(SR4) UPDATED: There is no A600, and there will be no DSLR camera anymore…
A fake A600 rendering via Photographic Central
One of my trusted sources just sent me a quick note saying that the A600 rumor posted by C.Garrard isn’t correct. According to that source the A600 rumor is fake and he goes also one step further saying that there is no plan within Sony to make a DSLR camera in future. This can of course change, but in the short and mid term you should not expect any new optical viewfinder in any Sony camera.
I want to highlight that while the source is usually very good in providing Sony insider news the rumor hasn’t been confirmed by other trusted sources yet. So please take it not as a definitive 100% news. As usual I hope more sources can confirm or deny this soon. I for myself hope the rumor is NOT true 
UPDATE_2: Another TOP source just confirmed that he never heard about a new A600 model. And in defense of my friend Carl I want to add that maybe Sony developed the A600 but in the end decided to not launch it at all for some reason. I know from my experience as rumor-writer that this can happen.
P.S.: Crutchfield discontinued the A580, which will probably the last DSLR camera ever made by Sony.
Reminder: Be sure to be here on SAR on March 13th as there will be a major Sony announcement! It will become pretty busy here on SAR the next days
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!
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Denis
2 years ago |Hope this is true. Hope the next news will be about cancelling SLTs too and concentrating on mirrorless cameras.
A900 Tog
2 years ago |If that’s true it’s Hello Nikon D800E & D700! Somehow I don’t think so though considering they released the 24mm F/2 full frame lense, the 500mm F4 (which is more of a pro lens for FF bodies) and are apparently working on new 50mm and 35mm Zeiss lenses, they wouldn;t so that if they were ditching SLR/SLT!
I’m happy with the prospect of SLT I shoot with A55 along side my Full Frame sonys and I love it’s speed weight and responsiveness but they are going to have to come up with an awesome 24MP sensor (which I’m sure they have) to account for the light loss and make sure that the new 5d III (22 Megapixels) doesn’t trounce it at high ISO!
WTH
2 years ago |If that is true, SONY better drop their imaging department and go back to making Walkmens…
SonyA77
2 years ago |You’ve obviously never used Sony pro video cameras.
FK
2 years ago |posted at wrong place…
hanugro
2 years ago |My prediction is A-mount will go mirrorless in 5 years.
SonyA77
2 years ago |Doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure that one out.
The Lotus Eater
2 years ago |…or sensor scientist.
hanugro
2 years ago |Yeah, dSLT is already very good. Sharpness is good, no more ghosting, no more slapping mirror. It just need more tweak on EFV. I like the idea of EFV turn into like Sony personal viewer (to emulate viewing a whopping 750ft IMAX screen from 20 feet away).
Ppl who freak out about translucent should really use pin-hole camera as the many glass component in lens is affecting sharpness anyway
And best of all it is only temporary. By the time all the core technologies are ready (AF), I know I won’t have a nightmare of switching back to a-mount again.
BTW, I come to a photography fair here in Jakarta and the NEX system is selling like a pancake. They also bring A77 and some ppl are checking the demo unit.
Denis
2 years ago |Don’t see any reason to develop A-mount anymore. It was designed for mirrored cameras. I hope for extended M-mount with additional contacts in order to don’t mess with adaptors anymore. I also don’t want to use third world, outdated as sh1t leica cameras and hope for high tech sony ones.
Adam Maas
2 years ago |Handling with large lenses. The A mount allows for significantly better handling with lenses like the ZA series primes and zooms and the G zooms. You really can’t build something similar on E mount because of the short register causing structural issues with an A77 or larger sized camera (which is ideal for big lenses).
I expect that E mount will become the primary consumer line, with A mount being increasingly restricted to the higher-end with only 1-2 low-end SLT’s in the consumer market for those few that want them.
hanugro
2 years ago |+1 on this. Sony said so that A-mount camera is always be higher performance than E-mount. With bigger body, also you can pack more goodies.
klw10
2 years ago |I for one do not hope they drop SLTs. I do not want a NEX and I hope they produce a good FF camera soon. I love my a900 and I hope there will be a good replacement for it when it dies.
hwelvaar
2 years ago |+1
passer-by
2 years ago |I want to buy an A580, not because OVF is superior, but it has some sentimental value.. hahahaha. EVF rules!
blabla
2 years ago |Goodby then !
AnYpHoTo
2 years ago |+1 (nikon D400, here i come)
greg
2 years ago |+ 1111111111
Mrpong
2 years ago |+100000 bye bye too.
Beer_Stalker
2 years ago |Luddites
Archer66
2 years ago |Don’t let the door hit your ass on way out.
I’m more polite than WTH
WTH
2 years ago |Don’t let the door slam your arse on yer way out…
We will miss you…
ovf fags…
Hellven
2 years ago |SLR’s are going to die in a few years, why would Sony invest more in an oblsolet concept? SLT’s is the way for now, they share alot of the technology with the mirrorless, but they (SLT) will also die in a few years, they are the transition until mirroless unleash its full potencial.
Mike
2 years ago |Is it really such a large R&D investment to put a new sensor in an already existing body and flash the latest firmware to add some of the features the A580 lacks?
Hellven
2 years ago |ok… so you want to change the A580 sensor, one of the best sensors around is not good enough for you? and a firmware update? is that what you want in a new camera?? is a new camera needed for that??
SonyA77
2 years ago |There is, and has never been, any point trying to compete in the same OVF/SLR market as Canon and Nikon. When will people understand this simple concept?
Sony are aiming at new and existing users that don’t have any hang-ups about EVF/SLT. Throwing money and resources into making clones of a CaNikon will not get them anywhere, it certainly hasn’t up to now.
Solo
2 years ago |Your concept is a bit sad. So you think people should never try to start their own companies in competing markets?
Perhaps you would enjoy communism.
SonyA77
2 years ago |Stupid comment of the day award.
edpaul
2 years ago |die is a strong word. if there is so many A mount lens out there, and demand for A mount body, and its making money. why stop?
its better to make money from A mount and E mount at the same time then rather killing off A mount and try to make money from E only. rite?
PhotoNut
2 years ago |BS. SLRs are not going anywhere. While Nikon and Canon sales grow, Sony’s actually is going down and the company is taking massive losses.
Mirrorless cameras are a new category of cameras and are more likely to be creating market and also taking share away from compact cameras, bridge cameras and low end DSLRs.
In the future high end DSLRs will have a smaller market but they will still be very common and popular.
Spoon
2 years ago |Nonsense. The last report still shows a growth of close to 50 % average market share, double the absolute sales.
C.Garrard
2 years ago |Fyi Andrea, I sent my source this post you’ve made and I await a reply. If it’s fake well, I know I can never trust this source again. Glad I was animate about saying that I was skeptical although we’ll have to see what he says.
No more OVF DSLR is what I thought Sony were already doing anyways and why I was skeptical. Since you are in the rumor business I’ll report what he says in reply to you so you can report it here, if you wish.
Cheers,
Carl Garrard
admin
2 years ago |Sent you an email and updated my post. There is indeed no A600. But your source may be right to say the A600 has been developed as a protoype. But at the end Sony decided to not release it all
DeMarcus
2 years ago |For admin, I know I’m probably commenting on the wrong post. I was just wondering about the a99 and the FF to be released in 2013, will either have video capabilities? I’ve been scouring the posts here and can’t seem to find that piece of information on whether it will be offered or not
admin
2 years ago |Of course! Both will do very good quality videos!
Adi
2 years ago |I think somebody played a “joke” with Carl,the rumour had to many of his own desired features on the list. I very much doubt it was any development done and dropped. Remember Sony did this with A77, started the deveopment for an A750, got it almost finished, and dropped it to develop A77.They lost close to 2 years because this.Do you really think they will just repeat the same mistake again?. The last DSLR development was BEFORE A77, we know about it and it’s long gone.I know you try to save face for your friend, but the rumour did not make any sense when it was posted.The feature list was a total made up one.
Carl
2 years ago |Sony seem pretty resilient to learning from their mistakes.
edpaul
2 years ago |sony never develop the A7xx replacement. there wasnt any sensor to begin with. they been figuring to improve the A700 exmor (A550), then when the MD of sony said he wanted to see a mirrorless camera, the whole development team went into a deep dive for NEX design, then trying to figure to add phase detect for video (SLT)… A7xx replacement was never in their plans during that period of time.
pancanikonpus
2 years ago |Is it the A900, 9 inverted to be 6, then make A600 badge as rumor?
Simon_P
2 years ago |Pretty said, as you see DSLR is always on a higher wish priority than DSLT equivalent. e.g. A950 > A99 and A600 > A65
SonyA77
2 years ago |Maybe that’s because dSLR users are more vocal? The fact is that if Sony made huge profits from dSLR sales, then they would continue to make them. They obviously get more sales from SLT, the sales numbers speak louder than a few dSLR users on forums complaining.
saiman
2 years ago |All the comments I see here seem to imply that people who loved A600 are OVF lovers. I voted for A600 too;; however, I have nothing against EVF.
I, and I know there should be more like me, who cannot stand the idea of putting anything between the lens and sensor during exposure. It is for that reason only I welcome flapping mirrors or even mirrorless systems, but not SLT.
I do low light photography, and losing even 1/2 stop of light is a huge deal breaker for me… We often buy that costlier lens to gain that 1/2 stop advantage… why lose it for something like PDAF.. when there are so many gother options: like MF, faster CDAF algorithms, magnified MF using EVF..
Beachrider
2 years ago |@saiman you are a NEX buyer to Sony. It does what you describe. Some of us need PDAF (action shots, zooming during video, etc.), so we need the SLT (at least for now). I have the NEX5n and bought LA-EA2 (SLT PDAF adapter for NEX) and found it really useful. I still do CDAF (an enjoy the no-impediments viewpath) with my LA-EA1.
I might get an a77 or a99. I will wait for the March announcements (at least).
saiman
2 years ago |Thanks @beachrider for the reply.
Yes, I agree. That’s why I already own the NEX 5n camera. But I miss the in-body IS of Alpha that I have in my A300.
SonyA77
2 years ago |Your opinion of what YOU want is nothing to do with sales figures. If enough people wanted a Sony dSLR then they would still be selling them, a bit like, erm, Canon or Nikon are…
Denis
2 years ago |Sales figures shows SLT is a waste of resources, NEX is something that Sony should be concantrated at.
Beachrider
2 years ago |Where does Denis get his sales numbers from? I am aware that some people infer numbers from dubious sources or generalize from one market to another.
saiman
2 years ago |All the comments I see here seem to imply that people who loved A600 are OVF lovers. I voted for A600 too;; however, I have nothing against EVF.
I, and I know there should be more like me, who cannot stand the idea of putting anything between the lens and sensor during exposure. It is for that reason only I welcome flapping mirrors or even mirrorless systems, but not SLT.
I do low light photography, and losing even 1/2 stop of light is a huge deal breaker for me… We often buy that costlier lens to gain that 1/2 stop advantage… why lose it for something like continuous PDAF.. when there are so many other options: like MF with OVF, PDAF with flapping mirrors, faster CDAF algorithms for EVF live view, magnified MF using EVF live view.. To taking a chunk out of light is a big sacrifice for something like good AF.
Barbarous Waytel
2 years ago |Is that even a surprise? Everyone knows carl garrard made that rumor just for some traffic (and attention). YOU fell for it, admin. Shame. Next time please stop paying attention to internet trolls.
The Lotus Eater
2 years ago |Indeed. The guy isn’t to be trusted IMO. Too many of his recent contributions seem to be based on self interest or some kind of attempt at a self-fulfilling prophecy.
If it was genuinely a rumour that came from another source and not invented by Carl himself, and that’s a big if, then Carl or SAR shouldn’t have given the rumour the time of day. Some of the specs were unrealistic, if not ludicrous.
Archer66
2 years ago |+1
C.Garrard
2 years ago |+2
kuzlik
2 years ago |I would like the new A600 :-/
chlamchowder
2 years ago |I would have, too.
Oh well, the Sony system gave me a very good start into photography, and helped me develop an interest in shooting action. I’ll still keep my a580, but won’t be putting any more money into the system. Another manufacturer will be getting the money I’ve been saving up.
I hope Sony stays strong, though – Canon and Nikon need pressure if things are to keep improving.
Josh
2 years ago |I don’t understand why people want a camera with that horribly small and cramped ovf from the 580. I went T2i > 60d > A77. The T2i vf makes me want to throw up now and the 580 vf is worse than that. I’m guessing that most of you that want a 600 have never used the a77 and probably haven’t even tried an ovf that is close to 100% coverage and magnification or you wouldn’t be asking for that POS VF
chlamchowder
2 years ago |The small OVF is not as bad as you say. I notice when I switch from my film SLR, but my eyes adapt to the smaller size quickly. I don’t feel a difference after a while, even when manually focusing.
Compared to the EVF, resolution is much better, along with dynamic range. There are also no artifacts when panning – everything is very smooth and free of lag, even in low light. In continuous mode, you still see what is going on between frames, unlike the current EVF, which can’t restart live view when shooting continuously. The OVF also consumes much less power, and has no response problems (it’s always on). If you like shooting action, you’ll probably understand why an OVF is really nice.
I’ve tried an a65 in the store, and while the EVF is larger, I didn’t like the resolution (still noticeably low compared to an OVF), and felt like it lagged a lot whenever I wasn’t pointing it at something bright. I guess I’m your opposite – I personally can’t understand why people want cameras with lagging, power-guzzling EVFs.
Oh well, we all like different things.
passer-by
2 years ago |I’m with Josh. Tried A55 and I really like its EVF. A77 must be even better.
Josh
2 years ago |I don’t understand why people want a camera with that horribly small and cramped ovf from the 580. I went T2i > 60d > A77. The T2i vf makes me want to throw up now and the 580 vf is worse than that. I’m guessing that most of you that want a 600 have never used the a77 and probably haven’t even tried an ovf that is close to 100% coverage and magnification or you wouldn’t be asking for that POS VF.
Josh
2 years ago |I don’t understand why people want a camera with that horribly small and cramped ovf from the 580. I went T2i > 60d > A77. The T2i vf makes me want to throw up now and the 580 vf is worse than that.
Josh
2 years ago |I don’t understand why people want a camera with that horribly small and cramped ovf from the 580.
a900
2 years ago |HOW disappointing!!!
Looks like the Canon 5D MK III is next on the buying list!
Sony seems to be moving the DSLR tech into filming mode is only good for filming not stills!
Well, the fun did lasted and can’t see Sony as a main or runner up along Canon in the DSLR race.
Mike1
2 years ago |Now Sony is out of my FF list, too. It seems that the professional FF market has gone back to square one – dominated by Nikon and Canon. How boring. The remaining hope comes from Pentax, if they would ever make a FF. If not, then we have no choice but the boring Nikon and Canon.
SonyA77
2 years ago |When hasn’t it been dominated by Nikon and Canon? This changes nothing.
A900 Faithfull
2 years ago |Lots of Pro’s are working with at A900 and Zeiss an G lens and its a better system then the D5 markII and the D700, but we now need an update.
SonyA77
2 years ago |But NOTHING has changed due to OVF being dropped. Canon and Nikon STILL dominate.
poke
2 years ago |Nikon 800 unless Canon has significantly improved their focusing.
Maxwell
2 years ago |How does phase detection on main sensor stand today?
Is it very limited and not any longer belived will be the future,
or is it still what most people see as the future autofocus system?
SLT is ok, but also a limited autofocus system today.
E.g. locked aperture when autofocus in video mode.
I believe Sony started with SLT because of live view and video mode.
Not because of just autofocus when still shooting.
So I can’t see SLT as the best autofocus system for the future.
So the big question, what is the autofocus system for the future and
when will we see it in a Sony camera?
Geir E
2 years ago |Where do you get that? Fuji was first with it, and now I believe the biggest sensor to use PD on sensor is the one in the Nikon 1. In a couple of years I’m confident that it will be the new big feature introduced in APS-C sized DSLRs. SLT will always be known as a stop gap-technology. It shows the direction where the industry is heading, but can’t do it in the way it is. So it is the best the current technology is at the moment.
One other thing you see with the a77 is global shutter. Which also will be a major feature in generations to come.
Beer_Stalker
2 years ago |On sensor PDAF is not ready for prime time. The Nikon 1 switches to CDAF in anything less that perfect light.
hanugro
2 years ago |Give it 5 years time. The mind of Minolta will figure it out
PhotoNut
2 years ago |Geir, you are completely wrong. First of all the A77 does *not* have a global shutter. Electronic first curtain is not global shutter even the Canon 5D already had this feature before SONY. Also medium to high end DSLR will *not* get CMOS global shutter for a long time to come because the technology is nowhere being ready for prime time.
Beer_Stalker, the Nikon 1 has no problem with on sensor PD autofocus and there is nothing wrong with it to have both PD and CD autofocus. In fact all DSLRs cameras should have both as contrast detection in DSLRs would completely fix the problem of front and back focus (remove the need for user-control AF micro-adjust) as well as allow much more accurate focus when shooting non-moving subjects with wide aperture lenses.
Beachrider
2 years ago |@nut,
Your are speaking on how things could be. Many others say what beer says. Nikon1 is predominantly a CDAF camera. PDAF on Nikon1 works well with good light and waay fewer PDAF sites.
The issue today is that PDAF sensors are ‘large’. Big Nikons cover 10-15% of the image with them. If you push-out photo-sensors to put that many PDAF sensors, there will be too many ‘holes’ in the image.
Spoon
2 years ago |There is still a lot to be desired with the Nikon implementation, mostly because of the lack out sensitivity of the PDAF system. Indoors or in reasonably low light it simply doesn’t work and the CDAF that takes over is slow. Quite a bit slower than its direct competitors fulltime (CDAF) in similar conditions, a lot slower than recent PDAF DSLR’s in similar conditions.
passer-by
2 years ago |PDAF on sensor compromising image quality because it reduces imaging pixel for focusing, although not by much.
Other than for video, SLT is great for LV shooting. Oh, you did mention that. PDAF in LV mode is one of my favorite innovations in DSLR technology.
Henk
2 years ago |Not very suprisingly. I bought a second hand A900 + grip + 2 batteries in very good condition for about the same price as the A77 alone, just because it would be the last one (and I’ve always wanted one
). This will be a nice addition to my legacy Minolta lens collection and in one or two years, I will add a secondhand A7x if needed.
I do believe in the EVF-technology though it will evolve massively the upcoming years (just compare A77 with A55) while the A900 will be the last of it’s kind.
greg
2 years ago |EPIC FAIL SONY! CANON I CAME! … i must sell my 135 f1.8 hopefully canon has a 200 f1.8
Carl
2 years ago |You’re going to need to sell more than just a ZA135 if you’re planning on buying a 200/1.8L. Add a kidney to the deal.
Mark
2 years ago |I’ll buy your 135z. I just bought a77 and love this camera. Cannot wait for a99. You seel it cheap, i buy your lens.
Vivek
2 years ago |Clearly, it is a mirrorless future. Why bother with the more expensive (to build and maintain) SLRs/SLTs and such.
Go straight to a FF mirrorless cam!
Marek
2 years ago |Current mirrorless cams are for beginners only or as a small backup. AF speed comparable with PDAF is not yet available for them and most probably will not be in following 3 or more years.
Beachrider
2 years ago |I use my NEX5n with LA-EA2 (or LA-EA1) and alpha lenses. I get nice video with/without an SLT (my choice).
Marek
2 years ago |OK, but with LA-EA2 it is not mirrorless anymore.
jfirneno
2 years ago |Vivek:
I agree. Even now, unless you have to have good low light auto-focus, a NEX full-frame would contend with any of the Canikon FF’s for IQ.
Regards,
John
Minoltian
2 years ago |simply produce zeiss 85/1.4 and 135/1.8 (+ Sony/Zeiss 50/1.4 and 35/1.4) with SSM and the consumers will forget about lack of DSLR and will embrace DSLT…
A900 Tog
2 years ago |+100 Well said sir…lenses mean a lot more than bodies to a lot of us especially when you consider that Nikon are using Sony sensors anyway! Big thumbs up for your list too, I would say when they update the 85mm they should use the 85mm Planar Anniversary 1.2 as a basis, they would then have that headlining 1.2 that so many Canon shooters harper on about which Nikon do not. Outstanding for ultra shallow DOF and very low light work!
hwelvaar
2 years ago |Good point.
Alpha + Zeiss + SSM = win
EcoR1
2 years ago |oh, i feel so relieved now. Making SLR-type cameras have no logic for Sony (And soon it makes no sense for anyone). Mirror is dead. Accept that.
Alb
2 years ago |What’s with all the bad news/rumors in 2012?
1) No more Sony OVF cameras
2) Fullframe camera delay till Sep
3) Crazy increase in lens price
4) New NEX roadmap with G lens and pancake lens only available in 2013
guess the end of the world is near………..(for OVF users anyway)
Mrpong
2 years ago |That’s why I have to sit down and rethink about the future for my Sony gears. Perhaps it’s time to jump a ship. So sad…but true.
David
2 years ago |Yeah me too.
Sony are pretty slow to the game. And I recently tried an a77 and just wasn’t impressed with the EVF. All those reviews saying “wow I couldn’t tell it wasn’t an OVF” are rubbish. It was flickering, weird colours and didn’t even have the same dynamic range as the sensor. The shadows clipped too early.
I love my a850, but I worry about the future. Sony are bi-polar, and I don’t know what the future holds for pro users. Whereas Nikon or Canon are much more predictable and safe. Plus the perks like being able to rent lenses, more 3rd party accessories without adapters etc.
Alb
2 years ago |I tried the A77 too, and wasn’t really impress with the EVF as well (especially for studio / off flash photography). Just a personal preference but I know many thinks the same way as me.
I am ready to step up to fullframe this year (after saving up for 2 years) and was really looking forward to an A950. This rumor of no future OVF really make me consider changing system……….
However as I have loads of Sony/Minolta lens, it would be very costly for me to switch system now.
Guess I can only pray the A99 wouldn’t sell well with Sony consider switching back to OVF for the FF line sometime in the future……..
hwelvaar
2 years ago |“Guess I can only pray the A99 wouldn’t sell well with Sony consider switching back to OVF for the FF line sometime in the future”
That is not gonna happen. You better pray that the A99 EVF is even better than the A77.
BTW, You know that you have to configure the EVF display differently when you are shooting studio + flash, right ?
GH
2 years ago |Did you adjust the creative settings? Lowering contrast opens up shadows in he evf quite a bit, because the view in the EVF reflects your Jpeg settings.
emopunk
2 years ago |Well mirror is dead.. I would be hesitant to state such thing when there’s a Mark III coming over and we’re pretty sure it’ll be amazing.. Let’s say that mirrorless is reasonably the future. But DSLR is surely not dead yet.
a900
2 years ago |The saga of ‘Film is not Dead’ so should we do ‘DSLR/OVF is not Dead’ too !! :-S
Alfred
2 years ago |I’ts a shame but as long as they produce something with and other technology with good performance, I dont care… Times change.
I have an SLT-A33 and go along the EVF, the screen is gorgeous… and I can finaly shoot without glasses on the nose :-p
pancanikonpus
2 years ago |Apparently you guys still do not trust on the Sony Imaging Division CEO words “our future is only SLT”
but itsnt too late, cheer with SLT and NEX, nothing is wrong!
Carl
2 years ago |Well you have the first part of the sentence right. I’m certainly not shooting Sony because I trust the good judgement of their imaging division’s upper management.
DXB
2 years ago |I think SLT has great potential. The A77 EVF is better than 90% of APS-C OVF in the market. In time EVF will equal the FF ovf.
Very good decision by Sony to scrap off the DSLR. Sony are always innovators and not copy cats. They should do what they are at best- SLT….Leave the OVF to Canikon as they are good at it.
Am enjoying the A77 right now. Future will upgrade to FF A99 or whatever it will be called.
Adam
2 years ago |I have been using til A77 since mid october – so almost 5 months now – and I never miss the OVF. Once you get used to the EVF in the A77 it is really great to work with. I shoot daily – and almost never use the back LCD. I always look through (or into) the EVF.
All of you that hate EVF’s should give it a try. Not a “five minutes in a store”-try, but a real try. Use it for a weekend or a week and see what you think.
And if you tried the a55 – then try the a77 as well. The difference is night and day. When I pick up my a55 i get really annoyed at the EVF – on the A77 I dont even notice it.
From march 6th you can try it from Borrowlenses.com – http://www.borrowlenses.com/category/sony_cameras
pancanikonpus
2 years ago |Night and day difference by 12 hours
clark kent
2 years ago |Depending on what is your definition of night and what is day.
12pm is day, 5pm is still day, 6pm.. well, I would still call it daytime.
11pm is night, 8pm could be already night, 7pm at night perhaps?
So your 12 hour time frame is thrown out the window.
Solo
2 years ago |thank you, sherlock.
clark kent
2 years ago |General social niceties dictate that I should reply with a “you’re welcome”
blabla
2 years ago |Maybe you can live with the EVF of A65/A77 after a while, but fact is that you have to pay today 3 times the price compared to all the previous OVF entry bodies from A100, A200, A300,… to A550. No really good entry model exists at the moment! A35/A55 are too small and have rather bad EFV. And price/size is the main reason a newcomer will look in CANik direction and then obviously stay there in the years to come. So if Sony doesn’t bring the A600, I hope for them a least that the A57 will be very interesting in price (+- $€500) and have a reasonable size and battery
Mr M
2 years ago |So you want a mid to top notch camera at entry price ?
And if you think Canikon are cheap , I am not sure which part of the world you live in.
blabla
2 years ago |These best prices are from Germany (probably not the best prices in the world), but look yourself !
Canon EOS 600D Body = €537
http://www.mundmdiscount.de/mmshop/product_info.php?products_id=27856&ref=psm
Nikon D5100 Body = €559
http://www.redcoon.de/B291882-Nikon-D5100-Body_Mittelklasse?refId=psm
Sony SLT-A77 Body = €1298
http://www.fotokonijnenberg.de/product/1587688/index.html?utm_source=guenstiger&utm_medium=productsearch&utm_content=SODSLRA77BODY&utm_campaign=guenstiger%2BDE
David
2 years ago |Hang on.. a 600D and D5100 don’t compare to the a77…
You’d be better comparing against the 7D and the d7000
Zstan
2 years ago |Seriously? Comparing a pro APSc model to entry level cameras?
blabla
2 years ago |I know that, but I am talking about usable entry models and these are the ones I think are the most important starting from €500, unfortunately I can’t find an A65 body solo at the moment and the rest of A580 is almost sold out, so here in Germany the A77 is the actual usable DSLR/SLT entry model from Sony. That is the reason why it is big time for a good A600/A37/A57 or whatever to come from Sony. Why should I start with A77 as a newcomer if I can have almost same image quality for less than half the price ? If you consider ISO noise of the 24MP, you have often to down-sample to 16-18 MP anyway to match 600D/D5100 image quality, so I really don’t see the big + of A77 from a photographer’s point of view.
Adam Maas
2 years ago |You do realize you’re comparing the A77 to bodies much closer in size and capability to the A55, right? Right after complaining about the A55 being too small.
Spoon
2 years ago |…and you forgot about the existence of the A65?
clark kent
2 years ago |there’s plenty of other to choose from.
A580 (you said ALMOST sold out, not stop from production)
A55
A3xx
Adam Maas
2 years ago |Go look at the competition before saying the A35/A55 are too small. Sony had a lot of trouble in the consumer market because their bodies were grossly oversized, the A33 was the first good compact body Sony came out with. The low-end consumer market doesn’t want large bodies and they do not sell, as Sony found out the hard way.
Oh, and a A65 is not significantly more expensive than the A550 or A580 were at their launch and is an all-round superior camera in the same size class./
blabla
2 years ago |I still have my analog Minolta Dynax 505si and I can tell you that A100, A200, A230, A290, A300, A330, A350, A380, A390, A450, A500, A550, A560, A580 and A700 all match more or less this (for me) correct size. This size is right from fisheye to 500mm zooms. Bigger lenses are better handled on FF A850/A900 I suppose, but I newer was ready to pay that same amount for a lens than for a car, so I can’t really tell you. But I know for sure that A33, A35, A55 are the smallest SLR from Sony, so small that you can’t hold them with all your fingers, maybe good toys but no tools for bigger zooms. A65 and A77 are right again, so if Sony made a mistake in size then it was definitely with A33/A55. And as I said if you want to buy an A65 today, you don’t have it here in the shops and even if it comes one day it is €900 and that is significantly more than the also good 600D for €550 ! And yes this is rather small too, but not as small as A33 and it has this usable OVF. END.
passer-by
2 years ago |I like the A55 EVF and can’t wait to see what A77 has to offer.
DXB
2 years ago |Me too. having used the EVF of the A77 for 3 months now i cannot see my self going back to ovf unless its a FF. My prior A700 was a great camera but compared to the A77 the A700 ovf feels dark and tiny. With EVF has drawback in panning, but in dim light its bright, i use now manual mode 85% of the time, love the focus magnifier, peaking and AF adjustments. No need to use the LCD no more.
The ones who hate EVF don’t have an A77 or they tried the poor lCD used in A33 & A55. The A77 & A65 is OLED.
Zstan
2 years ago |I hear many sounds of broken hearts.
LiquidStereo
2 years ago |Sony gave fair warning to those interested in OVFs – get your Canon/Nikon now. If you’re surprised or otherwise put out, the question is this – Where have you been?
SonyA77
2 years ago |Indeed! I can’t believe that people are shocked about no dSLR coming from Sony, the A77 made it obvious. If there was going to be an OVF camera, it would have been a 7 series.
Alexey Ozerov
2 years ago |Agree with Adam – EVF is really good. I miss only combination of level and histogram – not different screens.
obican
2 years ago |As of now: FF OVF > A77 EVF > Any APS-C OVF
So, A600 never made sense for me. They’ll improve the EVF for their FF model too(probably), so, I don’t really see a problem.
onelight
2 years ago |Disappointed!!! SLT’s problem is poor battery, I have A55 and take only ~200 shots, exhausted battery. A580 can take ~800-1000 shots.
blabla
2 years ago |+1
obican
2 years ago |You might be right, I use EVF with the NEX 5N and I score about 400 per battery.
But I also have to say that when I use legacy glass, I take 2000 shots out of a single battery. AF is killing the battery.
Also A850 uses Infolithium M series batteries which are 1650mAh, where W series which A55 uses are merely 1080mAh.
Still, batteries are cheap
Mr M
2 years ago |A77 uses the M batteries on A850/900 ……
onelight
2 years ago |NP-FM500H battery on A77 can take ~400 shots, still less than others DSLR.
Adi
2 years ago |Who really cares if you can take 400 or 800 photos with one battery? I allways carry 3 with me.Batteries are cheap you can buy third party ones for 10-15$. Buy 2 and forget about it.
GermanGuy1
2 years ago |Which 3rd party ones do work with the new Sony cameras? I mean, reliable!!!
Adi
2 years ago |I think there is no problem with third paty batteries for A77/A65 lines (all work). On NEX series I would say about half of third party work , it’s hard to say because many of them could come from the same manufacturer’s under different names. For NEX7 I’m using a brand which has something like a bear (or a panda) claw mark on package, with mostly blue color on package.They are sold by a few different sellers on eBay. Cost is a little bit higher than the cheapest brands, around $15 including shipping. They work and fit perfectly and the charge is at least same as the original ones (they specify higher capacity so in theory it could be higher, but who cares, I have 2 of them). If you check other forums you will find at least a few more brands confirmed to work in NEX5N/7 without any problems.
For older models (first NEX-es) ALL third party work.
Solo
2 years ago |do NOT USE aftermarket batteries for Sony Cameras. I’ve tried 3 times, 3 different brands, NONE will work with my Sony A850. I had ONE battery that kinda/sorta worked (wasabipower or something) but it would ONLY be recognized in slot2 of my battery grip (wtf) and eventually would not hold a charge at all. Stay with Sony infolithium, you can get them for $40 on amazon.
SonyA77
2 years ago |It shoots WAY more than 400, I have it. Mine gets around 700-800.
Solo
2 years ago |probably people who take longer to compose shots, review images a lot more on the screen, etc… if you just shoot and don’t stare at your pics, constantly use live-view, etc, I’m sure you can get 1000 shots easy. I’ve gotten 2000 out of 1 charge on my a850 with SSS turned off and very little LCD review (went on a 10day trip to maine and forgot my charger)
SonyA77
2 years ago |I have the A77 and I shoot WAY more than 200 shots with it!
hwelvaar
2 years ago |I shot +600 RAWs on my last wedding shoot with A77 and single battery.
Dave Cox
2 years ago |I can take 1,000+ shots on the A77 with one battery. It’s really not an issue. Going out for sunrise, shooting all day and then staying for sunset I have never used more than 1.5 batteries. Carrying the extra battery in my pocket is not exactly a huge problem. Preferable to that cumbersome grip anyway
Carl
2 years ago |Well, it’s not like I’m surprised or anything, I was ninety nine percent sure it was bollocks. Still, it’s a shame, ya know?
C.Garrard
2 years ago |Hi Carl,
I was also skeptical myself. I see Sony in person and I’ve never got the impression that they were going to go back to doing OVF cameras.
Echo Alert: This source had some very inside information in the past- information that I was actually worried about looking at (for fear of being involved in any legal drawbacks on his side, if any). Even though I said I was skeptical the rumor for some was taking not only as my own words, but way too seriously imho.
C.Garrard
Dan
2 years ago |Before I got the A77 & 65 I was a bit dubious of a EVF having only used OVFs in the past. However I have to say the benefits far out way the negatives and remember this is still relatively early days for the EVF they should get better each year. I think Sony is wise to concentrate its efforts on SLT
Sanchez
2 years ago |Friend or not, Carl burned his Sony bridges a year ago with his arrogance and crankiness (and constant trolling on dpreview) and he has no real inside information. Get better friends.
sergei
2 years ago |OVF on a900 is great, but Puh-lease, before saying crap about a77 and light loss at least try it! All a77 needed to start working super fast was a FAST UHS-1 card and LR 4 for excellent high iso shots. EVF is excellent technology – you get grids, clear optical view mode, preview of the settings, peaking mode, fast frame rate, great video with view finder, light weight, to name a few. Sony finally achieved super accurate and fast AF on crop sensor with this tech. Stop moaning and use the thing, it’s awesome! Optical has been great, but I won’t mind an EVF on a Full Frame, particularly when it brings SUCH PERFORMANCE. I have a feeling that the new 24mp FF SLT will be a great action/reporter camera based on what a77 is capable of.
Mr M
2 years ago |I agree . We are spending too much time discussing gear and looking at 100% crops and not spending quality time making good photos.
I enjoy new technology, but lets not be overly consumed by them.
tojefajne
2 years ago |There will be more DSLR, so welcome to Nikon. With semitranspartnt mirror has no benefit, except a worse picture quality.
SonyA77
2 years ago |No benefit to YOU.
Solo
2 years ago |you sir, are a fucking idiot.
derek
2 years ago |sounds like some people are stuck on the old technology. in 10-15 years new kids on the block will say “what is OVF?” for example ask you kids now “what is a floppy disk?”
let it go or leave Sony
hanugro
2 years ago |Yes, Mark Weir said in his interview that in 10 years, it is hard to see 60 years old technology still will be around. Same as CRT, who still made CRT TV’s nowadays. LCD is still not perfect and yet it is everywhere.
Mando
2 years ago |AMEN
ItsaChris
2 years ago |- miniDisc, Betamax, UMD, MemoryStick (soon), BMG (this one was the worst), evila, and even Blu-Ray might fail sooner then expected (as it has yet to truly gain mass appeal)
Also even if some how the EVF takes over all DSLR (I dont think that will happen(It could take over all APC cameras)) there is still medium format.
Simon
2 years ago |Sounds good. A77convinced me that DSLR belongs to the past.
E
2 years ago |I’ll keep my 580. A great camera by the way… with historical extra value.
psb
2 years ago |Sony has to let go of SLRs and OVFs sooner or later.
Sony has always been the best company to continue on Minolta’s legacy of bringing in many ‘world’s firsts’ and state of the art revolutionary stuff.
I wished Sony would make NEX look like old school Minolta Rangefinders but I’d be dreaming if it was real.
I believe Nikon will have a better time catching up to Sony in the future than Canon would.
Daemonius
2 years ago |Hm, dunno.. but I think Im not ready yet. Time for 5DMK3 or D800E..
Nick
2 years ago |Hi guys, slightly off topic here but I’ve just made a fascinating discovery with my new NexC3.
I have the optical viewfinder attached – very nice and clear
(except that it produces barrel distortion whereas the 16mm lens produces pincussion distortion ;( )
Anyway – no biggie, but a bigger problem is that this viewfinder can only do the angle of view of the 16mm lens.
However – the viewfinder comes with a front cap so heres the trick:
Put the cap on, look through the viewfinder but keep both eyes open.
The grid marking in the viewfinder will be superimposed in your vision on the real view you have with your other eye. And it will mark out a frame that corresponds to a focal length of about 40mm !
Works great (in good light at least) !
Now come on sony, give us a nex 40mm pancake !
D.Ortego
2 years ago |Ok, based on this I will not buy anymore alpha glass. Time to look long and hard at the upcoming 5D III.
Marek
2 years ago |+1
hwelvaar
2 years ago |Let’s wait until 13/3 to see if they have something interesting to tell about Alpha.
emopunk
2 years ago |The only thing you can bet on, is another wooden sample of the 500mm f4
The Lotus Eater
2 years ago |Keep up, that lens has been officially announced.
poke
2 years ago |Any idea what the 5dIII will cost?
sony i like
2 years ago |Wait, so you’re telling me that some average guy, taking less than average pictures in his backyard, who is a Sony fanboy, posted incorrect information on the trusted internet????
You dont say…
Hmmmm, I wouldnt put any weight into what C.Garrad says. No offense, but he isn’t a pro and doesnt work for Sony.
peace
SonyA77
2 years ago |So I assume all the OVF people saying they are jumping ship will stop posting comments here? After-all Sony has nothing to offer you now, so why hang around?
blabla
2 years ago |I will sooner or later, by the way which cam WITH ovf has the best AF tracking for wildlife and co ? Should i consider Canon or Nikon or Pentax or …? And which model?
chlamchowder
2 years ago |From what I’ve been reading, it seems like Nikon has better AF systems until you get to the high end Canon 1D(s) cameras.
The D7000′s AF system seems really hard to beat for its price, although it also seems to suffer from the same tiny buffer problem as the a77.
Sad that it seems like no one can get everything for that price point. You either have the buffer (Pentax K-5), the AF system (D7000), or advanced video capabilities (a77 and Canon 60D).
SonyA77
2 years ago |Would that question be better asked in the appropriate Canon or Nikon forum? This is a SONY site.
Atlasman
2 years ago |Sony is doing the right thing by letting go of OVF-based systems. The key to wresting sales away from the big two is the EVF——Sony already has great sensors.
Not to long ago, my son-in-law asked me to take a picture using his Canon Rebel—framing through the small optical viewfinder was horrible and it was not a good experience.
Sony’s EVF technology delivers a large bright visual——it is so good that On my NEX-5n or 7, I’m able to achieve excellent focus precision using manual focus. (Don’t try this on your entry level DSLRs with their OVF peep-holes.)
Sony’s EVF and SLT technology should win over lots on Canikons.
conny
2 years ago |yup, i second that.
EVF with peeking active with in AFA/DMF mode is a great tool. Love it.
IN addition thanks to SAR users i learned that you can switch all effects in the EVF off in case you work in a dark studio and manual mode.
EVF for me definitely is a winner and will be the future. It will also allow radically new camera designs (i.e. sensor and proccessing/visualization units are separate, sensor attached to lens directly and communicating wirelessly with the “body”, or imagine a headmount display (goggles) with transparent OLEDS + eyetracking based focus system, headtracking sensors to control camera movents on tripod , ..
Welcome to the future
Spoon
2 years ago |No surprises yet.
Raphael
2 years ago |Some years ago I really liked the great EVF of my Dimage A2 and it is still nice to take pictures with it! The EVF of A77 is much better than the DimageA2 one. If Sony still get it to increase the EVF resolution for A99 and, much more important for me, the refresh rate significantly, I’ll go for A99!
Stewe
2 years ago |Admin. I really become predictable but is there any news about alpha-mount lens?
AG
2 years ago |The DSLR will be obsolete in 5 years, so this is a wise move. However, they need to offer something for the people invested in FF format.
The SLTs are a good bridge in technology until a true mirrorless A-mount is developed. It’s just a matter of time. EVF is good but needs to improve.
As far as NEX, the E-mount has promises but hasn’t delivered the optical quality to compete. It’s unique but not well thought out.
Amit Zinman
2 years ago |I own an A580, and my main issue is the amount of time the processor takes to work out an image. Had a shootout with both Nikon and Canon models and the Sony while producing quality pictures, takes a long time to process images, like those taken with long exposure. I hope that that’s fixed on the A77 and seriously better on the A99 I’m really am looking to buying.
That said, since A580 is the last of its kind, would Sony consider producing some firmware update for it? It has a *lot* of hiccups and could use some updated video options.
Solo
2 years ago |I think you need a faster memory card.
clark kent
2 years ago |You sure you had your ‘long exposure noise reduction’ turned off?
Solo
2 years ago |+1
chlamchowder
2 years ago |I doubt that Sony would produce any firmware updates for the a580. They aren’t known for adding features with firmware updates.
Current a580 users aren’t doing enough complaining, so there’s no pressure on Sony to make any improvements.
SonyA77
2 years ago |eh? They added features with NEX firmware updates…
Ricardo Silva
2 years ago |This is good news for me, since it means we will see a full frame Nex camera in the future. All those old lens back to live again!
bas076
2 years ago |I don’t understand. It was expectable and I was really surprised to see even SR3 for such rumor. Why so many disappointing persons? Sony already told it many times.
C.Garrard
2 years ago |+1, I said the same thing.
a900
2 years ago |@ bas076
The problem is that Sony isn’t listening to us photographers what we need, every time they bring out a camera, it’s has never satisfy us!
It’s about time now that Sony should listen and learn, otherwise it will hurt their profit sales. The a77 sales was borderline.
I can’t see what is wrong not to have two routes, one for DSLR (OVF) and SLT (EVF) market, Sony won’t lose out, it’s a win win!
But, it’s sad thing just to end it all while the others camera makers have said that they are not going down the same routes as Sony.
The word Sony is for filming not stills, only Canon and Nikon are the true photographer’s choice to do their photography.
Pity!
bas076
2 years ago |Try to understand it, Sony is not trying to satisfy photographers. It is trying to find the place in the photomarket. Sony still in trying position. DSLR was not the sector of market that satisfyied Sony. So Sony creates its own sector DSLT and its going better. I am using a very good A580 camera that just not going well in the market. I think its better then Canon and Nikon competitors in many ways but its not going. Its the fact and Sony understood it.
DSLT is young. Its more electronic then mechanic technology so it has all the way to be upgraded and ones more upgraded. It will take time. If Sony stops brining half fithchered cameras to market it will be the future and the real sector of the photomarket. But the best project of Sony is definitely NEX. Sony didn’t expect much from it and the second generation was full fithchered and with understandable bounds of possibilities. And you see, it works brilliant and it sells brilliant.
melody
2 years ago |Great news!!!
Sony should forget about DSLR.
Release full size NEX ASAP, and Sony will win the race.
Cliff
2 years ago |If this news is true and Sony is staying away from the SLR/OVF market, that’s the best news Canon could have prayed for. The last thing they want is strong Sony competition.
It’s a shame. I was really hoping Sony would bite a big chunk out of Canon’s ass next year. It seems Sony is going to let Canon/NIKON to continue dominate the pro market for quite a while now.
Millions of pro photogs will never move to EVF. That’s allot of potential profits out there that Sony is simply walking away from.
Rest easy Canon/NIKON. The status quo will continue.
chlamchowder
2 years ago |Not really – the EVF would be superior for video people, because traditional SLR OVFs can’t be used during video. If Sony plays things correctly, they could really make Canon worry about losing their video customer base.
Also, if SLTs can be made much cheaper than equivalent Canon/Nikon cameras, Sony could compete based on being able to offer the PDAF + large sensor combo for a lower price.
SonyA77
2 years ago |Millions of pros would never have moved to Sony full stop. Sony aren’t losing much at all by producing something different, in fact, it is a Unique Selling Point that differentiates them from CaNikon.
The way to take on CaNikon is not to make CaNikon clones.
Marek
2 years ago |Right, anyone having pro ambitions should switch to CaNikon. I’m sad to say it. At the moment SONY is very good for advanced amateur on budget. Even A900 was not perceived as alternative to CaNikons top line pro cameras.
Walt
2 years ago |Sony drops down into what they are familiar with, Cybershot and it’s customers. Mid level cameras at best, no system support. Sony is showing their true colors.
Now Canon and Nikon (and maybe Pentax if they are lucky and survive) will form the upper end of photography. Good companies to do so as they build and design for the upper end. Would be nice if there were more companies but Sony can go and not be missed after producing only one generation of advanced DSLR and then running away with their tail between their legs. Minolta will be missed until Honeywell and Konica killed them they were a excellent and very innovative camera company for high end shooters.
BTW, for the people who keep being entirely blind and saying OVF folks don’t use EVF I’ve owned and used EVF bridge cameras for more than ten years. It’s kind of ok for bridge camera shooting where you just throw away a bunch that the automation did not get right. And I have tested the a77 EVF, the faults of it’s EVF are the same as always, nothing new there. Why have an EVF that by the admission of the EVF folks “may someday catch up with OVF” when you can have the real thing that EVF is trying to catch up to, a pentaprism OVF DSLR.
Solo
2 years ago |“Why have an EVF that by the admission of the EVF folks “may someday catch up with OVF” when you can have the real thing that EVF is trying to catch up to, a pentaprism OVF DSLR.”
Because some people prefer the advantages offered by the EVF that people like yourself conveniently never mention.
The experience of my A850 OVF is superior to the A77, however for certain areas of professional work, the EVF shits all over it when it comes down to business i.e. making images.
Andrew
2 years ago |you can’t teach an old dog new tricks
SonyA77
2 years ago |Christ-on-a-bike Walt, will you just move to a CaNikon and do us all a favour?
Spoon
2 years ago |You’re talking (old) bridge cameras as a reference for the current best EVF? That’s more apples and oranges than comparing a Canon G10/11/12 peephole with the A900 EVF.
But what’s new.
elden
2 years ago |dont’ know you from adam but you and a few others here are such rabid defenders of Sony.. why? I’m very naive, but I’d swear a few of you were being paid to frequent several popular forums just to try and save what face Sony have in this segment?
I’ve seen your avatar before is what makes me wonder about you, and a few others that seem familiar
normally I stay quiet on subjects concerning cameras- prefer to shoot with whatever I like, and until now have been shooting with Sony- was hopeing they’d come out with another OVF camera to replace my A700- but alas they aren’t, and that sucks
what do you and a few others care here about those who want an optical viewfinder? dont you already have what you want or do you just go with whatever Sony gives you- why defend them so much and why badmouth individuals who speak up for what they want?
blabla
2 years ago |I like Walt’s point of view, he is experienced and right, and if he is older, think about that you all are getting old very fast, and then you will understand what really counts in photography. That is light, you eyes and nothing virtually between. The beauty of nature leaded to the most fascinating pictures, up from the old paintings to the digital jpegs. Looking at nature through an EVF is like reading a book on an e-reader, you just miss the smell and touch of paper, and that’s all about life and love, things you just can’t transform into virtual reality!
emopunk
2 years ago |“Why have an EVF that by the admission of the EVF folks “may someday catch up with OVF” when you can have the real thing that EVF is trying to catch up to, a pentaprism OVF DSLR.”
This time I couldn’t agree more with what you say. Some more hours and we’ll see what Mark III brings to the table..
bas076
2 years ago |@Walt
Yes Sony still searching the way and the customer support is far from C&N levels, but your prediction is wrong.
MRK
2 years ago |I’m divided on this one. As I have both an A900 and a Nex-7
Whilst the evf on the Nex-7 is good, in low light conditions the EVF becomes more pixelated than I would like, and using the peaking feature becomes particularly difficult as you can’t really see exactly that which you are trying to focus on. For me a pro full-frame (A900 replacement) without OVF has to improve on what the A900 delivered. It has to have better ISO low light performance (ie. less noise) , improved focus speed, faster or equal frame rate etc. It doesn’t need to necessarily have more megapixels.
It also has to have a much improved EVF that is much much clearer when the light is low. I really want to believe that Sony can deliver this but I am uncertain that EVF and SLT together will be of a high enough and sufficient quality to do full justice to a replacement to the A900. I believe EVF is an improvement on the smaller OVFs of the lower Sony models. But anyone who has used the OVF on the A900 and has then seen how grainy the current EVF gets if the light is not good will clearly state that they prefer using the A900 OVF.
I hope Sony prove my concerns to be unfounded. Only time (and not endless unconfirmed rumours) will tell……
I’m prepared to wait and see what materialises. If however Sony decide to do away with the A-Mount in the near future then I will too have to consider another brand
sony
2 years ago |well, I guess it’s alpha 900 for full frame then…EVF hurts my eye…
GermanGuy1
2 years ago |Whilst it seems to be clear that mirrorless is the future I am not sure whether you need the bridge technology SLT: why can’t you switch directly form DSLR to ML? Do you really need to build the SLTs to test and improve EVF?
On the other hand I can understand that Sony doesn’t want to invest in two (or three including ML) technologies.
But then:
Why not build a DSLR type body but without mirror (if I remember correctly mentioned as state of the art body style by a Sony manager) for the E-Mount???
FK
2 years ago |While I can clearly see the type of professional customer that would benefit from the advantages coming with SLT Technology (Sports, Wildlife, Video, …) it also brings disadvantages to other types of professional Photography. I personally would have a lot more disadvantages from SLT technology then benefits. If I then go a step further and think of the way Sony has changed their DSLR interfaces I’m really unsure if I will be tempted to buy what I see.
I’m sure that I’ll stick to the A900 for as long then I can but then the time after that is a pretty uncertain one.
On one hand canon has nice primes and some good Zooms, but the Interface is rubbish in my eyes. (Though some of the very interesting special Minolta lenses would be missing) On the other hand Nikon has astonishingly good noise performance paired with an acceptable (but still not that great) interface, paired with good zooms but mostly pretty boring lenses. And yet both Canon and Nikon are missing in body is a good point for the Alpha System as well.
The Point is.
Sony should understand that a SLT only roadmap is just not good enough for the (Semi-Pro) Pro Segment. On longterm they will cost themselves customers like that.
I’m absolutely convinced that if they wanted they could produce a SLT and OVF version of a camera using mostly the same parts without dramatically increasing production cost by manufacturing both.
It’s kind of sad to see that they don’t seem to want to go that way after having thrown one customer body after another to the market.
If there is actually someone of Sony reading this (what i sadly don’t really believe). There is one last and all important point i would like to mention and which I believe hasn’t really been thought over by Sony yet.
Attracting Professional Photographers to the Sony Alpha line or in other words raising the market share in the Professional DSLR Segment sure Isn’t going to give a good return on investment on short-term. On the other hand the Professional segment is capable of giving a good return on investment on longterm.
Yet thats not my point. Having a good market share in the Professional DSLR business will have direct influence to the Reputation to the brand, and thatfor also strongly influence the sales in the main B2C segment, Sony is currently targeting so foccused. Just think of Canon (as well as Nikon) why do you think people do really buy those when they buy their first DSLR’s*, is it because of them having the best offerings in that segment (certainly not) or is it because of them having a reputation based on professionals trusting and using the brand over decades, building up a strong proportionally effective reputation.
(* A short side note to readers not to readers not to familiar to the matter: First time customers tend to stick to a brand once they have bought a product of which. The reason they do is part of their subconscious mind, so that is really hard for them to overcome it even if they have made minor bad experiences with a brand of a product of which. In fact one reason the do stick to brands is because it makes their life a whole lot easier to process for their brain freeing the conscious part of the mind for far more important decisions. This is also the reason why new customers are so relevant.)
nik
2 years ago |Well thats why I started updating my Nikon kit, till Sony can sort out their mirrorless stuff I will keep using my A900 and my Nikon kit, because the SLT stuff is definitely not for me!
Hence why Sony have not gotten any of my money for 2years, stopped since I heard A7xx dropped and delay to bring out the (for me anyway) annoying A77 (EVF still has a long way to go, tried A77 and its still very ordinary)!
whistler
2 years ago |I can sign on to this. I see many of the people in my surrounding asking the pros what kind of equipment they use. THAT is often the major factor for newbies when selecting their first DSLR. And if no pro is going to use Sony gear, guess what will happen…
Sony IMHO is making a fatal mistake by focusing only on the SLT and thus killing the pro segment. I can not see any pro to start using a SLT. Those which are now locked with their A900s and expensive lenses will most likely reconsider their options and most likely stop any further investment into the A-mount lenses.
So it will become a self fulfilling prophecy – Sony will see little sales of their pro lenses and bodies and ivevitably decide to downscale the options in that segment even further.
As for myself – I am our of the Sony A-mount in a few months. Was a nice time, will miss certain things, but I am ready to accept the loss of those whereby not ready to accept the SLT design.
Clifton
2 years ago |Have we all forgotten that this was 99% confirmed by a Sony spokesperson about 6 months ago? And we got the same “oh if this is true then its 5Dmk2 time for me” blah blah responses. Sony are not Canon/Nikon, their largest market is the consumer and their only hope of sustaining the upper end of the pro/advanced amateur market at profit is to simplify their range. Having a AXXX and an AXX as well as NEX is just too much confusion, plus, if you go in most camera stores, Sony are given a much smaller amount of floor space than the big 2, if they have more cameras, the stores are only going to offer one or the other, which again adds confusion. SLT is here to stay, either embrace it or don’t but I wouldn’t be surprised if both Canon and Nikon do the same within 5 years.
If you look how they’re both pussy-footing around the mirrorless market, they are too scared to damage their DSLR market but sooner or later SLT will catch up and the OVF will be a handicap.
FK
2 years ago |Certainly not a 5D MK2 I have a client that makes me work with it once in a while. Not only that the IQ is anything but breathtaking but the worse is still to come the handling is as poor as it could possibly get. Every time i have this camera in hand, i have to think that canon engineers had handed out post its with controls written on them to monkeys for them to randomly stick them somewhere on a poster of a Camera back… that’s the only explanation for such a poor interface.
In return I’ve handed my A700 to several fellow colleagues on other brands already and all of them were able to work with it about 1 min of introduction to the camera.
D.Ortego
2 years ago |Hi Clifton,
That’s a pretty good assessment. I have my FF Sony and Zeiss but I’m done. If I do buy another FF, it will likely be from one of the other guys simply to have some level of certainty or predictability.
sora3
2 years ago |To be honest, I’m surprised that you’re still sticking to Sony. Most pros would have moved on. Your Zeiss gear would easily make back the money required for CaNikon really. So unless you want to stay to basically complain, shut up and just let your pictures do all the talking.
I’ve used the a580 and as well as the a77 (albeit reduced to the same MP as the a580) and I don’t miss the OVF of the entry/mid-range level cameras. However, in terms of the professional realm, then possibly. But I still think EVF will continue to improve, despite what OVF users say. Sony knows they cannot compete against CaNikon by doing something similar. By doing SLT and the EVF, they’re creating their own brand and camera identity itself. My friend was a Canon user until he saw the a77. Promptly sold all his gear and bought the a77 and the Zeiss glass. DSLR itself is going down the crossroads where Kodak made the wrong decision. It has to either develop something new OR add something needed. So video is stemming it a bit but for how long? Depends on those you ask.
Denis
2 years ago |SLT has no advantage SLR: the EVF isn’t much help there since both things still rely heavily on PDAF.
But it has one huge disadvantage: lower IQ.
SLT is silly attempt to fake yourself. The NEX was right move with bad implementation. The SLR is wrong move initially.
MCP
2 years ago |Not surprised. That’s a shame though. Over the next few years Sony will lose more enthusiasts and pros to the much more highly volatile entry level market that swings on a dime. That means hoop through hoop Sony will continue to have to jump through to get them and that will only last so long.
end of the Sony line.
Walt
2 years ago |And it’s confirmed by Sony, the SLT are not DSLRs, Sony does not make any DSLRs.
“there is no plan within Sony to make a DSLR camera in future.”
BKD
2 years ago |Can you provide the direct link to the Sony confirmation? All you’ve done is quote the words from “one of my trusted sources”. Do you have confirmation that this “trusted source” is a high-level Sony official? If not, it’s anything but a confirmation from Sony.
admin
2 years ago |It’s not from Sony directly. It’s from anonymous “trusted” sources
elden
2 years ago |Odd that you read here no more DSLR’s but at Sony UK you read this:
“We are absolutely committed to the DSLR / SLT market. Through our SLT cameras we believe we can deliver new benefits such as fastframe rate with continuous AF in both stills and videos. The a77 is proof of how serious we are about this market and the number of awards, including the What Digital Camera Gold award and the prestigious Amateur Photographer Reader Product of the Year show that this is model is rated very highly. Stock is now available and we are excited to find out what people think when theybuy, own and use this product.” Rachel Banin, Head of Personal Imaging, Sony UK.
sonypro
2 years ago |Sony view the DSLR / SLT market as one and the same. There is no DSLT market other than Sony’s own cameras at the moment. It is normal wording for them to refer to the DSLR/SLT as one and not implied that they will manufacture traditional DSLR’s in the future.
Walt
2 years ago |Or is Sony so ashamed of the SLT switch that they are trying to keep it under the mantle of well accepted DSLRs to avoid admitting they are no longer a DSLR company, and that Canon, Nikon, Pentax and the rest of the DSLR manufacturers beat them?
If they are proud of what they did, they should call it as it is, a different line of cameras than DSLRs.
bkd
2 years ago |Stop dodging questions, Walt. You claimed that – quoting the opening post – Sony had confirmed that they have stopped making DSLRs. Regardless of your answer to the “is the SLT a DSLR?” question, are you man enough to admit that you got that particular interpretation wrong? Or do we, as usual, accept your silence as acceptance of your error?
As for your earlier condescending attempt at a dig at Cybershot users, I have seen output from such cameras, and indeed Sony’s EVF DSLRs, that is several notches higher in quality than anything I’ve seen from you and your advanced OVF DSLRs.