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Sony expands its line of Alpha digital cameras with the 12.2 megapixel DSLR-A700 with image stabilization and HDMI output.

Sony Electronics has introduced its new DSLR-A700 digital single-lens reflex camera for professional and serious photo enthusiasts, offering a 12.2 megapixel resolution and adding image stabilization, new imaging technologies, and HDMI output to the company's Alpha camera line.

"Discerning photo enthusiasts will be impressed with the rugged construction and outstanding performance of the A700, said Sony director of digital camera marketing Phil Lubell, in a statement. "We also expect that this new camera will re-define the post-capture experience with HDMI output for high-quality playback of images on high-definition televisions."

The DSLR-A700 offers a 12.2 megapixel resolution via an Exmor CMOS sensor which applies noise reduction directly within the sensor, which Sony claims makes the signals almost immune to interference and noise. The A700 also incorporates Sony's SuperSteadyShot image stabilization in the camera body, and the frame can be used with both Sony lenses as well as most Minolta Maxxum lenses. The camera offers a 3-inch LCD display, a 1/8,000th/sec shutter speed, and a a coreless motor enables continuous shooting at up to five frames per second to capture quick action—continuous shooting capability is limited only to the capacity of available storage media in JPEG fine or standard mode; the A700 can capture up to 18 continuously shot frames in RAW mode.

In addition, the A700 offers an HDMI output for connecting to HD-capable television sets, and sports separate slots for Memory Stick Duo and Memory Stick PRO-HG cards, as well as Compact Flas I/II cards.

The DSLR-A700 will be available in October for about $1,400 (body only), with kits including a DT 18–70 mm lens and a 16–105mm lens going for $1,500 and $1,900, respectively, with the latter debuting in November.