New Sony DSLR A800 may be announced

There are rumors going around that Sony may be launching a new digital SLR model in its Alpha range of DSLR cameras. And the buzz seems to be increasing and picking up. Many are suggesting that the new model will be the Sony DSLR A800, and will be a 15.2-megapixel body that will replace the current A700 model.

According to a recent post on Photofan.jp, the proposed Sony A800 will also offer a 6.5fps burst mode, a dual auto focus ultra-speed motor, a new high speed sync flash, 23 auto focus points, ISO 100 to 12,800 and built-in Wi-Fi. It will also sport a flippable back LCD screen with Live View standard. The Sony 15.2-megapixel sensor, meanwhile, will be a new Exmor R edition - but will remain APS-C rather than full frame (meaning the flagship A900 will remain Sony’s only full frame body).

The post and the rumors go on to indicate that the Sony DSLR A800 will be launched at the PMA trade show in March, presumably to go on sale this summer. Three new lenses for this camera will also be unveiled.

So does this make sense for Sony to be releasing this camera? Well, despite Sony’s financial woes the Alpha side of its camera business seems like something of a success, and the fact that the Sony A700 was released two years ago (at PMA 2007, in fact) suggests it’s ripe for replacing and that the timing does make sense. We reckon there could be legs in this story, and more info and details will be provided as we get it.