A roundup of people that doesn’t like the new Sony Alpha cameras…
Everyone from Dpreview to Lumnous Landscape likes the new Sony cameras (epsecially the Translucent A55/A33 pair). But not everyone seems to be happy with the new products. I thought it is good for our readers to read the “different” opinions and arguments. So take it with a grain of salt ok?
The first negative post is from EosHD -> “Dear Sony… The A55 is just not good enough”.
The second is from Sony lover and hacker Vitaly Kiselev on DVXuser -> Sony a33/a55/a569/a580 disaster
They both follow our website so feel free to add your opinion by commenting this post!
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jt
2 years ago |I think the criticisms are spot on. With just a few minor changes this camera could have been a legit competitor to the T2i in terms of video. Include 24p, full manual control, and a decent bit rate. Sony could offer both an auto everything mode for the soccer moms and a more advanced mode for those who desire it.
Marlon Richardson
2 years ago |The Rebel might be a better video camera but it isn’t near the camera this is. Did you guys forget all the cool features that entry level buyers will love.
- Sweep Panorama
- Twilight Mode
- Auto HDR
- LV with flip out display
- High resolution and excellent high ISO performance
- Phase Detection AF
I don’t amateurs buying this camera are pro videographers who are willing to invest in the rigs they will need to take proper video or learn the skill of filmmaking. In any DSLR, video is at best a secondary feature and although it could be better is probably more than enough for the target market. They will probably be able to take the videos they care about even more.
It’s funny but everyone who has actually handled the camera has loved it only the spec sheet skimmers think it might suck for some reason.
jt
2 years ago |“Did you guys forget all the cool features that entry level buyers will love.”
Of course not. It’s certainly an impressive camera. But it could have been far more impressive if Sony’s implementation of video wasn’t deliberately crippled to such a ridiculous extent. With just a few minor changes this camera could have stolen a ton of business from the number one selling T2i or the GH1. I find the attitude of the Sony fans on here bizarre; you are applauding Sony for limiting the usefulness of a camera you plan on buying, instead of wanting them to provide something they could easily do right away via firmware.
Alex
2 years ago |The camera is cheap for what it offers. The complainers have all sorts of expectations that are, frankly, bizarre.
James
2 years ago |Actually I think the dpreview review was overly generous towards the A55 and I think the updated review will highlight more of the A55′s deficiencies.
Autofocus only during video when aperture is wide open.
Viewfinder useless while shooting 10fps.
Video only limited to 9min using SSS.
No manual controls in video
Heavyhanded noise reduction.
0.6 stop less light hitting sensor compared to DSLR.
No multiple frame rates for video.
It is a goodcamera but the Canon 550D is still the best of the budget DSLR cameras.
jack
2 years ago |I am sick and tired of constant complaints on video mode. Video this video that. Buy yourself a camcorder if you’re a video enthusiast!
Andrew Reid EOSHD.com
2 years ago |Poor Jack looks like he needs the whole DSLR video thing explaining. DSLRs are much better and much more artistic than camcorders because they have large sensors, so the look of the image is much closer to film. But to get this look, you must have manual controls and a good recording format (like on the hacked GH1 or the Canon 5D Mark II).
The image from these DSLRs in video mode is changing the film industry – it is that good. Camcorders are not a substitute, unless you are a video enthusiast who points-and-shoots.
acolyte
2 years ago |So are you saying that, if you want a good video, you have to buy yourself a DSLR instead of a video camera?
It ruins the purpose of video camera in the first place and forcing the video market to merge itself to DSLR.
Which in turn increases the resources and demand required for new DSLRs.
Which in turn leaves out consumers with low budget or looking for entry level.
Which in turn pushes video capabilities to point-and-shoots to meet the market gap.
Which in turn reduces demand for video in DSLRs.
Which in turn reduces sales for DSLRs and pushes the sales of point-and-shoots.
Which in turn creates gap bridges such as A550
Anddd we start the cycle over again. Before you troll, try to consider not only the consumer side, but the economic side of companies.
Scoot
2 years ago |I heard a funny comedian talk about how ridiculous we in the public have become in terms of expectations. On a recent flight, the crew announced a trial of free wireless internet. The guy tried it and it worked great. Then a couple hours later there was a technical problem and it stopped for a few minutes. The guy in the chair next to him cursed: “This is BULLS1hT!!!”
He’s like “we’re FLYING through the AIR at 600mph. You didn’t know this was possible 2 hours ago, now you’re saying this is bull!?! My god!” 
Too funny, it’s true.
“Phase detect auto-focus only works with wide apertures?!?” hehe.
Sarah
2 years ago |I understand your point that more manual controls would be beneficial to film makers, and that Sony do have a tendency to over segment the market between consumer and professional markets.
However you come across in both your site and in forum discussions as arrogant, high handed, and condescending. Opinions stated strongly as facts without evidence. Those that disagree in the slightest on any points don’t get it, are unempathetic, fanboys or the like – are dismissed out of hand and need to be educated (presumably at your site). The strong evangelical sermons are not aiding your cause.
Chris
2 years ago |URGH! I’ve heard similar complaining when Nintendo brought out the Wii. It doesn’t have this feature, it isn’t a new a700 and so on.
Well its just not designed for existing owners. Sony is very obviously working its way up the DSLR chain, announcing every couple of months the next gen on the next step of the chain.
First we had the NEX for the sub-DSLR market, the the a290/390 at the cheap end of the DSLR market, then the mid consumer end gets is new cameras. Every one or two months the next peace in the puzzle gets added. I expect the next announcement will be the a700 replacement, the budget full frame after that and the big boy full frame after that.
Logic is that every announcement is better than the last. If they just showed the big boy full frame DSLR everything after that would seem a bit meh.
german reader
2 years ago |as an GH1 owner (yes, it has its own faults, most annoying is the buggy AVCHD codec implementation & still a bit too slow AF) and former sony fanboy i followed the rumors of semi transparent mirror & the marketing blabla from sony managers: “when we introduce video in DSLR, it will be bullet proof & the right way to do it” and hoped/dreaded “this could be the time when i’ll regret buying the GH1″. sadly/luckily: it is not! it could have forced the competion to improve a lot more before the next iteration & it could have been a good cam of its own. but as is (AF implementation crapy & unable to predict fast movements & all the other downsides/restrictions) its not better then what’s available. lets see when the first company goes the fuji way with PDAF integrated on the sensor on an non-compact…
Misty
2 years ago |Might have been valid criticism if Sony just released new CAMCORDERS.
As it is right now, the VIDEO folks are complaining that a $700 STILL camera hinders their artistic abilities..
eliot
2 years ago |These are still cameras that replace low-end cameras and camcorders and do it better than most other cameras out there, and better than anything at its price-point.
Seriously, these video guys are pissed that they couldn’t get $3,000 worth of video tech shoved into a consumer $700 dslr. Ridiculous.
Andrew Reid EOSHD.com
2 years ago |Actually, prior to DSLR video modes a video guy would need to buy $20,000 worth of equipment to get a similar look to 35mm motion picture film (i.e. the Hollywood standard).
Canon shoved it into their A55 equivalent, the 550D. Sony chose not too. Disappointing.
If stills guys lacked RAW and manual controls – that is the equivalent scenario – wouldn’t you be upset too?
DSLRs are hybrids, both used for video and stills – better get used to this.
acolyte
2 years ago |If I want to be honest, no I wouldn’t be upset. You got a large prosumer market segment, but an even growing larger entry-level consumer market segment.
Hell, before this, only 1% of my friends know how to handle DSLRs.
Now, 30% of them do, but they can’t use the manual controls/handle RAWs.
So, if Canon want to reach 1% of the market, that’s their strength.
If Sony want to reach 30% of the market, let them.
It’s something to comment on, not to be disappointed on.
Gabriel
2 years ago |No importance for me, HD video is a bonus, this camera is more good enough for STILL shot, whith wide DR, in board HDR and panorama, tilt/shit indicator and grid directly in viewfinder thanks to the EVF. GPS is included too and even a high res articulated LCD and for a announced price of 800$/800€ with 28~80kit.
You want video ? buy a camcorder or the go to the canon 550D.
Canon 550D deficiences
NO auto HDR
No auto panoranma
No GPS
No articulated screen
No grid in OVF
No 100% OVF view
No level indicator
No body shakes reduction
It is a goodcamera but the Sony A55 is still the best of the budget DSLR cameras
Bird
2 years ago |come on, no product is perfect……..and this cost less than 1000 bucks…cheer up……what do you expect…and yet it shows how sony runs up. Nex is selling like a hot cake in TAIWAN although most of the pro critics it…
acolyte
2 years ago |And they forget that first off, Sony is based in Japan. If Americans don’t like it, too bad, NEX got 2 of the top 10 cameras..
acolyte
2 years ago |*In Japan. I wish I can edit comments >.>
truth
2 years ago |The hardware is here, why not the hardware, it seems a joke.
Sky_walker
2 years ago |Aside from the fact that guys at dPreview haven’t noticed 2 microphones in the A55/33 (lol) and now people as Vitaliy repeat it:
The DSLRs are not camcoders!
Seriously… you get a DSLR packed with features unseen ever in 700$ camera and what you do? You whine about video mode?! WHAT THE?!
What I care about is getting a video with good, reliable AF – that’s what I get from A55/33 – Full HD video with BEST AF on the market, for ridiculously low price. I don’t have any problems with opening it on my PC and I care shit about thest p/i markings out there, cause 99,999991% of DSLR users ain’t cinematographers.
Oh, and mr. James:
“Video only limited to 9min using SSS” – and do you know what competition offers? No SSS at all in the body, and (ie. most recent D3100) video limited to 10 minutes no matter the mode.
Also if you are so limited and cannot record without SSS – Get Sigma OIS lens and enjoy your 3-times-longer-than-Nikon video.
Gash… seriously… whining about such things is just childish. You look for a toy, and need to read super-long specs amongst your friends to show off how cool your camera is? And how many things your video mode has? Grow up and start taking photos.
Milos Janata
2 years ago |@Gabriel now compare with my pocket camera Sony HX5:]
I have all important what A55 has + 25-250mm kit lens included :] and i stick it into my pocket.
If its still camera it should have sharper images. I this is really bad.
But funny thing is that i still like a55 xD
Milos Janata
2 years ago |but plese watch what i recorded with HX5 and tell me if A55 video is better…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B5v5bvpyei8
truth
2 years ago |There is the hardware , why not the software, it seems a joke. I’ll be waiting for a new firmware…
Brad
2 years ago |Some very valid points about the crippled video on the a55, not to mention the poor battery life.
mike
2 years ago |and the cycle continues…
seen all this before and will see it all again
do yourselves a favor and stop…take a breath…pick up your camera, if you actually have one, and make some images
Joel
2 years ago |BTW, guys, the Panasonic GH1 is not a $3000 camcorder. It’s currently $1k for the body + a rather good 14-140 (28-280 equiv) lens with silent focusing (i.e. cheaper than an A33+equiv lens).
That’s what the A55 is being compared to here, and that’s where it’s falling short in video. The reason they care is that an APS-C sensor in a body similar to that would provide a rather large boost in noise, dynamic range, and depth of field. I think everyone that cares about video is hoping that Sony/Canon/Nikon will figure this out soon so they’ll get more/better AF lenses.
The thing is, Nikon might, but it will cost $1200 for the body. Canon might, but it will cost $1k for the body if the 60D is that camera. So that leaves Sony, which has released the A55 with a couple of glaring flaws but is otherwise awesome (IMO).
I personally want a camera that does a good job with both photos (not the GH1) and videos. I’ll probably switch to the A55 but more for the value reasons compared to Canon/Nikon instead of being because I’m perfectly happy with the video/continuous mode. I’ll just have to hope the NEX7 is that camera and competitively priced.
Steve
2 years ago |Here is another concern about the ghost images in highlight clipping situations from the translucent mirror.
http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1037&message=36125668
Milos Janata
2 years ago |There is also very serious moire or something on Sony a55′s pictures.
See example>>>
Go to page below, select Sony A55v and click second test image from the top called “New Indoor (INB) 100″.
Then look at hair above eyes and u see what i mean.
http://www.imaging-resource.com/IMCOMP/COMPS01.HTM
saiman
2 years ago |can’t see a problem man… what is it?
Sky_walker
2 years ago |no idea…
Milos Janata
2 years ago |Are u serious? Did u enlarge that photo?
Milos Janata
2 years ago |That hair at forehead
Mackie
2 years ago |Finally !!!
I am so glad to read some real world facts.
My favorite quotes….. :
“Dear Sony… Canon and Nikon are market leaders in DSLRs. If you’d like to compete, I recommend recognising their strengths.
Canon offer switchable PAL / NTSC frame rates in movie mode and FULL manual control along with 24/25p on all their latest DSLRs, even the entry level 550D. Nikon have stuck to 24p, even in their entry level DSLRs and compacts.
You offer two completely different video asthetics depending on the region I live. 25p looks different to 30p. Are you seriously suggesting that instead of 24/25p the customers in the US prefer smooth looking video-like recordings and your more discerning Europeans prefer cinematic 25p? (Or are you just doing a cock-eyed ‘good-enough’ implementation of regional video standards?)”
Sony Please wake up, before it’s too late…. (But then again SONY is well known for being stubborn and making huge mistake…..and it seems like they are repeating the same mistake here….)
dangerbane
2 years ago |Well is true they always gives us a shock and follows up with a cold water pour off … but I don’t think it is any big deal, as they offer what entry-level people wants which taking photos and take movie mode as their second option in an easy way with cool features
saiman
2 years ago |Ok… i’m pretty annoyed reading about all this over and over again….
I think we have a troll alert.. EOSHD is just one user ‘assuming’ that the video specs are not right for him… and he’s posting it on all forums and now in his blog about this missing 24p issue. Which is totally a non-issue really. Read the comments on his blog post. Just because this T2i/GH1 user cannot extract 1080p videos from AVCHD container, does not make Sony A55 a crippled camera…. I think he is what he claims he is…. a newbie who has just started videographing with little/no experience in video transcoding…. I hope that people won’t get misled by his repeated msgs… Sony cannot give a customized lollipop in the hands of every crybaby…. the poor guy just needs to spend some money and buy Sony Vegas or Adobe Premier that does automatic transcoding.
AVCHD format is a container that is natively 1080i … and so are the blurays… NEX’s A55 has nothing to do with it…. but the Sony sensor actually captures 1080p to begin with… and the pure 25/30p video is inside the AVCHD 1080i container… simply opening the AVCHD .MTS files into your Vegas/Premiere projects converts them back to 1080p on the fly… no transcoding…. it’s a totally lossless process. Even the vlc player does this process seamlessly on the fly on playing back an AVCHD .MTS container.
His another point about manual control and a possible flickering issue because of it is also crazy, to say the least… I can’t believe someone is sad simply because the $700 Sony camera can automatically handle AF and exposure/gain control in videos unlike a canon. Check out the video where they compare AF tracking of 550D and A55… A55 not only shows better AF control but also better exposure/gain control than 550D … yes it’s the 550D there which is flickering! ..not A55. …so much for manual controls and dslr revolution bla bla.
I wonder if this guy likes the canon or gh1 so badly for its older 24p format and all-manual-controls … why does he even bother trolling on A55 forums and posting his comments on a camera that he never even touched… is it the concern of the probably demise of a brand he loves? …. just wondering….hmm.
Dear Sony…. Thank you for bringing in the A55 revolution, I’ll be buying it without any reservation.
Brandon
2 years ago |I see your suggestion to purchase Vegas or Premiere.
Will Apple’s iMovie software work with this video format? Clearly I am not in the ‘indie cinematographer’ camp and just want a great camera with some nice video that I can edit in simple tools I already have. Thanks.
Sam
2 years ago |EOS HDs view point is not just the view point of him, but pretty much the view point of any high-end professional cinematographer (as opposed to beginner videographer, or perhaps casual event videoing). I work in the industry and hear the comments from many people, and his voice is the voice of the many, not just the lone voice. Maybe they are not the voice of the casual consumer however. The new sony cameras are great for still photography and casual videography for beginners, and people that value things, that professional cinematographers don’t, such as autofocus.
Manual control, i.e. the ability to control aperture, shutter speed, iso etc, without the camera making it’s own automatic decisions is hugely important to the cinematographer. I love the new cameras for what they are, but I cannot use them in a proper cinematography context. I do personally own the Nex-5, and have been filming with it quite a lot for fun. I can force it to take OK video (by using manual focus lenses for aperture control, keeping shutter button pressed down during filming to keep exposure locked, and by tricking the auto exposure control with bright lights or dark, depending on the situation. However the resulting video cadence is still hit and miss, and the “forced” work-around solutions necessary to do this, will be the same for the newly announced cameras. A little manual implementation would give wonderful results!
Bryan
2 years ago |If EOSHD can express the way you did, I guess many people will accept it more. I quite like your explanation, thanks for the sharing.
When I read the article posted by EOSHD, I don’ feel good. For me, it sound rude. : )
Bird
2 years ago |after all the debate, what is really recommend for a beginner? with budget under 1000 bucks.. 550D? nikon d90? or else?
contraspirit
2 years ago |I’ve got a brilliant idea. A Sony might do. Consider that.
Bird
2 years ago |@@”
Sky_walker
2 years ago |For a beginner? Sony is only option.
If you are indie cinematographer – you might consider Canon. You don’t have cash for pro software, and you specifically need cinematographic 1080 24p video format, so Canon is a good pick offering nice capabilities, though you need to learn how to focus manually during the video, and get lenses which allow comfortable manual focusing.
If you are noise-maniac and could use working video – Nikon has an offer with D3100, thought if I were interesting in it – I’d wait for full reviews of this one and compare noise, dynamic range, and exposure metering with the A55.
If you want a very good camera with lots of features, a great video for home usage, and being very user-friendly – you’d best go for A33/55.
Bird
2 years ago |Need to wait both D3100 and A55 release with all the comparison made.
jt
2 years ago |Do you have a serious interest in video? If so your decision is easy- go with the 550D. If you’re more interested in stills I would probably go with the A55. I’d wait a month or two and check out the forums and read some more reviews before deciding though.
Sky_walker
2 years ago |watch this than think about getting 550D once again. Not only it has exposure problems but also AF is non-functional. I wouldn’t care much if you get 24p or 30p if the video you record has jumping lightness and AF that cannot follow as simple task as tracking a girl that moves towards it. You can convert the movie to 24 FPS from 30 and back the other way around (you loose something in process, yet it’s possible), but focus and exposure is something you hardly can fix.
+ who knows, maybe sony will make firmware upgrade. Or maybe you simply will never need 24p? (which is most likely unless you are indie cinematographer)
Rob
2 years ago |Sam, what percent of the camera market are you looking at that “need” those features? I’d be it would be lower than 1%. Also, how much does it really cost to set up a 5D or similar rig 8X or more?
Leo
2 years ago |I do not worry about the quality of the image/video or the operations of the camera, my biggest worry is the cleanliness and durability of the mirror.
Hphotog
2 years ago |There is no movement for the mirror so mechanical failure is unlikely. And I think with the usual caution when changing lens, you don’t have to worry too much about dust or anything like that.
And back to the matter at hand, I understand some of the concern on the video format and all. But most of these bashing just have no concrete element in them. None of them actually laid their hands on one to go around and spread hate. What I see from the translucent camera is the new possibility of a Full Frame sport camera (insane FPS with very good ISO quality) from Sony at much lower price than either Nikon or Canon. To a photographer, this Sony series is a long step-forward. To a videographer, I don’t know, but learn your stuff well before spreading any opinion.
Sam
2 years ago |The video shows what the new sony cameras are good at, and what appeals to the entry level videographer: fast autofocus, gradual automated variation in exposure with brightness changes. This is fantastic if you are videoing a friends party, or random things happening, and you just want to point the camera and press the movie button.
However if you want to get much better video, then you find that most videographers want to have manual control over what the camera is doing, including manual focus, because that way you can make stunning videos, in a way that is impossible in the automated mode. However unfortunately sony hasn’t given us much in the way of that option.
Even if the native, apparent, sharpness of the 550D out of the box, does not look as good, it is still capable of better looking video, precisely because of its manual control.
Watching that video precisely illustrates the way not to use a 550D, or any camera all the way up to a Red one movie camera, and that is to let it automatically adjust the exposure. Not even proper wedding videos are shot that way. A good camera operator keeps the exposure locked off at a fixed shutter speed, usually of 1/50, and fixed iso. Then the exposure is regulated as the operator wants by the use of varying aperture and neutral density filters. If you let the camera regulate by itself, it will alter shutter speed away from 1/50, alter the iso, and sometimes even the aperture, depending on the camera. This all can result in nasty cadence, and motion of moving objects within the frame; noisy images, disturbing variations in brightness, etc.
The best of both worlds, would be to take the sensor from the new sony cameras, and the manual control of the 550D/5D/7D/1DmkIV and marry the two together, producing a vastly superior camera, from a video and cinematography point of view. That this option was not pursued by sony, is what is disappointing the serious film makers.
jt
2 years ago |Perfectly put Sam!
P.O.D.
2 years ago |At the end of the day the A55 is a stills camera that has a video capture option, not the other way round. If you’re as serious about your video as these critics aspire to be why would you even consider using a DSLR from any manufacture? After all if you were a cyclist into road racing you wouldn’t use a unicycle would you?
Bryan
2 years ago |“At the end of the day the A55 is a stills camera that has a video capture option, not the other way round.”
I totally agree on this statement.
Leo
2 years ago |Will the new cameras make camera shops earn less with cheap cameras replacing C/N expensive models? Camera shops may be the biggest resistant force for those revolutionary cameras.
00aeiou00
2 years ago |as for me, cost is paramount. and the cost for what-you-get with this camera is simply awesome. even all the video aside, I would still pay the retail price just for the size and all the still photography features. the video is pure gravy for me. so complaining about the video is a bit asinine. furthermore, what product has zero short commings? we can play this game till the cows come home about shit a porsche 911 turbo is cause it can only do 220 mph and cant even compete against f1 cars or how shit ryanair is cause they charge 49 euros to take you across all of europe. they are and always will be people complaining. its what people do. that being said, the interlaced progressive complaining is an old topic and has been confirmed that they are the just bundled differently. this truly is a revolution in digital camera design and everyone can see it except for a couple guys with blogs trying to steal the headlines. as a side note, if canon people are so nervous they are complaining this loudly, I think we got them scared:-)
Cheers, Josh
00aeiou00
2 years ago |and for those interested in actual proof:-)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kHPaVD0pHpQ&feature=related
Cheers, Josh
Brad
2 years ago |Are there any rumours of a Sony semi pro model Dslr?
Thanks,
Brad.
admin
2 years ago |Yes…soon!
acolyte
2 years ago |I guess you’re talking about A7xx replacement?
You’ll see it being asked over and over again in the comments whenever a new camera rumor is posted :p
EG
2 years ago |All that because the bad marriage between video and photo. For me that has always been a monstrosity. Now we have videographers with filmmaker’s aspirations but who can’t afford a decent camcorder, complaining about a very good (but consumer) still camera with very limited possibilities in video.
Somebody here for example said: “The image from these DSLRs in video mode is changing the film industry – it is that good”. And then the same person explains: “Actually, prior to DSLR video modes a video guy would need to buy $20,000 worth of equipment to get a similar look to 35mm motion picture film (i.e. the Hollywood standard)”.
Does he realize that in Hollywood when they shoot digital cinematography for having a 35mm motion picture look they shoot with the absolute reference: A Sony Alta ($76 000 the body only… so, what $20 000?)?. All the rest is minor stuff compared. Movies and big industry are a totally different world and will continue to be in that way for a longtime if not forever. And when you even compare a little digital camcorder like the Sony XDCAM EX EX3 ($ 8 300) with 3CMOS ½”” sensors and a lot of good specs, all DSLR video recording capabilities and ergonomics of the best models are only like a nice toy. If you want serious video images, so don’t frustrate yourself… work and pay for using appropriate equipment.
Sam
2 years ago |I think the guy would have been referring to the Red One cinema camera, which is the most commonly used professional cinema camera used on Hollywood sets (in terms of numbers), and that is of that price range, and upwards. The Cinealta is used to a much lesser extent.
EG
2 years ago |Yes, that’s true, Red cameras are also a major reference and its entire concept is called DSMC (digital still motion camera, not DSLR). But when you see the list of big films shooted with cinealtas, well, it’s very impressive and you can think that they are the historical and quality reference. What I’m trying to say is that now cameras are judged by their video capabilities by some people (specially videographers)and for only photographers that doesn’t have meaning and is not fair.
acolyte
2 years ago |I will just leave a comment here about some of the camera companies. You can even wiki them up.
Olympus, Nikon, Canon, Sony, Panasonic, are all Japanese companies.
Canon comes from optical products, same with Nikon, Olympus, and if you want, CZ.
Panasonic and Sony comes from general electronic products. I think Panasonic and Sony started off around similar time.
Canon and Nikon have a strong consumer base, as we know, especially from the trolls we get about Sony. As you see, Panasonic products are more about use, while Sony is more to style, and NEX is just pushing it further.
Canon and Nikon gather the ideas equally from multiple consumer bases around the world. Sony, in contrast, still appear to be tied stronger to the Japanese market. NEX, as you see, is a product that will be popular among Japanese teenagers, not US adolescents or even adults.
I’m not saying this to defend Sony, but for us to take a step back as photographers and see how Sony is shaping their ideas.
Instead of saying Sony sucks, you could’ve said, they’ve done quite a good job, but their products fall short of American demands. If the US consumer base stays smaller than Japan, then however much Americans want to troll them, they wouldn’t care as much if the Japanese consumer base. After all, it’s about money, right?
I too am tired of people saying ‘Sony can’t do anything right’. Them ignoring demands from US already tells something, yet consumers can’t see it. All they’re doing is just laughing at us in the US, who they think are talking trash as if we don’t know how economy works.
After all, as we’ve seen from the recent rumors, Sony is no more trying to enter the market. They’re trying to move the market.
WE should be thankful for that, because they’re just going to push Canikon and others to be better so they can compete. After all, if Canikon comes up with better ideas, they should thank Sony of daring to move to that direction in the first place, and we should thank Sony too.
Canikon lovers should be pushing for Canikon to compete with Sony instead of trolling Sony..
Bleh I’ll stop here. I rambled too much.
acolyte
2 years ago |Btw, without satisfying every single consumer demands, companies could test the waters and check for rooms of improvement.
If all you get is ‘oh, good, I like this product’ – where would you move next in the product line? (You should know what I’m talking about if you deal with product development cycles) Ideas are good. Prioritizing and meeting top priority consumer demands is more effective.
Theresa
2 years ago |I think Sony is headed in the right direction to regain profitability with these cameras but they do not tempt me to give up my a850 and ZA lenses. Hopefully they will continue to develop full frame lenses such as the Zeiss. I think these are a good indication that they are at least in the ?LR market to stay. I think they will have to develop new full frame and a semi-pro APS-C camera(s).
acolyte
2 years ago |I think you meant the SL? market :p
Rob
2 years ago |I agree with Theresa that nothing here will make me give up my a850 and zeiss lenses – unless I was doing more event photography or family photos. These new tools have a different purpose than what the 850 is meant for, and that’s a great situation as producing products to compete with each other directly is not a good strategy. Instead, I think the strategy is to make the camera business profitable by proving, testing, and paying for new technology in the mass marketplace, and taking what they’ve learned/developed into the rarified atmosphere of the high end products where total profits are slimmer due to much lower because of vastly lower unit sales. However, the new high end cameras ARE coming – but the ROI time is longer because of the slower sales, and we shouldn’t expect Sony to push new product out at a rate faster than it can pay for itself.
Robert Poirot
2 years ago |I’m not amused with recent dslr development at all. There are good , small and affordable HD video camera’s on the market all arround. I’m realy appolled to see that the main feature of development of dslr’s of this moment is the video capabillety. Now even sacreficing 0.2 ev (meaning a 2.8 becomes a 3.0) to have better video AF. Is the dvslr the end of photography, just a the dslr was the end of the slr ? Are in the future photo’s just still images of a video camera ? I think i go back to photographing with film. The old way.
Rob
2 years ago |If you’re only interested in stills, I can recommend the 850/900 – the IQ kicks 35mm butt!
b shaw
2 years ago |@EG and @P.O.D.
I agree wholeheartedly – Do you know any dedicated videographers that want a DSLR with inherently limited videography capability? I would imaging they would be focused on legitimate video cameras including the many made by Sony.
Sam
2 years ago |On the contrary, many cinematographers are using these DSLRs cameras on lots of projects. And I am not just talking about beginners, but those who are using Red One, F23, Arri SR2 on other projects. I should know because I am one of them, and I am shooting stuff for TV drama and films with precisely those cameras, but also the DSLRs for lower budget projects, or when you need to move faster, have a lot of cameras on set, etc. You might be surprised! A lot of what you are watching on TV, and think is shot with more expensive cameras, is currently shot with them. Even the latest series of “House” was shot with them (5D). It wasn’t as easy as using red one cams in many ways, such as follow focus due to the shallow depth of field from full frame sensor, but in other ways, e.g. quick set-up times there were advantages. I am currently filming some scenes for one of the biggest tv dramas coming this fall (from arguably the biggest name in tv drama), and guess what I am using? Answer the 7D. It is being used for one aspect of the filming, but it is still being used. On set the main cams are Red ones (Mx). But the two are working together! So please don’t be so quick to make pronouncements on what serious cinematographers think about the use of DSLRS!
b shaw
2 years ago |@Sam,
Thanx for the insight. Yes, I read that Canon worked with the producers making House and got them to tape the last episode with the 5DMkII. Kudos to Canon, that is very good PR/marketing.
Also, just to clarify, I believe you are saying that professionals who use video camaras / motion picture cameras, (such as a RED ONE, Sony’s F23, and Arri SR2), also use DSLRs. I don’t think you are saying that they are willing to trade in their professional video cameras / motion picture cameras for a DSLR. They just use them to compliment their video camera / motion picture camera. Is that correct?
Also, just to clarify your last statement, I don’t think you are saying that professional cinematographers prefer using DSLRs over the aforementioned professional video cameras / motion picture cameras? I believe you are saying that they enjoy DSLRs, too. Is that correct.
If all of that it correct, then you and I agree. That is, we both agree professional videographers/cinematographers primarily use video cameras / motion picture cameras for video and motion picture production.
Now I think about it, I’m sure there are newbie professional cinematographers who can only afford a DSLR. So, kudos to Canon for helping out the newbies until they can afford professional grade equipment from RED, or Sony, or Arriflex …
EG
2 years ago |@Robert, I went back to film since the beginning of this year and after shooting many many pictures with a Sony Alfa for 3 years, and I’m really satisfied with my decision: I enjoy so much the nice feeling and the compactness of an all mechanical camera (a Leica); I love the beautiful look of the images and I’m very happy not having to deal with video, megapixels, autofocus, dust over the sensor, software, computers, electronic devices… and not even worrying about batteries. It’s a wonderful experience to shoot in this way… you think more, your eye looks more, you become more meditative and patient, just because with film you don’t shoot as crazy or you aren’t excessively concerned about too much functions of the camera itself. That’s what I call “slow photography” experience (inspired by the “slow food” movement). Furthermore, the camera is really an exclusive photographic tool that lasts for decades and not becomes an old fashioned crap after two years; the negative is an image that you can touch and smell; the darkroom is a specific working place for a photographer, not as a desk with a computer… a common place for engineers, architects, secretaries, videographers and children playing videogames. And last but not least, the pictures are again images with a special soul, maybe not as perfect as those pictures that you obtain helped by Photoshop, but pictures with some kind of magical feeling. I’m not against digital for a wide variety of works (specially commercial ones), but too many photographers are losing something really special forgetting what the film offers for artistic purposes.
Sam
2 years ago |Thank you EG! That is so refreshing!
Rob
2 years ago |This says it all for me! http://www.ales.litomisky.com/projects/Analog%20versus%20Digital%20Shootout%20(Hasselblad,%2035mm,%20Canon%205D).htm
EG
2 years ago |When many people will realise that photography is not about resolution and megapixels?
acolyte
2 years ago |Images with a special soul.. I love how that sound
That’s one reason I stay away from Photoshop – I look for images that depicts life as seen, not perfection, and carrying the emotions of the photographer and the subject along with it.
When I look at my photos, I can remember the emotions I had around that time.. But I haven’t been in a darkroom – too young of a generation to enjoy that
I started off with a digital camera.. Maybe when I get a break from life I’ll visit those moments 
SR5
2 years ago |haha they will write another articles saying how they love those new cameras if the logo are CANON or NIKON.
richard
2 years ago |I can understand this camera won’t be heart of many Nikon and Canon Veteran who spend thousand of $ for the lens. But what Sony did homeruns with many of the news release camera is that they focus body first then the lens, sure lens is what it really matter comes down the the end, for body only, no doubt sony win over any camera under $1000. Video probably won’t be as high bitrate as Canon T2i, but the focus is far better, I had GH1 before, and my friend has T1i, which he admit focus is far more important than slight higher bit rate.
Edgars
2 years ago |It were repeated so many times. Sony building up entry level customer base and therefore release manly entry level cameras. In this respect Sony didn’t make so many mistakes in general. NEX is extremely successful, A55 will follow. Both are groundbreaking with many innovations. The main problem is absence of more advanced models with more advanced video functions. When A77 will be announced, then no one asks for pro functions in A55/33 cameras.
I think, I will go for A55 as a small backup camera for my A900. Of course I’m still photographer not videographer and therefore I will be happy with video in A55 as it is. Or hope for NEX-7 or A77 prototypes will be announced before Christmas.
acolyte
2 years ago |Still curious about A77 – are we just fixated on the number 7 or was there an accurate rumor?
qbic
2 years ago |Where is firmware for A900? Agreement with Nikon is probably over…..it’s time to boost DxO scores.
Rob
2 years ago |qbic – that’s old news. who cares about the firmware update when both Sony’s image data converter, and adobe camera raw are now SO good at eliminating noise in RAW. Most MF produce terrible images that need heavy processing to come near what the a900 puts out without processing, so it looks like the way of the world is that the upper echelon units will need on screen computer optomization (which most high end users want anyway).
Narada Thomas
2 years ago |There are four type of people ;
Who loves Sony
Who looks more from Sony
Who hates Sony
Who don’t care about Sony
Who worries about Sony
Get that camera if you like, don’t rely on them!