Sony confirms their full SLT (not DSLR?) commitment (+ Canon big release)
Sony A900 successor rendering made by tecnofotografia. But unlike you see on this picture the successor will be SLT and not a DSLR camera.
Whatdigitalcamera (Click here) questioned if Sony is still committed to the DSLR technology: “With all of the major releases throughout 2011 being of the translucent mirror (SLT) variety, could this spell the end of Sony DSLRs as we know them?”
Sony contacted Whatdigitalcamera and said that “we are absolutely committed to the DSLR / SLT market.” The first thing to notice is that Sony mixed the DSLR/SLT terms. Sony didn’t just say “We are commited to the DSLR market“. Sounds like their intention is to sell the idea that SLT and DSLR are the same thing. And the other statement that follows confirms that: “Through our SLT cameras we believe we can deliver new benefits such as fastframe rate with continuous AF in both stills and videos. The a77 is proof of how serious we are about this market and the number of awards, including the What Digital Camera Gold award and the prestigious Amateur Photographer Reader Product of the Year show that this is model is rated very highly. Stock is now available and we are excited to find out what people think when theybuy, own and use this product.”
Why talk about the A77 when Whatdigitalcamera was only talking about the discontinued DSLR line? Truth is that all DSLR are officially not listed on Sony’s websites:
Sony A900 at Amazon, B&H, Adorama, J&R, eBay.
Sony A850 at Amazon, B&H, Adorama, J&R, eBay.
Sony A580 at Amazon, B&H, Adorama, J&R, eBay.
I still hope I misunderstood the Sony statement and that there we be really new DSLR cameras (with optical viewfinder!). But according to our sources there is no new DSLR coming this year 
Meanwhile the real big news of the this time is the Canon 5markIII which is coming out tonight. Image leaks and specs are already out and have been posted by our new partner “Frank” at CanonWatch (Click here).
—
Via Noisycamera
Thanks Lukas for sending this
Charlie
2 years ago |Canon schmanon.
bmmau
2 years ago |On another issue; does anyone know whether that stunning mock up by tecnofotografia will actually be manufactured? A post Sony 950 body style as drawn would be exciting , capturing the hearts of many pro/enthusiasts , some of which, myself included would be happy to pay for and beta test for Sony ,assuming they at their cost can rectify identified issues.
rttew
2 years ago |why would anyone buy an slt knowing what we know about the light sensitivity drop and slight image quality reduction with the slt setup. sony is too gimmicky for my tastes. just give me something that works and not something being tested live on paying customers.
Adam
2 years ago |Have you tried the A77 / A65? i dont feel that it is beng tested – it is a solid photographic tool.
Tom L.
2 years ago |I have the A77 and it certainly acts like a prototype with more issues than any other Sony cameras i have owned and I have owned 2x A22, A300, A350, A700, A500 and I currently still own a A850.
The Lotus Eater
2 years ago |*Professional* reviews of the A77 would suggest that the A77 works just fine.
What are you suggesting does not work in Sony cameras?
MCP
2 years ago |LOL look at the astroturfing apologists go!
Canon eats Sony for breakfast, you guys are pathetic and only hurt Sony’s reputation showing that you fanboy idiots are the best of the lot?
You guys scream desperation for Sony.
DSLR land its:
Canon and Nikon = Excellent
Sony= Good to Very Good
Anything less or more than that is an exaggeration.
end of line.
The Lotus Eater
2 years ago |Why are you even here then?
Go away.
MCP
2 years ago |“Go away” Is that what resulted in todays’ defensive tactic meeting? That’s it! LOL OMFG!
GO AWAY- That’s side splitting genius! GO TLE GO!
Defend Sony at all costs, you can do it, you can win over a bunch of sheep to buy the brand!
end of line.
The Lotus Eater
2 years ago |Sorry, was I too polite? I actually meant to say fuck off you utter bellend.
MCP
2 years ago |There you go! Much better, thats the kind of classy astroturfers Sony hires.
end of line.
Jeff
2 years ago |How long has Canon and Nikon been at this? How long Sony? Yes, Nikanon offer a superior product but both pay pretty close attention to what Sony does. I would agree that Sony is still a bit too hung up on pandering more to the general consumer than serious professionals but that will evolve as they continue to make gains in the market and can support R&D. Sony has the advantage of deeper pockets while Nikanon has the advantage of greater experience in the professional world. This imbalance will change.
And don’t kid yourself, you obviously play the obsequious fan boy card as well.
klw10
2 years ago |I tend to disagree with your assessment and so would Nikon. They use sensor produced by Sony after all.
I think you have to protect your ego and your self worth by belittling other posters and Sony in the manner you have here.
I can get great shots from Canon, Nikon, or Sony DSLRs. Can you?
Solo
2 years ago |MC you don’t bother me because I know for every good shot you get with your canikon I Have about 500 that shit all over it shot by my sony. Enjoy using your canikon, and please continue getting off on posting on a sony rumors site if that’s what makes you happy.
WTH
2 years ago |@MCP, Sony must be doing something right to piss you Canikon fanboys off so much.
Otherwise you wouldn’t even bother posting here.
It must eat at you every night and day…
end of line…. carriage return (added that on for nostalgia, you know… like your flappy mirror)
MCP
2 years ago |LOL, always the same, insult instead of provide logical answers. Do all of you astroturfers work in the same building? I’d like to witness your coffee break conversations- oh man what hoot. I know what it is, they don’t pay you enough.
Oh, and by the way. I don’t like Canon at all. Personal preference. Since I’m not a Canon fan, there goes your toehold of apologeticness.
Slip, ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh. Thunk.
end of line.
Vlad
2 years ago |@MCP To be correct you are the one who started the insults. Too difficult to receive what you give?
That “end of line” is a bit lame, by the way.
WTH
2 years ago |@MCP, I think you need to seek professional help.
Do you even own a SLR?
Solo
2 years ago |does MCP stand for Magnificent Cunt Pie?
roomnoxii
2 years ago |Why so much trolling hate?
There was no mention from Adam and The Lotus Eater that the Sony’s perform better than the Canon equivalents. All they said was that it works just fine.
The only astroturfing fanboy here is you
Bruce Bachand
2 years ago |Of course there is a sense of irony to your comments… when it is a fact that 70% of Nikon cameras use Sony sensors.
WTH
2 years ago |You obviously haven’t used the A77…
Why are you even posting?
You just wasted ~5k of internet bandwidth!
JustOne
2 years ago |@rttew: It seems to me that you never photographed with the A77 or other SLT models.
@wth: +5k
BMan
2 years ago |Well, I *have* used both the A65 and the 77. Also used the 55 and 33 for a while (Local SONY distributer loaned them to me for a test for a month).
The 55 and 33 felt like a solid product. There were no issues, even though I used pre production models. The controls were responsive, IQ was on par with the competition (more or less).
When I got a pre production A65 it was a disaster. The camera function OK 2 times out of 3. Constant crashing, lag was everywhere, etc …
I now have a 77 and I use it side by side with my 850 and 700. It’s NIGHT and DAY! The 77 feels slow and cumbersome to adjust. The 850 and 700 have instant response to most everything I do. The 77 (after 4 fw updates) still lags like a SOB and sometimes I manage to change the EV compensation too much/little.
Not to mention quirks like if I leave the camera on, and it is in MF mode (via the dial on the bottom), and the LCD is on (if it’s off – no problem), the camera ENGAGES the AF back after the idle timeout time. And then it DOES NOT turn off, but it remains ON with AF engaged, even though it’s on MF mode.
That’s what bothers me here. It’s a bloody BETA test product – even half a year after it’s launch!
Cheers!
monkeyfacemcbride
2 years ago |yep, i’d go with that. I think my A77s pretty much the same. Doesn’t make it unusable by any stretch, but curing these issues would certainly make it a whole bunch better.
Sergei
2 years ago |Have you used a77 in real applications? Sony does work and offers the most elegant and intuitive controls only available in cameras costing 2x the price in other brands. No gimmicks, the thing work great
Adam
2 years ago |I really think that the focus on the OVF vs. EVF is confusing the point. Of course Sony is going to stick to their SLT-guns – they work, they sell and they are cheaper to make than expensive OVFs. Could we start focussing on other aspects of the cameras – this is getting old.
Sometimes it seems like High ISO and OVFs is all people care about. You should try working WITH the tools instead of constantly complaining about the limitations.
The Lotus Eater
2 years ago |Adam, you surely don’t expect people to care about actually taking photographs do you?
From reading forum posts, it seems most people nowadays roam around taking photographs in constant darkness, as ISO seems to be the be all and end all when it comes to measuring image quality.
MCP
2 years ago |Mr. Apologist- The tactic of “just ignore this and take pictures” you astroturfers take is so old now my grandma farts dust. Time for your astroturfing team to have a meeting and come up with a better online defensive tactic for Sony.
You guys wake up in the morning thinking “ok, must hit the usual popular sites, lots of Sony articles today, it’s going to be another tough day defending Sony, but I know I can do it.”
What a life you’ve carved for yourselves. But hey, at least you get paid to do it.
end of line.
The Lotus Eater
2 years ago |Eh? So, I’m now on the payroll of Sony. How original.
BTW what is that end of line crap you irritatingly insist on posting?
WTH
2 years ago |I think he is trying to troll…
not very good at it too…
I hope his photography isn’t as bad as his trolling.
In my opinion, I think he is just upset that he spent money on Canikon instead of Sony… Otherwise he wouldn’t be here bitching about it all the time.
Solo
2 years ago |MCP, Sony is a company, not a football team. You don’t work for canon, yet you act like you’re getting paid $100/hr to tirelessly come over here and moan/complain/diss like a little bitch. What is your problem, little girl?
WTH
2 years ago |+1
hahaha!
MCP
2 years ago |Ah yes not even using an original arguement stealing mine (paid defender). You guys are idiot astroturfers and you know it. The day it comes to light, its going to be so embarrassing for Sony.
Not that they are short of being embarrassed already.
end of line.
WTH
2 years ago |@MCP,
I don’t know why you are here or what you are actually trying to achieve.
I am sure you can do something more productive like write an email to Sony instead of trying to troll a forum.
In all seriousness, acting like a kid arguing about Xbox 360 vs PS3 is getting tiring.
MCP
2 years ago |WTH- Awh, c’mon have a better sense of humor than that. You guys are so serious about all this business. My comments are aimed squarely at the zombie Sony defenders- not Sony.
I know exactly where Sony lie in the market. In fact, they make some good stuff, its just these ridiculous comments people keep making about Sony coming on strong, watch out Canon, all that horsegarbage. You have to admit it’s ridiculous. They just cant handle being called on it. A spade is a spade.
Someone needs to say something, otherwise the replies are always the same boring marketing speak. Have the courage to be honest and I won’t point out your obvious Sony trolling.
Sony fans should be encouraging Sony to do better not apologizing for them and making excuses for them. That’s why they only do as good as they do.
end of line.
WTH
2 years ago |@MCP,
well if you do read, SONY and Nikon is gaining market share at considerable rate.
Sony is doing pretty well. I could say that they could have done better in many ways, but that would be just me trying to be captain hindsight.
If you haven’t used the A77, do yourself a favor and go use one.
You would then understand why a lot of people here are excited about the up coming cameras.
MCP
2 years ago |I’ve used the A77. Has good and bad points. The good points are well documented, the bad ones are too – only way too many people defending them. Not one single owner wouldn’t welcome some firmware changes some have been screaming for. But there are many defending its flaws. Why? Irony, oh yeah.
Show me numbers on Sony’s global marketshare gains, don’t just throw that out there like you are in the know. And don’t show me just Japan or one territory, global marketshare are what Sony talk about. Show me they are making inroads to their goal with actual facts. Facts, not opinions or heresay.
And even if they have one good year, consistency is the key. Sony wouldn’t be satisifed with one good year of sales and neither should you or any other Sony fan.
end of line.
eb164
2 years ago |@MCP
sorry about your grandma mate. this must be your trauma. take some time off, try shooting some film or listen to music for a change, it will clear your mind. being a PITA on photographers site does’n calm you. if it doesn’t work for you there are some good pcycologists out there willing to help you.
sincirely,
a photographer
MCP
2 years ago |Truth hurts doesn’t it. C’mon man, throw better firepower than that. It’s the same ol same ol stuff you guys use…. focus. Motivate yourself. I know you can do better.
Hit me with some real zinger insults. Really get off topic too. Don’t hold back.
Lets see what you got buddy boy.
end of line.
WTH
2 years ago |Admin, why hasn’t this guy been blocked, he is clearly a troll.
He offers nothing constructive to the community and he clearly doesn’t respect anyone else here and their opinion.
blabla
2 years ago |No one is against something new like SLT, but dropping the pentaprism alternative is a real shame for any fast sport photographer. Too unpredictive are most sports scenes that you can manage the lake of accurate visual refresh between high frame rates on SLT bodies. If Sony really wants to stand just on one leg (the SLT one) from now on, they risk highly to fall down before any stressed photographer will notice them… Come on Sony! Continue just one pentaprism model till you have all your homework done on the mirror-less future !!!!
poke
2 years ago |Adam,
I would like your opinion on the IQ with the 77. It appears that you have one and I am planning on getting the next FF. I keep hearing that the SLT degrades the image. I can’t tell if these are attemps by the poster to appear intellectual and argue the points of transmission and reflection of light as well as degradation of light. I see some positives with SLT with the focusing aspect over the mirror. Actually I foresee the eventual removal of the mirror in the near future. I have no problem with the EVF and actually like using it. It does need some improvement. I use it on my 5n and when in continous focus on a stationary object ite image appears to oscilate in and out. I prefer my images out of the 850 but I am comparing FF to APC. If you are getting good results with the 77 using SLT then I feel pretty comfortable waiting for the FF from Sony. The 1/2 stop loss to me only seems significant if you are shooting in poorly lit areas without a flash. Otherwise the 1/2 stop could easily compensated with shutter or aperture setting. I am also hoping the new 24mp FF will provide good photos at 3200 or 6400 iso in thos poorly lit instances. Thank you for any insight.
Looking for reassurance,
Poke
sergei
2 years ago |a77 delivers a LOT MORE detail than a580 I used to have and on paar with a850 FF sensor. Full frame a850/900 gets a cleaner raw high iso performance and much better depth of filed control. A77 Raw needs to be opened with LR4 for optimum low light performance. I remember when a900 was dissed for poor iso, LR3.6 and now Light Room 4 beta does wonders and I can shoot iso 4000 – 5000 with a850 in RAW. So no practical loss of detail and sensitivity on a77. A77 doesn’t clip highlights at iso 100 and 50 (unlike a900 with native iso 200)
Solo
2 years ago |Poke, just go look at images shot by the a77. If you think they are riddled with noise and not sharp, then you obviously have your answer. If you come to the realization that the a77 is capable of making great images, then there you go. People spend way too much time reading shit like this, looking at fucking tests, and not just looking at images shot by the fucking cameras. Compare images shot by the a77 and with the canon 5dmkII and see how much of a difference you can notice- the a77 paired with good optics and 1000% more important, a good user, will take great pictures. Its just a fucking camera.
poke
2 years ago |Solo,
Thanks I think. I almost hate to ask but are there any sites that you would recommend. I guess I was just a bit distracted by the language.
Poke
Solo
2 years ago |I would start with flickr- just search A77 and start browsing images made with this camera. I’m sure plenty of the posters on here would be happy to link you to their work with the a77
Poke
2 years ago |Solo,
Thanks!. I cannot see what the issue is with the SLT. The pics that I see have what appear to be accurate colors and no issues with resolution. The IQ looks more than adequate. I know these are not prints but until they get rid of the mirror completely SLT will more than fine for me. I shoot a lot of sports and action and the SLT seems to perform very well with speed and accuracy of focus as well as fps. I cannot wait for the FF release. I think people have difficulty with change and get use to the same old same old. Thanks again.
Solo
2 years ago |play with one at the store. The only thing that might bug you is the control-lag- this bugs me personally, but depending on your shooting style, it might not make any difference.
Poke
2 years ago |Solo,
That would probably aggravate me but would not be a deal breaker. I am waiting for the FF in Sept. I hope Sony will have the lag issue resolved in that camera. I have an 850 and a 5n with the LEA2 adapter and EVF that will keep me going until then. I prefer my photos out of the 850 compared to the 5n with SLT adapter but I attribute that simply to the 24MP FF v 16MP APC rather than the SLT. However, the 5n with SLT is much faster and more accurate in the focusing department than the 850.
bas076
2 years ago |Of cause from such a camera like A77 people want high iso performance, fast and accurate AF, comfort VF, pro level ergonomics and absolutly no operating problems. Only part of this list is actualy meet the expectations. For other thing there is NEX line and this line already met the expectations.
BMan
2 years ago |Well…
Here comes a canon with a 100% OVF, and it’s an “intelligent” one.
If the Sony A99 EVF will not be superb (another leap like from A55 -> A77), it will be another 4 years in the shadow of the big two …
Zstan
2 years ago |So who’s jumping ship tonight/tomorrow?
FlashX
2 years ago |Please do. Close minded OVF users you are just missing out. Although EVF isn’t perfect yet, it’s like film vs sensors 15 years ago. Pro photographers couldn’t accept the dynamic range nor the resolution. Look at the novelty of film these days. I can barely find a good film developer in town and I live in a fairly big urban city. I remember when I was researching for my first digital camera, Kodak had this camera that proved dynamic range will work after sample images of actual darker tone in a wedding dress shoot. Basically, most photographer said “it’s never will replace film”. Boy… 15 years later, were they ever wrong.
The fact is technology improves. The EVF will gain in frame-rate. The EVF-sensor will produce better dynamic range. The loss of light from the translucent mirror will gets it’s light back by a more sensitive sensor. Now with all those improvements in place, an OVF will look like film vs digital wouldn’t it?
Shoot the photos the way you want to shoot with. Staying too comfortable with old technology might have you being obsolete one day.
RVN
2 years ago |agree, it a revolution digital camera, in the future SLT will improve so much, i believe that
+1000 ^_^)b
Wheelus
2 years ago |Correct. I’m old enough to remember when the first built-in light meters came on the market. The old-times at the time put down the idea. How could they possibly do as good a job as a hand held meter they said. And the old-old-times said they any photographer that was worth anything didn’t need a light meter because he could tell the correct exposure by eye. The criticism was a real pro would never depend on a camera that depended on a battery. You had to have a mechanical camera in case something happened to your battery. I can remember a camera review for the Minolta XK that said that it was way too complicated and the average photographer could never understand/use all of the functions. Then it was spot or averaging meter reading. Then we had the debate over whether aperture or shutter priority was the best
The common denominator in this little history lesson is that the old school photographers were/are always quick to put down the new technology because they were afraid of the brave new world.
We will always have these insecure ignorant people who will not use a debit card, a computer, an iPad, a cell phone, Photoshop, or whatever new technology comes along. Ultimately they will be forced to accept the new technology but only after they have shown their stupidity to the rest of us.
Hibolta
2 years ago |I totally agree with you Wheelus.
And I’m sure Sony knows they can’t compete with the big 2 on the High end, and unfortunately in the mid-range level beacause of the reputation if you know what I mean.
It is a better move to invest on this SLT technology and gain experience while the 2 papys are sitting, those who use SLT on a daily basis already know it will surelly be one of the technology investing our cams in the future .
Carl
2 years ago |There is also the other end of the pole who think buying the latest and greatest will make them take better pictures and don’t understand that most of what makes a good picture is composition and photographic skill.
klw10
2 years ago |If I did jump it would not be tonight or for Canon. Nikon is the better option at the moment.
Björn Utpott
2 years ago |It’s clearly a good idea for Sony to focus exclusively on SLT technology as it differentiates them from their competition. Both systems have advantages and depending on your needs you can make a choice. It’s just that if you choose an optical system, you’ll have to look elsewhere.
blabla
2 years ago |looking elsewhere is no problem, just selling all my alpha compatible equipment on ebay is kind of stress, and that just because a stupid pentaprism is now missing in Sony-world
qwerty
2 years ago |blabla: screw ebay, just email me the list of what you have and what you expect to get for them. I’ve been looking for the G and CZ lenses from people who kept saying that they would jump ship but can’t seem to have any luck finding the listing
Zstan
2 years ago |Try alphanatics.com
But is a Malaysian site though.
pancanikonpus
2 years ago |canon go very ‘serious’ on the AF. insane!
feedmatekill
2 years ago |that was honestly one of the few things that weren’t close to “perfect” with 5dm2
Pablo
2 years ago |I still don’t get it… What is so great about such a stupid idea as putting a semi-transparent “mirror” in the path of the light so that it degrades the quality of the optical signal but also reduces the luminance intensity at about 0.3-0.5 EV?
You either put a LOSSLESS mirror behind the lens so I can view directly through the lens or you put a sensor fed EVF in the camera, just as the NEX 5N and 7 have.
NO SEMI-TRANSPARENT GIMMICKS, PLEASE!
steven
2 years ago |Phase Detection Autofocus.. that’s why.
WTH
2 years ago |Please take the time to go to your local camera store and try the A77.
Then if you still have balls, come back here and say something more intelligent.
harpo
2 years ago |Unfortunately I think you need to do more than just play with it in dim light at a Sony store. I don’t think you can fully appreciate what this camera does until you spend some time with it. Anytime I hear “I had a look through the view finder in my local camera store” I stop reading. I don’t care if it’s a Sony or a canikon 5 minutes in a camera shop does not make for an educated opinion, IMHO.
passer-by
2 years ago |I tried a55 at a local store and I love its EVF! They say A77′s is even better.
Cliff
2 years ago |Or,…just dump the mirror, keep the path open and develop improvements to the current contrast AF technology.
It’s funny. We spend $2K on a camera body with amazing sensor. $1K-2K on complex and precisely engineered glass,…only to have a .50 cent piece of plastic in between the two. And just for the purpose of having phase detect AF? That’s it? All for that?
I’m fine with the EVF. I’m on board with that portion of SLT. I just want a clean path between my glass and my sensor. (it’s not asking too much)
Make that mirror removable and enable contrast AF and I’ll be happy. I rarely use AF anyway. (I don’t shoot “run and gun”, paparatzi- style over my head in a crowd very often.)
Yes, I have shot about 50 pix with an A77. Generally speaking, I like it.
Maximus
2 years ago |You really think its a 50ct peace of plastic? It is a very complex optical element with several coatings and exact transmission values for specific wave length of light. The A55 showed signs of ghosting under very extrem conditions, the A77 does not. This alone shows, how complex this element is and how much development effort was made.
A 150$ UV Filter that you might use to protect your lens will do more harm to image quality.
Cliff
2 years ago |Ok….i didn’t mean to say that it was literally worth 50 cents. I’m just saying that compared to expensive glass, its cheap.
If it were a magic square that somehow improved the image quality than I would want it there. But for PDAF? Ehhh….
I’m sorry. I know Sony marketing wants me to get excited about PDAF….but after spending 2 hours with it, it just doesn’t turn me on that much.
I shoot mostly manual all day. The acrylic square is virtually useless to me.
steven
2 years ago |if you love to shoot mostly manual, just lock the mirror up (or get it removed) and shoot w/o any of the so critical 1/2 stop of light loss, lol.
WTH
2 years ago |I think Steven nailed it.
Why don’t you just remove the mirror and shoot with manual focus?…
Vlad
2 years ago |If you use AF so rarely, then just take away the mirror and be happy. Not that it affects IQ that much anyway.
Solo
2 years ago |I’m willing to bet that you can’t tell the difference between images shot with the a77 with and without mirror, or between the a77 and competing dslrs. I think you are possessed with 100% crops… and I think that’s fucking stupid honestly. You’re a photographer right?
Cliff
2 years ago |Photographer?
Me? no no. I’m just a guy with a couple Sony cameras and a bunch of lenses and takes allot of pictures. That’s all. I would never be so bold to call myself a “photographer”.
I’m like you. I think that cameras without translucent mirrors and PDAF are stupid. There is just no need to own a camera that doesn’t have PDAF. (CDAF-type)
I wonder what an A77 would actually do if the top phase detect sensor no longer registered any light?
How do you guys clean your translucent mirror? If a fleck of dust lands on it, will it cause huge refraction?
I did some simple tests with a NEX VG20 and an LA EA2 adapter. On and off with locked down camera settings to compare. There is a difference. Not huge but there.
I love it. Throw down a little criticism on translucent mirrors and people react like you are insulting their mother! Easy folks,…easy. It’s a temporary thing. It’s going away before you know it.
Too funny.
Wheelus
2 years ago |Too funny? What’s too funny is people with obsessive compulsive disorder that spend all of their time worrying about what MIGHT happen if they get a speck of dust on their mirror or what MIGHT happen if there is X amount of light loss with that mirror or what MIGHT happen if that electronic viewfinder MIGHT not function as well as an optical viewfinder in some obscure situation, or what MIGHT happen someday when you need to shoot at an ISO of 100,000.
What MIGHT happen someday with that expensive new Canon when it shoots at only 6 frames per second in the Olympics with the mirror locked up and the subject moving toward you is out of focus.
The only solution is to move on to Still Capture. Then we MIGHT not have to worry about MIGHT.
Carl
2 years ago |The dust will be out of the plain of focus, so you won’t see it unless you use a ridiculously small aperture like f256 or something, by which point the sensor dust will be so bad even meticulous cleaning probably won’t suffice. That might be an issue if you shoot 40x macros, but you’d probably be focus stacking if you were using any digital camera.
Solo
2 years ago |You still didn’t address my point- you are unable to distinguish the difference between stills made by the a77 and DSLRs- I think you are fucking paranoid.
I shoot with an A850 by the way. Idiots still bother me though.
The Lotus Eater
2 years ago |@Pablo, the translucent mirror is a necessity with current technology if you want phase detect autofocus at the same time as full time live view. It isn’t a gimmick. Please do your research.
@Cliff, my current understanding is that even if Sony can improve contrast AF to the point where it competes with phase detect, the problem is that current A-mount lenses aren’t designed to cope with contrast AF. Sony would need to release a whole new set of lenses.
If you know how slow Sony SAM/SSM lenses AF when using the LA-EA1 adapter on NEX, that demonstrates the problem.
steven
2 years ago |I actually did not know that, but always wondered. Thanks for the insight
PhotoNut
2 years ago |The Lotus Eater,
The Nikon-1 V camera has an EVF and does not have a translucent mirror but yet it supports fast phase detection. The phase detection is right on the sensor.
So the translucent mirror is not the only way to do EVF/fulltime autofocus. It is simply an image degrading stop gap measure.
By definition, SLT cameras are a stop gap and are doomed to be replaced with either fast contrast detection, on-sensor phase detection or a hybrid of both like in the Nikon-1 cameras. It is only a matter of time.
MCP
2 years ago |Well said PN, but he’s paid to defend Sony, what do you expect.
end of line.
The Lotus Eater
2 years ago |Shit, I’ve never had an internet stalker before.
steven
2 years ago |it is VERY different when you have phase detection auto focus on the tiny sensor of the nikon v1 and a full frame sensor. it isn’t as effective, otherwise nikon would’ve also had pdaf on the sensor of their d800.
MCP
2 years ago |Rule #1 for astroturfers- Never get into a logical argument, you will lose. Instead insult degrade and annoy your foes until they leave. Do it repeatedly and you’ll have excellent success.
For every logical person you successfully remove from the forums, you get a $15.00 bonus. Good luck, remember the golden rule! Insult, don’t debate! You aren’t smart enough for that!
end of line.
WTH
2 years ago |@MCP, “Never get into a logical argument, you will lose. Instead insult degrade and annoy your foes until they leave.”
Isn’t that what you are doing here????
roomnoxii
2 years ago |The hybrid sensor is not feasible for larger sized sensors at the moment. Do remember that the Nikon V1 sensor is smaller than m4/3s sensors.
In the future, on-sensor PDAF would be great. It will come eventually. Before we get that though, I’m rather happy with my NEX and LA-EA2.
Carl
2 years ago |No one else has come to market with it, but I don’t think that alone is evidence that it’s not technically feasible. There is no fixed size requirement for phase detect sensors.
Doing it Nikon’s way will cost a sensor 1/4 of its light, which is hardly different from the 1/3rd that the SLT mirror costs.
Zstan
2 years ago |The on sensor phase detection only works under very good light and you can’t even select when to turn it on or off…
pancanikonpus
2 years ago |I am optimistic about the sony solution in slt especially on the translucent mirror. I do believe every imaging companies does have many backup plans in their lineup, they need to observed their rivals move and react accordingly. if they have 100 goodies today, they will not one shot incorporate all into it. typically just adding few to pressure their rivals and attract users and keep move on.
who know one day sony may move to hybrid af in sensor w/o rely on the mirror or something else.
Cliff
2 years ago |Wow,…Canon 5D III. 22mp on a full frame sensor. Jeez,…with a large pixel pitch like that, the thing is going to be one clean and fast camera in the dark.
Smart move on Canon’s part. Let’s hope the next Sony FF sensor has a similar pixel pitch. I think Sony can squeeze out a bit more than Canon with the same sensor specs.
pancanikonpus
2 years ago |Now, Canikon, m43 everyone now go into their own game. like canon not even care about MP race(don’t know will too early to say this
) while nikon push MP to the limit. seem same goes to sony.
I will say we will all die one day. time being buy the desire camera and enjoy it regardless brand
clark kent
2 years ago |what camera are you using by the way?
Carl
2 years ago |He changes his cameras the way the rest of us change our clothes.
xedi
2 years ago |I think we should stop overinterpreting the answer. It seems as the one answering did not understand the question at all and does not know the difference between SLTs and DSLRs, so this answer is useless.
JB
2 years ago |Wow the mark 3 has CF and SD?? What happen to Sony’s new CF??
Atlasman
2 years ago |The Canon 5DMKII demonstrated the value of adding video to the full frame imaging device——I’m sure that this camera exceeded all sales expectations.
SLT is an evolutionary step in terms of the 5DMKII.
The OVF is dead. Long live the EVF. (at least this appears to be so in Sonyland.)
Cliff
2 years ago |The OVF is dead?
Tell that to Canon in two years after they have sold a zillion of these 5D III’s. lol
It’s got a few more years of life left. Sony not competing in that market is exactly what Canon wants. Canon can sleep very well at night now. (If the “Sony is out of OVF competition” rumor is true)
MCP
2 years ago |Cliff- precisely my thoughts.
Sony came to the DSLR playoffs thinking they could just run through Canon and Nikon and got shut out. Depsite everyone who knew better telling them how to get market penetration the right way. They ignored everyone, got beat like a stepchild and SLT is a desperate attempt to save face and claw at the DSLR marketshare scraps. Nothing more than that.
Decent cameras, very decent but that is it.
Since beginners are moving away from DSLRS to mirrorless, that leaves NOTHING left for Sony to court. No Pro is going to invest in Sony from now on, beginners will buy NEX.
end of line.
bas076
2 years ago |You really think that NEX buying only beginners?
Solo
2 years ago |beginners buy canon rebels and nikon d5000s, probably like you
WTH
2 years ago |Your comments make me laugh.
Cliff
2 years ago |NEX is very much moving into the Pro video world, that we can say for sure.
The NEX FS100 is very much a pro featured camcorder. (and a damn incredible one at that!)
Sony hasn’t yet make a “Pro” NEX photo camera.
I don’t believe that Sony could have made a camera that truly could compete with Canon 6 years ago.
Today, this is NOT the case. Sony has finally hit it’s stride. In fact, I would boldly say that 80+% of Nikon’s success recently is due entirely to Sony technology. (Sony Sensors)
Sony CAN do OVF cameras today if they wanted. I’m certain of it.
SonyA77
2 years ago |@Cliff, it’s obvious that Sony can do OVF cameras, it’s also bloody obvious that they have FAILED TO SELL. Jesus when will people here get it???
Cliff
2 years ago |@SonyA77
Did Sony fail? I have no idea what the sales numbers versus marketing and manufacturing costs were. If they made any money at all on those FF models than I guess it’s not technically a failure.
But what does that matter? Ford failed with the Pinto. Remember “New coke”? Just because a company fails at a product doesn’t mean they should just give up.
There is allot of money to be had in the DSLR world. Sony can and should go after it. Even if they just break even on bodies, they make more money on lens sales and strengthen their brand recognition and respect among DSLR-only Pros.
I wonder if Sony signed a non-compete agreement with Nikon; Nikon buys Sony sensors exclusively for their DSLR market and Sony ONLY makes SLT and stays out of DSLR/OVF.
Hmmmm….
Atlasman
2 years ago |Cliff,
Read the entire line, not just what you want to read.
Steve
2 years ago |In my opinion the issue is still Sony’s reluctance to invest in glass. Sony hasn’t shown much interest in updating old Minolta full-frame optics or many new quality lenses since the exciting days three or four years back when many of the Zeiss lenses came into the market…………Many of us really got excited about Sony’s direction back when the a900 was announced.
The SLT/EVF is the future…, or maybe I should say that the DSLR like the ones Nikon and Canon have just announced are not the future and It’s reasonable to believe, that every new SLT camera will be better than its predecessor, and within a year or so, most of the concerns, both real and feared will go away, and by the time that the a99 ships, Canon and Nikon will be scrambling to catch-up.
Sony, where are the lenses?
Carl
2 years ago |Are the lenses even coming, or are we just waiting for Godot?
Dalaa Bacho Photography
2 years ago |Sorry, but I read that statement to mean that Sony is committed to both technologies. If Sony is to make it big in the camera making business, which I believe they are committed to, you will have to remain versatile and diverse… The SLT cameras are great and serve a purpose, but not always do you need continuous AF. The EVF on the other hand aids the novice photographer allowing people who have never used a SLR camera to use and understand how it works. They make for great teaching tools.
I am sure if Sony want to truly take on the Big Dogs like Canon and Nikon they will have to build cameras to compete with the likes of the D4 and 1DX…
I absolutely love my A77 and I it works very well along with my A900. There is something to be said for the fact that it holds it’s own against the likes of the a900. There are a few issues and bugs that still need to be ironed out, but this was true for the A700 which I believe current FW is 4.0??? Perhaps it was rushed given the traumatic year Sony has had with Natural Disasters in both Japan and Thailand. You complain and jeer Sony, while I praise them for their tremendous efforts to overcome the adversaries and get product out to people 1/2 a world away in record time.
There is more to a camera than ISO and EVF… Most people really don’t know why they prefer an OVF.. Most people can’t really notice any IQ difference between Dslr and Dslt cameras… There is a trade off any way you look at it. But there a far more pros than cons when it comes to the EVF… The tech is still n compared to the 50+ years of the OVF… I think it can only get better and in a few years OVF will be a distant memory…
Sony has a tendency to be a forward thinking company and it’s not for everyone. I happen to love it ! I think that was the tradition of Minolta and I loved Minolta cameras. Sony sometimes is a few years ahead of the game and I think of they stick with the SLT technology and EVF they will be way ahead of the game when it truly takes off.
Since its inception Sony has held the Camera of the year several times and currently two years running A55 and Nex7… So give credit where credit is due.
MCP
2 years ago |B.S. Awards are mostly brownose jobs in lieu of handing cash over or attention seeking tactics for the awarder- nothing more. Look at some of the cameras that got camera of the year- most of them are forgotten about completely. Awards mean diddly squat.
Give reality and truth, where reality and truth are due.
Omg, im being chased by a half dozen astroturfers now, look at them flock to my comments like sharks on blood. Must defend must defend! Take pictures ignore the facts!
“hey guy, look over here!” Hussein/Southpark
end of line.
Harvey
2 years ago |What is it that makes you mention astroturf all the time? Is it your business and is trolling your hobby, or the other way round? :p
MCP
2 years ago |Accuse the accuser, another astroturfer tactic. Bright as sunshine sweetheart!
Choice few here, all the same. You could cast all 6 or so of them in the same role and nobody would know any different. Corp clones.
end of line.
WTH
2 years ago |@MCP,
You have completely lost the plot…
Your earlier posts was quite funny.
Your later posts shows signs of concern.
Now after reading this, I think you need to go seek help.
The Lotus Eater
2 years ago |I think he’s bi-polar.
SonyA77
2 years ago |If bi-polar = gay, then I think you’re right.
Solo
2 years ago |Sony A77 there is no need to make hateful generalizing statements such as this.
Solo
2 years ago |I feel it is my duty to make you feel poorly.
WTH
2 years ago |@MCP, you truly are handicapped in the way you think.
Here is someone who spent some time to post up something constructive and informative and you had to go try and take a shit on it (you missed by the way).
It’s true that Sony is trying a different approach. I find Sony SLT cameras very easy to use. The A77 has it’s pros and cons.
It’s usually a different camera for different shooting conditions for the professionals.
Sony doesn’t need people to defend their products, their products usually speaks for itself.
And yes, I purposely split all my sentences into paragraphs because I know you have a learning disorder.
end of line.
Aschwinn
2 years ago |I have a question about the Photo on top of this Article. What type camera is used in de photo.
Aschwinn
PJ
2 years ago |The SLT should have been named SLR(T) keeping the link to tradition and pointing out the new.
ItsaChris
2 years ago |“intention is to sell the idea that SLT and DSLR are the same thing”
LOL, its sony that gave there cameras the SLT name. They were they ones that were selling the idea that the SLT and DSLR are different, even with in there own brand.
The canon EOS RT/f-1, and Nikon F2h were considered SLRs. Sonys SLTs have always been and are still SLRs… Sony marketing relay screwed that up, and it will take time to re-re-convince the market.
MCP
2 years ago |Truth hurts sweetheart. Kiss the big mans ring, bow down to it. Sony make decent stuff, they lag on their goal of marketshare gain because they are arrogant and too consumer electronics minded to change.
They will never penetrate the market like they want because of that. Long as they have SONY stamped on photo products, nobody will take them all that seriously.
6 years of mediocrity in the DSLR race, stalled. SLT will be a foregone conclusion in 6 years, and Sony, if still around in the DSLR market, will still be sputtering and weezing on the side of the road.
Too bad too because they have everything they need and more to succeed big time (except the right minds at the top).
end of line.
WTH
2 years ago |That is why SONY is the 2nd largest camera manufacturer…
http://www.petapixel.com/2011/04/18/nikon-and-sony-gaining-on-canon-in-worldwide-digital-camera-market/
Now instead of spurting out crap, why don’t you go do the dishes before your mother beats you over the head… again…
truth hurts sweetheart…. end of line…
WTH
2 years ago |Damn… I shouldn’t have posted that.
I wanted MCP to keep on spewing his stupidity in the forums.
Ohh well, time to go out and take some photos…
end of line…
MCP
2 years ago |“Damn… I shouldn’t have posted that.”
I know, so do others. It’s ok, I’ll forgive you.
Dazzle us with your knowledge now and redeem your claims.
end of line.
MCP
2 years ago |WTH- not so fast there sparky. That is total marketshare based on ALL cameras, not SLT/DSLR. Now, go and read back and get caught up in the convo here.
Sony have always enjoyed great success in the digital camera market on ALL products. This is well known.
Lets start over, again. See if you can provide real factual numbers showing Sony gaining marketshare in the DSLR/DSLT category world wide. Go ahead, take your time.
And no hack site stats, real stuff from Sony.
Repeat, worldwide DSLR/DSLT marketshare stats ONLY, real stuff, not hack site estimations or second hand stats.
Good luck (jepoardy theme).
end of line.
MCP
2 years ago |Just like I thought, crickets in the audience. You have nothing… nothing.
Cuz if you did, Sony would be trumpeting it loud and clear being the arrogant company that they are.
“SEE WE CAN BEAT THEM WE CAN SEE WE ARE GOOD! LOOK AT OUR MARKET SHARE CLIMB YAY SONY FOREVER GO! FAKE.DISBELIEF”
WTH
2 years ago |I dunno what can help you if you refuse to look at IDC market research.
You are so in denial.
Please go and play with your imaginary A77 that you so claim to have.
end of line.
MCP
2 years ago |Exactly, resort to default insult, no proof of claim. And I thought you were actually going to show us something, what a let down.
Admitting you don’t have any real or solid info to prove your hope/wishes is ok, you wouldn’t be the first to do it. Just don’t worry about it so much or take it personal. No need to go to personal insults to make yourself look worse.
Show us all the proof of your claim, or admit you don’t have any. Nothing will happen if you admit it, minus a bit of embarrassment. But if you’re a man you can handle a little bit of it.
Now I’m not saying Sony has or hasn’t gained any marketshare in the DSLR/SLT category- I’m saying I see no proof either way.
“show me the money!”
end of line.
Solo
2 years ago |How is the view up there?
I mean damn that has to be the farthest I’ve ever seen someone’s head up their own ass…
MCP
2 years ago |Again, just like WTH, proven wrong with no facts all you can do is act like a child. Bring facts on claims or go home. Keep on topic, if you have the guts too.
No facts that sony has increased m/share on DSLRS worldwide do you, none, zilch.
Thats what I thought.
end of line.
Harvey
2 years ago |What, what, what? All those messages NOT mentioning astroturf? You got me confused here… Back on track to start talking photography perhaps?
I recently bought a load of Canon (FD-)lenses, I love them and so does my Nex. The days of SLT’s of SLR’s – whatever, are counted. Still, what would a Canon mirrorless look like? Probably not too innovative, considering the quite conservative 5D-III. A decent cam, but it doesn’t make my heart tick louder or faster… So I’ll stick with Minol, er, Sony
David
2 years ago |The 5d3 doesn’t excite me much
Nothing revolutionary or new.. just a 5d2 with two more stops high ISO, (hopefully) better autofocus and probably better build quality.
Atlasman
2 years ago |I won’t be running out to upgrade my 5DMKII anytime soon.
But I would pre-order right now for a Sony NEX-9 full frame——if it’s anything like the NEX-7, I’m confident that it won’t disappoint.
Fritz
2 years ago |Just sold my Sony Alpha 850, incl. Zeiss 16-24 and Sony 70-200G. Still have a NEX 7 and will buy a Canon 5D MKIII. Alpha is over. Why should I use it, if there is NEX 7 which I can use with ANY Lens. Why Canon 5D? Did you ever try to use a NEX 7 at -10°C? Almost impossible to use the little wheel on the back, which you will need more than the two buttons on top. By the way I really like the EVF.
WTH
2 years ago |Good luck with your 5D M3, I will wait for the A99 and see what it has to offer
David
2 years ago |Fritz, what did you get for a second hand a850 and the 16-35? And where did you sell them?
I’m probably doing the same, in order to get a d800. I have a850, 16-36, 35 and 85
Fritz
2 years ago |850=1400€
16-35=1200€
eBay
David
2 years ago |Cool, thanks Fritz.
Good to see there isn’t too much depreciation!
Hass
2 years ago |After reading this blog for over a year now, I think you’re all a bunch of idiots.
You don’t like what Sony is giving? You either tell that to Sony through an organized group that sends letters, you either use another brand.
It’s technology, it’s good for you. As if it’s a football match between Liverpool and Manchester, everyone is barking at the other, and some are barking at their own team, and no one is listening to anyone, and nothing changes.
And like all of a sudden, everyone of you is a professional photographer and filmmaker now. I’m a professional photographer, I have exhibitions in Paris, and you know what camera I use? My old Sony a550. After testing the a77, I’ll jump there because of its video, and yes I’m a professional filmmaker as well, and I want to own my own video camera.
I think you’re all whining because the most of you don’t even know what they’re doing with they’re gear, and yeah you say to yourself let’s blame it on Sony. I’ve seen your kind all my life.
Thousands of the best world photographers of the 20th century used cameras with “technologies” that aren’t even 1% of what technology is offering us now. Ungrateful fuckers!
Quit the bullshit, and as I said, you don’t think Sony is good, group yourselves, send them letters or call them. The other 2 options are changing brands, or shutting up, and let the admin do their job at providing quality information about Sony cameras.
Hass.
MCP
2 years ago |Feel better?
Got a better idea, if the conversations don’t suit you, just ignore them. Censorship isn’t an option- you don’t own the forum that equals 0 control over it. You aren’t anyones parent or guardian, you have zero say so over their opinions.
In essense you are naval lint here, Hass.
If the admin chooses to close the discussion great, this is their site. I’d ask for your money back if you are that unhappy.
end of line.
Hass
2 years ago |What? Are you an idiot? I didn’t even mention censorship, let alone closing any threads or deleting any posts.
Solo
2 years ago |I can answer that question for you… yes he is a seriously idiotic dumb piece of shit. Just trying to get everyone angry.
MCP
2 years ago |The pot calling the kettle black. How does it feel to be a hypocrite? Calling yourself names now, wonderfully humorous!
@Hass, your insinuation is to shut people up. You don’t like being called a whiner which you clearly are being. Grow a pair and be accountable for it. If you don’t like the convos, leave.
end of line.
bas076
2 years ago |1)http://www.1001noisycameras.com/2011/04/canon-destroyed-nikon-in-2010-dslr-market-share-yir-6.html
2)http://www.mirrorlessrumors.com/sony-has-15-of-the-mirrorless-market-share-nex-3-disocntinued/
May be this two links can help.
Fritz
2 years ago |I called Sony. The CEO was busy…
Almazar80
2 years ago |Different cameras for different folks. A good thing, since everyone thinks and work differently. No surprise that different camera make/model are available. Use what gets the job done and mkes you happy. You don’t have to bash someone because they want to use something else. Or egg them on because they want to use something else. Use the tool that suits you. Use your eyes and mind and express your creativity.
WTH
2 years ago |+1
I was thinking of getting the Nokia Pureview 808, just to cover the times, I don’t have my A77 at hand.
Solo
2 years ago |+10000000000000000000000000000
Some people get so emotionally attached to their brand that they feel the need to create some sort of unnecessary competition. This isn’t sports.
Clyde
2 years ago |“Sony A900 successor rendering made by tecnofotografia. But unlike you see on this picture the successor will be SLT and not a DSLR camera.”
What about that rendering makes you think it’s SLR rather than SLT? How can you tell from that mockup?
clark kent
2 years ago |I would make a guess that it’s because of the pentraprism hump at the top. An SLT wouldn’t need it.
Lionel
2 years ago |EVF is the best!
clark kent
2 years ago |Wow, I do see a lot of butthurt here when someone starts saying Canon and Nikon is not at the top of their game and Sony is catching up (a pretty fast one at that). At the end of the day, tech evolves and gets better with time. Old folks who resist change will be obsolete one day – happily cuddled up in their safety blanket in a lonely corner. The world will still keep turning irregardless.
WTH
2 years ago |+1
Good on Sony for pushing something different.
Helena
2 years ago |I would give more publicity to the difference of the “SLT” for the “DSLR”. It’s different, and for some things better. Show it with pride Sony.
FlashX
2 years ago |I agree. Sony need to do better advertising on the SLT cameras. Tell the real story why the technology is here to stay. When I was looking at a couple photography forums, basically no one even understood what the translucent mirror does except for blocking light. Some goes as far as saying the SLT have flapping translucent mirrors too.
Tell the real advantages story:
* you see what the sensor sees.
* you can auto focus really fast and in video mode too.
* you can use EVF while taking video instead of having mirror locked up like the other guys.
Sometimes I am thinking those Mac/PC commercials are what Sony need to tell their stories.
DSLR – “Hi I am DSLR”
DSLT – “Hi I am DSLT”
DSLR – “I am used by some dude who shoots random awesome photos with my kit lens”
DSLT – “What a coincident, so are my owners.”
DSLR – “I bet you haven’t produced an awesome portrait photo like the one I shot last weekend.”
DSLT – “Been there done that.”
DSLR – “… come here. look at the awesome video I took.”
DSLT – “dude… looks great but you can’t auto-focus while you shoot video? Damn… that sucks dude…”
Steve-S
2 years ago |RE the idea that the pellicle mirror of the SLT “degrades” the image quality – yes, of course it does (at least in the lab). DXO has measured and quantified the image degradation (in the lab). Head on over to DXOmark and do a head-to-head of their lab results for (e.g.) the a580/a55/NEX5N – the SLT comes out with lowest ISO, lowest DR, lowest color-depth (same sensor, same camera-maker, same lab doing the tests — this is as close as it gets to a “perfect” lab-based comparison). Same results comparing the a77/a65/NEX7, if you care.
On the other hand, it’s not at ALL clear that SLT images are “degraded” in any meaningful, final-IQ fashion. When you look at the real images that real photographers are really shooting in the real worrld… suddenly, the lab-results (.6 of an EV here, 150 points of an ISO there, .4 bits of color-depth, etc) can begin to look a bit… well… meaningless.
Bottom line: Canon, Nikon, Sony (or Pentax or Oly or… ) — it doesn’t really matter. Shut up and shoot!
ricerice
2 years ago |give me back OVF………pls.
hum
2 years ago |hum…
guess we’re hitting a crossroad here….
time to make a choice!……
I really do welcome SLTs for everyday life where we need loads of features that facilitate our daily photographes and videos, SLT simply makes life easier.
BUT, let’s face it, for professional photographers where image quality is the dominant factor, an SLT just won’t be enough!
Imagine a professional photographer who owns both SONY A9X and NIKON D800 (which basicaly shares the same 36mp sensor). he will almost always choose the D800 for his serious works, why?
cuz the A9X has a damn translucent mirror in the way that degrades the image quality! same sensor, same photographer, same brain, same eyes but the photos from A9X will never be as good as the D800 period.
with that stubborn translucent mirror in the body, SONY can only make cameras for enthusiasts or semi-pros but never for those real professionals. Pros that shoot with SONY can only wait for the mirrorless fullframe camera to mature some day in the future. SLT-A9X might just be a transitional product, I think sony knows pretty well that “mirrorless” is THE FUTURE. I don’t believe at all that translucent mirror system will last long in sony’s production line. Meanwhile, for professional photographers that really care about still image quality, it’s time to make a choice!
For me personally, it’s really sad to say this, but bye-bye Sony, bye-bye my beloved old friend Minolta, so long~
maybe i will come back someday, when things have been changed…….
Clifton
2 years ago |Sony DSLR are dead, there will be no more Sony DSLR. Sony will ONLY produce SLT cameras.
End of f*king line.
MCP
2 years ago |@Clifton- I admire your spirit, at least you have balls
.
Yep Sony quit DSLRS after failing that, at least they didn’t do a silent quitter like Samsung, Oly, and Panasonic did to DSLR users and instead they are dragging out the demise with SLT- one last try, to gain traction in the DSLR market. Risky abandoning OVF users, real risky.
We’ll see in 13′ if they gained any market share anywhere near their lofty goal- pro’s will continue to ignore them. Many enthusiasts have left long ago, and SLT isn’t good enough to keep them around much longer.
They are out of touch with those buyers, completely, and have been since 2006.
end of line.
WTH
2 years ago |You are pulling all these facts from?!?!?!?
Why don’t you pull up a credible source to back up your claims?
Or do you represent the photography community?
end of line…
MCP
2 years ago |Love that A77 so much don’t you. You are a complete idiot. You won’t figure that out though till it’s too late.
end of line.
WTH
2 years ago |Why are you calling me names now?
I don’t feel like an idiot, I spent money on something I like. It works for me and I can take great pictures with it and learn with it.
Minolta was a great camera company with some of the best products ever built.
The A-Mount lens covers a wide range of purposes and the A77 is a great camera. The very fact that you don’t think the A77 deserves much praise is most likely because you don’t own one. Most people I have talked to that has a A77 thinks its a great tool that compliments many shooting situations.
Your blatant disrespect for everyone on this forum just shows that you are a hateful drunkard.
Whatever is eating at you, I hope you find some closure… perhaps go buy yourself a Nikon or a Canon.
end of line…
Minoltian
2 years ago |Yes.. Totally love EVF. Have both a55 and 1dm3. A55 EVF is better than 1dm3 OVF :p
WTH
2 years ago |After using SLT, I wouldn’t think of getting a DSLR equivalent (in terms of cost).
PROS:
I enjoy shooting with the A77, it only has a shutter noise and doesn’t have the clicking noise made by the flapping mirror that DSLR has. I also notice much less vibrations, especially with high speed shooting.
I am sure some people here shoots with large zoom lenses or does macro photography, I am certain they will appreciate the reduced vibrations caused by not having a flapping mirror.
Continuous AF is also a great blessing, having spent time shooting sports and hyper active kids, I find that all too often the subject moves after focus lock. If they were slow, then I might switch to manual focus. However shooting things like flying bees, butterflies, sports and kids, Continuous AF really makes the difference.
Electronic View Finder vs Optical View Finder:
Eventually all camera companies will have to move to EVF (IMO). I never have to take my eyes off the View Finder to adjust anything. All the information is always displayed. I like the leveling meter in the view finder, it works great and much better then guessing midpoints. Being able to see the difference in terms of shutter speed, ISO and shutter speed through the view finder removes most of the guess work. I like it how when a flash is used, the EVF brightens the picture.
The main point is that you roughly get what the sensor sees. If the highlights are showing, then that is what you are going to get in final picture, if you are unsure of the quality of what you are seeing in the highlights as some has complained, then take a look at the histogram.
Being able to preview pictures through the EVF is a BIG PLUS. No longer have to cover my camera with the jacket like some pervert or trying to find a shade to do my previewing.
having an Articulated Screen means I don’t have to lie on the ground and get my clothes wet for the shot. It shouldn’t be the main selling point, but it is damn handy to have.
I like the Sony sensors and their algorithms. The auto white balance is close to perfect. The metering just works.
The IQ:
Picture quality is great and very workable between the ISO range of 50-3200.
This camera works its magic in low ISO, it is just a joy to use it.
I have 3 flashes and a few bounce reflectors for night portraiture shots. The Sony flashes are nothing but incredible, I use them mainly in wireless mode. Though I prefer the greenish-blue display of the Minolta vs the orange Sony backlit flashes (but that is just me).
CONS: (please know that some of these are nice to have)
High ISO noise
Laggy Interface (FW 1.04)
Preview Delay (FW 1.04)
Accidentally pressing the movie record button when handling the camera…
Battery Life
Tethering (none as of FW 1.04)
No Wireless
No Ethernet
Small Buffer (well not so small considering the size of 24MP)
Limited Sony Lenses (well there are plenty of 3rd party lenses)
end of line…
MCP
2 years ago |lol
WTH
2 years ago |+1
That is the smartest thing you have said all day…
end of line….
bas076
2 years ago |Three main things making A77 less attractive then it can be: noise, operational delays and battery live.
WilliamLeong
2 years ago |c’mon, noise? seriously? we’re back to square one with the noise issue?
though, i’d agree with delays, but not as much on battery life, 2 batteries can last me an entire day of heavy wedding day shooting.
no ethernet/wireless = lesser battery consumption
lenses, also an irrelevant point. so you’re gonna buy ALL the lenses that one system is going to provide? (minus TS lenses at this point of time). why don’t i see ppl complaining that sony users can get the superb 135 f/2.8:T(4) STF that none other system offers? (Nikon’s shot at the STF concept is crap) Or the AF on the 500 f/8 mirror?
look past the bad stuff and be grateful of the good stuffs bro.
WTH
2 years ago |With every camera system, there are pros and cons.
There is no 1 camera system that does everything.
Some of the points posted are nice to have.
Technically I have my range of lenses covered already and I only had to buy 1 3rd party lens to cover wide angle.
I am going to purchase the 135 STF as that is just a unique and beautiful lens.
Sony can leave that list of Cons and not do jack with it. I would still keep my A77 and A55 because I have learned how to utilize the tool set to work in different shooting conditions.
WTH
2 years ago |Noise is not much of an issue, as stated it’s very usable between ISO 50-3200.
Operational delays is going to be improved with the next firmware around the corner.
Battery life, well, just buy 2 batteries… I have 3 batteries, no worries.
Clifton
2 years ago |Battery life shouldn’t be an issue at this level of the market, anyone buying this camera should be well prepared and carry more than enough spares.
I do agree on the other points though, although that doesn’t mean I think the noise performance of the A77, or even my lowly A700 is in any way a hindrance to my photography. People need to start using their cameras properly, not just throwing the ISO to a ridiculous level and pretending they know what they’re doing.
The EVF/SLT system does, and always will knock Sony a little behind its OVF using rivals in the noise dept, but, at the end of the day the use of EVF/SLF brings its own set of pluses, some of which will never be possible on the archaic flapping mirror systems.
Sony had, and still has the odds stacked against them and competing on an even playing field with the big 2 just isn’t going to work. Their current path is a bold one, beset with obstacles but it is, undoubtedly their best option.
People like MCP may come on here and mouth off, agitating the general audience and acting like they know it all, but I can pretty much take a wild guess that Sony have employed a significant amount of real experts in the industry to advise them on the best path to take to increase their chances of success in this field. I certainly know myself, regardless of my preference in viewfinder or my inability to take a sharp shot below ISO6400, that these people know a hell of a lot more than me.
Clifton
2 years ago |oops, ran out of time to edit, but I was going to add:
Sony have, and continue to scoop numerous awards for their cameras, each of the current range of EVF powered cameras has won atleast a camera of the year in from sort of recognizable and respected panel. This, above anything else is what Sony wants, and needs to promote themselves, not a 5% advantage in some meaningless DX0 performance rating that nobody other than forum trolls give a hell about
ADRIAN
2 years ago |GO TO HELL SLT.