(SR4) Sony A99 has 100-25.600 ISO (extended to 50 and 102500)
Tha A99 will be based on the same SLT technology of the A77
The Nikon D800 (Click here) is out and the Canon 5DmarkIII is also coming soon. And yes, we Sony users are suffering while waiting to get our hands on the A99. As I told you months ago the full-frame roadmap has been postponed and the A99 which was due for this Spring will now be announced in September and the other full-frame cameras will follow in 2013. I really hope that “he who laughs last, laughs best.” 
Sony is currently evaluating the A77 success and limits. They really want to get a step forward in quality and usability of the A99. And finally I got first bits of news about the full frame camera. I have been told that photographers are already busy testing the A99 in the field. It has a new 24 Megapixel sensor based on the same technology of the A77 Exmor HD sensor (Note: It’s not the same A900 sensor). And of course it is an SLT camera with (improved) electronic viewfinder. I got the exact ISO range of the camera. It goes from ISO 100 up to ISO 25.600. The sources told me that the final version will very likely have an extendable range down to ISO 50 and up to 102500. They haven’t compared the images yet but they are pretty sure it will beat the Nikon D800 at high ISO and per pixel sharpness. There were long discussions inside Sony if they should use a 24 or 28 megapixel sensor. Sony choose the 24 megapixel sensor to have less noise and greater fps speed.
In general sources told me that SAR readers should not expect a revolutionary camera but rather a great evolution of what you saw on the A77. I am now trying to get more specs about the camera but please keep in mind that we are talking about specs from a prototype! So there could be small changes and that’s why I posted this with SR4 and not SR5 value (see the rumor ranking explanation at the bottom of the post if you don’t know what this means).
One more thing: The Nikon D800 sells like hotcakes ( See rankings at Amazon USA (Click here), Amazon Germany (Click here) and Amazon Japan (Click here)) and is using a Sony produced 36 megapixels sensor. The same sensor can be used by Sony in 2013 only (yeah Nikon has an exclusivity on it).
P.S.: Don’t forget there is a huge Sony announcement day o March 13! The A57 is coming (and maybe NEX stuff too!).
Reminder (SR = Sonyrumor):
SR1=probably fake rumor
SR2=rumor from unknown sources
SR3=50% chance it is correct
SR4=rumor from known sources
SR5=almost certainly correct!
zstan
2 years ago |So for this case/class of DSLRs/DSLT Sony has opted to be offering the least megapixels huh?
Nikon 36mpx
Canon > 21mpx?
Sony remains at 24 mpx.
good? bad?
AnegaTanega
2 years ago |Just a miracle…!
PhotoNut
2 years ago |Hahaha. I remember “ISO in the hundreds of thousands”!!
Btw, no matter what Sony does, as long as it uses SLT technology to implement the A99, it will always suffer 30% less high ISO performance than equivalent non-SLT digital camera. When you go to higher ISOs, the impact of 30% of light loss becomes even greater. Imagine using what is effectively ~ ISO 10000 instead of ISO 6400.
To be honest, I know that there is more to cameras than high ISO performance but I find that my biggest problems with photography has always been getting enough light indoors. If I can avoid using Flash or do with just a bit of bounced light due to better high ISO performance I would love it. So this is probably why high ISO performance is in such a great demand — prior to digital cameras one could basically not take good quality color pictures indoors without the aid of powerful flashes and fast lenses.
If you’re an event or wedding photographer, then indoors shooting is something you do almost all the time and many times you do not control the amount of ambient light — hence the love for very high ISO DSLRs from Nikon (D3/D3s & D700)
Spoon
2 years ago |You obviously forgot something critical:
*current* SLT technology.
Solo
2 years ago |If you are not interested in the advantages offered by SLT then it is time for you to switch to Canon and Nikon, though I think it is funny that you honestly think you will take better pictures with a nikon or canon, ESPECIALLY just because of a 1/3 stop gain in exposure. I am looking forward to the A99.
For the record I am a wedding and event photographer, with bar mitzvahs, bat mitzvahs, weddings, all sorts of events that take indoors in dim light. I shoot iso800-1600 all the time, and the images look great when exposed correctly. There are gallery wraps hanging in the studio I work at shot at iso3200 on my a850 that the other photographers often mistake for an image taken by a d3x. Processing makes a big difference, but not as big of a difference as using a proper exposure.
Nikon makes great cameras, I simply don’t prefer the interface and don’t believe they’re worth the cost- perhaps when I’m making more money, though I’m confident in Sony’s abilities to come out with a product that will keep me with them.
Zinkplated
2 years ago |I recently moved from Nikon to an A900 + CZeiss 24 – 70.I’m a pro, I shoot only RAW mostly studio or tripod and am not interested in amazing feats of ISO performance or overladen electronic tricks. I’m after hi quality resolution, a few things like grid, horizon line, bracketing etc are essential. The Alpha is a v good simple workhorse with excellent resolution, mirror slap is annoying as it creates camera shake so I pre release on long exposures, also have noticed noise in shadows even at 100 iso on long exposures. The CZ is a terrific lens but not as good as continually touted, shoot architecture and you’ll discover small but significant distortion. I’ll be very dissapointed if Sony doesnt bring out a pro camera to compete with the D800. At the time I bought the Sony it blew the D3 away pricewise so I jumped pragmatically. I was about to purchace both the Sony macros for architectural work and the CZ 135mm but now I think I’ll wait 3 months let the D800 settle in, if Sony wakes up to itself and brings out a credible competitor I’ll stick around – if not the Alpha goes to e bay and I will shift back to Nikon.
Sony have terrible tech support, most of their staff havent a clue about their own products, I was very surprised that there were no correction profiles for the CZ lens in PhotoShop RAW, small things like that send subtle signals re support. More resolution for me is a must, I have a Hasselblad and the DSLR is my travel camera for landscape and difficult offsite work, for me its about having plenty to work with re cropping and resolution, I print big and want big 16bit files to work from. I’m now sitting on the fence, wont go ahead with new Sony lenses, if Sony doesnt up the ante re matching the D800 its not a too expensive option for me to jump back into bed with Nikon.
zstan
2 years ago |oh i also can hear OVF die hard fans saying that they will jump ship soon. oh well.
Sony a900
2 years ago |You’re not wrong there and am eyeing on the new Canon 5D MK III to see what it is like, but still wondering what the new Sony SLT Full Frame Cameras have to offer ‘cos I don’t want to be in the same boat as the a77 with unsolved tech problems!
I am still very, very happy with my OVF a900.
ItsaChris
2 years ago |Some of the complaints about the EVF are justified. I found it hard to keep both eyes open when shooting. Chips are always on and that adds heat. Hybrid viewfinder seems to keep more people happy and I think is more likely to take over. (some sort of translucent LCD that takes the place of the focusing screen or sits next to it)
There are advantages in EVF but the most important advantage I feel is its size with smaller formats (APS, 43, 2.6 and any compact).
c.d.embrey
2 years ago |“Hybrid viewfinder seems to keep more people happy”
Besides the few Fuji X100 owners, who are these people ???
Nico Foto
2 years ago |What he is saying makes no sense in terms of a SLR. The idea is exactly the opposite, to get rid of the mirror. We can’t have an OVF without mirror for a REFLEX camera. If you want hybrid without mirror, then its Fuji’s hybrid solution, which is not very flexible really…it mostly works for normal lenses, and that’s it. When you go wide or tele, then its EVF. I’d rather have just an excellent EVF than a hybrid.
ItsaChris
2 years ago |I was talking about what could come through new technology not what has already been implemented in camera like the (fuji x100)
(just an idea how I think it might work) If you were to place a transparent LCD some place between the mirror and the diopter you would be able to display information over the OVF or flip the mirror up and block all light and be able to display the full image. I thought the focusing screen would be an idea place.
I am not asking for an OVF with out a mirror.
@sergei agree heat is not always a problem. But it has the potential to be one when chip design changes or in extraordinarily hot climates.
sergei
2 years ago |I have not noticed any extra noise shooting a77 for extended periods of time. What really surprised me is that a77 never showed me the overheat signal, even during a 6 hour long video coverage, while a580 had me watch my timer all the time.
SonyA77
2 years ago |I hope they do jump ship.
David
2 years ago |Why would you hope that?
Personally im still a bit unconvinced about the whole SLT idea. I think it has a lot of benefits, but I don’t really see that they’ve translated into real life performance yet.
If people jump ship, they can always jump back if the SLT idea really takes off. There’s no reward for being loyal to Sony, and there’s no reward for being early on the bandwagon.
SonyA77
2 years ago |To get rid of the whining. If they don’t like SLT then go to canikon, it is clearly the direction Sony are going in, so get over it.
I tried SLT and liked it, if I didn’t I would have swapped brands. I certainly wouldn’t hang around a Sony forum going on about something that is not going to change.
David
2 years ago |Even if I switch to Nikon, I’ll still come and whine, just for you!
SonyA77
2 years ago |Aww I’m touched! Thanks!
Carl
2 years ago |Do you see no irony in whining about other people whining?
Nico Foto
2 years ago |Interestingly enough, the other day i had a paid shoot which required some fancy flash and not so good lighting, so i brought my 7D. I had not used the 7D for a couple of months (I’ve been mostly using my GH2 for personal projects), and oh man, how I missed the EVF. At first I wanted to reach for more superimposed info, or manually focus using the EVF and magnified view. I switched to live view mode, and i was appaled at the slow and erratic implementation of CDAF on the camera. All in all, i think i’m sold. I want an SLR-type mirrorless. The A77 looked great on paper, but it still can’t beat the 7D, specially on operational speed. Maybe the A99 will be really mature. Sony seems to be pushing forward hard, i like that.
Neo NiGHTS ®
2 years ago |@Nico – Well, Pentax now has a dSLR (without the R), the K-01. Except that they ‘forgot’ to add a viewfinder of any kind…
Jokes aside, what I myself, and many more, expect is to have a camera like a dSLR but without the mirror.
Perhaps the SLT is just ‘filling’ a gap for Sony while they improve the CDAF (or on-sensor PDAF) to be as good as the current PDAF.
decato
2 years ago |Improved EVF? Surprising. Wonder if it’s the resolution? Contrast ratio?
To get better feedback fw 2.0 for A77 should be released. It is a great camera, but needs some touch ups to be ‘the’ aps-c enthusiast camera.
SonyA77
2 years ago |Don’t hold your breath for A77 firmware updates, Sony have moved on to the A57 and A99 now, their firmware developers will not have time for the A77. Typical…
Karl
2 years ago |I wonder if they’ll enable tethering with the a99….Sorry to go on but I just don’t get it , it was already in place on the a700….it wasn’t something new.. Why remove it? Did it really take up that much space ? Is it only “pros” that use it?
Karl
2 years ago |I wonder if they’ll enable tethering with the a99….Sorry to go on but I just don’t get it , it was already in place on the a700….it wasn’t something new.. Why remove it? Did it really take up that much space ? Is it only “pros” that use it?
David
2 years ago |They’re lazy.
I can’t see any other reason.
Sony menus are still childish compared to Canon and Nikon. A d90 has way more features and customisation than my a850.
They are lazy, simple as that. There is no reason not to enable tethering, intervalometer, more bracketing options etc. They’re all software issues, but Sony would rather spend the time making new consumer bodies.
SonyA77
2 years ago |Yup, that’s where the money is, churning out NEX-3 and A33 replacements.
David
2 years ago |Honestly, this is what annoys me about Sony.
I have some faith that the d800 will be ready for release and not buggy. And I have faith that so many people will buy it, and use it professionally, that Nikon will support it with firmware, software etc.
Whereas Sony has a nasty habit of forgetting cameras and moving on.
Makes me sad, because I love my a850
Neo NiGHTS ®
2 years ago |I hope Sony brings back the quick navi GUI. It was really usability’s state of art.
Vivek
2 years ago |24 is plenty. I hope it would be a good camera with good IQ. I might consider it to consolidate the alpha accessories (particularly the flash system).
Former Minoltan
2 years ago |“In general sources told me that SAR readers should not expect a revolutionary camera but rather a great evolution of what you saw on the A77.”
I don’t know whether to consider that statement ironic (there hasn’t been a full-frame upgrade to the A77 yet, at all, which many folks have been waiting for), or a huge understatement (it’ll be the first full-frame SLT, so it will by definition be revolutionary.)
admin
2 years ago |The A99 is based on the same A77 technology. So “evolution” referrs to the technology used on the A77.
MyAlpha
2 years ago |Andrea, any info about A7 firmware??
admin
2 years ago |no
JustOne
2 years ago |What do you think about idea that users who have A77 vote for the improvements what they want, and then send that to Sony?:) I think that the communication between users and Sony could go well by this site. Do they read all the polls that you have put here?
j pez
2 years ago |So, does that also apply to the body sizes? Only evolution in the tech and not A77 body with FF sensor?
SonyA77
2 years ago |A Sony FF SLT beating the D800 at high ISO, now that would be amusing (and I’ll believe it when I see it, YAWN).
I can hear the excuses coming from the Nikon fan-boys now about having more mp means more noise blah blah…how ironic that would be after they criticised the A77…
David
2 years ago |I don’t think it will happen personally.
Maybe at 100%, but the high ISO I’ve seen from the d800 look awesome.
lol
2 years ago |+10000
Solo
2 years ago |It won’t because more mp is better, funny that it takes Nikon’s D800 to nail that point home.
fakefakechuck
2 years ago |ahah a77 is 24 mp on an aps-c!! d800 is 16 mp on aps-c is wway different, but who cares? sony is all crap compared to canon! they dont even have lens… they need to buy from zeiss hahaha!
SonyA77
2 years ago |You’ve just proved my point.
popio
2 years ago |Sony hang your head in shame…. Ripping off the coloring of Canon L series lenses and believing you can play at this level. Go back and continue to make your half decent consumer products. Leave this to the companies that actually know whet they are doing…
FlashX
2 years ago |/:) Where is Canon’s doing in the mirrorless market? G1X?? oh please…
derek
2 years ago |no he wants to say that a FF 36 mp is way better than a apsc 24 mp… 36 ff is 16 mp in apsc so has better noise/signal than the 24 apsc
SonyA77
2 years ago |Re-read my post…sigh
FlashX
2 years ago |/:) Where is Canon in the mirrorless market? G1X… please…
Mr M
2 years ago |This trolling is interesting. What a waste of bytes on internet space.
Mike
2 years ago |It proves that Sony needs to be taken seriously, otherwise Canikon fanboys wouldn’t post their pathetic statements here.
James
2 years ago |Dam right!!! This is just bored fanboys taking poops on a server in cyber space. They have probably never owned the products they piss and moan about. I have owned Minolta 5d 7d sony a100 a700 nex-5 and now a77, canon xt and xs, nikon d50. I can tell you the a77 blows everything away even with the current firmware.
James
2 years ago |Dam right!!! This is just bored fanboys taking poops on a server in cyber space. They have probably never owned the products they yak about. I have owned Minolta 5d 7d sony a100 a700 nex-5 and now a77, canon xt and xs, nikon d50. I can tell you the a77 blows everything away even with the current firmware.
JamesL
2 years ago |This is just bored fanboys typing nonsense on a server in cyber space. They have probably never owned the products they yak about. I have owned Minolta 5d 7d sony a100 a700 nex-5 and now a77, canon xt and xs, nikon d50. I can tell you the a77 kills everything even with the current firmware.
JonasM
2 years ago |Announced in September, hitting Japan in October, the USA a week before Christmas and Europe in the next year…
Aero
2 years ago |I think this is now the face of all Nikon and Canon designers: 囧
Oh Yao Wen
2 years ago |Hopefully the A99 will be able to continue for a long time. I don’t want a camera that will actually be replace in one year or less than one year.
chuck
2 years ago |same a77 technology???? oh no!!!! crap! we are sinked! bye bye sony
Seeky
2 years ago |No, same SLT technology. It means: the A99 has a fixed pellicle mirror and an EVF. What’s wrong about that? We’ve seen this coming!
It is very interesting that Sony creates different full-frame camera’s. I think the high ISO performance will be very good, so Sony must be listening to the market. What I’m most curious about, is how it compares with the D4 and 1DX, as the A99 will be the Sony FF with the lowest resolution.
What I don’t understand is the rumor that Sony can only use the 36MP sensor next year. Why would they do that? They better bring out an 48 or higher MP camera, since 36MP is a year old then!
Carl
2 years ago |We can only speculate, but what we do know is Sony’s sensor division is separate from the camera division, and that Nikon sells more full frame cameras than Sony does. If Nikon requested an exclusivity agreement, it’s quite reasonable that they’d get one.
poke
2 years ago |I understand from the business side of things, but it also tells me that Sony is not serious about competing with Nikon. You are taking your product and giving it to your competitor when it was your advantage to present it first. I would buy the 800 right now if it had a decent fps. My concern is that Nikon can take the same sensor and produce better images than the Sony engineers can. I see everyone complaining about the 77 which does not give me any confidence in Sony’s ability to produce a phenomenol SLT. However, I will be patient and wait to see what happens. Just by all the responses to this post ought to give good indication on the anticipation of the next FF.
Pebble
2 years ago |Huh, what was wrong with the Sony R1 technology (live view, no pelican mirror)? Seems good enough for me…Oh wait the NEX…(stupid me)
kalpurush :)
2 years ago |Do you have an a77 chuck? Or, ever used one??
I enjoyed your trolling though!!!
LEdgars
2 years ago |Actually for some time I hoped for Foveon type sensor.
Now I didn’t see a reason to switch from FF 24Mpix to 24 Mpix. In my job will buy a77 to get AF and reach for tele and macro, that it.
Bill
2 years ago |Depends on what the A850 or A900 cannot do for you now. The things the A9X should have that are an improvement of over A900. Full articulated LCD, higher frame rates, better autofocus, better exposure meters, higher ISO usability. All the special JPEG modes like HDR, Low light twilight, panoramic, etc. plus HD video with auto focus. Things that may or may not be an improvement: rugged body, weather resistance, EVF. Things that may be a decrease, EVF (Depends on how much you like the EVF features), tethering (unknown), changes in button location and function, changes in menu structure (may actually be an improvement in the long term but will slow you down in the short term).
For lots of people with a A900, the benefits may not matter and they would be just as well off keeping the A900 until it goes belly up, or Sony introduces a body with more needed features.
matgay
2 years ago |must. resist. upgrade. urge. i have 24mp a850 and dont think the 24mp a99 would be such a significant upgrade. it would be mainly video upgrade, which i barely use. makes much more sense to get a nex7, and last it out until the 36mp ff version comes out. or even better yet if the fullframe nex is 48mp.
Solo
2 years ago |I also currently use the A850 professionally and can tell you I would vastly appreciate an improve auto-focus system (namely more points and better distribution, a la a77), I would prefer the SLT tech for speed, i would prefer added video capabilities, a tilt-screen for above-crowd shots (LOTS OF THESE at weddings and mitzvahs), GPS for location tagging- preferable when I shoot in places I am not familiar with that I intend to revisit, etc, and while I am content with the iso performance of my a850 up to 6400 (that’s right.) I welcome improved iso performance and especially dynamic range as well!
Go Sony!!!
2 years ago |Please give us two Full Frame mirrorless cameras, Sony!
One with the 24MP sensor, the other with the 36MP sensor.
An NEX9 and an NEX?
A full articulating screen would be great too!
Oldmanv
2 years ago |>Sony choose the 24 megapixel sensor to have less noise and greater fps speed.
Aaaaaaleluuuia! At last, they stopped, really stoped megapixel race. Even Sony could be criticized, that their top aps-c camera has as much mpx as their FF camera.
I’m very glad about that choice – to have 24 mpx and little bit more FPS both with better noise perfomance.
SonyA77
2 years ago |Hang on, surely Sony chose 24mp because they couldn’t use the 36mp?
Mr M
2 years ago |Admin did say they will come up with 3 versions of FF. 24mp is just one of them. There will be future models with the 36mp subsequently.
yurilee
2 years ago |Does A99 have mirror flip up mode?
It’s the BIG question!
Marek
2 years ago |While testing A77 in field I faced EVF limit in high contrast situations where it was almost useless.
SonyA77
2 years ago |You do realise that you don’t have to look through the EVF to take a picture in extreme situations, right?
What’s important is what the SENSOR records, not what an OVF or EVF shows you and certainly not what your eyes see as that is TOTALLY different to what the sensor records.
popio
2 years ago |yea so now we can shot blind… give up the evf and ovf and lcd screen too … we can shot without seeing what we shot …. LOL
Marek
2 years ago |Yes, that what I did. I just wanted to share my experience. EVF in A77 has much lower dynamic range then sensor.
Another bug is exposure metering. It under exposes very often. It can be corrected by exposure compensation but it is unfortunate. One negligible bright spot makes whole picture very dark. I can use external exposure meter, but hell why A77 can not meter better.
Denis
2 years ago |I found it’s the lack of human eye DR. The problem is the sunlight doesn’t shaded well so it reach your eye and the latter adapts to brighter environment. So you can’t see relatively dark details in the EVF. That is my expirience. After you provide some cover from sun rays, dark details begin to be visible again.
Sky_walker
2 years ago |That’s really a nice hint man
I should try this out.
Anyway: I let myself make a write-up of A99 rumors: Pełnoklatkowa Sony Alpha A99 Sony A99 zostanie pokazana prawdopodobnie w Sierpniu. Watch out: it’s in Polish.
A900 Faithful
2 years ago |your an idiot man! your the biggest bully on this blog. I don’t care what you say statements like “You do realise that you don’t have to look through the EVF to take a picture in extreme situations, right?” makes you sound like an idiot! what about framing your shot? there’s no point arguing with you!
Congratulations Sony you have managed to alienate your full frame pros, by ditching a proven technology and not even giving us an option of an OVF! I’m glad your happy were “jumping ship” leaves you room to become king of the idiots! hold on let me polish your crown!
matt
2 years ago |he is right! i never look through the viewfinder. i always shoot from the hip up they skirts
NEXTL
2 years ago |No, you only see the limitation of the sensor and not really of an “OLED”(!) EVF. You know what OLED is? I doubt it… This OLED viewfinder is better than all your PC LC-Displays at home – it has am much better contrast and black level.
Sony need a calibration tool for their OLED/LC viewfinders like their TV´s. That would be a great feature and it is neccessary for an EVF!
I guess the A99 get an new OLED viewfinder with more resolution than the A77.
SonyA77
2 years ago |If you have finished frothing at the mouth you will realise that the image you record using either the EVF, OVF or the rear LCD is is not what your EYES see, it is what the SENSOR records.
Whether you frame the shot using the OVF, EVF or LCD it DOESN’T MATTER. The SENSOR will record the same image given the same camera settings regardless of what you look through.
Were you born stupid or do you have to work at it?
Marek
2 years ago |You are wrong. EVF does not display what sensors sees but what EVF can display. EVF in A77 is very good but has its limits. It does not help much in situations in which you want manual focus lens wide open (let’s say F2.8). Resolution is not good enough for such purpose – larger area seems in focus. 2x or 4x magnifier can help but it slows focusing and framing. OLED contrast is good but eye is better. Best is OVF with live view, then you have both. I’m not pro so I can live with EVF. But it is not best solution for everyone.
Spoon
2 years ago |ACtually, wide open MF is where it excels over any OVF from my experience. You have a precision available that no OVF can offer.
j pez
2 years ago |“Were you born stupid or do you have to work at it?”
Zing!
But there are certain types of photography that doesn’t make use of viewfinder/lcd. Pinhole photography for example.
SRL
2 years ago |I was reminded by someone after one of my first posts to this site about 18 months ago that this is a rumor site, and not a photography site…
Not only don’t you need to understand the art and science of photography you don’t even need to own or use a camera to act like an expert on this site or anywhere else on the Internet.
When reading some of these posts I sometimes wonder does this guy or gal even own one of these cameras that he or she defends so stridently and without mercy to others that disagree?
sergei
2 years ago |Don’t be so upset. You still have your optical view finder FF camera with arguably the best 24MP sensor. a77 is a nice tool, it’s sony’s first try at a serious SLT model and it WILL become better. As a side note, I treat my cameras as tools and I went to B&H to give Nikon FF bodies one more try and I now find them equally comfortable.
A77 is pretty awesome and I do like it, it’s way better than a580 I had before.
Dave Cox
2 years ago |This makes no sense because an OVF doesn’t show what the sensor records anyway. Any viewfinder is used 99% for framing up and manual focusing – the EVF gives you the ability to frame up in any light and focus peaking for improved MF. I just don’t see the point of having a 1000 dollar supremely engineered OVF in there. I guess Sony doesn’t either
Marek
2 years ago |Unfortunately focus peeking does always work. It does not work for low contrast parts of the scene.
Nico Foto
2 years ago |I had the same problem with the GH2 EVF and LCD screen. Under harsh lighting they both display an image which has blocked shadows and clipped highlights…way more than what the actual image looked like when checking it in the computer. So, i agree with you, EVFs in order to make a leap forward need to vastly improve dynamic range.
RVN
2 years ago |really can’t wait for a99
this will be my first full frame camera 
i will saving money to buy it! ^^
andrea how about new A-mount lens? are you have new information?
thanks, you have a great job ^.^)b
Gabriel
2 years ago |Don’t say too much about quality on high ISO… I remember rumors about A77, when that camera was just a theory for users. Testers said about the best quality on high ISO between all APS-C cameras. But what is the truth? Very, very poooooor quality on hight ISO, huge noise, resolution of MTF50 from 24 MPix sensor almost same as resolution from 18 MPix sensor in Canon 60D.
http://translate.google.pl/translate?sl=pl&tl=en&js=n&prev=_t&hl=pl&ie=UTF-8&layout=2&eotf=1&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.optyczne.pl%2F&act=url
Willingness to put aside ecstasy and better wait for test A99 when it come on daylight. I can only hope, that A99 will really good camera not only in words and marketing babble but as a tools, when it compare to D800 and 5D MkIII.
SonyA77
2 years ago |Not according to what I’ve read. The resolution of the A65/77 sensor easily beats ANY current APS-C dSLR. In fact the more respected magazine reviews point this fact out.
Gabriel
2 years ago |http://translate.google.pl/translate?sl=pl&tl=en&js=n&prev=_t&hl=pl&ie=UTF-8&layout=2&eotf=1&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.optyczne.pl%2F170.4-Test_aparatu-Sony_Alpha_SLT-A77_Rozdzielczo%25C5%259B%25C4%2587.html&act=url
On Polish webside “optyczne.pl” are authoritative tests. They use good methods, a few redactors are university lecturers in physics science. They’re good in what they do. They proved that a small pixels in dense sensor of 24 MPix is will huge noise in high ISO thereby decreasing the resolution.
SonyA77
2 years ago |You are talking about high ISO, I am talking about resolution.
Spoon
2 years ago |Their results make no sense and contradict pretty much every other test out there.
Gabriel
2 years ago |I am talking about small pixel and noise. Too much megapixels gives very huge noise at high ISO and more than competition noise in all scale that gives not so effective resolution.
Marek
2 years ago |Resolution is great only at low ISO. At ISO higher then 400 it is visibly reduced in darker areas because of noise.
bas076
2 years ago |This camera will have a big pixel, biger ~x1.5 then sensor A580 has.
Oh Yao Wen
2 years ago |Admin, is there a chance for Sony to make a SLT and SLR version? and also, is there a new A-mount lens coming?
admin
2 years ago |Not as I know. But I don’t know everything…
Spoon
2 years ago |@ Gabriel (posted in the wrong position)
Except that their measurements disagree with most other measurements. Makes me wonder which converter they used (NR…).
David
2 years ago |I’m curious about this new sensor and how could they base it in the sensor of an APSC camera with a much higher pixel density (it’s equivalent to about 11Mp in crop format). If sticking to 24Mp means lower noise and higher fps, then it’s welcome. I hope the image quality loss from the pellicle isn’t too big.
Bill
2 years ago |24 MP should allow for better frame rates than a 36 MP sensor for a similar level of battery drain. So the first FF may be more of a sports orientated body, tough, weather resistant, high frame rates. The second will be the D800 equivalent. I do not know how fast the Sony processors are, obviously to go much past the A77 12 fps they will need a more powerful computer, they will also need more buffer for a pro shooter.
Aizat
2 years ago |Awesome!!!!!!!!! take that Canikon!!!!!
derek
2 years ago |thake that sony!! : 200mm f2
gol
2 years ago |lol powned!
Tanglefoot
2 years ago |Take that Cannon!!!! 135mm f1.8
Carl
2 years ago |The 135/2 is one of Canon’s nicer lenses, though.
dk
2 years ago |“They haven’t compared the images yet but they are pretty sure it will beat the Nikon D800 at high ISO…”
I’d sell all my Sony gear and buy Nikon if the A99 beats the D800 at high ISO. In other words, it ain’t happening, unless the A99 is using a SLR design instead of SLT.
Gabriel
2 years ago |That might have happened if the A99 will have the option of shooting with the mirror raised. In SLT mirror is moved manual, but not with shooting. Maybe A99 will have option to use camera as mirrorless, with mirror raised and contrast AF. Just like NEX. It will good solution to persons who don’t need fast AF and also don’t won’t obstacle on the road lens-sensor.
Zstan
2 years ago |Why would you sell your Sony gear if it beats the Nikon?
derek
2 years ago |“”Sony gear if it beats the Nikon?”" AHAHA not in this life… mmm a sony 200 f2 mmm maybe in dreams
dk
2 years ago |Because that ain’t never gonna happen, not with a SLT design. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not those that diss the SLT/EVF design without taking into consideration of its load of other advantage. But if you’re going to pixel peep / do scientific comparison etc… the degradation is going to show up. You can’t beat physics law.
Solo
2 years ago |but you can use common sense. I personally think the SLT cameras will exceed SLR capabilities to MAKE the images. Who gives a damn about noise if the SLT can focus quicker to get the better shot?
dk
2 years ago |@Solo: Too bad common sense isn’t so common sense to many. Sad isn’t it?
j pez
2 years ago |Well, this is highly hypothetical on my part, but ..
It is possible that Sony went ahead and shared the 36mp sensor with Nikon because it used existing sensor production tech. While the 24mp exmor ff sensor is their own ‘special sauce’ of sensor design. So, until someone make real world comparisons, it really can go either way.
Yes, SLT does take away 1/3 light sensitivity. But in the end it depends on the sensor wether it gives acceptable/stellar high iso results or otherwise.
Tomislav
2 years ago |That’s actually great news. 24 MP is fine, for studio, large prints, let alone events. If the camera will do some fine hi iso performance at, let’s say, iso 4000, I’ll be a happy camper. And those who need a special 36 MP camera, will have the 2013 FF model. Smart, Sony.
Pebble
2 years ago |Live view and studio strobes, is that a good combination? I think the right tool for a (photo)journalist.
SONYS
2 years ago |Sony is mostly a rip-off company with good products at the time. If you look at sony releases they appeal to people who are ready to buy now or within the next few weeks or 2-3 months. After a product is released they discontinue it and all of a sudden forget backwards compatible accessories.
For everyone before you buy sony they like to play games. Instead of recalling the Nex 5N back from retailers, they just send out a message making you return your camera after waiting for a few days upon receiving it and then you have to wait weeks to get it back.
GunnarK
2 years ago |Sonys,
Since you clearly despise Sony, how come you are able to even stand having the name of Sony in your alias?
.
Mr M
2 years ago |Andrea, for some reason, there seems to be alot of hate posts in this forum lately. Alot of peeps are feeling threatened by the rumours you have been posting. Nevertheless, keep up the good work. Cheers
admin
2 years ago |That happens when there is no moderation. Problem is I have no time to read every comment and moderate them. That’s an issue I cannot solve yet, maybe in future if I manage to find some help or more time…
dav38
2 years ago |just delete the troll post
Dennis_photo
2 years ago |I wonder what Sony will call the successor of a99? a100? I got one of those! Yeah, I’m back on the cutting edge
hanugro
2 years ago |I would think it will be called A97
A99 is for 2013 36MP FF.
matgay
2 years ago |how about D800-99?
SonyA77
2 years ago |LOL!
hanugro
2 years ago |Good, so with dual Bionz that is being used in A77, it should reach 24fps? Hopefully
Just make the buffer for 3s RAW and it is a real winner.
Spoon
2 years ago |Sounds very much unbelievable to me for several reasons:
- since when does Sony offer extended ISO ranges (other than one extra stop at the top end for MFNR)?
- 2 or more stops improvement over their best APS-C offering is very unlikely since the expected improvement would be less than a stop and third
- Sony semi conductors says smaller pixels doesn’t mean more noise and a discussion between 24 and 28 MP is beyond laughable in that regard
- speed shouldn’t be an issue when a half year old camera that is positioned lower can do 12 fps at 24MP with a *single* core.
- it’s still going to be a translucent camera and the current light loss dictates that it cannot be high ISO king, period
- it means developing an extra FF sensor, which is hard to earn back at a competitive price with just Sony sales, while they have an excellent 36MP sensor on the shelves that is hard to beat for alround performance
- the long lifecycle of a FF camera (3+ years) means its resolution will be lagging competing FF and even APS-C cameras (Sony included) long before the end of its life. It loses line of benefits of a larger format
All in all I’m still anything but convinced. And if it turns out true, I think they undercut their own (valid) arguments and strategy of the past and will meet market failure. Just look at the D800 hype.
David
2 years ago |I agree. A lot of this makes no sense.
Cliff
2 years ago |I know that sensor photosite size has been vigorously debated for a while now here. However, it’s been a basic industry “rule of thumb” for years that “bigger is better”. That is why Sony has made presentations to try and reverse that thinking.
I think that Sony excels at sensor readout, post processing and noise reduction techniques. This has given them the ability to get damn good performance out of even the smallest high MP sensors. I have been told at NAB that Sony has made great strides in correlated double sampling methods and taken techniques like that to the next level.
But what happens is this “secret sauce” that is used to make small photosites on small sensors extremely efficient…is then applied to photosites that put out double or even triple the charge! You can’t expect double or triple the output but it’s safe to expect “more” to some extent.
Amplification/Gain/High ISO is the enemy of all image sensors. No matter how good the handling and processing of photosite charges are it will eventually break down on relatively high amplification. (that’s why no camera will apply +60db of gain.)
On a really kick ass Sony super clean amplifier, which signal will STILL have a cleaner amplified output, a -120db or -100db?
Remember, Image sensors are ANALOG devices first. The digital conversion happens only after the charges (and noise) are collected. That noise also spans more than just one pixel and covers larger portions of the image.
Yes,…I know about viewing size. That will always be a big factor too. Yes, I get it. But I keep going back to the Canon’s 1DX… an expensive, 18MP FF sensor with massive photosites.
Is Canon stupid? Do they not understand how sensors work? Of course not.
Sony is trying to reverse a general industry understanding. Their fantastic post processing techniques are “sort of” helping them do it.
Get out your flame throwers and fire away guys!
Spoon
2 years ago |You’re falling back into your previous arguments that have been debunked many times. It’s not processing, it’s physics. And it’s not the industry that Sony is trying to convince, it’s the consumer and marketing departments.
Cliff
2 years ago |Go to DXO Mark. Look up the top performing ISO sensors for yourself. List them out from top to bottom.
You will see that the highest ISO performers have a pixel pitch in the 8.0+ µm size. (roughly)
Look at the Nikon D3s with it’s 12MP sensor. HUGE 8.4µm size!!
Are you SERIOUSLY trying say that it’s performance is NOT because of it’s MASSIVE pixel size? If so, that what IS the reason for it’s high ISO success? lol
I’d love to hear your explanation on this.
Again,..Canon and Nikon are not stupid. That is why they use sensors with large photosites on their top models.
Spoon
2 years ago |How many times do we have to go over this and how many times do I have to explain it in simple terms?
The best performing sensor *per AREA* without clear traces of NR (DXO has a good method of finding NR), is the Panasonic FZ150 sensor. Now look up the pixel density.
A good second place (shared) for the D3S and Nikon V1/J1. Now lookup their respective densities/pixel sizes. That should tell you how much pixel size or pixel density *FOR A GIVEN (sensor) SIZE* matters.
And before you ask the same questions (why did Canon or Nikon…)again, I answered them quite clearly before (keywords speed and marketing).
LEdgars
2 years ago |It were repeated so much times 18Mpix in terms of fps is 2x easier to manage than 36Mpix.
Cliff
2 years ago |Panasonic FZ150??? Are you kidding? It’s got tiny photosites and scored crap in every catagory. Terrible ISO!
And for Canon/Nikon. Do you “really” believe that Canon/Nikon DELIBERATELY build cameras with sensors that have low pixel count because they will sell better? LMAO!
You believe that they “could” install high MP sensors that perform just as well as 12mp – 21mp….they just don’t do it because of “marketing” and they think people wont buy them?
And the speed? You believe that Canon couldn’t make a $4,000+ camera TODAY that can’t rip out 8-12 frames a second at 24-36 MP? (not even at shorts bursts?…not even with optional downsized settings in menu?)
No,..it’s NOT the “speed”. No,…it’s NOT for “marketing” reasons.
They make large photosite sensors strictly because of “performance”.
Look,..I love Sony too, but Canon and Nikon are not as retarded as you think they are!
BTW,..NR is being done at every level of image collection. Everything today about a sensor and it’s readout, circuit placement and A/D conversion is centered around reducing noise. This is before post processing even starts. It’s done on the micro level (single pixel) and larger macro level. So it’s very hard to tell exactly “what” makes small small sensors operate so well.
That’s the true secret for small, high MP sensors.
Spoon
2 years ago |Can you not read? I even used capitals and asterisks to highlight it for you, but I’ll do it again. *PER AREA*. That takes care of the sensor size and the forthcoming difference in light gathering capabilities you see at first glance.
-
I’ll do the simple math for you, since you seem a little confused about it. The D3S sensor is for example 30 times larger than the FZ150 sensor. That’s a factor 30 difference in light. If we convert that to stops we get 2log(30)= 4.9EV. About 5 stops, *IF* the efficiency per area would be the same. Now compare the actual difference in SNR in the DXO graphs:
http://i40.tinypic.com/2po5l5i.jpg
About 4.67 EV difference in favor of the D3S. Conclusion: the FZ150 is slightly more efficient per area than the D3S, despite having *31.9* times as many pixels per square mm. And DXO didn’t detect any of the usual NR (A700, Pentax, etc.), nor do the RAW files show visual NR signs.
-
And ofcourse Canon and Nikon aren’t retarded. They also sell speed, as explained plenty times. I also went into the hurdles that specifically Canon has to overcome with their different sensor designs (ADC’s not on the sensor). And how Nikon likes to sell 2 cameras instead of one.
monkeyfacemcbride
2 years ago |@ Spoon
Can you just humor me for educational purposes a second. In the post (above/below…where it ends up WRT this) you state the following:
“The D3S sensor is for example 30 times larger than the FZ150 sensor. That’s a factor 30 difference in light. If we convert that to stops we get 2log(30)= 4.9EV.”
does this mean that the D3 sensor overall gets 30 times the light that the FZ150 does. How does this happen in the test? Please educate.
Spoon
2 years ago |@ Monkey:
I was talking about the D3S, but obviously the D3 sensor has the same size, so the answer again is yes.
-
For the test done by DXO, that means the larger sensor indeed gets that much more light and I’ll explain how.
They are shot at the same physical exposures. Say the same F stop and shutterspeed.
And before anyone jumps in and says F8 is F8 or F2 is F2, thus the light is the same, I’ll have to say, not so fast. The equivalent F stops are different because the lenses used are made to cover different areas. Different cropfactors, diferent real focal length covering a similar FOV. Per area they give the same amount of light. But the total areas are not the same. Thus the total amount of photons captured isn’t either. And the latter is what DXO shows. I simply translated that back to equal areas.
dk
2 years ago |+1
The 24MP sensor makes sense thou, considering the load of average shooters out there that still believe increasing in MP = increasing in noise.
Spoon
2 years ago |Sadly yes, it would be an admittance that Sony failed to convince the market with the notion that size of pixels has little relevance to image noise.
Altough the release (and preliminary results) of the D800 could be a first big step in changing that perception top down (pro’s first, then the average consumer).
Cliff
2 years ago |@ Spoon,
Spoon says that Sony marketing states that photosite size doesn’t matter.
Canon marketing states for the 1DX:
“A full 24 x 36mm, the sensor captures 5184 x 3456 LARGE individual 6.95 µm pixels and has a much-improved S/N ratio resulting in better images from the start.”
Canon states that a large pixel pitch IS part of its sucess. I wonder who’s “marketing” is right? Sony or Canon?
And all this time I thought my Sony Cybershot HX9V (16mp) was not as good as my Sony NEX VG20 because it has SMALLER photosites!!
I guess that fact is irrelevant and the true reason is due to something secret and mysterious that only “Spoon” understands.
Canon might not be allowed to put it’s A/D on board it’s sensors. I’m thinking it could be an EXMOR patent. Dunno for sure
I understand the “per area” concept. You cant guess sensor performance with proportional math. I can’t say the Canon 1Dx would perform TWICE as well in low light if it had HALF the pixel count on the same size sensor. It doesn’t work that way. And, obviously two sensors of the same size will not collect the same amount of overall light and generate the same amounts of overall charge. Individual pixel amplification and circuit gain is a VERY important factor.
Spoon
2 years ago |Cliff, you’re confusing semi conductors knowledge with a marketing blurb that comes with the release of a new camera.
If you don’t take the word of Sony semi conductors for it, ask someone like Eric Fossum, the inventor of CMOS sensors as we know them in our cameras now and still active in the field of new sensor designs. He can tell you a thing or two about pixel size and IMAGE noise.
-
And you clearly have no grasp of the “per area” concept, despite the countless explanations.. Otherwise you wouldn’t have compared your HX9V with the VG20. Because you effectively compared 2 areas with a factor >13 between them.
Your last paragraph is as clueless as your first post on the subject a few weeks ago. The effieciency is in fact very comparable, regardless of pixelsize. The main reason being that shot noise is by far dominant now and read noise down to a puny 2 to 3 electrons, even for smaller pielsizes. Until you have any idea how much that influences noise as seen in pictures, it’s best to refrain from assuming.
Cliff
2 years ago |Spoon,
What is your take on this article?
http://www.1derful.info/Words/Case.htm
Spoon
2 years ago |Oh and for those that want to have an indication what a 24MP Sony A99 could produce, look at the Fuji X100, add half to 2/3 of a stop improvement at an image level (a stop and a third from the larger format minus half a stop from the mirror) an you get the idea. Nothing earth shattering and at an image level certainly still worse than the D800. I would take the 36MP variant and trade 33% burst depth if needed. Thanks.
Neo NiGHTS ®
2 years ago |“- since when does Sony offer extended ISO ranges (other than one extra stop at the top end for MFNR)?”
Since… always? The A100 had an Lo80 (ISO 80) and anything above ISO3200 on the A700 was an extended range (that was noted because those ISO -4000, 5000 and 6400 IIRC- were underlined).
“it means developing an extra FF sensor, which is hard to earn back at a competitive price with just Sony sales, while they have an excellent 36MP sensor on the shelves that is hard to beat for alround performance”
Just food for thought: perhaps Sony could sell the 24mp to another company like, let’s say… Pentax?
Pentax users say that Pentax will *NEVER* release a FF camera. But since Ricoh is in charge now… you may never know.
“- the long lifecycle of a FF camera (3+ years) means its resolution will be lagging competing FF and even APS-C cameras (Sony included) long before the end of its life. It loses line of benefits of a larger format”
If 24mp are enough for today, why won’t they be enough for tomorrow?
All of a sudden those A3 prints will demand more megapixels? Our computer monitors will have a resolution of 24mp (instead of the current 2mp)?
Brides suddenly will demand pictures of 60mp?
I don’t think so, really.
The other topics I didn’t quote because I pretty much agree with you
Spoon
2 years ago |My A500 certainly doesn’t offer extended ISO ranges and I don’t remember a Sony having atleast 2 stops extra range at the top as suggested by the article. But you’re right that Sony has used it to certain extends.
-
As for Pentax, there are no new FF lenses to be released the upcoming years according to their roadmap. On top of that, Pentax is an even much smaller player than Sony, nothing near the volumes of Nikon. In other words, I don’t think it would contribute substantially.
-
Your reasoning about 24MP being enough obviously holds truth for most people and most uses but doesn’t really work in the ever progressing digital camera market. Back in the days of 6MP people said the same and look where we are now.
Neo NiGHTS ®
2 years ago |“Your reasoning about 24MP being enough obviously holds truth for most people and most uses but doesn’t really work in the ever progressing digital camera market. Back in the days of 6MP people said the same and look where we are now.”
I understand that and fully agree with you. What seems “good enough” for today may not seem “good enough” tomorrow. Fair statement and that’s what keep technology improving, right?
But, an actual pro knows better than anyone else how many megapixels are enough for his/her uses.
If he/she starts feeling unsecure because he/she may lose clients because someone else is shooting with 60mp…. well, may be it’s time to go to a psychologist and have a good talk
I applaud Sony for, finally (apparently) giving high-end users two options.
If that’ll be viable and if Sony will be able to hold that position, only time (and sale marks) will tell.
stanley olord
2 years ago |ISO in the hundreds of thousands… sounds oh so similar to the A77 rumors
admin
2 years ago |Be aware that
1) rumors about the A77 having super high iso performance weren’t coming form my trusted sources (that once again confirms that I should be careful in posting low value rumors and rumros from external websites because with time passing people confuses those rumros with my SR5 rumors)
2) The A99 has same Megapixel number as the A77 but much more larger pixel size!
LEdgars
2 years ago |Indeed this rumor came from interviews with high level of Sony manager (??? Paul Genge of Sony UK)
David
2 years ago |The same guy who promised studio tethering for the a77…
*crickets*
Poke
2 years ago |Just because the numbers are high does not make the results good. Sony will have to prove the high iso’s are even worth while to use. I hope they can.
David
2 years ago |Why argue so much. Wait till it releases. Buy if it’s good. It’s that simple.
Sony fan
2 years ago |Wow, what a high ISO rating!
Too bad it will be like every other Sony with usually ISO up to 400, hahaha.
GunnarK
2 years ago |Why not choose an alias that is true, like ‘CaNikon Fan’? That would at least give you som kind of ccredibility – as a troll…
.
chlamchowder
2 years ago |“Too bad it will be like every other Sony with [usable] ISO up to 400″….
You forgot about the a580, which is still one of the best APS-C cameras in terms of ISO performance.
merci sony
2 years ago |so cool, and usable iso until 800, just like the A77? btw Sony, any update for the A77?
pancanikonpus
2 years ago |I bet fuji apsc xpro1 >D800E >A99 in low light high iso. optimistically xpro1 high chance par with 2012 series FF SLR. sound silly when i heard Fuji made such claim. now closer to reality. funny
EM5 high iso was not bad! new sensor really kick ass! 
soon smeone sure gonna benchmark 1DX-D4-D800E-Xpro1-EM5-A57
Spoon
2 years ago |I’ll take that bet. What’s at stake, an A77?
pancanikonpus
2 years ago |50cent coin!
Steve Jones
2 years ago |It’s rather important you define some objective criteria for that bet of yours. However, I think I’ll say with a lot of confidence that on the DXOmark low-light figure (which is equal output sizes), both the new Nikon and Sony FF cameras will beat the xpro1 by a clear margin. Simply, with 2.25x the surface area the FF cameras intercept more photons (even with the translucent mirror in place). The Fuji’s non-bayer pattern matrix doesn’t change that simple fact.
Eric
2 years ago |To Popio!!!
Sony didn´t rip off the colour off canon lenses, the colour is more white then the more gray-tone off the canon lenses.
And to be fair, Sony bought Minolta cameradivision, and Minolta was the forst with WHITE lenses, if anything Canon ripped Minolta, but changed the tone to a more gray ; )
Read your camera history…..
pipio
2 years ago |minolta is minolta and sony is sony, is way different, so pentax is not ricoh! …my 2 sony playstation
taipeiboi
2 years ago |pipio, that doesn’t change the fact that minolta was still first before canon….so it should be canon copying minolta, if you want to talk about nonsensical statements.
Carl
2 years ago |Well, they had the first white autofocus lens in ~’86, but Canon went white at the start of the New FD era, which was late 70s. Olympus also had some white telephotos in the early 80s.
This was the case with refractors, but catadioptric lenses had been white for much longer, with some telescopes being white before WWII. The oldest white photographic mirror lens I know of is the Minolta RF 100cm from ~’62, slightly beating out Nikon, so I guess in a way your point is correct.
Poke
2 years ago |Pipio’s remarks are ludicrous. Who cares what color it is and who had it first. You mean to tell me Canon invented white.
Minoltian
2 years ago |my guess
native iso range 100-6400
expandable to 50-25600
SRL
2 years ago |Andrea,
Do you know if the a99 will support tethering?
Minoltian
2 years ago |native iso range 100-6400
expandable to 50-25600
will be the best alpha low light performer
even if with the mirror taking 1/3 light
number 2 still the NEX 5N
Maxwell
2 years ago |(SR5) Auto ISO range will be 100-1600. And no auto ISO in Manual mode.
Same ISO range in video mode.
But… I hope Sony will improve on these.
Chris K.
2 years ago |Just got my note from Amazon that my D800E pre-order (placed on Feb. 7, 2012) will ship on Jan. 3, 2013. Woot! (Kidding! I doubt I’ll follow through with the pre-order but I thought I’d do it on a lark and see how the reviews come in before I cancel it.)
Luis
2 years ago |Thanks for the FF update, keep the info coming please. Now, is there anyway you can use this same efficiency to hurry up the guys at Sony?
bas076
2 years ago |22mp 5DmII replacement is coming. Alot of Canon lenses replacement is coming. Sony can make very good camera with high ISO performance comparable to D3 but … it will be too late … 70-200/2.8G & 300/2.8G both already old and not water protected. Even if Sony bring new zeiss 50/1.4 SSM, 35/1.4G also need the replacement. I almost fogot about 100/2.8 Macro and some 24/28-105/135 FF zoom …
feedmatekill
2 years ago |I agree but what’s with canon lens prices….24-70 L II price is just ridiculous
mark
2 years ago |Sony seems more interested in turning cameras into their T.V. technology now. I doubt they really are listening to pros at this point or else the last 3 cameras would not have been so infantile. There are certain mechanics of how a pro shoots here. Basic functions that can’t be taken away anymore than a shutter button can be taken away. But every techno-geek on this site will go to their graves defending the latest versions of anything their favorite camera company does in the name of techno progess. The EVF is a failed idea from the beginning for a pro. You are removing the photographer further away from seeing what is real so he can react to it. I love my a900s and my Zeiss glass and may have to buy a few more because of you geeks that are encouraging this exodus from reality. In order to gauge what Sony was about to do with FF, I bought the a77, nex-7 and a65 and returned them all because Sony has completely missed the mark on the actual shooting experience and needs of the pro. This is not a debate about making way for the new. There is no way in hell canon and nikon would lose their pro market by doing this. Sony has completely lost their way.
passer-by
2 years ago |Sony hasn’t lost their way, they just took another route. Canon and Nikon using their pro devision to promote their P&S and entry level DSLR. Pound-to-pound, their P&Ss are no better than other brands. But because it’s Nikon, people will believe their P&Ss are better, thanks to “superior CLS” tale. Sony can’t do that, they don’t have PRO lineup. So instead of directing their energy to satisfy pros needs, they concentrating on lower models. EVF is not a failed idea on this playing field, some 43rd camera don’t even have any kind of viewfinder.
j pez
2 years ago |Well, i don’t know about the pound per pound statement.
I love Minolta. Sony, i like that they picked up where Minolta left off.
But i also love Canon’s Powershots with CCD sensors. They go up to 1/500 x-sync with the on-board flash. Much tolerable hand held videos than from CMOS cameras. The controls are simple, but made sense. If you manage to get external flash working, you can get nicely exposed 1/2000 shots.
Yes, there’s other CCD based compact cameras out there, but most of them are ONLY the premium G series competition, or really old obsolete models.
So, to me, pound per pound, Canon got it right with their Powershot line (until their recent move to CMOS sensors and slower glass).
CCD Powershots and 1D line’s AF/metering are great. Everything else you can find in any other brand.
Twaddler Belafonte
2 years ago |24mpx @ full-frame: hells yeah!
ben
2 years ago |36mp bad, let’s have 24mp. Sony anounces 24mp, now trolls want 36. Everyone wants high ISO in a99, rumor says high ISO, trolls unhappy. Whats wrong with you folks, go shoot some pics. I love a77, gives me stunning pictures. A99 will give us even better. I already saved money for it, and I’m very happy this version is 24mp because I do not need to process huge files for no reason. If someone needs 36 there will be another version of a99. Conclusion, go shoot some pics and stop whining.
Harvey
2 years ago |Hey, real pro, how did you happen to make the same mistake three times, by buying the a77, nex-7 and a65? Didn’t they tell you that these three have identical EVF’s?
I’m not sure I want you for my daughter’s wedding…
I will be waiting for a FF-NEX. I’m very much taken by the concept, by the NEX-5 I bought by accident. I strongly believe there’s the future of photography, but hell, I’m no pro, I’m having FUN at photography…
mark
2 years ago |Because I can afford to. When you are sitting on beautiful zeiss glass you tend to have unrealistic hope in Sony.Each one of those cameras had their own problems that were deal breakers. My carry around is an a55. It’s my point and shoot. I can accept an evf for point and shoot, not your daughter’s wedding.
A900 Pro
2 years ago |This is it guys! This is the one we’ve been waiting for, right decision to go with 24MP, I see no reason why they can’t beat the D800 at high ISO. If both sensors are indeed based on the 16MP tech (DXO Mark 1100-1300ISO) then the D800 should be scoring around the 2200-2400 in DXOMark based on the 1 stop improvement from scaling up to full frame. This should mean we see figures in the +3000 range for the 24MP sensor, even with the mirror light loss it should be at least as good! This would make sense given that sensor tech has moved on significantly I would like to think that the D3s (ISO 3253) noise performance should be nearly reachable with a doubling in resolution. Factor in the 1/2 stop loss and you’ve got 2000-2200 ish, not stellar but certainly good enough at 24MP!
I really hope so, roll on March! Th
Spoon
2 years ago |That’s not how it works. 1100-1300 for an APS-C format and a given technology (efficiency), turns into 2585-3055 for a FF camera with the same efficiency, regardless of the amount of pixels. Now put the current type of pellicle mirror in front of that FF sensor and you’re looking at about 1800-2200.
calxn
2 years ago |Admin, you sound a little silly always noting the D800 uses the Sony sensor. First off, how do you know? Guessing? Nikon uses sensors from several sources, including their own design. Second, who cares if it’s a Sony sensor? When you buy an iPhone, do you say it’s good because Apple is using a Sony sensor? When you buy a car, do you say it’s good because it has chips made by ‘so and so’? It’s ridiculous and smacks of big time fanboyism.
I’ve used Canon, Nikon, Sony, Fuji, Olympus, Panasonic in the past. Never have I thought they were good camera because the metal it was made from was extracted from high quality sources in Australia. To me, it’s the final file output. Could care less the brand name on the outside or the components inside.
passer-by
2 years ago |” who cares if it’s a Sony sensor?”
Sony users, of course. It’s a good thing to know that your camera uses the same sensor as what is used in probably the best camera in the market.
doug
2 years ago |SLT + Fullframe = MAJOR FAIL!
Let’s hope they release a fullframe mirrorless body for the alpha mount and stop all this SLT nonsense.
LifeStoryImages.com
2 years ago |Acting like you can predict the future = MAJOR FAIL!
Could be a hit, could not. We’ll see. Geesh. Let’s just make great images.
Poke
2 years ago |There would have to be a major improvement with autofocus. My 5n is slow and inaccurate with any fast or moderately moving objects.
LifeStoryImages.com
2 years ago |.
“He who laughs last, laughs loudest.”
Yes, let’s hope so!
EE
2 years ago |Admin, any word on a non-AA filter FF model (like Nikon D800E)?
I’ll go on record here that releasing a paltry 22mp or 24mp FF camera is going to be comical–considering these cameras have a product cycle of +4yrs, 24mp is already outdated by the Nikon D800 today, let alone several years down the road.
Investing in a 24mp camera today is investing in “dead tech”.
I also think Canon is making a mistake with only 24mp (and no AA-less version).
john
2 years ago |Go tell Nikon that their recently announced D4 16 “paltry” MP FF camera “is going to be comical–considering these cameras have a product cycle of +4yrs”
FTW
2 years ago |+1
HAHAHAHAHA!
passer-by
2 years ago |D3, replaced by the D4, only has a 12MP sensor. It’s an increase in mp, even though not by much.
Cyrus
2 years ago |Correct me if I am wrong… But in terms of noise performances.
Comparing the 24mpx A99 to the 36 Mpx D800 is not fair.
The other 36 mpx Axx could be compared to the D800…
taipeiboi
2 years ago |tell that to everyone who compared the a77 to the 5d mk II or even the a900 to the mkII
Poke
2 years ago |I do think it is OK to compare the qualities of all these cameras. Actually as a future buyer of a camera I want to know so I can make a decision on which camera fits my needs better. I bought a 5n and when someone compares it to a 5DmarkII its OK to know but one would have to consider that these two cameras were not made to replace each other or compete side by side, but the 800 and 99 will be competing against each other. I have an interest in the 800. It looks like one awesome camera. However, I take a lot of photos at high school sporting events. The slow fps is making me consider the 99. I expect the 99 to have a much higher fps than the 800. Pretty much a given. But if the 99 does not perform as well in the high iso range which is needed for night football games then I may have to reconsider the 800. Bottom line is compare all the cameras and we can decide if it is important to us.
Solo
2 years ago |This is a silly thought. I think you are wrong. Anything in the same price category can be compared for performance and value. I personally am expecting the A99 around the same price if not cheaper than the D800, making it perfect for comparison. What isn’t fair is comparing cameras like the 5n or a77 to the likes of the 5dmkII – but this happens quite a lot.
Walt
2 years ago |Funny how folks demand anyone not using SLT leave and go to other brands.
I’ve given Sony far more money into their Alpha income than most SLT people. My system is Sony, it’s OVF DSLR a700, several of them, and a large system that includes many of the top Sony lenses and flashes. It’s a system I use for photography very frequently. I have more right to comment on Sony than most if support of Sony is the criteria. More right to criticize them.
And I say SLT is a major error on Sony’s part, and have evaluated it in more detail than most SLT fanboys know how to. I have a right to say that as I use Sony and would like to see them continue to support DSLR, which they are not. And because I know there are far more important things than what number is at the top of the ISO list (and generally unused) or tethering.
john
2 years ago |Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.
Spoon
2 years ago |You have theories. You haven’t tested the A77 extensively in the field.
-
And what you “know” is mostly related to your needs, which is far from the general need or desire still. Just another, “I know best”.
Basement Dweller
2 years ago |Well, tested it in tropical climate, the pellicle “mirror” in this particular climate starts to get yellow fast. And not to mention it overheats even more often than the other part of the world.
David
2 years ago |Yup. But Sony doesn’t seem to care about loyalty really..
passer-by
2 years ago |They have to. How many pros does Sony have? Spending too much in product design that doesn’t return enough profit is not very smart. Sony spokesman once said that the OVF in the a900 is too expensive for the camera price. They are already doing you, Sony Minolta loyalists, a favor by selling it for less than it costs to produce.
Solo
2 years ago |with due respect if you are suggesting that the A900 has not made any profit for Sony, or that the camera is being sold to us at cost or cheaper, then you are a bloody idiot.
FTW
2 years ago |Walt, times are changing.
I believe the future is in removing the SLR/SLT.
Removing the Shutter, replacing it with a fully electronic shutter.
Effectively eliminating all mechnical components within the camera.
Nikon has shown the way with their PDF/CDF system on their J1 and V1.
It will be a matter of years before Nikon inroduces a Mirrorless Full Frame Monster with all the capabilities of Alpha SLT Range + More.
If Sony had half a brain, they would have already seen this. I truely hope that Sony will continue to evolve and define it’s own market space. Just as how Apple has done so in the phone and tablet market.
FTH
2 years ago |As a photographer, I couldn’t care less for brand, rather the point that every camera serves a purpose. Some camera is more general purpose, some specific.
For example:
Nikon D800 – Beautiful for Landscapes, Great for Portraitures, but I wouldn’t be using it to shoot sports…
Sony/Minolta does makes beautiful cameras, lenses, flashes. People should stop bitching and start appreciating.
Kids these days brought up on their Fanboyism PS3 vs XBox 360 mentality. Some people her make their living from photography using the Sony camera ecosystem. If you don’t have any respect for them, GTFO! Go back and watch your Naruto and play some Xbox.
sergei
2 years ago |+1. I use Sony because it was an economical way for me to start off, now they offer unique features that make my life easier as a full time professional. Where do people get auto focus Zeiss glass? EVF technology to nail focus wide open at F1.4? AF video? Tilt screen for low on the ground vantage point with accurate and fast AF? 12 frames per second 24MP RAW capture at $1400?
I love my Sony set up and use it to make a living.
Sony, Canon, Nikon are all fantastic and denying it is pointless. Embrace the technology now and here and be happy!
FlashX
2 years ago |+2. I use Sony too and I am proud of it. At first when I bought my A200, I was in doubt because all my friends were looking down on my decision to get a Sony DSLR. However, as I got more into photography, I bought more some Minolta lenses and I know I have made a good choice. I started out getting a beercan lens (Minolta 70-210mm f/4) and never looked back. My friends to this date are still surprised that I paid $120 for a quality telephoto lens that stabilizes. As I bought more lenses, my friends have started to get more envious about all my lenses collection as these lenses I have will cost them 20-30% more in price with the same used conditions and not stabilization on either Nikon or Canon.
I do understand there is no crazy 600mm lens or a 50mm f/1.2 and the $10k+ lenses, but hey if you are going into that territory, buying the camera body is a) getting paid by your company doing it or b) you have so much money to spend why not buy into all the camera bodies with the matching lens. In the end, I don’t fall in neither a or b but I have found the best photography equipment for my personal photography art. For those who are jabbing at Sony equipment, I like to see how your photos compare to mine. If you can proof to me your equipment in the same grade can achieve the better result or same result with a lower price point, I like to listen to you all.
Luis
2 years ago |That’s an excellent point. This has to do a lot with your economical possibilities, however, other brands loyalists keep disregarding Sony as if that alone would make Sony trash on this business. I believe – as in any other area of life – that is a matter of making the best with what you got, and leaving other people alone. I don’t see why the next FF cameras should be of a lesser quality in a company that makes quality stuff. That’s how I see this. Chances are (about 97%) that I’ll get a A99 when this guys release it. If someone doesn’t like the product just don’t buy it, and leave me (us) alone with our terrible choice. You’ll not find me at other brand’s site trashing their products just because in my opinion is not the best choice. Sorry for extending my opinion so much… Thank you.
Francisco G
2 years ago |Ok, so the A99 or A89 is seeming to look like a better, improved A77. Fullframe, bigger pixels, 2 processors, better EVF, more pro features. I really hope they keep the price (for the body) under 2 grand. Like 300-500 more than the A77. Even 2k will be a great price for a 24mpx FF 12fps + AF Video capabilities shooting beast. (I expect some indie film eyes will turn to this model) If I’m guessing what Sony is thinking, the decision about going 24mpx is to keep the price down, IMO not really about High ISO issues or other stuff. They’ll really shake up the market if my guess is correct. Another thing people seem to forget is that SLT tech greatly facilitates faster upgrades of models. The 3-5 year lifeline of FF models will be a thing of the past. Canikon and others will be forced to churn out cheaper FF. ¡Everybody wins! I’ll be buying the A77, and save up for the eventual A9x full frame in the future. Admin: Please try to get more info about the eventual A77 firmware!
Clifton
2 years ago |I’m not sure what people are actually expecting, in my opinion, if its ‘just’ an A77 with the benefits of FF, I’d be happy. I dont think Canon and Nikon will ever be ‘forced’ to do anything by Sony though, their throne is far too high for them to even notice right now, at least in the DSLR market.
Clifton
2 years ago |A few tests of the high ISO capabilities of the D800 are floating around the net (all be it with a less than final FW) and the results are surprising (to some) since the performance is a step back from the D700. Of course, you could say the added resolution counters that but it gives us food for thought regarding the resolution of the A99.
Since the entire industry and the future of photography as we know it is solely dependent on high ISO, Sony’s step in keeping the m/pix at 24 should be a very wise one.
Solo
2 years ago |with respect, I HATE that you said this:
“The entire industry and the future of photography as we know it is solely dependent on high ISO”
I honestly think people with this mentality have NO IDEA what they are talking about. DYNAMIC RANGE somehow gets completely overlooked, although it is far more important at ALL ISOs.
Clifton
2 years ago |it was sarcasm Solo
Andestich
2 years ago |The basic question for me is very simple: I can´t afford a Nikon D800 at 3000 €. More or less, what price will be the A99? For many of us, a 2000-2500 € camera may be too expensive. So, the alternative is to stay with the A77.
loverhd
2 years ago |The SLT approach for FF is a really wrong move.
Because FF is expected to deliver best in the class professional quality photos. And the translucent mirror will spoil the sensitivity by half a stop at least. Which will leave the camera way behind the CaNikon competition. So, no reason to wait for sony, even @24mp at all. Go to Nikon D800 now. End of story for Sony, it is already lost the game in general in FF field.
loverhd
2 years ago |By the way, sony SLT FF must have also constant live view sensor, means unlike Nikon D800 the sensor is constantly powered on. Thus sony FF camera sensor is always seriously hotter then D800 in the same conditions. And therefore it is even more noisier (probably by another half a stop).
So total sensitivity prognosis for sony FF is about one stop worse compare to CaNikon competition. Not encoraging at all.
Solo
2 years ago |what the hell are you talking about? The EVF is a separate feed, the sensor is NOT constantly on, only during video.
mark
2 years ago |Unless you have had your back against the wall in a small dark dressing room trying to get existing light shots of bride and flash would of any kind would ruin the mood , you will never understand how half a stop is EVERYTHING as you try to squeeze out the most of your fast glass, that you spent a fortune on, for this very moment. Translucent mirrors will of course seem unimportant to those of you that spend your days shooting flowers and birds. Sony can always please those shooters with megapixels and external goodies. But they started down a road with the a900 and Zeiss lenses to lure pros to the table. Many of us bit the line and now the very next camera aimed at us is going the way of a electronic toy for enthusiasts who want to say they have a a full frame. They offered us better equipment at lower prices to get our attention and now that they got it there next step is to alienate us. Really stupid.
Walt
2 years ago |“Since the entire industry and the future of photography as we know it is solely dependent on high ISO, ”
Wow!now there is a person totally out of touch with photography! Few even use those high ISOs that you are worrying about! Let alone need them.
Sony can put whatever number they want on the top of their ISO list and think they are competing with Nikon and Canon. But they are ignoring how far they are behind in photography centric functions. Those that are used in a large proportion of all photos taken. And attempting to hide that by being shrill about a number of little to no use to most photographers. And folks that are not looking at all the real functions used directly to take the majority of photos are just as far behind.
Clifton
2 years ago |it was sarcasm Walt, calm down! I use my aging A700 at ISO1600 (f/2.8) and the results are great and I shoot a lot of street stuff in the evening, rarely do I need to push it higher.
Vinny
2 years ago |Sony has already blown it, imo. I am a 15 year Nikon professional and was willing to make the switch to Sony. But Sony instead helped Nikon beat Sony to the punch with the Nikon D800 (with sony sensor), of which I ordered last week. As far as I’m concerned, the great price tag on that camera makes it just like a new and improved Alpha 900 but with Nikon quality and lenses.
It makes no absolutely sense to me that Sony gives Nikon the first beat on a 36 megapixel camera.
And then plans to come out with their own 24 meg version.
Nikon and Sony already have that now as it is.
Bad choices for Sony. Sorry.
Majid Naghdi potographer +989122043001 02122880096 22880130
2 years ago |Sony has a full frame high resolution camera ready for a release later this year. The camera will be called the Sony SLT-A99, uses the same translucent mirror technology that other SLT models do, and will have about 40 megapixels of resolution. Take one guess what other camera maker and what camera model maybe using that same sensor? SONY So the Sony strategy right now appears to be releasing the A77 which is expected to have killer ISO performance sometime in the next couple of months, later followed by their successor to the A900.
Sony A99 featuring 36MP sensor will be announced in early 2012 before Photokina 2012 show in September•Translucent mirror
•36.9 Megapixel 3MOS Exmor sensor
•ISO 100-102400 extendable to 204800 and 409600
•12 frames per second
•No infrared or anti-alias filters
•Digital infrared filtering with three modes NO IR,WITH IR,ONLY IR
•In camera moire remove
•89 cross-type points AF
•Metering direct from sensor
•60/1-1/24000sec, time, bulb shutter (focal plane)
•Flash synchronization up to 1/500sec and high-speed sync up to 1/24000sec
•Built-In GPS and Wi-Fi plus Thunderbolt
•Two CompactFlash card slots
Martin
2 years ago |Hey Sony!
I just bought the A77… well, I have still doubts. I think it cant beat the omage quality of my A300!!!
And the video AF… don´t make me laugh. So “fast” can I do it with Manual focus.
I´m quite deceptioned. I could live with thestill laggy 1.04 menu or OVF/WVF switching, but even my supersharp lens doesn´t look to be so supersharp now.
BTW- If Nikon can suck so good image quality from the 36MP sensor, wht can´t we (A77) with the 24MP sensor and same brand??!!
And the Image quality and noise are horrible… in comparation with my old, 350€ worth A300.
Peter Marcellin
2 years ago |Good news regarding the Sony SLT – A99,spotting 36.9
megapixel,will this camera include a vertical grip?
dai imaging
11 months ago |For 30 years I worked completely satisfacory with ‘Minolta’ products, from XM over X700 to 7D and A900. Nowadays evolution is scary and completely disapointing !!! Are the disastrous problems with translucent mirrors as in Canon Pellix completely forgotten ?… How can a real photographer appreciate the slowness of EVF viewfinders (I really hate the A77′s) ànd the lack of real detail ?… If I have to change camera brand to have a respectfull viewfinder, I have to change a complete set of accessories too … If this is real, I NEVER by ANY Sony product again.