(SR5) New A57 + A99 rumors (+ A57 battery grip question)
I got dozen emails from sources and will try to give you an exact overview of what it’s coming soon! It’s going to be busy here on SonyAlphaRumors 
A99
Let’s start with a small news about the A99: Sony confirmed at Dpreview that “it will be making a full-frame replacement for its flagship A900 DSLR.”. It’s not a big news but I take the chance to remind you the A99 with 24 Megapixel will arrive in September. The other Full Frame camera with 36 megapixel will arrive in early/mid 2013. Yes, it’s the same sensor of the Nikon D800 (Click here to check specs).
A57
1) First a small questions to trusted sources. A new source just told me that the A57 will not accept the A77 battery grip. Can you confirm or deny this? UPDATE: A few sources confirmed the A57 battery grip is not the same as of the A77
2) SR5: trusted sources told me that the camera can go up to 16.000 ISO.
I got many other rumors I am checking now. Stay tuned on SonyAlphaRumors. Will give you many updates soon!
Joe
2 years ago |yeah wouldnt make sense for A57 to accept the grip when A65 dont
Waiting
2 years ago |+1
Globally the rumors around the A57 are somewhat strange. If they are true, A65 will die !
Oh, I would like an A37 … A35 + swiveling rear LCD ….
Tom
2 years ago |Let’s be logical here. Most of those rumors about the A57 make no sense from a marketing point of view. Here are my own more logical predictions. Since this is an A55 replacement I’m guessing A55 type body, smaller 16:9 LCD, OLED EVF, electronic first curtain shutter and electronic SSS for video. That makes sense because now you would have 3 distinct price points, A57, A65 and A77.
Michael
2 years ago |they just miss “London 2012 Olympic Games” …
Maximus
2 years ago |Just give it an own grip, that the a77 grip does not fit is good, becauseotherwise the a57 would be as big as the a77 and the control layout does not fit either. The a57 will probably not have two dials or a joystick
hanugro
2 years ago |Just use A5xx grip will do. I, then can upgrade my A550 to A57
cas
2 years ago |Hi,
do you really think that SONY in mid.2013 will show a new FF camera with a sensor (D800)from 2011 ???
The Lotus Eater
2 years ago |You do realise it is now 2012, right?
monkeyfacemcbride
2 years ago |I think he’s alluding to the fact that not even Sony can design and produce a sensor in 1 month and 9 days.
Ian
2 years ago |pretty funny stuff guy’s!
kinki
2 years ago |Hopefully A99 wont cost as much as the D4 and 1Dx, coz that’s my targeted next upgrade, sigh.
Pei
2 years ago |With D800 at $3000, very very few camera can exceed $3000 and I doubt any SONY uber camera will.
SonyA77
2 years ago |I did say that the A77 grip made no sense what-so-ever, they aren’t going to make a new 5 series as big as the A77 and bigger than even the A65.
As for ISO, since the A77 was meant to do ISO in the “hundreds of thousands” I’ve given up anything I believe about ISO claims.
The disagreement about the grip also makes me wonder how good your reliable sources are to be honest, you may wish to downgrade these rumours to SR3 or SR4.
FR_a55
2 years ago |+1
Jakop.com
2 years ago |+1
The Lotus Eater
2 years ago |The suggestion that the A57 will be able to use the battery grip from the A77 seems outlandish to me, unless Sony have decided to carry out some major changes to their model number structure.
I can only assume that either the source is not to be trusted, so should be removed from SAR’s trusted source list, or there has been a major misunderstanding between the source and SAR.
Big_T
2 years ago |If I have to wait at least a full year for a Sony body using the same sensor that is being used in the D800, that will be disappointing. How absolutely sure are you that the claimed 24mp version is coming first?
admin
2 years ago |Many trusted sources confirmed this. And prototypes are already in the wild and tested by photographers
Fotografo de Bodas
2 years ago |Until September… so long. Do you know something about iso? I´m a no-flash wedding photographer, so i need great 3200 iso
admin
2 years ago |Coming soon…
Nick
2 years ago |Andrea, any rumours in the pipeline on a kit lens for the A99 ?
admin
2 years ago |I haven’t heard anything about a new kit lens yet.
E
2 years ago |C’mon,
if u are a rumorsite u can tell us what u have heard.
OTOH, if u are a spokesman for Sony, it is of course another story.
/E
Ian
2 years ago |I am going with the secret spokesman thought.
Poke
2 years ago |Andrea,
Any early news on its performance? Should we be excited?
matgay
2 years ago |what happen to sony’s flagship camera with built in vertical grip?
Stuart Cripps
2 years ago |Any news on a new NEX announcement? do I need to cancel my NEX7 pre-order yet? ; )
admin
2 years ago |No! The new NEX are not as good as NEX-7
techfan
2 years ago |It would be nice to here about it/them all the same if you have any info please, admin
Linh
2 years ago |I wonder if by “not as good”, do you mean in terms of features? Cause I seriously doubt they’ll be anything but better in ISO performance.
Vivek
2 years ago |+1
If the noise/ISO performance is worse than the 7…hmmm.
They better make some decent prime lenses for the existing NEX’ before churning out 3 more with less features.
How about a grip for the NEX-7?
How about a new compact, versatile flash?
How about some decent prime lenses?
The lenses..
mccp
2 years ago |Hi. Do you know anything about new NEX models with build in EVF? Will they also have flash shoe mount? Please post your rumors about new NEX cameras
Chia
2 years ago |“SR5: trusted sources told me that the camera can go up to 16.000 ISO.”
is this new a57 16,000 iso usable? and how about its sharpness when using this iso level?
Maximus
2 years ago |no camera is really usable at its top ISO, just for small prints ore internet represantation. Dont expect wonders, if its a new sensor i expect it to be a little better than the Nex-5n (one stop better ISO because of new sensor generation minus half stop light loss because of slt).
SonyA77
2 years ago |You will not know until it is reviewed. Then you’ll find out that it is poor again past 6400.
woop
2 years ago |Sure, the camera can go up to 16000 and that’s nothing spectacular. If 3200 is usable, then it’s awesome enough for me
David
2 years ago |a580, a55, a65, a77, a850 and a900 all have use-able ISO3200
Ryan
2 years ago |Usable? Maybe for Facebook pics. I own the a77 and iso 1000 and above is unusable for a pro. Very disappointed in my a77. 24 mp on a crop sensor is to many. And the translucent mirror takes away light and sharpness to a disappointing degree.
David
2 years ago |Do you know how to expose your images properly? ISO 1000 is *totally* usable on an a77
Or are you underexposing things and then pixel peeping the shadow areas?
MyAlpha
2 years ago |@Ryan: Then we have different A77 models.:)
Stewe
2 years ago |Ryan, maybe i dont know but when sony claimed that a77 is a pro-camera?
Solo
2 years ago |They are usable for pros who know how to use noise reduction and understand the power of 24.6 mp of res. to work with for print images. Are you printing billboards from your 3200iso shots? Probably not. Also a pro using A850 regularly iso800-3200
SonyA77
2 years ago |Ryan, 3200 is fine on the A77. Even the reviews state that…
woop
2 years ago |Well they have, if you involve a considerate amount of noise reduction in post production, which I don’t mind.
I had in mind ISO3200 which is usable without too much noise reduction. This is what I dream of. But I guess A77 will be fine too, when i get it
Bugger
2 years ago |I can pretty much guarantee the A77 grip WILL NOT fit the A57.
Different range, and it’s a Sony.
Fab
2 years ago |the important point is that it can get a grip
A65 is good except it cn’t get a grip
Marcohard
2 years ago |I think the A99 will be the high ISO king, not the A57.
Stewe
2 years ago |Why not? Would be nice to see a99 and a98 for 2000 and 1700$ with good iso till 6400. And new cz 50/1.4 with ssm and weather sealings. By the way, Andrea what did you heard about bew a-mount lens beside 500/4?
TheHacker
2 years ago |Andrea,
Could you please compare what we know about the A57 with the A65? I don’t really understand which one is the A55 replacement.
Thank you.
admin
2 years ago |A57 is A55 replacement. Teh A65 is just a “cheaper” A77 version
Lumi
2 years ago |A65 and A77 are like Sony’s version of KM 5D and 7D. They share the same sensor and basic image processor, while the 7 body have more physical controls, AF adjustment and AF assist light. Also similar battery grip option as the 5D/7D. Luckily for us, Sony use the same VF for both A65 and A77, unlike the pentaprism vs pentamirror on the KM cameras.
merci sony
2 years ago |btw the meike A200/300 etc grip can be adapted on the A65, but it needs to be “modified” a little bit..
http://www.dyxum.com/dforum/a65-vertical-grip-yes_topic82831.html
Sahaja
2 years ago |I’m surprised to hear Sony will now wait one year to release their full-frame camera with the same sensor as the D800. By then the D800 will have dropped in price and any initial bugs will have been sorted out. Sony will need to come in at a lower price – and many potential users will have already bought the D800.
Is the lower mp camera supposed to be some kind of competition to Nikon’s (high iso & high fps) D4?
passer-by
2 years ago |Agreement with Nikon, maybe..
Ian
2 years ago |yep
monkeyfacemcbride
2 years ago |What I really want to know is where has our troll gone?
The Lotus Eater
2 years ago |Which one? There are many.
Matt
2 years ago |They are sleeping maybe, or got detention at school?
Matt
2 years ago |As I’ve said before, ’5′ will be the flagship compact SLT and will have more bells and whistles than the ’3′ or ’6′ series. Things like optional grip, faster fps, dual control dials. 3 is the budget 5 and 6 is the budget 7.
A note about 16000 ISO – didn’t the a55 go up to 25600? Not that it was usable and neither is the ISO 16000 on a65/77 but still doesn’t seem like something worth getting excited about.
monkeyfacemcbride
2 years ago |Recently they’ve all been the same guy under different names, Lagranzi, oppo, gy..whatever. He’s a blast.
Alexey Ozerov
2 years ago |If 57 is no weather proof – so body will be smaller – may be same size as A580. And batterygrip must be smaller too
Yong
2 years ago |arh…. september ? thats long….Zzz…
RVN
2 years ago |andrea how about the 3rd FF camera? are you have a information? thanks
David
2 years ago |I don’t think the a57 will accept the a77 grip
a77 grip is the same high-quality magnesium alloy build as the a77
Why would it fit onto a plastic mid-range camera? It will also likely be a different size too.
As for the a99, September is ok with me. Summer would be nicer, but I look forward to more rumors and more news as the year goes on.
24mp sounds great too. It’s the right amount. I love my a850 and the resolution and image quality. I think that 3-4 years of technology improvement will get us some more dynamic range, better colours, and better high ISO too.
Hell, if they released an a900 copy with two more stops ISO performance, liveview, a tilty screen and some more focus points, I’d be thrilled!
butch
2 years ago |thats the funny thing i bet sony coudl rebuild the A900 with new tec and a firmware update to make it all work and have them shipping in short order
then make the A99 36mp monster slt (keep all the pros happy)
A900 wed photog
2 years ago |I want in the worst way an updated A900, with OVF I really like the panoramic feature. live view would be nice keep the lcd fixed and make it duel cf slots and improved d range oh and HDR option id be sooo happy! sadly I dont think thats gonna happen
passer-by
2 years ago |A new camera with LV is the only new feature added? I can imagine what “haters” are going to say about it.
New camera needs new techs, even if they are not necessary.
Lumi
2 years ago |+ 1
Although sadly, it seems like it’s Pentax who will make the FF A900 replacement. I actually wouldn’t mind this if Sony make AF CZ lenses for the PK mount. And also fix their menus to better complement the quality hardware.
Basement Dweller
2 years ago |I hope the replacement for A900 still have an OVF. It is one of the reasons why I bought it. And no, EVF strains my eyes rapidly. Several of my acquaintances also told me that the translucent mirrors in their cameras started to turn yellow over time which I do not think it is a good thing.
Better ISO performance so I do not have to convert RAW to TIFF and then JPEG would be great.
Ditching that memory stick and include a SDHC slot would be a nice change.
Karl
2 years ago |Is there any news on future a77 firmware upgrades and in particular ,tethered capabilities? Really disappointed Sony omitted this feature…on a ‘modern’ camera.
SonyA77
2 years ago |There is no news on A77 firmware. If Sony has a tiny development team they will be concentrating on the new models rather than fixing A77 bugs.
I don’t think we will ever see tethering on the A77. Each time Sony UK are asked, they just say they asked Japan for it. I don’t think Sony see any great demand for it, a few vocal complaints on the forums doesn’t justify the development cost. Most A77 users will never use tethering.
If you want proper tethering, then swap systems to Canon. If you want to simply have the images transferred, then use a WiFi SD card in your A77.
Sad isn’t it?
RVN
2 years ago |when sony A-mount bring CZ 100mm f2 macro? that would be great for sony system
SRL
2 years ago |I have often wondered why Zeiss doesn’t offer the same MF lenses for the A-mount as it does for Canon and Nikon and others.
Is it because they (Zeiss) don’t want to, or is it because Sony doesn’t want them to?
SonyA77
2 years ago |Zeiss don’t make Sony lenses, Sony (which may mean Tamron) make them to Zeiss specification.
Lumi
2 years ago |I’d like to think that Sony inherited some of the brilliance of Minolta’s lens engineering (AF on mirror lens? BRILLIANT!). So i’m one that think Sony chose not to rely on Cosina for their premium lenses.
J
2 years ago |I’m having a hard time understanding sony releasing another 24MP FF in the A99??????? They already have the A900. 24MP is soooooo yesterday.
C
2 years ago |Trap sprung etc
David
2 years ago |I dunno J – the d4 and 1dx are the top of the line cameras, and both of those are less than 24mp
Poke
2 years ago |I know I am ready to jump for the 99 @ 24mp. The resolution is good enough for me. I am hoping for improved focus (accuracy and speed), with improved low light performance for night sports and gyms. You know the sensor technology between the 900 and 99 has to be improved. I wish spring date held up rather than Sept but I can definitely wait. Heck if it turns out that the 36mp FF is that much better, I may sell my 850 and get that one too, but the 850 is great camera except no tethering in Aperture of Lightroom and slow fps.
E
2 years ago |give it 14+ fps (or 10+ with AF) and the AF of the a77,
and a price that is a third of the D4,
it will be a tempting for many outdoor sports event photogs.
/E
SRL
2 years ago |Yes, it does seem strange that Sony’s marketing folks aren’t insisting on a MP increase to help in the advertising “bigger, better, new and improved” drive for higher sales volumes. And sales is what it’s about for any business and the old “my camera has more mega-pixels than yours” has worked in the past to garner interest.
Maybe the engineers and the photographers have won this time and we will see a camera that has better ISO performance than the 2008 designed a900. Both Canon and Nikon have been lowering MP’s on the high-end pro cameras to get an overall better image right, so why not Sony?
Call me crazy for sticking around the old A-mount from the old Minolta days, but I remain hopeful that Sony give’s a damm about making the A-mount fully completive with Nikon and Canon as a professional platform for still photography.
Pei
2 years ago |Andrea, please let SONY know we want a FF inside an A65 or smaller body. No need for weather proofing, 1000 shot battery or swivel screen. Just keep it at A77′s price or lower and we’ll buy a bunch.
SonyA77
2 years ago |Yeah like you’ll get a new FF sensor for the price of the A77. Great way to kill the A77 sales…
Pei
2 years ago |Notice the thing I said about no pro body. 3 fps would be good enough. Lots of people picked 7D over 5D2 and this doesn’t even need a big body.
SonyA77
2 years ago |A new full frame would kill A77 sales at the same price. Aint gonna happen. Keep dreaming.
stewe
2 years ago |Admin, please, do a spell check.
SonyA77
2 years ago |To be fair, English is not the admins first language and the posts might be made on a iPhone or whatever. If you can understand what is being written it doesn’t matter anyway.
Stewe
2 years ago |Yep, but this is respectable resource, so need to be corresponding.
Solo
2 years ago |your own grammar sucks.
SonyA77
2 years ago |What the hell does “so need to be corresponding” mean?
Take a look at your own grasp of English before criticising others!
dealaddict
2 years ago |It would be fun if Sony, Canon and Nikon all announce their FF camera around the same time. Nikon has already announced, Cannon is predicted to announce soon … too bad that Sony won’t announce until Sept.
SonyA77
2 years ago |Not many people looking to buy a canikon full frame would consider Sony anyway, so it’s no big deal that Sony are late to the party.
David
2 years ago |Actually, I think it is a big deal.
A lot of a850 or a900 users have been waiting a long time now. We are waiting for confirmation about Sony’s commitment to the A-mount system. We are waiting for new lenses etc. And when other manufacturers announce new lenses and new cameras, Sony does nothing at all. That’s quite worrying for those of us with ageing a900s. My a850 feels VERY old by comparison now with its 9 AF points, no live view or video etc etc.
And let’s be honest, that d800 is very tempting, especially at the asking price. £2399 in the UK. That’s not bad at all for a camera like that. Nikon autofocus system is tried and tested and amazing. And with Nikon, I know I would have a complete lens system ready and waiting. I can rent specialist lenses more easily.
You’re right that I don’t think people will switch from Canon and Nikon to Sony, no matter what they announce. But I think people WILL switch from Sony to the 5d3 or the d800. Sony NEED to make an announcement soon. They need to promise us a release date. They need to promise us certain features. And most of all they need to promise us commitment. They release entry level cameras like crazy. We didn’t need the a35 or the a57. They are terrible at fixing basic problems and adding basic features.
Let’s be honest – Sony is asking a lot of it’s alpha customers. They are the third player. The underdog. They really need the support of enthusiasts like us, and so I think their burden is higher and their duty to inform their customers is higher. I don’t see why everything has to be so secret and closed off. They don’t tell us lens roadmaps. They don’t even tell us whether future cameras will be EVF or OVF. These are fundamental things which I think we should know.
J
2 years ago |I will sell off my A900 and Zeiss lens’s in a heart beat and jump over to the Nikon D800 if Sony sits around too long. I could care less about High ISO performance. For Landscapes I rarely shoot above ISO 400. I never thought I would consider a jump over to Nikon, but Sony seems to be missing the mark for me.
A900 wed photog
2 years ago |Yeah Man, Im so glad to hear other photographers with the same thoughts I have! Im totally invested and now im like WTF I have 3 a900 3 16-35 3-24-70cz two 24-70g 6 cz primes 3 flashes and a ton of other crap! I DID THIS BECAUSE I LOVE MY A900. SONY I gave you my support now give me yours!
Andy
2 years ago |when u are going to make a move, I am planning too!
sgts
2 years ago |well said sir, d800 here we come !!!!
Sahaja
2 years ago |@A900 wed photog
6 CZ primes – is that two of each?
David
2 years ago |J, a900 wedding photog and Andy,
I basically decided today that I am giving Sony until September.
By September they need to either:
a) Have released a full frame camera
b) Have told us a FIRM release date and specs for that camera
Otherwise bye bye Sony system for me. Why bother with all the insecurity and worrying? I’m prepared to wait, but I’m only prepared to wait for so long…
Although J, I would say that for landscapes the a900 is still probably the best camera for the job, other than probably the brand new d800. a900 is still the 2nd highest resolution camera around (other than d3x, but that’s a rip off), and the a900 has good dynamic range. You don’t need blazing autofocus with motion tracking, or super high ISO. But that’s what some of us wedding guys are starting to feel left behind in right now…
Big_T
2 years ago |I agree with your entire post, I invested in the a900 and lenses and love it but I need an upgrade path. I can live with the current model, it’s just not reliable mechanically. Nikon D8000 is looking mighty attractive: Pro AF and pro support, and access to a wonderful sony sensor for what seems like a full year ahead sony?
Poke
2 years ago |Dave’s right. I shoot with 850 and 2 CZ lenses, 1 G lens and a sony 85mm lens so I am slightly invested in Sony alpha. I am seriously thinking on picking up the 70-400G, but am waiting for news on the upcoming FF’s from Sony. If I don’t hear anything the Nikon800 is in my sights. I want Sony to give me a good reason not to that.
Dave any advice on the 70-400 G? What has been your experience with this lens?
Thanks
Andy
2 years ago |It’s a great lens, i shot everything with the a900 + 70-400 when I was in NY
Tristan
2 years ago |What would some of you guys thinking when SONY released 50M or 100MP camera in next round, with so-called organic-CMOS.
Sony also will announce new angle-zoom + new tele-zoom.
JB
2 years ago |+1
SRL
2 years ago |+1
A900 wed photog
2 years ago |David I couldn’t agree mare with your statement!
Jakop.com
2 years ago |.
Jakop.com
2 years ago |Agreed!
SonyA77
2 years ago |The point I am making is that Sony will not miss you. The Sony full frame market is so small they will not care about losing the tiny amount of people swapping to canikon.
glt
2 years ago |There’s an interesting article on dpreview about photojournalism. The trend is more video and less photographs. And i agree, it really is what’s happening in the consumer market.
So, yes, maybe you’re right, Sony will lose dslr photographers to Canikon. But they’re planning to gain more mirrorless photographers and videographers than Canikon.
On a tangent, i’d love for Sony to revive the Minolta name and release prism dslrs under the brand. It could be a niche brand that compete head on with ricotax.
LEdgars
2 years ago |The main question regarding A57 is about EVF! Is it form A77 or better?
Pei
2 years ago |NULL
BlindedJacob
2 years ago |It will kill A77 sale.
And replace my old a200 ^^
a900
2 years ago |…exciting times ahead,
To Admin – Andrea will Sony ever listen to old faithful OVF users to bring out newer OVF a900 (a950)? without the EVF lark ?
Would like to have a new a950 Full Frame with OVF, swivels Live-view, more than 9 AF points, 24mp, including improved ISO performance, lower down to 50 & 25, weather high-quality magnesium alloy sealing, maybe have it made a little lighter ? p.s don’t bother about the video as don’t needs it!
Andrea please will you let Sony know about my (including others a900 users) message plea ?
Also my main concern after hearing the Nikon D800 pre-order is outstripping the past a77 pre-order, does Sony realised that there are people NOT wanting the SLT ?
Please think twice Sony!
Thanks!
A900 wed photog
2 years ago |Yeah you know what ima a +1
SonyA77
2 years ago |Instead of criticising an EVF that doesn’t exist yet, why not wait and then judge it?
A900 wed photog
2 years ago |That’s the plan my man, lets see what sony FF is like, but if it is the same EVF on the A77 well i’m sorry its not for me.
Jim
2 years ago |I have been following this site and reading the forums for about two years now and finally decided to post my two cents – for what it’s worth.
I have been a loyal Minolta/Sony guy for about 12 years. Finally decided to switch to a Canon full frame (got an original 5D used in ‘like new’ condition for $1,000 at Adorama) – and couldn’t be happier. Prior to that I had several A-mount bodies, most recently A55. This thing is just too small and the viewfinder is hard to see through…in my opinion. The images are fine, but the thought of switching back to a full frame based system has not left my head for several years – ever since I bought my first Minolta DSLR in 2004. The old Minolta glass is decent, but I was getting fed up with slow and noisy auto focus. I thought Sony’s newer lenses are just too darn expensive for what they offer… The original Sony FF body feels a bit outdated for the price they are asking – every time I visit B&H I stop and play with it on display it reminds me of my old KM 5D I got in 2004 and I did not want to pay $2.5K for it to get back to FF again. So for 2 years I have been thinking that I would hold out and wait for a “A850 replacement.” That was in 2010. It’s now 2012 and Sony still has not announced anything concrete.
So I finally decided to get a Canon used FF body around the holidays. Also picked up 3 lenses from B&H, all came with silent ultrasonic motor and awesome optics. Two are “L” series (24-70 and 135) and a 50 1.4. I have taken around 3,000 shots on it in the last month or so. The FF quality is hugely superior to the crop sensor IMHO – not based on some fancy technical analysis but on how the images look to me on my 27 inch iMac. Colors, shadows, tonal gradations, etc. – also the most film-like (‘natural’) look to the images. My wife thinks my pictures are just so much more ‘professional looking’ – whatever that means.
The reason I decided to write this post is to share my positive experience of leaving Sony for Canon. I am happy I made a switch. I now have access to a huge variety of glass – most of it w/ USM, at quite reasonable prices (both brand new and older used stuff at KEH). I am excited to take pictures again!
I hope some readers who are still hesitant to switch systems will read this and consider doing the same…Like I said, I am an N of 1, but I have not regretted my decision for a split second. Stop worrying about when Sony will come out with more FF bodies and more lenses –you can have it all NOW by switching to Canon (or Nikon, I suppose), getting the excitement back into your photography hobby – and start taking awesome pictures again!
A900 wed photog
2 years ago |Yeah Jim, Ive been back and forth for a while Sony need to earn my cash and releasing nex after nex isn’t gonna do it. Sony take FF serious or seriously lose a chunk of your pro to semi pro photographers.
Poke
2 years ago |I really appreciate reading from your experience. I have an 850 and you could not be more correct. I too think once you go FF its hard to go back to APS-C size. The look of the photos seem better. I have the SSM lenses and shoot with my buddy who is a professional who shoots with Canon. There does not seem to be any difference in the loudness of the lenses focusing. If you use the lenses with the screw focus, they are much more noisy. You have given me food for thought because I have considered a switch, but I was considering Nikon. I better take my time and research the lay of the land for all three.
Jim
2 years ago |Poke – my glass is all screw based (older, but decent, some nice primes) and I was reluctant to spend $$$ to upgrage to SSM before I knew for sure Sony will continue investing into innovation for their OVF FF line. 2 years later, we still don’t know….Rumors say they will not. I was not willing to wait and take a chance on the “TV company”
– so I went with a pure imaging company instead…
Cheers!
Jim
2 years ago |Regarding Nikon vs Canon – I went through the same process. Endless analysis and countless trips to B&H over launch breaks to touch and feel the equipment and shoot test shots. Every night I would come back home and download pictures I took in the store – my wife through I was weird for a while. Image quality there is obviously no difference – both top notch. We all know Sony/Minolta stuff produces same images quality all else being equal. So it’s down to personal preference and price then. I found that Canon makes more glass and sells it for less then both Nikon and Sony. Maybe you will come to a different conclusion – but mine was to switch to Canon. Importantly, I was able to pick up an almost new 5D body for $1K, which I am planning to upgrade to Mk3 in 1-2 years once it’s out.
Andy
2 years ago |Thanks for the suggestion, I have been holding off for for quite long time waiting for A900 replacement.
JB
2 years ago |Thanks for the insight. I am also looking at switching systems too.
klw10
2 years ago |The a900 is better than the 5D.
David
2 years ago |Yup, well said Jim.
Although the a850/900 is better than a 5D, you’re right about the mental aspect. We all feel some worry about whether Sony will deliver what we want. But you’re right.. we can have it NOW simply by switching.
Plus other benefits like being able to rent fancy lenses more easily, being able to buy and sell 2nd hand gear more easily etc.
That’s why I think Sony actually DOES owe us something. We’ve spent a lot of money on the underdog system, and if Sony want it to be TRUE competitor to Canon and Nikon they NEED the early adopters like us.
Jim
2 years ago |David- well said. I was reluctant to switch but I have no regrets. The good thing I can monetize my old glass via flea bay to help defray the cost of switching. Sony went a bit too far in the business diversification department and it shows. They are a #1 video imaging and #1 sensor company but still an outsider when it comes to pro level still photo. The old Minolta lens technology just does not cut it anymore. CZ partnership sounded like a viable alternative to level the playing field with C and N in that area, but it’s too high end and too expensive. The middle market (semi-affordable glass of high quality – similar in price/quality as – for example – Canon 70-200 L f4 for $600) simply does not exist with Sony. Sony has 1/3 of the selection of the primes vs Canon and what they do have is mainly old Minolta designs that are now overpriced by Sony. I can pick up a Canon 50 1.4 with USM for $350 while Sony wants 400$ for same w/out USM – WTF? Canon version’s technical performance is rated higher by photozone. Sony being as big as they are has too many conflicting interests and forces within the company so the voices of true “Photography People” are muted by all the other voices that have been steering their DSLR division to the bottom end of the market. Even though they make decent ROI by selling to the masses, they failed to recognize the importance of building the brand image and awareness as a true photographic equipment manufacturer.
a900
2 years ago |Jim
Thank you for voicing your thought and experience. I too is thinking of having a Canon Full Frame if Sony aren’t listen to people like us as an OVF faithful owners.
I am not against the SLT system, but it’s seemed aiming for pro sport media.
The a900 which I have got is perfect for work and hobby, the a900 is the most superb digital 35mm ever made and would like it to be more up to date along with Canon.
I can’t see anything wrong with that, a950 would be the most exciting camera to own, only that if Sony will take noticed.
I do hope they do!
Jim
2 years ago |a900
I agree with you that a950 (an evolutionary update on a900) would be an ideal camera for many folks, especially those who invested into high end glass. But for folks like me, switching to Canon now is a better path. I have assembled a collection of mid-range lenses, but I was holding out on upgrading my pro-sumer zoom (28-75 2.8), for example, to CZ 24-70 before I knew for sure that Sony is 100% committed to the next FF w/ OVF and video. I would gladly pay $2-3K and upgrade 1-2 of my lenses after that only if Sony were to announce it about a year ago. It did not happen then, and no one knows if it will happy any time soon. My patience simply ran out and my business is now with Canon.
Good luck to all – and thanks for your comments guys.
Jim
DchB
2 years ago |I know that I’m a “blast from the past”, but right now, I’m hanging on to my Maxxum 7D so tightly that my knuckles are white! I want the impossible it seems…like a FF 16~18MP, OVF, LV,PC socket, and ability to tether to my computer like this old 7D. In other words, a 16~18MP Maxxum 7D with Live View. Is that asking too much? My guess is that if SONY should produce such a beast, there will be 2 moons in the sky, and they will be both square. Yah Yah, I know, time marches on….MOVE ALONG OLD MAN! But that doesn’t guarantee improvements. The newer technology may be more satisfying for some, but right now, SONY is driving the old school photographers over to the other side, and that’s a shame. It’s just one old guys opinion, and I’m NOT alone for sure from everything I have read on this site. Do I think there’s a place for the SLT? Of course I do. But I also believe that SONY should be able to give us the option of choosing, without having to leave the system all together. More expensive? Probably…but we feel that we have been backed into the SLT corner, and don’t much like it. In addition to my 7D, I have a 6MP Fuji Finepix S20Pro that will flash sync up to 1/1000th of a second with my METZ flash guns or Bowens studio lights that I sometimes use out in the field. It has a PC socket, and it tethers to my computer as well for studio work. I paid $699.99 for it many years ago..Maybe I’m spoiled by “OLD” technology eh? But it seems that SONY would do well to bring back some of those “OLD” but very useful features and make them available in the new upcoming bodies. They will sell like hotcakes….SONY, WHO’S MINDING THE PHOTOGRAPHY STORE?
Jim
2 years ago |DchB
I second your thoughts…My first DSLR was also a KM 7D (I made a mistake in my original post saying it was KM 5D). I took no fewer that 50,000 shots with it. Loved the thing to death. It started to fall apart on me cosmetically – I am a bit rough with my stuff. It’s still alive but I have not used it for some time. I went for a55 when it first came out because of video and being able to blow up my pics to poster size prints with better quality. But the new technology with all the bells and whistles did not give me the same pure satisfaction of using an old fashioned (albeit digital) piece of photographic equipment. Over the last year I missed using my 7D, but the quality I got with 16 MPX was simply better. Then came the Canon 5D beauty – I feel like a photographer again! Not to mention 50mm is now 50mm – where it belongs, and I enjoy composing through the optical view finder. So my advice would be – take a look at a used 5D, get one from BH or Adorama with a 50 1.4. Lots of people sold their almost new 5d’s back to stores when Mk2 came out because of video. Mine was made in 2008 based on serial #. Came in box with unfilled warranty card and un-attached strap. 95% new condition for $1K. They have a 30 day return policy but more likely than not you will end up keeping it! It was made for professional use so you can keep it for many years to come.
Cheers!
Jim
Adhib
2 years ago |Dpreview also confirmed that the A900 successor is NOT going to be SLT, I literally jumped for joy! I knew they wouldn’t… For example the EVF will never do justice to the epic A900′s OVF…
SRL
2 years ago |Okay,
So where is it said the Sony WILL move away from the SLT with the a900 replacement.
cust from Dpreivew…
“Sony has confirmed it will be making a full-frame replacement for its flagship A900 DSLR. No further details were given during a round-table discussion at the CP+ show in Japan, but we find it hard to believe the result will step away from the SLT technology the company has invested so heavily in.”
DchB
2 years ago |Hey Jim,
Thanks for the vote. I was all set to pull the trigger on an a580 but I would have to buy an extra flash trigger/receiver to fire the studio lights, and a vertical grip that is no where near the one on my 7D. I understand that the IQ is great, but I decided to hold off on the deal until I get to handle the a57 in a store somewhere. I tried out the a65, and the EVF drove me nuts. Besides, I admit to being totally spoiled by all of the buttons, dials, switches on the 7D that keeps menu diving to a minimum. Thanks for the advice on the Canon 5D. It has crossed my mind several times to jump ship for Canon, but with my investment in great Minolta glass, it is very hard to do. So I wait, and wait, and………well they just got dumped on with about 4 feet of snow in Japan today…..
a900
2 years ago |…well said DchB and Andrea are you passing on this info to Sony ?
SRL
2 years ago |Jim,
Thank you for your post……..
Often the fanboys on this site jump all over people like you, and I often wonder if they are about photography or have sworn a loyalty oath to Sony.
I waiting to see what Canon 5D replacement look like and make a decision then and just get it over with and move away from the A-mount.
I’m not impressed with the fact that the a77 fails to produce overall better images to the NEX-7 and for me it all about the image and not cool features or the future, so right now as I see it this SLT technology is not yet ready for me and the type of images I try so hard to produce. The rumored a99 will be full-frame but still hampered with the same problem that the a77 has, barring any new unannounced technical breakthroughs.
If figure a change from Sony to Canon or Nikon to cost about 10k USD for a FF body and three lenses, so I better start saving
Poke
2 years ago |Yeah, but who and what? Nikon or Canon? I can’t drop 6k for a body but would part with 3.5k. Where are you leaning?
SRL
2 years ago |I going to wait and see what the new Canon 5d replacement looks like.
I undersand it will come out soon.
I owned Nikon F2 and then later F3 film cameras and loved them
And my partner that I team with on some projects has a Nikon D3s, but that’s too much for my pocketbook and both Nikon and Canon have released several very nice new lenses in the last few months
Jim
2 years ago |SLR, Poke –
I switched about 6 weeks ago to Canon 5D used for $1K body only. It took me 2 years to make a move. I even got an a55 in the process but it failed to make me excited. I will put it on the auction site along with all my A lenses and hopefully that will get me $2K-$3K. I have 7 or 8 lenses and there is obviously a lot of overlap and duplication in focal lengths. I decided to be a lot more prudent this time building a new system (with Canon) and decided to focus on fewer lenses of higher quality.
First I bought a used 17-40 L f4 – not long enough for a normal zoom so returned it in favor of new 24-105 L IS a very popular Canon lens. 24mm on FF is plenty wide. After 2 weeks I decided to get a new 24-70 L (only $200 more) and compare them. Ended up returning the 24-105 as the 24-70 2.8 is truly an amazing piece of glass. Prime lens quality at all focal lengths. Outperforms any other Canon zoom in this range in terms of sharpness and bokeh. Heavy but screams quality at you the minute you pick it up. Not cheep at $1250 but $500 less then a comparable CZ 24-70. Got a 50 f1.4 for low light. Nice artistic looking portraits wide open. The big question was what to get for a short tele – and also for close up portraits. Went back and forth between 70-200 L all 4 versions and 135 L f2, which is what I ended up getting. $900 is a lot of dough for a prime, but it’s actually almost half the price off of CZ 135 1.8. It is a true legend among Canon lenses and is by far the best lens optically I have ever used. Canon pro’s swear up and down it’s the best lens in this focal length. The first shots over the weekend left me very impressed. Will keep it and get a X1.4 conv for a 190 f2.8 or a X2.0 for a 270 f4. I spent $250 on a top of the range flash (used, previous generation)
So the total damage thus far is $3,700. Once all of my Sony/KM gear is auctioned off, it should be reduced to about $1,000 – give or take
Poke
2 years ago |Jim,
Thanks for the info, very useful. I am interested in the new nikon 800. Waiting for its release will allow me to hopefully see some information on the upcoming Sony’s. I don’t want to switch but am on the edge. I will have to research Canon vs Nikon. If I go with Canon, am thinking on the 5D Mark II. The next couple months will be critical for me. I may seek out your help as I get closer to a decision.
zstan
2 years ago |Not sure where you are from, but from where i come from Sony equipments are the cheapest compared to Canon and Nikon.
Jim
2 years ago |I am in NYC, I buy new from B&H and used from KEH. Like for like – to my big surprise – I found Canon new stuff to be on average 20%-50% less than Sony and Nikon. My most recent purchase was Canon 135mm f2 for $925, a Sony analogue is listed for $1,599 or 73% more! Both lenses are rated very high by photozone and others
Fab
2 years ago |CZ 100/2 Macro ? why ?
First Mr Sony re edit the wonderfull minolta lens adding them your surface “treatment” and SSM/SAM and I (we) will be more than happy
- 200/4 Macro
- 100/2
- 70-210/4
- 200/2.8
also take in mind that less than 2 second of fps is not usable (for sport)
so 8 fps is good but we need it to last at least 3 seconds
24 MPix and 16 MPix, I don’t care at all, A700 and its 12 MPix was enough for me
and go on improving AF
streetshooter
2 years ago |any news abt a57?? Hope it has good iso performance like the nex5n
Alpha Mark
2 years ago |ghj2
2 years ago |Will Sony release a competitor to the Canon T3 that was released last year, something under $500? Or have they conceded that market to Canon and are making the Nex for those consumers?
Steve G.
2 years ago |Sensor is overrated. IF the firmware and lenses can’t deliver, the sensor is worthless. Sorry, but Sony has ALOT of work to do on this front with the SLT cameras. ALOT.
SonyA77
2 years ago |My A77 firmware and lenses deliver just fine.
monkeyfacemcbride
2 years ago |but could you categorically state that there is no margin for improvement whatsoever?
Jim
2 years ago |I could not agree more. My Canon 5D with a 12 Mpix and 50mm lens blows away the images taken with my a55 with a 16 Mpix and 50mm lens. Not that a55 are not ‘good enough’ but the FF pics look way better in terms of color rendition, dynamic range (gradations from black to white and all the shades of grey) and depth of field effects. Sensor with PMix count is like hourse power for an engine – imporatant, but not end all – there is way more that goes into making an awersome driving expience .
Minoltian
2 years ago |if indeed SLT FF will utilize 24MP sensor, my prediction will be:
AF-system,LCD,card-slots,buttons,ergonomy: similar to a77
ISO:50 up to somewhere between 16,000 and 25,600
no tethering
price:2,500 body only 3,000 with new kit lens
Dogmablue
2 years ago |I think i may be dead before Sony release a new FF camera ,or moved to a new system , i know new tech takes time and the floods etc ,but Nikon 800 now ,Sony 36meg in a years time! .And while im moaning can Sony sort out a new remote shutter socket, as the current A900 is crap , portrait mode cable falls out of the socket in the slightest breeze !
ivo
2 years ago |seems like Sony let Nikon have a 1 year head start on new sensors, or probably Nikon pays them well to have that exclusivity.