(UPDATED) Focus on the new 24 Megapixel FF sensor image quality…
Image courtesy: Quesabesde.
The A99, RX1 and VG900 all feature the same new 24 Megapixel FF sensor. How good is it? I found three links with A99 image samples you can download and analyze: Official samples at Sony Japan. Many full size samples at Lenstip. ISO test at Fotopolis. Many samples also at ePhotozine. ISO test by Digifotopro.nl. Image samples at Blog Sina (takes a long time to load pics!). Keep in mind that the firmware version is 0.92! Small improvements cans till be achieved before the camera ships. So, what do you think?
Loading ...Here are the preorder links. To see a full list including for example all Sonystores please go at AlphaCameraDeals.com (Click here).
A99 body Amazon, Adorama, BHphoto, Jessops, Wex UK, Wex Germany, Sonystore DE-UK-FR-IT-ES-NL-SE-FI-CH and more links at Alphacameradeals.
A99 with kit lens links Alphacameradeals.
RX1 Amazon, Adorama, BHphoto, Wex UK ,Wex Germany and more links at Alphacameradeals.
NEX-6 body Amazon, Adorama, BHphoto, Wex UK, Wex Germany Sonystore DE-UK-FR-IT-ES-NL-SE-FI-CH and more links at Alphacameradeals.
NEX-6 with kit lens Amazon, Adorama, BHphoto, Jessops, Wex Uk ,Wex Germany and more links at Alphacameradeals.
NEX-VG900 Sonystore DE-UK-FR-IT-ES-NL-SE-FI-CH, Wex Uk and more links at Alphacameradeals.
NEX-VG30 Adorama, BHphoto, Wex UK, Sonystore DE-UK-FR-IT-ES-NL-SE-FI-CH, and more links at Alphacameradeals.
Sony E-mount 16-50mm Amazon, Adorama, Wex UK, Sonystore DE-UK-FR-IT-ES-NL-SE-FI-CH, and more links at Alphacameradeals .
Sony E-mount 35mm Amazon, Adorama, Wex UK, Sonystore DE-UK-FR-IT-ES-NL-SE-FI-CH, and more links at Alphacameradeals.
Sony E-mount 10-18mm Amazon, Adorama, Wex UK, Sonystore DE-UK-FR-IT-ES-NL-SE-FI-CH, and more links at Alphacameradeals.
Sony A-mount 300mm f/2.8 Amazon, Sonystore DE-UK-FR-IT-ES-NL-SE-FI-CH.
Full accessory page Amazon.
P.S.: A full list of preorder links will be continually updated at Alphacameradeals. It would be too much to put up all links inside that news post!
Joseph Radhik
9 months ago |FIRST!!
Frank
9 months ago |*sigh* what a cock.
Khuzul
9 months ago |your life must be really full of joy…
zstan
9 months ago |Wow so much details are still retained at ISO6400!
LifeStoryImages.com
9 months ago |Yes, I’m impressed. Seems 6400 is the new 800. 25,000 is the new 6400.
WTH
9 months ago |If this was compared with other Sony Cameras then yes.
When compared with the competitors taking into consideration of the price point range and the designation… I would have to say it is very average.
The truth will be out once DXO gets to review the sensor tech…
I personally don’t mind a bit of light loss due to the SLT. But we have to see how much is lost in terms Dynamic Range and Color Depth.
Nico
9 months ago |FF in a reflex, FF in a camcorder, FF in a point and shoot now…… And still no FF in a Nex !?! But wait.. it’ll come in 2013, Oh yes I’m waiting and I should even buy a 5R or a 7 or even a totaly new 6 !??.. No thanks
noisyguy
9 months ago |NEX-6 is the hottest camera ever. Pro quality in a compact body with great controls.
LEdgars
9 months ago |Any image samples from NEW Nex6 sensor?
ashwaniman
9 months ago |Nex-6 hottest camera without touch screen … but has Wifi
Just wait one more year and you have one with touch screen, what else should they add otherwiwse in the next year’s model …
renzi
9 months ago |WOW even my α 100 can do better =(
crazydoctor
9 months ago |nope
Frank
9 months ago |Your A100 is shite at high ISO.
lollo
9 months ago |Any ISO. Is shit even when siting OFF in the bag.
Poke
9 months ago |What??
dieselmooth
9 months ago |Light bulb
theZAE
9 months ago |As a current owner of an A100, A550 and A700; I completely disagree with you. I would say the A100 performs at ISO400-800 what the A99 performs at ISO3200, based off these early JPEG samples.
Additionally, I’m quite sure the A100 cannot shoot in ISO 3200, let alone 6400.
I’m excited to see what the A99 can do in RAW!
ssrdd
9 months ago |Focus on worst AVCHD 24mbps video?????? why not?????
MdB
9 months ago |Well for $400 you can record uncompressed, which you will NEVER be able to do to an SD card, what’s that your 18,000,000 whinge about AVCHD? Little bitch.
Joel Richards
9 months ago |Explain? What does uncompressed video for $400?
Patrick
9 months ago |External video recorder…called ninja or something like that. They will record not in AVCHD but in an uncompressed format. You cannot record uncompressed to SD or CF even in your wildest dreams. These days anyways.
For video people, the $400 recorder is usually a de facto item had.
Rick
9 months ago |A Ninja or Blackmagic will run about $1000. Search B&H.
Boomstick
9 months ago |The Hyperdeck Shuttle is sub $400. Need to buy the drive, but if one already has a monitor its a cool deal over the atmos ninja.
However, we do need to see how uncompressed compares to the camera’s compression.
MdB
9 months ago |Search out Blackmagic Design Hyperdeck Shuttle – even records in ProRes or DNxHD if you prefer, records straight to 2.5″ SSDs and considering the A99 does uncompressed out via HDMI whilst maintaining EVF (no other DSLR can do that due to mirror) but also LCD. As a video SLR/T nothing comes close to this in terms of being adaptable to being a real video camera… Nothing. And Canon sold A LOT of 5D II’s to people wanting that sort of camera. Here is a quick list of what makes the A99 good, despite it’s internal AVCHD codec (which we don’t know anything about its encoder yet, but if anything like the FS700 will be pretty damn good anyway):
60fps 1080p
EVF (photographers will complain against OVF, but for video OVF isn’t even available)
Tilt display for lots of different angles
Full time HDMI uncompressed output (for external recorders and monitoring – doesn’t affect internal monitoring)
Image Stabalization for ALL lenses
AF during video for those times when you DO actually need it, also with good tracking.
XLR audio inputs – An absolute must have, I don’t care if Canon has audio control I would NEVER use their built in audio for ANYTHING
3 batteries – 2 in grip 1 in body
Focus Peaking
AF confirm via PDAF system even when manual focusing
Silent control dial – more important than has been made out to be
ISO hotshoe – Ok so this is only good for the Sony, Canon and Nikon have had it forever. But mounting monitors, mics etc will be much easier now
Joe
9 months ago |Nice play on words. “Focus” on image quality. I am excited.
Saber
9 months ago |Well, I like it but… I’m just now paying off my Zeiss glass and my A900. I’m not sure its worth the upgrade so I may look more closely at the RX1.
Frank
9 months ago |It’s not like you to mention that you have Zeiss lenses and the A900….again…
Steve
9 months ago |+1
Mikk
9 months ago |be patient .. he is holding back already .. he is not telling anymore WHICH Zeiss he has in every second post
Frank
9 months ago |I see you shiver with antici… pation.
MdB
9 months ago |Haha nicely played, I was going to go there but pulled myself back.
So Saber, tell us again about your A900 and Zeiss glass
Saber
9 months ago |I’ve said it before; we’re not in a closed system or cigar club whereby this forum was closed to new members right after you self-proclaimed ‘elites’ joined.
Frank
9 months ago |It is your attempt at elitism that has left you open to such derision. Oooo look at me, I have Zeiss glass and the A900…
Sky_walker
9 months ago |Ever since today A900 is passé anyway.
So I’m not bothered.
kebo
9 months ago |Hahaha! Admin can you post a new section for Saber and his A900 + Zeiss?
emopunk
9 months ago |Can he open a section for my A200 + Tamron lenses too?
Frank
9 months ago |Perhaps instead you could keep reminding us at every opportunity about your A200 and Tamron lenses, just-in-case we forget.
roger48
9 months ago |I have Zeiss filters on all my Sony lenses (5 in all). Does that give me God like status?
emopunk
9 months ago |No. God status is reserved to those owning A200 + Tamron lenses. Just in case.. Did I ever tell you of my Tamron lenses and A200?
Frank
9 months ago |My claim to fame is that I touched a Zeiss lens, yes that’s right, I actually TOUCHED one. Who’s jealous now huh?
emopunk
9 months ago |Calm down, Frank. You’re speaking to someone who wears two Zeiss 77mm UV filters as spectacles. Every day of his life. Think you can compete?
Frank
9 months ago |My contact lenses are Zeiss.
emopunk
9 months ago |Holy crap. I didn’t expect this. I’ve been hit.
roger48
9 months ago |I do own an 85mm f1.4 Zeiss lens so I guess that makes me Zeus! Still take rubbish pictures though.
Patrick
9 months ago |You amateurs…
I film all my sex encounters with my NEX 7, 24mm e sonnar, 35mm biogon, and 100mm makro planar when I want a close up of the action.
When I am done, I put on my zeiss spectacles (custom made to my prescription) and look at the mess the female participant and I made and clean ourselves with zeiss lens cleaning cloths (because nothing cleans a well filmed and photographed body than an authentic 100% zeiss cleaning cloth) I got quite a few of them and washing them is no good so I bulk buy them and bring them from Oberkochen.
My Zeiss life and I….sigh…so nice.
Sky_walker
9 months ago |Nex7? Blasphemy! Good Zeiss is a Zeiss on big camera! Make it hardcore, don’t go with child’s play!
Wheelus
9 months ago |I have some Zeiss pre-moistened lens cloths. Can I join the club?
Patrick
9 months ago |Why, sure you can!
JonasM
9 months ago |All of internetz knows you have the A900 by now. Nobody cares.
Poke
9 months ago |Saber, I shoot a lot of sports and inside action. The improved iso and focus speed and accuracy was enough upgrade for me. I do like video and to have it in hand with my still camera is a bonus. I preordered. I am concerned how it fares with the 5dm3 on iso and a little bummed about the placement of the selective focus points and no inclusion of wifi but it will be a significant upgrade over your 900 and and my 850 for me. Good luck with your camera journey. You are already in a good place with 900 and Z.
Monicalol
9 months ago |*Looks at WEX UK prices*
Those are the UK retail prices for the new lenses?!
£400 for the 35mm f1.8?!
Bollocks to that!
evildogofdoom
9 months ago |My lens wipes are Zeiss, and I have a Zeiss lens cap
Frank
9 months ago |Chuck Norris uses Zeiss lenses.
LifeStoryImages.com
9 months ago |Chuck Norris bends light to produce better than diffraction-limited un-aberrated images.
saiman
9 months ago |The samples show IQ good upto 1600 ISO, where it already starts losing details. From ISO3200 and upwards, nothing special…. nothing that a $600 NEX-5N can’t acheive (in terms of noise performance that is).
However, I’m more disappointed with its AF points arrangement, than its IQ.
Jon
9 months ago |Can’t see anything coming close to this at the moment, awesome piece of technology and the versatility is astounding.
lollo
9 months ago |AF points arrangement was a let down on the a900 4 years ago and it is even more disappointing today for the a99.
They could have just gone for 3 points ala mamyia, circa 1998.
noisyguy
9 months ago |The AF is probably the best thing about it. Crazy accurate tracking ability’s.
saiman
9 months ago |How are you so sure about the AF being “crazy accurate”?
In low-light and with most lenses, none of the AF points on the sensor will work. So, you’re back to the same 19-point AF system of A77.
And the worse part, the AF points don’t spread out across the frame well enough for continuous focus tracking.
Here’s a comparison:
Sony A99: http://4.static.img-dpreview.com/previews/sony-alpha-slt-a99/images/screens/AF-Range.jpg?v=1574
Canon 5DMkIII: http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canon-eos-5d-mark-iii/images/AF/AF-points1-001.jpg
Nikon D800: http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/nikon-d800-d800e/images/afregions/AF-points1-001.jpg
zstan
9 months ago |have u tried the a99 or any full frame camera which has phase detection pixels on sensor?
roger48
9 months ago |Stop talking out of your arse please.
Saber
9 months ago |More to say… When I look at the sample files from the D800 from BH customer reviews (see the flower w/wasp) it’s very hard for me to see the A99 as superior. I’m looking forward to more samples from the RX1 as a more viable purchase for myself.
Sky_walker
9 months ago |well, lower MPx + SLT mirror are likely the combo that gives you same potential noise performance as the D800. As for the rest parameters – we’ll see, but one is sure: difference will be purely on mathematical level without any practical value.
justme
9 months ago |If there is any “upgrade” and/or improvements in the JPEG engine, will that also come (soon?) to the A65/77? Is there any update to the fw of the A65/77 in the making?
Sky_walker
9 months ago |there’s suppose to be v2 update – but that’s all we know. No idea when or what it’ll include.
Frank
9 months ago |Sony will release v2 as a hardware add-on, the add-on will look cunningly similar to the A77 but have a slightly different number on it. It’ll cost a similar amount to the A77 and you’ll be able to dispose of your A77 once you have obtained this firmware update.
Saber
9 months ago |Morning Frank, thank you for the compliment and your insight to intellectual thinking. Still, I don’t see anything special about the camera or lens I have.
Frank
9 months ago |Keep digging that hole. It at least offers us entertainment.
Dave Cox
9 months ago |Saber, what you need is an A900. Maybe you can pick up a ‘last of line’ somewhere.
Then maybe go for a Carl Zeiss lens or two.
Killer combo that.
gspam1
9 months ago |Does it have tethering or is it also not considered a “pro” camera by Sony?
lollo
9 months ago |It does have tethering.
emopunk
9 months ago |Can’t you just read the press release where it’s clearly written instead of asking?
“The new model can also be operated via remote PC connection. Supported functions include switching between still and video shooting plus automatic transfer of still images from camera to PC for an improved studio workflow.”
Try to tether your brain first!
gspam1
9 months ago |That quote merely says you can transfer files to a PC. Does it work with Lightroom or Aperture? You think Sony would state that if true.
feedmatekill
9 months ago |stony states a99 as “advanced amateur” camera….and that’s what it really is is….just as d700 was and 5dm2 were called advanced amateur cameras……while d3(x,s) nowdays d4 and canons d1 series these are officially listed as pro cameras….how could sony possibly make an ass out of them selfs and say that a99 is in that class
?
Frank
9 months ago |A professional camera is one that is used by those who earn a living from using it. Everything else is semantics.
feedmatekill
9 months ago |I couldn’t agree with You more….but that’s how manufacturers call their cameras, nothing more….
Frank
9 months ago |It is up to the manufacturer to categorise their cameras in whatever way they wish. If Sony want to call the A99 a professional camera, I couldn’t care less!
Morten
9 months ago |Jpegs for high iso and details? oh, well…
Mike
9 months ago |Well, according to Sony, the new sensor is 1.5 times as effective as A900.
At the same time, the SLT mirror takes away 30% of the light.
1.5 * 0.7 = 1.05
So in fact, the A99 will be 5% better than the A900 as far as noise is concerned.
Add to that the fact that the SLT mirror slightly reduces resolution. The question then is, is the A99 a step ahead or even a step back?
emopunk
9 months ago |Maybe it’s a step to the side. Don’t you think?
Almazar80
9 months ago |Is the 1.5x taking the SLT mirror into account? Can we all wait for production units (and really, if this is like every other new camera, for a firmware update after that) to start forming opinions in quality? This is the problem with product announcements without finalized products. Things are subject to change.
David
9 months ago |Your maths skills leave a lot to be desired!
Don
9 months ago |Probably depends on application as well. Image quality may not be too different, but the other additions, such as decent video options and 10FPS (!) may make up for it.
Mentioned it before, but I hope it has a sizable buffer. Would be fun having this machine punch up 10 shots a second for a minute like a 1DS can.
Niko
9 months ago |Mike, well… just by seen these early samples from fotopolis, the a900 cannot even come close. Check out the ISO1600 sample of a99.. even its a jpg and not from final product version of the camera -> its far better in noise than a900.
I need to use ISO640 with my a900 to get a scene as clean as that one with ISO1600.
Mike
9 months ago |The JPEG engine may be far superior but that advantage vanishes if you shoot RAW.
Almazar80
9 months ago |Well, look at the new rumored price for the D600
http://nikonrumors.com/
So to all the people looking for the $1600 D600. It may have been just wishful thinking, but then again the D600 has not been announce yet.
While sample images are nice, they are not done optimizing the firmware and probably the image quality. So we’ll see how the noise and dynamic range really is when the production cameras are available and the software to deal with raw images are available. Until then, opinions may not reflect reality. I’ll wait for real tests on real cameras before having a STRONGER opinion.
MdB
9 months ago |Bahahahaha! Oh man, all those who having been damning the A99 for being twice the price of the D600!!! Funny times indeed
Sky_walker
9 months ago |hahahaha
So much for “FF made for masses” that Nikonians so gladly announced in every single direction.
I guess 5D MKII still remains a king of the hill in terms of cheap FF.
I knew it’s too good to be real.
Ping
9 months ago |Camera prices are higher in Japan. It will probably be sold in the low 2k range in the U.S.
Almazar80
9 months ago |I was expecting 2199-2399 body only, which would make the additional features of the A99 a differentiator. The $1600 quoted by many naysayers seemed like a pipedream, but you never know.
Sky_walker
9 months ago |Which is still far more then rumored. And still more then recommended price for Alpha 850 at it’s release date.
Pascal645
9 months ago |High ISO (3200, at least) looks pretty fine to me. Low ISO looks very smooth. And YAY, ISO 50. Thanks you Sony
Any chance a version with no AA filter will be released (possibly in the RX1)? It seems rather strong here, stronger than with the APS cameras. Or is it just my imagination (or overly high expectations) ?
Thanks !
b shaw
9 months ago |Wow. When I look at the 12800 and 25600 ISO shots at ePhotozine, they look like 1600 ISO shots from good cameras made only few years ago. It goes to show how quickly technology can move.
Pascal645
9 months ago |Actually, these images remind me of the D700 some years ago. Buttery smooth, seemingly robust and great at high ISO. Only with 24Mpix instead of 12! Can’t be bad.
Now if we can have a version with no AA …
danny
9 months ago |Some pictures are JPEG’s but noise reduction turned off, so a little confusing.
The one with noise reduction turned on, ISO1600 looks very good, virtually no noise and ISO6400 looks very good too, a little bit more noise but not bad.
I compared with 5DMarkIII and they are very close.
e
9 months ago |Continuous drive (2.5, 6 fps) REALLY ??
many entry level 24mp cameras are better that this WOW
Rolleiflex
9 months ago |Please name one of them right here before spouting your nonsense. Keep in mind that it has to be a Full Frame shooting a 24 MP picture.
Spoon
9 months ago |Wait wut? How many entry level 24MP cameras are there? I can think of only one camera, it’s not a FF and it stops at 4fps.
Rick
9 months ago |Love what I’m seeing from the A99, its going to replace my 5d2 and FS100 as my professional stills/video camera. Sony is clearly targeting hybrid shooters and steadyshot means I’m buying the A99 over the VG900.
I’m pre-ordering after posting this.
Thanks Andrea for all your work.
p.s. That phony looking rendering was a real Sony image, I’ll happily eat my words. Sony needs better product shots.
)
Wayne Summers
9 months ago |I guess it doesn’t matter what you do in life someone will complain but I am impressed. I never shoot ISO 25600 but to me it looks great for what it is. I am certain a little lightroom will make it even better.
Frank
9 months ago |I will never be satisfied until I get noise free bill-board sized images of my cat taken in pitch black darkness. I can then boast about this here, along with dropping the word “Zeiss” into the comment. Did I mention the length and girth of my humongous member?
Sky_walker
9 months ago |having bad day at work, are we?
Frank
9 months ago |I have a huge member, every day is a nice day for me.
roger48
9 months ago |You have a huge opinion of yourself, so fuck off and troll elsewhere.
Frank
9 months ago |Sense of humour transplant required I see.
roger48
9 months ago |Yep, you sure need a transplant, get a new “dick” for your head.
b shaw
9 months ago |@Frank
Don’t worry, the rest of us got your Zeiss-like irony. On a separate note, during this year’s presidential election, I’m voting for Carl Zeiss.
http://photos.smugmug.com/photos/1074743506_JS3t6-XL.jpg
Matt
9 months ago |Nicely played again Frank
I presume you have Zeiss Tattoo’d on said member?
Arnold
9 months ago |Very surprisingly the sensor is a bit different than the A99, quote from DPreview:
“The sensor itself is a version of the one used in Sony’s SLT A99. It has been designed to maximise the amount of each photosite that is light sensitive and has had the depth of the circuitry reduced to further increase light capture. Unlike the version in the A99, the RX1′s sensor doesn’t feature on-sensor phase-detection elements.”
Rick
9 months ago |The RX1 is much like the X100 in that sensor was optimized to work with the lens, tweaks can be made to the sensor since you don’t have to worry about registry distance and varying focal lengths. IMHO the IQ should top any FF body/35mm combo on the market. The X100 is amazing at a mere 12mp with a much smaller/inferior sensor. For less than the price a Leica 35 Summicron, you get a camera that will have the IQ to trounce anything a Leica M can produce.
If you like this focal length – 35mm is my most frequently used – this is a great camera. I’m seriously thinking about selling off my 28, 35 and 50mm lenses and just using the RX1 instead.
Doug Frost
9 months ago |It’s not possible to give a final opinion on the A99′s quality, since we’re seeing it with pre-production firmware, but every shot in the lenstip.com set looks underexposed.
emopunk
9 months ago |Did someone notice that the joystick tip looks different on the body and grip on A99?
http://www.amazon.com/Sony-VGC99AM-Alpha-SLTA199V-Black/dp/B0096W1OZ8/ref=br_lf_m_1000829401_1_3_ttl?ie=UTF8&s=photo&pf_rd_p=1396778702&pf_rd_s=center-3&pf_rd_t=1401&pf_rd_i=1000829401&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=0R51DBP41C3MX7ZHX71J
Looks like one is convex and the other is concave! Weird..
Long Island Photographer
9 months ago |I’m excited to see some samples from this. Hopefully we can get at least clean 3200iso
Seeks
9 months ago |All ISO tests seems useless so far. These guys aren’t photographers obviously.
Raph
9 months ago |Please can somebody describe why on this A99 picture (http://s15.sinaimg.cn/middle/643b266cgc9686fab79ae&690) the fokus area is wide, and on that picture (http://s3.sinaimg.cn/middle/643b266cgc968854f8732&690) the fokus area is very small!?
Is the size belonging to the lens-mode? (in FF mode a small area and in APS-C mode a wide area because outer image parts are cut?)
Would be nice if somebody has an explanation!
Carnevali
9 months ago |Hi Raph!! I believe it’s the tele-zoom AE 10fps mode. It crops severely and leaves the AF points better distributed. wish it’d be like that for the full frame.
Raph
9 months ago |Thanks Carnevali!
berrty
9 months ago |Anyone looked at the UK price yet. If Jessops have the correct price up £2499.99 then that translates to over $4000. If so then I doubt if they will sell any in the UK as it would be massively overpriced. Should be around £1900 tops.
Looks like WEX have the same price up. I was really looking forward to this camera and was ready to preorder today but having seen the specs and the UK price then I will not be buying – massive fail from sony on this one.
roger48
9 months ago |Who appointed you marketing and pricing expert for Sony? You have no idea of what you are talking about.
tony
9 months ago |don’t blame that on sony, blame it on your high taxes and tariffs.
berrty
9 months ago |Taking the taxes into account it should be around £2000 based on a $ to £ exchange rate of 1.6.
Nikon D800 is $3000 on amazon.com and £2200 on Amazon UK so how can sony come up with $2800 in the US and £2500 here in the UK ?
£2500 = $3300 tax free so a $500 markup for UK/Europe ?
C
9 months ago |Sorry berrty, it happens all the time inthe UK.
D800 here is £2599 ($4000), but in the US it is $3000.
Even the 20% VAT and import duty don’t come close to the difference. The UK gets gouged every time. Hell, they even INCREASED the RRP from £2399 to £2599 after announcing it!
syeak
9 months ago |i hope they come out with a NEX-5R + Sony E-mount 16-50mm package!
berrty
9 months ago |I have no idea what I am talking about ?
Of course not I was only planning to preorder one to replace my A900.
Compared to other competing cameras – lets say Canon 5d III – amazon uk price = £2500.
Or say Nikon D800 – amazon uk price = £2205.
A99 – UK price (Pre-order) = £2500.
Who in their right mind would pay a minimum £300 premium for a body thats supposidely targeting the D600 (lower spec than the D800 probably) and equal price to the 5D III, from a company that are (let’s face it) 2nd tier in the DSLR stakes (by market share and backup).
I am not a marketing or pricing expert but I do know that unless a company is the top brand in it’s field then they cannot hope to be successful charging a lot more than it’s competitors. Still may explain Sony’s losses over the past few years.
Chris
9 months ago |About 2 stops better than my a500. Was thinking of upgrading to a FF this time – high iso important for me. Now I am not sure
Greg
9 months ago |Um, how many stops did you expect? You get one stop “free” since it’s twice as large a sensor. A whole ‘nother stop based on technology is nothing to sneeze at.
Not sure what camera you think exists (or will in the near future) that has more than a 2 stop improvement.
Leo
9 months ago |Sony and Leica dont know to manage photo at high ISO. Starting with 1600, heavy noise in JPEG (both brands!!!!!!!).
Or else camera is quite good (still color rendition is not very good)
Ping
9 months ago |Can you elaborate on color rendition, Leo?
How can you tell without actually seeing the photographed object with your eyes?
Chris
9 months ago |Have to see what the price is for the d600.
This does not make much sense (It’s Sony I know) … the next full frame sony alpha is going to be close to d800 and this one is kinda in competition with the d600. And the d800 is $3k in US so d600 should be 2200 at most.
Sure – this camera has a lot of video features – but how many shoot both video and stills from the same camera at a professional level – either still images or video is a nice to have for the two different professionals.
Pricing is not making sense.
After looking at sample shots from d800 – I agree the noise on the test shots from a99 is not bad
JS
9 months ago |http://nikonrumors.com/2012/09/12/nikon-d600-price-in-japan-¥215000-around-2700.aspx/#more-44634
Flashes
9 months ago |I saw that – but a $300 difference between two top end models ? C’mon
Ping
9 months ago |Camera prices in Japan is higher. Expect D600 in $2000-2400 range in the U.S.
Rien Vesseur
9 months ago |Thanks for the links. Hard to say how good high ISO is without comparison to other cameras. So far, I’d say not spectacular. ISO 1600 looks useful, but there is still a substantial difference to the images with lower ISO values.
Gabriel
9 months ago |Same thought, i’m not impress by 1600iso photozine shots. Even at web size, noise is visible. I known it’s a jpeg, but i hope that Sony can do better.
C
9 months ago |Honestly, my d800 looks better at ISO6400. 25,600 is absolutely terrible as expected. Raw will be better than these jpegs, but to me it looks like the a99 matches the 5d3, which isn’t bad, but nothing groundbreaking.
WTH
9 months ago |Considering the D800 is only 2 FPS slower than the A99 and that it houses an incredible 36MP FF sensor at a price point only 200-400 more than the A99…
REEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE-TARDED!
Ren Murray
9 months ago |WTH, the fact is, the d800 is slower, and costs more. The added megapixels aren’t always a selling point. I find that 24mp is plenty, and I wouldn’t want to deal with the larger files.
If you’re a fan of megapixels, then enjoy your d800…or better yet, go get a MF. The resolution of a Hasselblad smokes the d800, and that’s all that matters, right?
WTH
9 months ago |Hi Ren,
No, but you price the Hasselblad $400 more than the A99 and lets see what people will choose?
Just as if the D800 is just a few hundred dollars more than the A99, some people would have a hard time choosing.
Ya just beating a dead horse trying to elevate the A99 to some sort of greatness. What you think or do with the A99 at night at your own time, is basically none of my business, neither would I care.
Look, if you were a Videographer, than the A99 is Brillant with all the added new features.
As a photographer, I am just slightly impressed with the new features…
Game Changer for me, deffinately not.
If you are happy with 24 MP, good on you! /golfclap
People were saying 12.1 MP is more than enough on the D3…
Could Sony possibly have put a Medium Format Sensor inside this A99… Most likely they would have already tried it.
Would that have been a Game Changer…. Most likely.
Poke
9 months ago |If the 99 will match the 5dm3 in Iso performance than I will be more than happy because I will not feel compelled to change systems. I have grown to love evf v ovf. Focusing appears to be faster.
WTH
9 months ago |Well that makes sense.
I am just getting it because there is nothing else better in the Sony range and I am too stubbon to sell my glass!
Brett Valentine
9 months ago |I’m coming from a KM7D that has done me well. . . I can definitely work with the A99!
vasras
9 months ago |ISO 6400 is already very noisy, esp. chroma noise in shadows.
I find the ISO 12800 to be unusable, unless scaled down to 1/4 size after which it is usable for non-critical web work and non-critical print work (resolution/size limits apply of course).
Clearly will not win against Nikon D800 in DXOmark.
Then again, it’s good enough.
Tess
9 months ago |You can see 2 pics here,
Sony A99 with SAL85F14Z Zeiss lens at ISO400:
http://thepicturedesk.blogspot.ca/2012/09/sony-a99-with-sal85f14z-zeiss-lens-at.html
Chris
9 months ago |Couple of Zeiss lenses and all you can do is stay put – can sell them and switch systems but oh well !!!
gat
9 months ago |x-pro1 is way better
dieselmooth
9 months ago |I just got out a loan to pay for new windows. It’s costing me 4 grand. Wish I could spend it on a new camera instead; my Minolta 7D is getting very long in the tooth … Still, by the time I’ve got it all paid off, the a99 will be much cheaper. Sob!
Genaro Diaz, fotografo
9 months ago |Good morning everyone.
We must wait a few days to see what this camera can do.
Do not compare Sony with Nikon, Canon, Olympus, Pentax, etcs ….. we just have to see if this Sony A99 is a good tool for our work or hobby
Greetings from Coruña, Spain.