMG]http://www.sony.jp/dslr/info2/images/20110209_img_05_big.jpg[/IMG]

Apparently this is the mock-up for the Sony A700 replacement.

Yeah, I'm not sure about this. I know a couple of Sony shooters who have been desperately waiting for the A700 replcement and now it's annouced that it'll be a pelilcle mirrored SLT model they're looking to change systems.

I know there is a certain amount of (add stereotypical West Country accent) "we don't like change round 'ere" but it's a very bold move from Sony. If it was me, I'd like the choice. I've used the current SLT camreas and I don't really like them. The EVFs are good, and often better than the pentamirrors on the entry level SLRs but they aren't anywhere near a decent prism finder.

My understanding is that Sony have( and probably still are) improved the pellicle mirror for use in the a700 replacement. I reckon this is one of the main reasons for the delay in releasing the new camera, and i would suggest to your pals that they wait to see reviews on the new camera, and then handle it before jumping ship.

I handled the a55 at Focus on Imaging, and was somewhat dubious, but I reckon that in due course, largely as a result of copyright restrictions, the other manufacturers will follow the pellicle route, and that we'll all have to accept that DSLR cameras will not be recognisable to what we have been used to.