Sony’s highly anticipated SLT-A77 DSLR is expected to be announced on August 24th. Rumor sites have been all in a tizzy speculating on specifications, leaked images and so forth. A YouTube video has even virally surfaced.
I’m going out on a limb here and say that all of the stuff we have seen or read in the last two weeks are actually from Sony, who is taking advantage of the situation to generate interest.
SAN DIEGO, August 27, 2009
— Aimed at experienced shooters looking for value and sophisticated SLR performance, Sony today introduced the full-frame α (alpha) DSLR-A850 camera and a new 28-75mm F2.8 lens.
The α850 model shares the same 24.6 megapixel sensor and most features of the flagship α900 camera, introduced last year, but will be available for just under $2000 (body only).
“Sony is bringing the benefits of a full-frame digital SLR camera to a broader group of consumers,” said Kristen Elder, director of the Digital Imaging business at Sony Electronics. “The α850 strengthens Sony’s alpha DSLR line, which now offers models in each step from high-end professional down to the amateur enthusiast.”
The α850 camera is designed to deliver ultra-fine picture quality with a high resolution, 24.6-megapixel, 35-mm full-frame Exmor™ CMOS sensor and fast image processing with dual BIONZ™ processing engines. It also offers high-speed continuous shooting of 24.6 megapixel images at up to three frames per second. Continue reading »
SAN DIEGO, Aug. 27, 2009 – Sony today introduced two α 
(alpha) DSLR cameras with a new generation of Exmor™ CMOS sensors and BIONZ™ image processors, which make it easy for active shooters to get the best shot and capture clearer images—without missing their favorite moments.
The α550 (14.2 megapixels) and α500 (12.3 megapixels) cameras provide excellent picture quality, particularly in low-light scenarios. A new generation of Sony® Exmor CMOS image sensors employ new low-noise processing for high-quality pictures. The BIONZ image processor has color-noise reduction that helps achieve low noise up to ISO 12800, without sacrificing fine detail.
Freshly minted rumor site ZeissRumors has some information pertaining to the long awaited (desired) digital version of the Zeiss Ikon rangefinder system. When Leica launched it’s M8 digital rangefinder in 2006, many users (myself included) wondered if Zeiss would be far behind in producing a digital version of its M-mount based rangefinder. The folks at Oberkochen stated that they would not produce a digital rangefinder until certain technical obstacles were overcome. 
PhotoRumors has posted the possible specs to a rumored new model DSLR from Sony dubbed the Alpha 800.
The specs they list are:
▪ 16.2MP full frame sensor exmor R (new technology)
▪ 100-25600 ISO
▪ 8 frame/sec
▪ SSI, same a900 OVF, new AF system,
▪ GPS and WiFi built-in
▪ 3.5 in. LCD display
▪ Pop-up flash
▪ Flash sync (1/500)
▪ Camera level
▪ 23 AF sensors
▪ Quick Live View
▪ Video Full HD
▪ Dust/splashes sealed
▪ Aluminum-magnesium alloy body
▪ Released early September, 2009
Similarly, the rumor mills are now abuzz with a tidbit that states that Nikon will not repeat the successful formula of stuffing their top-end pro sensor into a more compact semi-pro body (Nikon D3 –> Nikon D700) and instead will introduce another pro level body (even money says it will be the D3H). Now seeing as the Nikon D3X and Sony Alpha 900 share the same base sensor (the surrounding electronics and image processing engines are vastly different), it is not too large a stretch of the imagination that the D3H and any semi-pro offspring will sport a similar sensor.
I shoot stage and dance professionally so clean high ISO is a must for me! Sony has the finer optics (those autofocus Zeiss lenses are unmatched in quality) but not the low-light capability. This Alpha 800 is definitely a contender spec-wise if these are to be believed. If the D3H meets (or exceeds) these specs, I’m going to have to explain to my wife why I need to get one. I hope she understands.