IMHO these cameras are not directed at existing DSLR owners but at first time owners. People who want to use the SD card or Memory stick from their point and shoot. That said they are the people who are most likely to want/use video on a DSLR. And with the speed that the 200/300/350 were updated it looks like Sony has found its corner of the market.

What i don’t like is yet another battery type

But rather than moving forward, these cameras look like a step backwards. At absolute best, these camera appear to be almost identical to the current crop of the A200/300/350…. and at worst, they are a significant downgrade (no AF motor would be a huge leap backwards).

I do hope this is just Sony using existing technology to flesh out their entry-level models and isn’t a reflection on their “prosumer” and professional offerings. The A900 is an amazing camera to be sure, but few hobbyists can afford it. Hopefully something will come along and update the A700 with something a little more modern that I can upgrade to. Otherwise, that Nikon D90 is looking awfully tempting…

However, I should point out that this will not necessarily obsolete your current lens collection. Sony may be aiming the new A200 and A300 class cameras at first time dSLR buyers. At the same time, they may continue to offer higher-end bodies such as the A700 and A900 with AF motors and CF slots. The rumored A800 may fit into this class.

That way, photographers like you and I, who want to maintain compatibility with older lenses still would have the option to do so. Of course we will have to pay a premium for the higher-end body, but it is an all around better camera.

So I hope Sony doesn’t eliminate backwards compatibility, but I am not worried that my lens collection will become obsolete.

Have a great week — Tom

As you say, they may be aiming the new line-up at first time dSLR buyers. As you say, their SD cards would work in the new cameras, and many new dSLR buyers never expand their lens line-up past the original “kit” lens.

I still hope the camera does have an AF motor and a CF slot.

— Tom

Removing the internal focus motor, however, would be a disaster of SonicStage proportions. Whatever the protestations of fans, the Sony Alpha line is seen by consumers as having a weak lens lineup for those who don’t want to spend £500+ a time on Sony ‘G’ series or Carl Zeiss lenses. The saving grace in this is that third party lenses and old Minolta AF ones can be bought and used on Alphas. If they lose the autofocus drive then the Alpha line becomes a Nikon D60 with a poorer lens lineup.