(SR4) New A77 successor to come in late 2013.
While Sony does’t plan to release any new FF SLT this year they will introduce 2-3 new APS-C SLT cameras. And three of my sources told me that it is Sony’s goal to launch a new A77 successor the second half of the year. I have no info about the exact specs now but while I am working to find them you may express your wishes by commenting this post. Let’s see if at least some of them may come true!n
The A77 current cheapest price I found is $919 at Bigeasycamera (Click here). And a Reminder: Sony extended the SLT APS-C deals you can grab at Amazon (Click here), Adorama (Click here) and Bhphoto (Click here).
Vlad
5 months ago |After whining about the new entry-level NEX coming too soon, wait for the complaints about the A77 replacement being too late…
Neo NiGHTS ®
5 months ago |No. People will say “That’s Sony’s way of doing thing; instead of improving the current camera with new firmware releases, they rather, instead, release a new camera”.
And I bet it won’t have full thetering shooting capabilities and people will complain about that also.
Rick
5 months ago |And they would be completely justified in their complaining IMO.
Frank
5 months ago |Nope. The A77 still does what it did when you bought it. You should not expect features to be added.
Bug fixes yes.
Neo NiGHTS ®
5 months ago |Thing is: some people buy the cameras hoping that the manufacturer will improve it with firmware releases…
Rick
5 months ago |I didn’t buy one. IMO it is ridiculous that the A77 doesn’t support tethering since the camera it is replacing (A700) does. Not to mention that the SLT design is just about perfect for tethering.
Regarding FW updates: I think it gives the impression to many that Sony doesn’t provide the same level of support that many of its competitors do.
Beachrider
5 months ago |@Rick, care to give more details on a key feature that another vendor enabled with post-release firmware fixes? I am trying to understand what you are talking about.
Alexey Ozerov
5 months ago |2.0 FW for Canon 7D???
For now A77 problems that can be fixed with FW updates –
ADI/TTL didn’t work with 58 flash at all – isn’t it funny?
In P and A mode with external flash shutter limited to 1/60 – when flash support 1/250 – all indoor reports You must shoot at M mode.
Only 4 preview on screen.
2 shots on 1 button touch in 8 fps mode. So we got reportage camera with 3 FPS most of time. A580 1 touch 1 shot – long press series.
And 8 FPS mode is unusable at all – because even with 95 Mbs sd flash buffer so little that only 7 – 8 shots could be taken with this speed – so 5 FPS will be much more useful.
May be even poor picture quality in low light (if there is RAW noise remove during compression) – but it couldnt be said 100% without seeing uncompressed RAW.
P.S. A77 for me looks like MS Vista – release was very buggy and finished all with W7 release, and finally we got in W7 all that was MS advertised in Vista. But Vista cost 300 USD for me – not 1500. And I didnt got much for camera that already have new mainboard (1,5 months for replacement) and new aperture module (2 visits in service ~ 2 weeks)
jchristopher
5 months ago |Unless they have a newer/better sensor.
Rick
5 months ago |@Beachrider
This is my second attempt at a reply. I am not sure what features you have in mind but Canon, Nikon and even Sony have provided firmware updates that added much requested functionality to existing cameras.
Canon’s 2.0 release for the 7D was extensive:
– Buffer capacity increased from 15 to 25 RAW images
– Top ISO extended from 3200 to 6400
– Campatibility with Canon GPS GP-E2 receiver
– In-Camera RAW image processing
– Manual adjustment of audio levels in video, up to 64 levels
Sony’s V4 for the A700:
– The choice to select auto exposure bracketing (single & continuous)with 3 shots in 2 EV steps has been added.
– The choice to turn [Off] the High ISO NR feature has been added.
– Improvement of the image quality in high ISO setting.
– Improvement of the auto white balance and D-Range Optimizer performance.
– Improvement of reliability for communication between camera body and vertical grip.
Gordon
5 months ago |I am a Sony user who has no interest in Canon or Nikons products. They do not offer what I like by using Sony. In the past I have bought many different Sony products as they were released. But I decided with the a57 that I would no longer buy a new model as soon as it comes out(due to price drop that happened). No more preordering for me. Sure it is nice to get new features with a new model but older models still perform well. For example when shooting portraits I still use my a700 (have always liked its handling) with either my CZ 24-70mm f2.8 or the CZ 85mm f 1.4. The IQ with these lens is very good and my clients are happy with the results. Those lens are far more imporatnt than the camera body anyway. I could use my a77 or a850 but often don’t when a narrow DOF is not needed. I also will continue to use my a55 during hiking and cycling due to its size but did it receive a firmware update to improve it’s lens compatibility or other features no. I wrote Sony and told them that their policies to not improve existing models and their practice to cripple their lower and mid level lineup to protect the end end models was terrible. I have read recent reports that the jpg engine in the a99 and RX1 is better. So what do I expect. I want Sony to pass on those improvements to all of their other alphas and nex cameras. What would it take to have an Olympus software engineer help Sony write better jpg engines. To improve current products from know issues in a responsive way would be a big improvement for Sony. Instead of treating people like beta testers for the next new model. So I will wait. If Sony would do this it would make a lot of people happy. No a99 for me right now. Maybe I will buy a used one in time. Sony has a problem with their current pricing too (the price of RX1 accessories is too much).
Firmware
5 months ago |The firmware for the a77 successor due out in late 2015. Until then, enjoy the jpeg engine, lol.
butch
5 months ago |new hot shoe and mirror-less? that way A77 shooters dont feel liek they missed out on a big thing and sony gets to see how a mirror less Amount goes over
maybe add the adjustable focus range in body like the A99
FixTheFlashSony
5 months ago |Yeah, why should a99/NEX6/RX1 owners be the only ones to get COMPLETELY SCREWED on their flash system.
Sony distinguishes themselves from competition by being the only company to require an adapter for native flash.
DalaaBachoPhotography
5 months ago |Sony didn’t want to keep the Minolta Type Hotshoe it was part of the agreement when they bought the company. Minolta wanted to ensure the current customers would not be completely left out in the dark so Sony agreed for 6 years they would use the proprietary HS 2012 It’s been 6 YEARS!!! so they go with something that is standard in the industry NOW we can get Aftermarket support and won’t have to order every darn TTL Cable and pocket wiz type remote … I for one am glad to see the Change.
luk
5 months ago |useful high ISO
no more than 24 mpxl
please
bpps
5 months ago |hahahaha i know all, i have some SR5 information you all would be extremely interested to know
admin
5 months ago |than share
Gino
5 months ago |My wishlist:
-Wifi
-Less noise in ISO3200 and over
-Better EVF
-better lcd screen
-usb3.0
-sharper iso50
-Double ammount of photos in a row
nikson
5 months ago |How about less noise up to 3200. The noise at 500 is often brutal!
bpps
5 months ago |this is true,,, but i reckon up to 800 is manageable.. anything above is…. questionable..
aardvark7
5 months ago |Sony are going to have their work cut out to pitch the specification and price just right!
Too crippled and everyone will dismiss it as a waste of time, too sophisticated and capable and it will question the whole ethos of the A99, too cheap and it will affect that market adversely, too expensive and it would be unlikely to sell at all.
I wouldn’t want to be in Sony’s shoes with this one…
Neo NiGHTS ®
5 months ago |I don’t know….. take Pentax for example. They are always trying to release the best they can, at the best price possible, without caring whether that will hurt their other cameras or not.
See the K30? It’s the best spec’d camera in its class and it costs accordingly. Pentax could’ve crippled it in several more ways (other than video/audio stuff) so it wouldn’t hurt their K5 sales. But they didn’t.
If the A7x is the flagship of the APS-C sensors, then it’d have to have everything of the best stuff Sony can put in it. Simple as that.
Leave the crippling for the lower series.
Ty
5 months ago |All I know is my a77 will be worth alot less, forcing me to sell it before…looks like FF will be happening sooner then later for this guy.
Mike
5 months ago |Those of you asking for new features: you’ll get many of them from the Sony app store. Of course, you will have to drop some $$$ into Sony’s slot.
The basic A77-successor may have even less features than the A77.
Andrew Lynch
5 months ago |Mirror that goes up, new hot shoes PDAF on sensor.
Clean HDMI
Frank
5 months ago |None of which will matter to me. The A77 is a great camera and the price is getting even better!
Tom
5 months ago |I agree!
Henrik Nymand
5 months ago |I have four A77 in my studio, and I love the cam as it is. Now that I also have the A99 and love the tethering, my wish for a coming A77 is the opportunity to shoot tethering! A RJ45 port would be nice too, but I think we only will se this in a new top model.
Ofcourse a XQD port should be standard in all new models!
dynax
5 months ago |I wish a new firmware for current A77 with improvements made on A99
Frank
5 months ago |The replacement is the new firmware update. Get used the the A77 getting nothing any time soon.
Almazar80
5 months ago |Except it’s already received several firmware fixes.
Frank
5 months ago |Yes, and your point is…?
nikson
5 months ago |Those weren’t firmware fixes in the sense that added to the camera. They were bug fixes that were missed from the initial launch. They improved the responsiveness of the a77 as far as thumbing through screens or turning the camera on and off. Nothing more than how any camera should have responded considering it was brand new and state of the art.
Firmware
5 months ago |I wish for one that makes it into a Nikon.
Firmware
5 months ago |I wish for one that makes it into a Nikon.
fola
5 months ago |Hopefully WLAN will one of the new features.
Konstantin
5 months ago |Better give us A88.
stflbn
5 months ago |Better JPEG engine with options for no JPEG compression. That’s pretty much my only irritation with A77.
Maximus
5 months ago |JPG is always with compression, thats the reason for this data format.
stflbn
5 months ago |A highest quality JPEG “IS” a lot smaller than a RAW file AND benefits from ability to do HDR, and other in camera adjustments that RAW does not allow. The extra fine and least compression on the A77 still wreaks havoc with the detail of the files.
Brian
5 months ago |+infinity
Improvements to the JPG engine would be most welcome as 90% of the features of the camera that pushed me to purchase require you to be in JPG mode to use them (no mention of this until you start playing with the camera). Tethering would be very much welcome, but I’m not holding my breath.
I’m frankly tired of Sony’s desire to sell bodies over supporting existing invested users of their products though… le sigh.
Lofote
5 months ago |Strange, some people want new bodies as soon as possible and couldn’t wait for example for the A77 – the A700 successor.
Other people want to hold a specific model.
You can’t please everyone.
And by the way: the firmware additions made to a Sony NEX-3/5 after-sale were *HUGE*. Just an example where Sony did support their existing users.
Brian
5 months ago |I have 5 Sony cameras – 2 P&S, digital videocam, NEX-5, a77. I consider all of them except the a77 as low end stuff.
I too appreciated the upgrades to the NEX-5 – they actually added nice usability / features (button customizatons and focus peaking in particular). Good follow-up…BUT…these changes were brought about by overwhelmingly bad feedback from reviewers who couldn’t stand the handling of the camera. Damage control if you will.
Firmware updates to the a77 have been relatively minor: increased responsiveness of menus, startup / shutdown, and last but not least….ability to disable the video button! Lens profiles were updated (a feature only useful if you’re shooting JPG – part of my original complaint due to quality of in-camera JPG engine). The problems addressed by these firmware fixes should not have even existed in a production camera from a major manufacturer in this price range.
The NEX series got some nice additions, yet only cost a few hundred dollars. I have thousands of dollars invested in the a77 system, only to be left high and dry. Sony’s answer: Buy another body! We promise we fixed all your complaints in the newest $2,000 version of your existing body!
I know it’s impossible to please everyone, but please throw us a bone. Support forums all over the web are clogged with requests for tethering and improved JPG performance. Why not give the loyal users who’ve already invested into your proprietary system what they’ve asked for? Surely it’s cheaper to have a software engineer bang out some lines of code than to manufacture an entirely different body to address user needs?!?
I would expect this kind of support from a bottom of the line body, but not the flagship APS-C body from a major manufacturer.
tom
5 months ago |Do you mean lossless jpeg?
stflbn
5 months ago |No Compression was referring to a Lossless or absolutely minimal loss of detail. Current Extra Fine and lowest compression still yanks out much more than should be a choice.
LIDO
5 months ago |we want the best high iso, low noise
36 MP
more focus points
nikson
5 months ago |Sadly that would mean another brand.
Bill
5 months ago |New hot shoe for sure.
Would like to see the distance focus range from the A99
At least an improved focus system, even if not all the A99 bells and whistles are present.
A tether system based on WiFI, so you can do camera settings and click the shutter from your smart phone or iPod
The body build and style of the A77 is fine, frame rates are good, video is good but could be improved in terms of allowable f-stops for autofocus.
Noise reduction would be nice, but I am not sure how far Sony can push this with the APS-C sensor, future improvements are likely to be small.
Key, not lose any of the current features.
FixTheFlashSony
5 months ago |New hotshoe? For sure?
So you like losing all native mount TTL/HSS compatible 3rd party flash and radio slaves? You’d rather trade that for direct mount dumb slave, no accessories, a microphone, and a 6 million dollar flash? You had more than that with adapter for iISO.
Bill
5 months ago |Since I have no native flashes, not a big deal to me. The new shoe may allow for me to use my current ISO shoe flashes. Currently I have to use a sync cord as the adaptors I have bought do not work with my flash.
I am really unlikely to buy this camera anyway as my current A77 does what I need. Probably wait for the A79 or the new FF in 2014. Photo budget does not allow for upgrading to every new body.
Dude
5 months ago |Just get 5$ adapter. And you’ll be able to use your flashes exactly as you’ll be on A79 (or whatever).
New hotshoe == you swap a hotshoe with wide choice of native flashes for a hotshoe with nearly no flashes at all. It’s ridiculous to ask for that.
Bill
5 months ago |As I said, the adaptors I have tried do not work with my flash. I have not tried the official Sony adaptor but the others failed. Not a big issue as I just use the flash sync cord, which thankfully the A77 has a socket for. My flash may not work on the A99 type shoe either, wont know until I upgrade to a camera with the new system.
grizzler
5 months ago |after being burned with the poor video and photo IQ of the 77, I think I’ll give it a miss.
Frank
5 months ago |Poor IQ? My A77 IQ is fantastic.
grizzler
5 months ago |at iso50/iso100 its superb, but go to 400 or above and its awful. Those of us living in the light starved northern latitudes who shoot wildlife need clean, well defined iso400-800 at least and here it sadly doesn’t deliver at all. Photograph anything furry more than about 20 feet away and it looks like something a kid knocked up out of plaster and paint.
adam
5 months ago |mine works perfect till ISO1000..love my a77. hate it alot at higher ISO
Frank
5 months ago |Don’t bother, haters are going to hate.
nikson
5 months ago |I agree with grizzler…I don’t find I get clean shots past ISO400 and the AF system is suspect in low light. I don’t want to debate it because I am currently using both Sony and Nikon and for me the difference is literally night and day. I don’t care about extra features on either or, I’m not a super specs guy, and I’m not a Sony hater just disappointed.
Ernest
5 months ago |I believe I might be the Sony user that has had the least amount of cameras among us to the A700, A55, A580 and my current A77. The A77 is an amazing camera, definitely it was a major leap forward. The only drawback I see is working in low light even though you are using a fast 2.8 or 1.4 lens which indeed give you those not so good IQ at higher ISO.
Sony for sure will need to improve that in a new high end APS-C SLT so that not only get new buyers but also keep happy campers with current users. I plan to keep my A77 for quite some time and invest in better glass. Cameras are not like disposable plates that you use and get new ones once you need them.
Technology changes every day and to keep up with that you will need to invest in every single camera Sony releases. IMHO it is better to wait, save and invest in something great every 2-3 years or so. Just my 2 cents.
Rurik
5 months ago |Wishes… hm…
OVF version sister camera, please.
16 MP.
Target price “below 1000″.
Rest can be “like in A77″. Well FPS can be lower.
And can I have weather proof Zeiss 16-80. Thank you.
Yes, I know, it’s unreal…
fotowolf61
5 months ago |Sony has it already. Buy an A57 and you get 16mpix, better JPEG and the rest of A77 !
Dude
5 months ago |What do you mean “rest of A77″ – A57 is kile a completely crippled body. Not even half of A77 features. Only good thing is high ISOs, with everything else: A77 rules over A57, night and day.
Rurik
5 months ago |Key word was OVF. If A77 would have OVF sister, I’d already have one.
Tried EVF on all cameras (not yet on A99) several time. Doesn’t work for me.
Aware
5 months ago |Hey~I need a better high-ISO performance, you know
Danish
5 months ago |01. Mirrorless in DSLR Body. Hope this will help get better low light sensitivity as light will not get reduced ; Will give a bit more shots in current battery as extra sensors and curtain shutter will be removed. I hope I’m correct in this regard ; Big body is necessary as it feels far more comfortable to use and take shots @200mm . One can put his/her head in Viewfinder. This can stabilize the camera. I’ve taken shots @ 1/15th shutter speed @200mm. But without viewfinder I don’t think this is possible. So, for such conditions I don’t think small nex mirrorless cameras will do the task. I believe I’ve clarified the need for a DSLR Body Mirrorless Camera.
02. No noise till 1600 ISO. If possible!!! Very important need in wedding photography that I face. Currently I own a Alpha 57 and noise is pretty high at 800 and above ISOs.
03. Dual SD Card Slot like that of Nikon D7000.
04. More cross point like that of Nikon D7000. Much is good but not that much of a deal breaker.
05. More cinema style picture profiles like available in Canon Cameras. Cineplus, Technicolor, Marvel, etc. This will make more efficient cinematic results.
06. No Region bases frame rate option. I want to get 24p & 60p frame rates but my camera is locked at 25p & 50p due to regional restriction. This should be removed from the camera. And Consumer should be able to choose according to their need. Like that available in Canon and Nikon. Give all the options 24p,25p,30p,50p & 60p.
07. 24 Mega pixel is pretty cool yet more megapixels are always welcomed as they help reduce noise by resizing the image. More important is high ISO noise reduction.
08. Peaking is the one of the best features in manual focusing for video addition of Zebras for exposure will be welcome addition.
09. In manual mode ISO doubles 100>200>400>800>1600>3200…… and so forth. Some times it good but sometimes its just necessary to bump that in small increment. If possible then please provide the mid value at high ISO. It’s a big need…….. Indeed…..
I think only this much I’ve got this time. If some more points will come in my mind. I’ll write that soon. This is my present requirement as per what I’ve faced in my work. If these features will add on in the camera. Then for “ME” atleast…. this will the world’s best camera ever produced…
chlamchowder
5 months ago |1. Remove mirror = lose phase detection AF. Putting a moving mirror back in would conflict with Sony’s design philosophy (merge stills and video)
2. You’ll have to go full frame for clean ISO 1600 if your a57 isn’t good enough. Frankly, I’m fine with my a580′s performance at ISO 1600, and happy with my D600 up to ISO 6400.
3. Yeah, it’ll probably have that.
4. The a77 has cross points already…it just doesn’t have a dense AF area with the D7000′s coverage. That would be nice, if Sony catches on like Canon and Nikon did.
5,6,7,8…no opinion/don’t care
9. Yes, add 1/3 and 1/2 stop options like Nikon. It’s nice.
I’d personally like Sony to put out a fast OVF camera, but I guess they’re not competing in that area anymore.
Dude
5 months ago |Just do the thing people ask for since 2010 – mirror flip up for single shot mode. Suddenly 90% of people’s issues with SLT are solved!.
Allan Olesen
5 months ago |A77 has 1/3 stop increment of ISO in M mode. At least with firmware 1.05. Don’t know about 1.06.
Front dial gives full stops. Rear dial gives partial stops.
Robert Aldrich
5 months ago |Sony – PLEASE leave the menus and buttons EXACTLY how they are. I love my 77, but I have only one. I just sold my a580 because switching back and forth on a two camera event makes it difficult with how the menus and controls are so different. Keep the outside the same (love my 77) and improve the insides. Please add in-sensor phase focusing sensors, 36MP, bigger memory buffer, and how about a buffer that cycles photos until you let off the trigger (so that if you are about to get a good shot and shoot rapid fire, it only copies the last 10 shots to the memory card?)
grizzler
5 months ago |The last of your suggestions is superb and could easily be done retrospectively on the 77
Jesse Houwing
5 months ago |I skipped the A77 and am still on the A700. Which is now for sale for under 25000 yen ($275) in Tokyo!
I’d love:
- In camera Wifi and GPS.
- Facebook / Picasa / Flickr / 500px etc publish support
- Bluetooth and wired tethering (with Android/iOS/Windows Phone support as well).
- Sweep panorama mode (while saving individual raws)
- Flip-up-transparent mirror
- frequent firmware upgrades
- Time lapse and long (programmable) shutter support
- In camera HDR (while saving individual raws)
- built-in pop-up flash
- built-in (gradient) ND filter
What I don’t need:
- 3rd party apps, appstore etc. I like my battery to last
- Size reduction (my lenses are big enough to not care)
- Improved JPeg, that’s what RAW is for!
test
5 months ago |test
leowarnes
5 months ago |This policy of Sony is incredible, replace a camera that is the flagship APS-C is crazy, when all hope for improvement via Firmware, ISO more responsive, better video, add many concepts that are in use today in the A99, Canon 7D and Nikon and 7000 retain their top of APS-C updated, let’s best Firmware development of a new body! these are the things that create doubts in Sony!!
Sorry for my bad English!
Frank
5 months ago |The Canon 7D and Nikon D7000 sell because of their brand name. Put a Nikon mount and badge on the A77 and it would easily outsell the D7000.
Canon and Nikon take so long to replace cameras because they can afford to! Sony need to continually innovate to sell new cameras.
You are comparing apples and oranges.
Rick
5 months ago |This IMO is why Sony needs to go above and beyond what Canon and Nikon do.
To take buyers from Canon and Nikon (and others) I think they need:
1. better technology
2. better value (i.e. lower prices)
3. better customer support
Some people will say they have number 1 with the SLT (and some will say they don’t). Sony’s value calculation is tough since it is a bit of apples-to-oranges comparison but I wouldn’t call Sony inexpensive. I think most would agree they have a very long way to go on #3 before they are on par with Canon and Nikon.
Dude
5 months ago |Just to remind you – till end of 2013 A77 will be over 2 years old. That’s usual timeframe for replacing high-end APS-C camera in every manufacturer.
Don’t whine. There’s no reason to.
Maxwell
5 months ago |36 MP
ISO 14.000 max
4 fps
… I hope not
Roni
5 months ago |Currently, I’d love to see an A57 with the newer OLED viewfinder. WIshlist complete. I prefer the lower pixel count of the a57 over the a65 because it’s less noisy. Hopefully an update is coming soon to either fix the a65′s noise or the to improve the a57′s EVF.
Frank
5 months ago |If you want A57 noise levels from the A65 DOWNSIZE THE IMAGE.
This has been discussed a million times but people still don’t get it. Even Dpreview concluded that there is negligible difference between the A55 and A77 when the image was downsized to 16mp.
The 24mp A77 gives you more cropping potential with the option of downsizing to 16mp when you really NEED to, you know, for taking those test shots of your cat in the dark that people here obsess about.
I fail to see why people can’t grasp this simple concept.
Paul
5 months ago |Yep that’s true. A77 has nearly exact that amount of noise as 16Mp cameras have when A77 images is downsized. I cannot understand why people still whine about it…
grizzler
5 months ago |because image editors and stock buyers view the image closely at 100% and pay by the pixel, more pixels more cash. You downsize, you lose money. Keep it large and the noise puts off purchasers and you lose cash. Its sad, but thats the way it is
Frank
5 months ago |Then shoot Nikon if you are making a living out of high ISO images. Clearly somebody using the A57 isn’t, so your comment is irrelevant.
What amusing me is that nobody comments on low ISO, the A77 at 50 is excellent, but you never hear it because of the high ISO whiners.
Allan Olesen
5 months ago |Why is the money loss caused by downsizing to 16MP any different from the money loss caused by using a 16 MP camera?
Freddo
5 months ago |@Allan
Because 24mp is still 24mp when conditions are okay or good, which at least for me is like 90% of the time. When light is poor, I use a whole different tool, a NEX-5N with manually focusing 35, 50 and 85mm f/1.4 Zeiss glass. Sheeesh, you guys never get tired of whining?
Allan Olesen
5 months ago |@ Freddo
Please read and understand what I am writing before you reply.
I was actually explaining one of those anti 24 MP whiners why he is wrong.
chlamchowder
5 months ago |Nope, 16 MP cameras without the translucent mirror (like the D7000/5100, a580, and K-5) deliver about a half stop less noise. And a half stop is about 4 years worth of progress in the digital sensor world.
Frank
5 months ago |If you worry about between and third-half stop, then I’d be more worried about your photography skills.
Allan Olesen
5 months ago |The comparison was between the 16MP a57 and the 24MP a65.
Since both of them are SLT, the difference
between SLT and DSLR is not of any relevance to the comparison.
Roni
5 months ago |It seems that some people who comment ignore the differences in price between camera bodies. But the 57 is cheaper than the 65 and much cheaper than the 77. It makes no sense to pay more for higher res and then downsize.
Frank
5 months ago |Your comment was regarding NOISE and EVF. I have given you the solution, buy the A65/A77 and downsize when NEEDED.
Now if you are saying that you shoot in the dark at high ISO 90% of the time, then you should be using a full frame Nikon. Select the correct tool for the job, Sony isn’t the answer for high ISO shooters.
Len
5 months ago |I’m glad and sad about the new a77. What makes me mad is that so many where sold in the last few months and there will be no new updates. Sony is bad about that. I thought at one time you got support for a few years, but not any more. Buy one today, dropped next day, you are out. There was talk about one more update I truly don’t think we will see it. I hope !
I’ve been a Tec and Service manager for 40+ yrs. YOU WANT TO BE #1 ? Service after the sale, That is it !!!!!!!!!!!! quite thinking that is what it takes !!!!!!!!!!!
Frank
5 months ago |Nikon and Canon aren’t exactly known for their great firmware support either. Go and look in their forums and look at the bitching.
Davidevil
5 months ago |May be it’s time for the new three layer sensor? Nikon goes to Toshiba for sensors, and Sony is Free now to push the competition. Imagine a three layer sensor with less megapixel an high sensitivity. No more mirror and a good body as the actual a77 body…
Varn
5 months ago |Mirror Lock Up
a900andanex5
5 months ago |With the A99 disappointingly merely matching the A77 in so many features, I’d be very surprised if this successor improved any of those areas without stealing the ‘flagship’ status too soon after the A99s launch
Paul
5 months ago |Well, once in 2 years – good life cycle for a hi end crop camera. I bought my A77 as soon as I could. Hope to do same with it’s successor.
I love A77 – it’s a pleasure to use, the results are great. What I’d like to improve in it is
1. JPEG engine. A77 is not bad, but A99 is better in that field, so SONY can do it.
2. In-camera focus limiter would be nice. Again – perfectly possible.
3. Make Auto ISO selectable in M mode or make a special mode as Pentax did.
4. Make memorized presets usable! I want 3 MRs on PASM deal.
5. Make better on/off switch. Mine is nearly broken already ;(
6. KEEP the size! Don’t make it smaller!
7. I want to customize “?” button.
And please, don’t make the screen touchable!
laz
5 months ago |Too bad to know that since I just got an used A77 a few hours ago…!
Anyway, like Rammstein said already, “Take me now before it’s too late, life’s too short so I can’t wait!”
Unless it turn FF or the SNR ratio still won’t get enough for iso 6400 and above…
Just set down and get some shots !
dieterson
5 months ago |I would like very good High-Iso! 16MP or even 12MP would be enough to me. (Sony could release two sensor models instead of a A66)
The fast countinous fokus needs high-ISO for sports and action and weddings. The feature of the A99: AF-Range Setting would be nice to.
But please: less pixels if needed for the highest goal: High ISO Performance!
Poki
5 months ago |More pixels does NOT mean more noise! In fact, for a given sensor technology the amount of noise is EXACTLY the same wether it has 1 or 50 million pixels.
luminous-landscape had an article about it which explains this quite well … Read it if you want to get rid of this myth …
Christian
5 months ago |I would like to see:
* Effects/HDR etc. also in Raw&Jpeg mode or automatic change of mode
* Better High Iso performance
* Better AF
* AF focus range limits (see A99)
* Free programmable interval timer in camera (for timelapse, startrails, long exposures…)
* Custom Menu
* Maximum of 24MP
* New hot shoe
* Tethering
* WLAN ?
andrew
5 months ago |In no particular order – improved iso performance >800, af-d (even if just for the 16-50), improved distribution of af points, fix flash exposure issues, implement highlight warnings real time, magnify by default when using dmf, usb3… Android tethering? Possibly mirror flip up with slower on-sensor af?
Rick
5 months ago |Awesome! This is the news (or rumor) that I’ve been waiting for, because I plan to buy a camera at the end of this year, and I was hoping for an update! As long as there are at least some improvements over the A77 without any problems, I’ll get it! Thanks, Sony!
Although I’ll get it as long as it’s better than the A77, here are some things I’m hoping for:
- Better image quality (especially at higher ISOs)
- 24 megapixels (the same as the 77)
- Improved electronic viewfinder and LCD
- 5-axis image stabilization, and increased stabilization
- Zebra stripe patterns to show blown out highlights and black areas
- Same basic body and button layout, as I love the A77
- All of the A77 features as well
To all those who are angry at the lack of firmware updates, all I have to say is buy the camera that is in front of you, not a camera that is not good enough with the expectation that it will be improved. Also, don’t begrudge others when they get a better product.
Learn from smartphone users. A new iPhone comes out every year. iPhone users don’t complain. They just wait a few years and know that when they’re ready to buy again, yet another improved one will be out. Also, Android users who don’t use the basic stock Android on a Nexus realize that they’ll probably get one software update if they’re lucky and that will be all. Don’t expect to download “Jellybean” on your “Froyo” device. Be happy with what you have…not with what others will have in 2 years.
Almazar80
5 months ago |People complained about the A700 being around too long. You can’t please everybody. Which is fine. All I know is that the A77 is still a good camera. A newer model may be improved, but it doesn’t make the A77 junk. It is flawed, but which camera is not?
Allan Olesen
5 months ago |No. People complained about Sony retiring the a700 without having the replacement ready. There is a big difference.
test
5 months ago |where is my post?
WTH
5 months ago |HAHAHA!!!
Most of the comments sounds like what everyone wanted the A99 to be…
SONY
MAKE.BELIEVE
Fisch
5 months ago |Sony should open the firmware and the community will do the rest.
NIKO
5 months ago |All I know is that the way I would like Sony to improve upon the A77 with it’s replacement is:
1) New hot shoe.
2) More AF points in the main AF module and add similar AF array on the sensor as the A99. Also, a better arrangement of all said sensors.
3) Updated LCD screen to be like the A99.
4) Improve sensor high ISO noise at and above 3200.
5) Keep the sensor at 24MP, but have a newer tech sensor like or better than the A99.
6) New grip to be similar to the A99 allowing for three batteries to be used.
7) Have next generation EVF.
NIKO
5 months ago |Oh yeah…..Call it an A77 MII (Mark 2)! Enough of the numbers game; A78…..A79…..etc…etc…
Mike
5 months ago |Those of you asking for new features: you’ll get many of them from the Sony app store. Of course, you will have to drop some $$$ into Sony’s slot.
The basic A77-successor may have even less features than the A77.
Mno
5 months ago |1) remove the slideshow effect from hi frame rate shooting
2) better processing of the feed to the evf to avoid blocked out shadows etc
3) auto ISO in M mode (like the a99)
4) AF Range like the a99
5) AF-D mode. If possible, make it work with more (and 3rd party lenses)
6) better hi ISO noise handling
7) tethering including full remote live view, maybe even by live view
8) same battery size/shape but maybe introduce a new higher capacity model
9) manual control over audio in move mode.
10) put SteadyShot on/off on the Fn menu screen where the smile detect feature currently sits. Surely no one uses smile detect.
11) no wireless flash delay or sync issues
12) fix the a77 flash exposure problem.
And sony will probably include a few other bits that noone else has asked for….
adam
5 months ago |remove the Auto Preview in the menu.. can solve the NO1) problem
Mno
5 months ago |Adam, that doesn’t remove the slideshow effect from hi frame rate shooting. The a77 manual even admits this (top line of p155)
Phil
5 months ago |All I’d like to see (and this would probably get me to upgrade right away):
– 24MP sensor
– Option to shoot mirrorless (flip up) for better low-ISO at lower frame rate
– More AF points
– HDR mode that saves the RAW files
I liked another user’s idea to incorporate a graduated neutral density filter inside the body (if this is even possible) and please above all else…
DO NOT BUILD IT FOR ENTRY LEVEL USERS. No “help” button. No “apps”. No touchscreen. Keep this dedicated to photographers who know what they’re doing and want a nice, durable camera.
One other thing… a faster, weather-sealed SSM Zeiss 16-80mm with better build quality would be an instant sale. I’m on my second copy of the original Zeiss 16-80 and I can only imagine what it would be like if Sony incorporated the SSM and build quality from the 16-50mm f/2.8
travelshots
5 months ago |Auto ISO in M Mode
Bigger buffer
AF-Range function like A99
24MP but not more
Same hotshoe like A99
Tethered shooting
Progress concerning the slideshow effect
More framerate options for cintinuous shooting (e.g. 3, 5, 8 fps)
Improvement of colour and contrast of EVF (like A99 or better)
Button for temporary uplifting the shadows in the viewfinder
Keep the flash!
Keep the same battery type!
Auto HDR and Multiframe NR should be available also when shooting in RAW+JPG mode
Customisable menu structure
Option to install apps
Mirror easy removable or possibility to shoot with uplifted mirror
Timer function
Display of seconds in bulb mode
Pict Bridge support
Increase customisability of buttons
C button
Automatic entry of copyright data in EXIF
Steadyshot on / off on a customisable button
Availability of contrast AF like in A580
Troj
5 months ago |This is the best and most comprehensive list IMHO. One very close to the what I was about to type out, so I won’t bother and just say:
See above, Sony! Pretty realistic and by the time of release also mandatory to compete, I would say.
Mike
5 months ago |Nice list. I am afraid, instead of some of these features we’ll get:
New panorama modes:
- vertical panorama
- diagonal panaroma
- sweep panorama like A77, but in right-to-left direction
New picture effects:
- auto-framed image with 12 different selectable frames, more in the app store
- baby toy camera
- Polaroid camera
- Lomo camera
- camera accidentally put into washing machine effect
Indoor Sports
5 months ago |Faster processor / larger buffer to allow more continuous frames
Usable to ISO 3200
alphabart
5 months ago |A77 is a nice fast machine. My guesses for the new one:
– New 24mp sensor with better ISO capability (Sonys new technology)
– Flipup transparent mirror when PDAF not needed
– Dual Card slot
– better EVF if possible
– Standard Hotshoe
– High res liveviewscreen
– 14bit RAW
– Apps
Totocebu
5 months ago |I can’t wait for a replacement of my A77 with, I hope, the new flash hot shoe. Sony please hurry up my cash is waiting.
fonebone
5 months ago |I love my A77! However there are a few things that could be improved
- high ISO capability
- improved JPEG engine
- WiFi
- built-in time-lapse (like the KM 7D had)
- bring back quick navi menu (like a99 and NEX-6)
- make ? button customizable
- full tethering / remote iPhone/iPad control (not just the function set that is offered by the NEX-6 app)
- faster GPS signal pickup (my GPS tracker is way faster, especially in the morning, no clue why???)
don’t change
- the button layout…maybe except for the movie button
- the form factor
- the grip, allow using the same grip as for the a77
don’t care:
- top LCD display….I never used it until now and never missed it before
Tom
5 months ago |I would like to see the double resolution. This translates to a 96 mpix Sensor. My Zeiss 135mm could benefit from such a sensor.
The body design should look like bauhaus style and should be much thinner than the A77.
I would like to have the choice between a 96 FF and a 96 APS camera which are otherwise identical. It doesn’t make much sense these days to differentiate a FF and APS camera artificially with several features while the sensor size is the only needed factor for differentiation.
Steve St-Pierre
5 months ago |What about the firmware you said was coming in January ???!!!
FreeRadical09
5 months ago |I just bought an A77. I’m not going through the motions of sending it back. I got it for a good price and managed to get the 16-50mm as well. This is nothing more than an attempt to shove the useless ISO hotshoe down our throat. Not going for it unless its REALLY THAT GOOD.
Sony is sure going to regret having changed the flash hotshoe. It took years for other accessory manufacturers to accept it and build products for it and now they change it to appeal a crowd who hates the video quality and they are moving back to proper video cameras, while in the meantime, the still shooters got thrown under the bus for that.
Great going, Sony. You are now replacing a 1 year camera when it took you 4 damn years to come up with the A77, just so you could please a bunch of whiners who don’t even like your video and they are going back to the forest since the whole VDSLR craze is going cold.
This is going to cost you a lot of money, and last time I checked, you don’t have much of it anymore, so I wouldn’t recommend wasting it.
Tom
5 months ago |please, please, I am asking this AGAIN:
1. Clean HDMI out
2. AGC disable functionality
I would love to get the A99 but it is too much, and I really want these features!
S Kaiplavil
5 months ago |Looking for improvement in noise performance at higher ISO.
BigPebble
5 months ago |If they fix the noise and maybe add in some of the A99 focusing abilities I’m ready to buy.
MrLee
5 months ago |Most of the features everyone is asking for the a99 didnt even deliver…
Do you really think Sony will deliver these basic requests on an aps-c camera? I would Love that dream to come true myself but here are some of my requests as long as were at it….
1) EVF AND OVF Choice to make both buyers happy
2) Better jpeg engine (At least match the jpeg quality of the a580 (Easy))
3) BETTER HIGH ISO (good up till 1600 minimum)
4) Better and wider AF
5) Video mode that allows the Fstop to go as open as the lens allows(ex F1.4)
5) Same(Close) body as the a77 (A77 had a great body)
6) NO TOUCSCREEN CRAP
7) Better colors in camera and LR pp (Simular to the a350 in camera jpeg)
8) 24mp (or so)
9) Dual Card Slots
10) 1595.00 or less for body only (More money and people will go with d600 since im sure they will be crazy cheap by then)
10) Firmware updates if they are needed and not just a new camera every year or 2 as the “Update”)
adam
5 months ago |Please Firmware update for A77
-More option in burst mode such as – High speed(11FPS) Medium (7FPS)..Slow(5FPS)..
- Compress Raw like in A700.
-Better Jpeg engine
-Better High ISO Performance – if can
Cliff
5 months ago |People are asking for the a77 to have improved ISO performance and less noise.
Because the sensor industry has already reached close to 100% quantum efficiency, the only way to improve high ISO noise is this:
Increase sensor photosite size and lower its pixel count
Remove the SLT mirror
Develop some crazy spectacular noise reduction algorithm.
Thats it.
Niko
5 months ago |I doubt it will have much better high ISO noise performance…
Most likely sony will use some high resolution sensor and you can forget great high ISO performance… maybe something similar that current a77 have.
EVF can be better, lets hope it will be.
AF also can be fine tuned.
Hot shoe is obvious.
And I really hope sony makes video right this time by enabling aperture control in video when shooting with AF.
y2k
5 months ago |I wonder if i will get to see an alpha 37 replacement soon! Still waiting to dive into DSLR photography.Sony a37 is a perfect cam but 60p video and bad lcd screen put me out.
Sly
5 months ago |Dear Sony, start by producing a decent firmware for the A77..the figures talk by themselves..Sony gets only 7% of the market in the DSLR category..question yourself? how is it possible since you produce very decent products..well one of the answer coud be “it’s because we are enable to produce decent firmware updates .After 3 years on the market Canon produced a great software update an people still buy 7ds…
Tom
5 months ago |Agreed – at this point I really wish they did something like enabling clean HDMI or AGC disable. I can’t imagine they are not technically able to do it.
Fernando
5 months ago |Some (probably unique) thoughts from me:
- Better focus peaking, it’s fine as it is for starters, but it would be very improved if it starts detecting both vertical and horizontal structures.
- Some form of trap focus, Pentax style would be ideal, but even something like Nikon or canon would be perfect.
- Slimmer body?? Sony’s register distance is actually shorter than any SLR, why would they need to be so deep?
- Flip-able mirror with a push of a button (or no mirror at all but I doubt that for now), for the manual focus lens user who doesn’t need AF don’t waste half a stop. And at same time being there when is needed.
That would make it for me
Francisco
5 months ago |- Improved internal processor (for faster camera “usage”)
- Bigger Buffer
- Improved AF capabilities (similar to A99)
- Improved Video Features and controls (more akin to Canon’s offerings)
- Wi-Fi (to add apps)
- The rest the same.
I would buy this thing in a heartbeat.
Jörg S.
22 hours ago |AF-Range function like A99
24MP but not more
same hotshoe like A99
separated control for wireless flashlights in different groups
better High ISO and improved noise performance for longtime and night exposuress
multiple exposures
bigger Buffer