(SR4) There will be no other SLT APS-C camera this year (A77 successor in 2013)
Sources told us that we very likely will not see the light of any new APS-C model this year. For now the A77 successor is scheduled for a 2013 release. Photokina in September will be focused on the release of the new NEX and Full Frame Cameras and Lenses. We already had a first price drop on the current SLT APS-C models and more price drops should arrive this winter.
Meantime all SLT cameras got an $50 discount:
Sony A77 body only (Click here).
Sony A77 with 16-50mm (Click here).
Sony A65 body only (Click here).
Sony A65 with 18-55mm (Click here).
Sony A57 body only (Click here).
Sony A57 with 18-55mm (Click here).
Sekiz
11 months ago |Good news actually…
Matthew Durr
11 months ago |Agreed…but were people actually expecting another SLT APS-C body this year, with the release of the a65/a77 (delayed, so not “technically” released this year), and the a37/a57 released as well? That seems confusing.
http://matthewdurrphotography.com
blabla
11 months ago |I am not expecting another EVF SLT APS-C *but* I am certainly expecting another OVF SLR APS-C this year !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
frank
11 months ago |Not a Sony one you won’t.
Greg
11 months ago |Yeah, that’s about the silliest thing I’ve read all week
jon
11 months ago |http://www.digitalrev.com/product/sony-slt-a77v-body/MTI4MzM_A
AG
11 months ago |This is smart. SLT bodies have matured this year. Let’s buyers make a decision without waiting for the next new release. Sony can build up stock and marketing for the holidays. They should just get the NEX out of the way also to focus company efforts on FF (A88/99) + lens.
VirtualMirage
11 months ago |I’m actually kind of surprised about the short turn around time for the A77 replacement, at just 2 years.
I would have thought they would have had a longer life cycle for their higher end products. It took them 4 years to replace the A700, and we are going on almost 4 years for the A900 with no replacement yet (3 years for the A850).
I can see a short life cycle for the lower end products, but not the high end. The high end you continue to give excellent support and firmware enhancements, just look at what Canon has done recently with the EOS 7D and its latest firmware update. It came out almost 3 years ago.
I honestly would have thought it would have been closer to a 3 year timetable before a new model was announced to replace the A77, so more like 2014 instead of 2013.
Hmmm….not sure what to think of this.
frank
11 months ago |Well the A77 will continue to take excellent photos, so I couldn’t really give a stuff when it gets replaced. It does what it says on the box and that’s what I bought.
Seeky
11 months ago |Don’t be afraid; Just wait and see what happens in 2013; It just might happen there won’t be an A77 successor. The A77 wasn’t released on the scheduled date either.
Steve
11 months ago |Okay, if that’s what you think that a DSRL/DSLT camera body that sells for less than $1,400 USD is high end.
Most of us see that 3 and 5 series cameras are refreshed every 12-18 months.
Nikon and Canon both seem to follow this mode.
Mid-range cameras that include Sony’s 6 and 7 should refresh about every 18 to 24 months.
Nikon, Canon and maybe Sony higher-end full-frames look to be refreshed every 3 to 4 years.
The 7 series will be due in 2013 as I see it.
In the old days of film Nikon F series had even longer shelf lives.
VirtualMirage
11 months ago |You are going by dollars, which is probably not a fair comparison being that everything has gotten cheaper.
Entry to mid-level (ie A3x to A5x and possible A6x) go through replacements every 1-2 years. Nikon’s D3000 series cameras seem to be about every 12-18 months while the D5000 series are closer to every 2 years. The A77 I don’t see falling in this category.
I don’t consider my A77 in pro territory but it is the highest end camera they currently offer that is still in production and do consider it a pro-sumer to semi-pro camera.
I put the A77 in the same category as the D300(S), D7000, and Canon 7D. They would have been classified as a pro-sumer to semi-pro camera. Those cameras seem to follow closer to about a 3-4 year refresh if you go by their release dates. The D300 was announced in 2007 and received a very minor update as the D300S in 2009. Not enough to claim a replacement, but enough to garner new customers. I consider the D300′s real replacement the D7000 which was announced 3 years after the D300. The Canon 7D is going on 3 years now with no replacement yet, but did receive a fairly major firmware update. So no, I don’t think it is unrealistic to consider a 3 year time table for the replacement of the A77.
Pro-line cameras seem to be even longer ranging 4-5 years before each major replacement. It took 4 years before the D700 was replaced by the D800. The D3 had a mild refresh 2 years later as the D3S then a full replacement by the D4 this year which equates to a full 5 years before model changes. The D3X is a beast all its own that I don’t see an official replacement for yet (going on 4 years). Canon seems to have a more tick-tock approach. Their 1D series seems to go through revisions every two years (hence Mark) while the 5D series goes 4 years between replacements.
Spoon
11 months ago |Nikon entry level cameras:
D40 november 2006
D40X march 2007
D60 january 2008
D3000 july 2009
D3100 august 2010
D3200 april 2012
Which means often less than a year, with a mere 4 months being the absolute record. Only the D3200 seemed to have been delayed, problably due to the floods.
For SLT’s it’s actually not that surprising to see relatively short lifecycles, because they rely so much more on electronic components. Their speed (fps etc) is mostly defined by processing power, whereas for regular DSLR’s the mirrorbox makes for a very important limitation that isn’t easily improved at a certain price level within such a short time frame. Same goes for the viewfinders in SLT’s.
The cheaper ones still seem to have a lifecycle of around a year on average, but a 2 to 3 year lifecycle for the 7 series makes a bit of sense too because of the above.
fotowolf61
11 months ago |Not surprising this decision from Sony.
The A77 has a lot of firmware problem, obviously Sony is not willing to fix. Very likely that some of the A77 problems could also be hardware related, as the new AF module is not very reliable. For this reason all other models have the old A55 AF-module.
Sony is behaving like a consumer product developer: “fix the issues with a new model – ‘fire and forget’ is my friend”
So this make me pretty sure that no new firmware update will be delivered to fix current AF module and other performance issues with the A77.
This rumor is pretty disapointing to me.
Though I am pretty curious about the upcoming FF models A88/A99 and their performance. Especially the new AF module makes me curious. Till then I will continue using my A850, mybe I switch to a A900
frank
11 months ago |What on Earth are you talking about?
What “lot of firmware problem”?
The new AF module is not very reliable? News to me!
The other models have the “old” module because they are LOWER MODELS. Not because it is more reliable.
You do realise that Sony have released fixes through firmware updates? If anything the A77 has been very well supported. Your argument about “Sony is not willing to fix” is looking a bit silly since we are on 1.05….for all you know there could be a v2 about to be released.
Sky_walker
11 months ago |well, I can point out crapload of issues with my A77 firmware 1.05
Most notably the lag that still exists (small, but greater then on my A200), or lack of full buttons customization (let me get rid of useless movie button already!)
frank
11 months ago |Lag is practically non-existant, you have to really look for it.
Button customisation isn’t a bug, that is a feature that you want adding, not the same thing at all.
Every camera has firmware issues and every camera has some things missing that the user thinks they need. fotowolf61 is making the A77 out to be some massive problem, which is utter bollocks.
Foto_man_Mike
11 months ago |I know!!! way to go Canon!!!! I am still waiting for firmware upgrades to make this good camera (a77) the great camera it was supposed to be!! I love my camera, but limited iso range in video ( which I don’t have with my a580, but it is lacking support to add peaking) , no manual audio control in video… and I also have problems with syncing my flash with the camera now and again. I am also hoping that the raw iso performance will be increased… kinda like what they did with my a700.
butch
11 months ago |less there is a new better tec i see no need to upgrade in 2 years time
my only thought as to why they woudl have a fast update would be the roll out of 4k HD
Rooru S.
11 months ago |I was expecting this at least on the high end models. No need to replace A77. Should be SR5 instead of SR4.
Varn
11 months ago |Phew!
kalpurush :)
11 months ago |a77 successor in 2013!?
Where is Version 2.0 FW for the a77?
Carl
11 months ago |“Want tethering? Buy the newer model!”
karl
11 months ago |or just keep using my a700 until………
Foto_man_Mike
11 months ago |Yeah Where is the tethering??!?!?!!
kalpurush :)
11 months ago |Sony should expand and enhance tech support and provide us Firmware updates of the exsisting cameras instead realising new cameras every few months or so.
And work on JPEG, high ISO noise etc.
It takes years to build a solid customer base – SONY, treat your exsisting customers right. Make (us) BELIEVE.
karl
11 months ago |or just keep using my a700 until………
Sky_walker
11 months ago |not worth the struggle.
Jay - SonyAlphaLab
11 months ago |Happy Day, this is great news in my opinion
Jay
Edgars
11 months ago |If Sony have new sensor generation tech and new AF system, it is possible just put the new sensor and AF system in A77 body. EVF also could be improved.
Totocebu
11 months ago |They should take the time to imporve/fix the problems and limitations of the A77V which I own.
Si
11 months ago |I have got agree with the need for Sony to give the a77 some TLC. We cannot afford to replace our shiny new a77′s any time soon so come on Sony push the button and make it the camera it should be.
Si
Cliff
11 months ago |Could we be looking at a new “NEX 9″ with features that put in it a $2,000 price range?
I’m hoping for a larger body with maybe a “next generation” sensor. Sony, please keep it 24mp or even better,…less! (this 24mp is better than 16mp debate is silly)
I’m looking for a killer high ISO camera.
CT
http://www.stevehuffphoto.com/2011/10/26/iso-wars-sony-nex-7-vs-sony-nex-5n-full-test-with-crops/
Spoon
11 months ago |The debate is silly indeed, as is the comparison from Steve since he didn’t equalize physical exposures. I posted a blind test based on RAW converted crops from both the 5N and NEX 7 at ISO 6400 in low light, same physical exposures.
The results and I’ll quote myself:
“About 21 people gave their opinions on this “blind” puzzle. Out of those 21, 6 said to have no idea which is which or couldn’t/wouldn’t give an answer for the results being too close to call. 5 users thought picture A was from the 16MP sensor (correct), 11 thought picture B was from the 16 MP sensor (incorrect). Of the 6 that indicated to be quite sure to very sure, 4 were wrong and 2 were right.
Based on the above, I’d say the results can easily swing either way, depending on minute changes in the scene or in processing done by the user to taste, when shooting for your own uses rather than these silly comparisons.”
Rob Ellis
11 months ago |Not gonna be all that chuffed if sony bring out an a77 replacement so damn soon, spent ages saving up for one (primark does not pay well!) and took the plunge, ugh! fml -_-
frank
11 months ago |Is your A77 going to stop working when the inevitable replacement arrives? Does it really matter if it is 2013 or 2014?
Rather than worrying about what a camera might do a year from now, enjoy what you have. Live in today, not next year.
Mike
11 months ago |The camera still works, but if it has a replacement, they will not be providing any firmware fixes because they will want to you be on the latest camera.
frank
11 months ago |The point is that people are looking at “the next best thing” rather that what they have in their hands NOW.
Rob Ellis
11 months ago |Its all well and good saying what you have is the best, but when youve spent every penny of your hard earned wages on something, only to find out its gonna be replaced in two years, instead of being improved with things such as firmware, it doesnt make you feel all that valued as a long time sony customer.
Francisco
11 months ago |¡Dude just chill out and take great pictures! The A77 will still be a beast even if a replacment comes out next year.
butch
11 months ago |my A330 is over 3 years old and still does just fine but im wanting better body, iso and the option for video (im still in no rush to “upgrade”)
even then i might get one more peace of glass before jumping the slt bandwagon
Greg
11 months ago |The 330 has a CCD sensor, not CMOS like most other Alphas. So you’ll get a lot better ISO performance with any newer option. I went from 330 to 550 and was very satisfied.
JB
11 months ago |Interesting.
http://www.japantoday.com/category/business/view/fears-hopes-grow-for-sony-under-new-president
I wonder if one shareholders said “Where is the A99?!?”
Clifton
11 months ago |The net is going backwards with its expectations on new cameras, every manufacturer releases periodic replacements to their line and the improvements are often tiny, often unnoticeable without direct comparison and this has been the case for years. So why is it every time a manufacturer releases a camera now, blog sites like this expect a totally new, revolutionary camera?
The A7X will be released and it WON’T change the world, it will have maybe faster FPS, maybe a higher resolution sensor and other small improvements to w/b and similar modes.
No doubt the blog sites will yet again be up in arms claiming massive disappointment and threats to jump ship to Nikon (yawn).
These updates are mainly to invigorate shop displays and media reviews, giving the company fresh free advertising and therefor sales.
Anyone updating from an A77 to whatever the next model is, is a fool with too much money.
sergei
11 months ago |it looks like Sony finally settled on a certain SLT recipe and will evolve their next bodies around that. I like what a77 can do, but can’t wait for a FF version of that. I can see how a77 really lacks the low light capability of the full frame a900 and would really appreciate the improvement in the AF module a la Canon 5D mkIII.
William leong
11 months ago |What u mean by a900 is better than a77 in low light? I have the a77 and a850, and the 77 kicks the 850′s ass in low light high iso, no questions asked.
matgay
11 months ago |williumm fool
http://www.dxomark.com/index.php/Cameras/Compare-Camera-Sensors/Compare-cameras-side-by-side/(appareil1)/734%7C0/(brand)/Sony/(appareil2)/736%7C0/(brand2)/Sony/(appareil3)/604%7C0/(brand3)/Sony
William leong
11 months ago |Edit
Jonathan
11 months ago |On the higher end camera’s I would prefer to see Sony offer firmware updates and support longer life cycles.. I thought the higher end models only get replaced every 3-4 years and only the low end camera’s get replaced every year.
I personally would prefer Sony to keep to the traditional schedule as you can see from the following URL: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sony_Alpha_700
End of the day it’s not a big deal but if the higher end camera’s start getting replaced every 1-2 years it means support for them will not last as long and I believe on higher end camera’s people want to invest and keep the products longer than 1-2 years and expect updates and good service/support and service parts to be readably available if needed… Were if you have a low end camera it’s not as important as you can simply buy a new body as it’s a lower price..etc
adam
11 months ago |Releasing A7x after two years of a77 is a mistake. People who just bought the a77 will trust Sony no more. Yes its tru that new model doesnt mean that the old one is no longer usable. But user lost the sense of prime in using the old body
frank
11 months ago |Then wait two years and buy the next version. Personally I’d prefer to have my A77 for two years enjoying it rather than worrying about a minor updated model like the A55 > A57.
Roberts
11 months ago |Bring on the new lenses then… I’m happy with the A57 and hope to see more SSM lenses like the 16-50mm. I would love to see a new 50mm f/1.4 or a macro lens like the 100mm.
Daniel
11 months ago |Full Frame Cameras and Lenses, sound promising
Clifton
11 months ago |2 years seems OK to me, a quick google tells me that Nikon had a 2 year gap between the D80 and D90, which is a similar range to the A77.
Anyone buying an A77 at the end of its life cycle will get it as a much cheaper price than the newer model and the likelihood of the newer camera doing anything significantly better are slim.
Andrew Lynch
11 months ago |Want tethering? Buy an Eye fi Card
Sky_walker
11 months ago |eye fi doesn’t let you release camera from a PC.
Foto_man_Mike
11 months ago |and they cut in and out… and not fast enough ( I have the pro model )
frank
11 months ago |You misunderstand what “tethering” is.
eths
11 months ago |The rumors about a next generation “Nex-7″ are very interesting, but, to continue beating a dead horse, where Sony really needs to do more work, is in the lens department.
Ellen
11 months ago |In case anyone is interested, I’m selling my A77 w/ Sal1650 kit (+ verticle grip, cvm55 lcd monitor, extra batteries, etc.) on Ebay. It was a gift, but I’m not really into the hobby anymore…
no time… All items were purchased in April 2012 and are in Excellent condition. Sal8514z also for sale.
http://tinyurl.com/A77Kit
E
11 months ago |I could see reason to release a77mkII, not as an upgrade for existing a77 user base, but to keep the camera competitive.
(Perhaps replacing the EVF with one with higher refresh rate, after the FF’s been introduced with one.)
But in general I agree, there is no hurry on the SLT/APS-C side.
Sky_walker
11 months ago |buffer would probably be the more important thing then EVF. A77 got superb EVF already. Tethering would be a next thing.
Keithyman
11 months ago |As others have said in this thread and as I have said before (but not every day as I have been accused of), Sony really needs to get their fingers out and use the time they have now to work on some real firmware updates for our existing A65/77 cameras, if only to prove they can get it right before they release new models. Yes, we are on 1.05 but the only real benefit we have seen, apart from compatibility issues for lenses most of us cannot afford, was the speeding up of some functions and yes, this was very welcome.
We have never had firmware to improve any imaging problems. Yes, I know the tripod/studio lighting brigade who also have pots of money for whatever lenses, equipment, software etc they want seem to have no problems, but us hand held in the field budget users, and I think there are many more of us than the pro users seem to think, really do need better JPEG, ISO and sensor noise reduction firmware.
So, once again, come on Sony and show us what you can do. If you don’t, well then, you can’t really expect anyone to upgrade to your new stuff can you and many, many sales are made on recommendation. Think about it!
shamb
11 months ago |A firmware to fix noise would be nice, but I dont really see it as essential: noise is just a function of a 24MP APS-C more than anything else: if you want better, you need full frame… even a SLT-less, better JPEG engine packing Nikon 3200 isnt that much better than the A77 wrt noise.
Whatever Sony do in a future firmware rev to clean up their output, you can do better now via Exposure Comp and LR4.
I bought a new A77 this week. Like most people, I guess I was a little concerned with the noise straight out of the default camera, but adding a simple +0.3EV exposure comp fixes the SLT light loss issue and Steadyshot mitigates against the resulting lower shutter and camera shake(which covers everything unless you are taking pictures of a fast running black cat in a coal celler). LR4 fixes everything else wrt noise @ISO1600/3200 (especially when LR4 loves files with lots of pixels to work with).
Despite all the talk about pixel binning, etc, its far easier to just whack the file into Photoshop and downsample to 16MP/12MP (and a downsampled 24MP file is as good as a native 12Mp file from my A500 in low light, and better in normal light because the limiting factor is now the lens).
Spoon
11 months ago |Exactly. All this wishing for a “noise fix” through a firmware update, can just lead to heavy handed NR in RAW, which is NOT a solution in my book. Rather the opposite.
And before anyone refers to the A700, the fix for that camera actually allowed you to turn OFF the existing RAW NR, which lead to better results. Also because the NR was a very crude one.
Greg
11 months ago |“adding a simple +0.3EV exposure comp fixes the SLT light loss issue ”
Well, heck…why not add +3.0 EV and you can shoot in total darkness…or even with the lens cap on!
frank
11 months ago |Completely taken his comment out of context, what a loser…
Greg
11 months ago |Not taken out of context at all. That’s why I quoted the whole phrase.
If you’re smart enough to explain why you’d need 0.3 EV, or why it would “fix” the light loss issue, we’d all love to hear it.
You’re smart enough to spell “loser” correctly, so we’ll assume you’re smart enough to understand the concept of EV compensation, right?
Scudiero
11 months ago |I am expecting a new firmware that improves jpeg images at high iso.
Poke
11 months ago |Were we expecting one? Bring on the FF.
NOYS
11 months ago |“I have the a77 and a850, and the 77 kicks the 850′s ass in low light high iso, no questions asked.”
the mister above means that he owns A850-BE & A77-BE.
OK then. i beliv thiz & ill ask no qestions.
But BE editions are limited & quite expensiv.i thouht you can find them only in Nippon & Brunei.
shamb
11 months ago |What I would really like in a firmware upgrade would be:
Live exposure peaking. This is something that would really show the advantages of EVF over OVF. And if they can do focus peaking, surely exposure peaking is possible (its just another – and easier – property to dispaly in the same way).
Francisco
11 months ago |Kinda like the Zebra lines in video?