(SR5) There is no model above the A77, a part of the A9x! (Says Paul Genge)
Yesterdays rumor about a possible new APS-C model probably made did upset some Sony managers. Paul Genge Sony UK posted this message on Facebook: “…it never ceases to amaze me how the rumour mill accelerates from one model to the next, to the next and so on. Stock of the a77 has not reached most markets yet, but people are guessing “what next” I almost felt like posting only “lol”. However, in actual fact its probably better to state that the a77 is now in the range for a while, and the next high end introduction will be featuring the number ’9x’ naming…………… now watch what happens to the rumour mill! )”
At that point I want to remind you a couple of things:
1) Don’t ever base your shopping decision on rumors. Focus on your real needs! Yesterday I posted a couple of professional A77 reviews where you can red the strengths and weaknesses of the camera. And as you can read the A77 is a top performer. So please don’t wait because of a rumor which per definition is an unofficial and unproved news.
2) That said I want to remind you that my sources are saying there will be one more APS-C model. I don’t know yet what kind of camera it will be, and the news about the A75 (?) being a top-end APS-C model is coming from external and new sources (like a user of Sonyuserforum.de) which had been invited on a Sony presentation. I haven’t been there for myself so I cannot verify if the news is correct. I repeat, my known sources only said there will be a third new APS-C model!
3) I do absolutely trust Paul Genge statement that’s why I think that if there is a new third APS-C model coming than it will be placed below the current A77 camera.
For Paul and all Sony managers: I will be much more careful next time and make it more easy to understand what part of the rumor is coming from trusted sources and what part is from external or new sources. And for our readers, it’s SR4 that there could be a third APS-C model, it’s SR5 that it will not be on top of the A77.
UPDATE: I just read your comments and someone still didn’t understand that my TRUSTED sources said there will be a third APS-C model soon (and that’s FT4). The new and external sources said it’s an A7x or high end model (That’s FT2). Hope it’s clear now 
—-
And now here is a list of things you absolutely have to read about the A77 (preorders at Amazon, B&H, Adorama, J&R, eBay):
Our reader Ron sent me this News: “I picked up my new a77 camera on Saturday 08/Oct/2011 from Hendry’s Camera shop in Cambridge Ontario Canada. What a beautiful Camera and it came loaded with the 1.03 software loaded, I am updating from Sony a350 so it is quite a jump, with all the new technology on board. I took it out Sunday and thrilled to bits with the camera, I would recommend this dream machine to anyone and for those people waiting for there A77 you are in for a real treat.”
Dave Cox wrote: “More on my A77 first experiences…I went out last night for my first shoot of any length. Caught a nice sunset and managed to have a good play with the camera. I used my Zeiss 16-80 and throughout the zoom range the images are really pin sharp and crystal clear. A real step up from my A33. Next, a comment about noise – with the A33 and any kind of ND filter, images at f/16 and smaller apertures were VERY noisy and needed 100% recovery in ACR. Not so with the A77 – even with stacked ND400 and ND grad, the images at f/22 and f/25 were almost noise free and ACR recovery just introduced peaking into the image. Later, I tried some night shots (it was a full moon) and both at ISO 50 with very long exposures and at ISO 1600 short exposures the images were useable with very little editing. I really am impressed as I was expecting a high ISO disaster – just goes to show that you shouldn’t believe all you read e.g. A7x 
In summary, this camera is going to result in me spending much less time in the digital darkroom which is very pleasing. I’ve been out with it twice but already I love it!! A few pics from last night at http://www.500px.com/davercox“
All new Sony cameras and lenses links:
A77 at Amazon, B&H, Adorama, J&R, eBay.
A65 at Amazon, B&H, Adorama, J&R, eBay.
Sony NEX-7 Amazon, B&H, Adorama, J&R, eBay.
Sony NEX-5n Amazon, B&H, Adorama, J&R, eBay.
Zeiss 24mm f/1.8 Amazon, B&H, Adorama, J&R, eBay.
Sony 50mm f/1.8 Amazon, B&H, Adorama, J&R, eBay.
Sony 55-210mm Amazon, B&H, Adorama, J&R, eBay.
NEX-5n viewfinder Amazon, B&H, Adorama, J&R, eBay.
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!
Zak F
2 years ago |FF maybe?
David
2 years ago |Makes sense
If there’s a third 7 series, it would be below the a77
Releasing something better than a77 would be ridiculous when it hasn’t even hit the shelves yet!
Personally I’m excited for the new full frames and new A-mount lenses!
Jannis
2 years ago |the only way for sony to “kill” rumors is to make a clear roadmap of the plans for the future
If the formal communication is inadequate, the informal will expand.
paulesko
2 years ago |hahaha. This is funny. A rumor site telling us to buy! And sony telling a rumor site off because a rumor could affect their sales… This is very interesting indeed.
David
2 years ago |It was a daft rumor to begin with.
What POSSIBLE reason would they release a new model right after their flagship model?
Though I agree with Jannis. A roadmap would be awesome, but it also puts people off buying now because they wait for the next thing and the next.
Like computers.. you’d never buy a new laptop or component if you waited for the next big thing. a77 will be a great camera for years, no worries.
monkeyfacemcbride
2 years ago |sometimes the best way to get info is to stuff a stick in the hornets nest. I’m not saying in anyway that this was intentional, I’m absolutely certain that it wasn’t, however Paul Genges answer did give absolute credence to the A9x info.
With regard to Pauls comment “Stock of the a77 has not reached most markets yet, but people are guessing “what next” ” – well yes of course we are. I’ve got an A77 now and will enjoy using it for along time. I’ll also probably enjoy adding an A99 to it next year because I’m the sad compulsive camera buyer type that Sony love so much. Just make it good and while you’re at it for the A77 software update chuck in use of the Smart Teleconverter in video mode.
Snapperbox
2 years ago |Yes. The new apsc body will not be above A77 if thats what sony means that “superiority” in their dictionary means more megapixel.
So they are not wrong to say that when they announce a A75 with 16mp sensor with probably only 10fps and cannot do 60p videos, they will think that its not going to affect the sales of A77 as in their “sony specs” wise, its not position above it.
But in reality, real potential owners out there would think otherwise.
magellan
2 years ago |Hear, hear!
David
2 years ago |No. There won’t be another 7-series APS-C camera until after the a99, if at all
ELK
2 years ago |Now the A77 sales will plummet!
Wirralpix
2 years ago |Andrea, the mistake was making the rumour an SR4 when the rumour mentioned an A75 and this was put on the site, “Two new (not yet trusted!) and one external source said that the model will be on top of that Sony A77″
Should we believe Paul Genge or two untrusted and one external source? Personally I’d trust Paul when he says that the next camera from Sony will be FF and not APS-C.
I’m sure Sony are working on more cameras but I wouldn’t expect to see an A75 until after the FF cameras so that could be 12 months away.
Snapperbox
2 years ago |I agree with this. The 3 sources for A75 only mentioned the next Apsc body coming but didnt say when. So its going to be A9x first as mentioned by paul genge and thereafter another apsc body maybe to update A77.
Spoon.
2 years ago |Right and I’ll predict it will rain. Note I didn’t state when.
You heard it here first!
acolyte
2 years ago |Yes Andrea, it would do us a favor, even though it’s already posted, to lower the rumor to SR2 +/- 1
admin
2 years ago |Actually you still didn’t understand (and that’s probably my fault). It’s FT4 that there will be another APS-C model soon It’s probably FT2 only that it could be a high end A7x model (like the new soruces said).
acolyte
2 years ago |Haha FT again XD Habits don’t die
OK. A third model on the A6/7x range is possible – maybe two or three years later XD
I’m already confused with all this anyway so what’s another confusing move by Sony XD And it sounds some of your sources are confused too :p
EDIT: Oh man, I just realized the rumor definitions changed.
SR2=rumor from unknown sources
SR4=rumor from known sources
And in contrast to FT which is 0-100% in increments of 20%. I guess it was SR4 O.O I have a feeling SR4 wasn’t ‘known sources’ before. Something like confirmed by sources but no official evidence..
Still bogus
2 years ago |The whole A7X(X) range is (was) higher end.
So Paul made it pretty clear there isn’t going to be another A7X camera anytime soon, certainly not before we see an A9X camera.
Sounds more like an attempt of self fulfilling prophecy from a few.
blah
2 years ago |Haha they’re quick enough to give us an inkling of what’s going on when they see their a77 sales threatened by rumours of a new camera aren’t they!
The Lotus Eater
2 years ago |This is what you said, Andrea: “One of my top sources confirmed that Sony has the plan to release one more APS-C model. It will be a new A7x (probably A75?)”.
If this so-called top source claimed it will be a new A7x, then he/she should no longer be a top or trusted source, assuming Paul Genge is telling the truth.
SonyA77
2 years ago |There are five possibilities I think.
1. PG is not telling the truth. I don’t believe that for one second.
2. PG does not know about a new APS-C model. Very unlikely.
3. PG did not deny the development of a new A7x, he simply said that the A9x is the NEXT one due. Therefore the A7x could indeed be in development and PG was choosing his words carefully.
4. PG stated that the next high end model in development is the A9x. This leaves the possibility of a replacement for the A55 soon.
5. The “top source” is wrong.
Either way, any possible A7x is a LONG way off.
Raghav
2 years ago |Now, I am convinced that this is the A55 replacement. This also might have the same sensor as the NEX5N. I always wondered why Sony would put in so much investment & re-develop their 16MP sensor to only put it in their $600 NEX5n.
So now, this makes sense. The 3rd APSC SLT camera will be the A55 body with the OLED EVF and the NEX5n Sensor.
The A33 & A55 are even on discounts at Sony USA.
Mike
2 years ago |As I predicted days ago, it is likely the updated A55.
admin
2 years ago |Yes, I also do believe that this will be the A55 successor.
Barbarous Waytel
2 years ago |“Sony would put in so much investment & re-develop their 16MP sensor to only put it in their $600 NEX5n.”
Wrong. C3, 5N, and A35 all have identical sensor. 5N jpeg engine is a bit better though (nothing to do with sensor).
Raghav
2 years ago |Not Really… See the DPReview review of the NEX5n. On the first page:
“Sony NEX-5N specification highlights: Revised 16.1MP CMOS sensor”
Keyword here being “Revised”
This sensor has been revised since the A55. Now, it has slightly better noise characteristics and also produced less heat while recording video. Notice how the NEX5n sensor is 16.1MP and the one on the A55 was 16.2MP.
So, this sensor is definitely new.
hannes
2 years ago |I hope there will be a model below the A77.
An 75 with 16MP and very high ISO and 10fps until the card is full. The A77 makes to less images until they need a break.
Spoon.
2 years ago |You realize the A35 shows similar performance to the A77 at high ISO? That’s the latest SLT with a 16MP sensor.
SonyA77
2 years ago |If you have an A75 will 16mpix sensor it will perform the same as the A55. So I don’t know where you get the idea about “very high ISO” from…
hannes
2 years ago |First I think they can do more.
And a better body (wheadersealed) is also a big advandage.
SonyA77
2 years ago |More in what way? An extra score point in DxO results that has ZERO effect in the real World?
The A77 gives you 50% more pixels AND similar ISO performance to the excellent 16mpix sensor in the A55. Personally I think it is astounding that Sony have pulled this off.
Spoon.
2 years ago |The whole A7X(X) range is (was) higher end.
So Paul made it pretty clear there *isn’t* going to be another A7X camera anytime soon, certainly NOT before we see an A9X.
Sounds to me like an attempt of self fulfilling prophecy from a few (sources).
My December
2 years ago |This is just logic. Why would Sony be introducing new A7x if it’ll just ruin the A77 sales?
SonyA77
2 years ago |As Mike above said. A55 is due for a refresh.
AnegaTanega
2 years ago |A A75 almost identical to A77 but with 16mpx and a better buffer (helped by the 16mpx files, obviously) “for me” is above A77…!
Ollder
2 years ago |That would be under A65 too then. Maybe A57 or A58: Weather sealed A55 with some A77/65′s features. A6x/7x series seem to be based on 24 Mpix. And That’s good! A3x/5x series are based on 16 Mpix and there is space for evolution A5x model.
AnegaTanega
2 years ago |Right! Let’s wait…
Garreth
2 years ago |“Don’t ever base your shopping decision on rumors.”
But I am; not for the a7* but for the a88/a99. Any more rumours as to when and how much. I would expect the difference in price to be the difference between the two sensors. Using the a77 body, how much more would a full frame sensor be than a cropped one? Double? Triple? Should still clock in at under $2000 US body only.
Michael
2 years ago |A55 replacement.
Steve Jones
2 years ago |A new APS-C A7x camera to sit above the A77 was never a credible rumour. It’s a bit difficult to think what it would contain – dropping in a 16MP sensor was never going to revolutionise high ISO performance. It would just be an A55 on steroids.
It’s quite possible the OLED EVF will gradually find its way into new APS-C models further down the range (can’t be a bad thing), but a new flagship APS-C within the next 12 months? Forget it (albeit a mildly warmed over model with more buffer would be nice).
Surely the next thing we will see is an FF model largely based on the A77 chassis. With 36MP with about 6FPS at FF and 12 FPS in “cropped” APS-C mode, it is surely an attractive premise. For the high-ISO mob, then a downsized lower (9?) MP output mode with improved SNR & DR at higher ISOs would also have lots of attractions. (Note, nothing really new – but labelling “low resolution” and “low noise” might satisfy a few people; you could even use the “binning” word, even if it’s technically inaccurate).
wied
2 years ago |Dave Cox, like your pictures taken with a77 very much!!!
Kalpurush :)
2 years ago |@ Dave Cox
Yes! They are fantastic indeed. Much thanks for sharing
acolyte
2 years ago |This discussion on a implausible existence of another APS-C is getting boring.. I’d rather just milk out the A77 current owners of their current experience while waiting.
Oh Andrea, and one thing that bugged me about the post’s title – it’s apart not a_part
Zyg
2 years ago |Yeah, I believe you’re correct. It should be “apart from” instead of “a part of”.
Everyone makes grammar mistakes from time to time. It’s inevitable. But it’s not a biggie if everyone “catches the drift”.
acolyte
2 years ago |Yeah, but it took a while for me to put two and two together.
Especially when a and part is on different lines – I’ve been writing comments thinking that A77 is a part of A9x pyramid or something O.O
Raccoon
2 years ago |Next up is maybe something inbetween the A35 and A65 (full replacement of A55?).
Troj
2 years ago |The whole A7X(X)range is a high end (APS-C) one.
So Paul made it pretty clear there isn’t going to be another A7X camera anytime soon, certainly not before an A9X announcement.
Sounds to me like an attempt of self fulfilling prophecy from some (sources?).
admin
2 years ago |In summary:
Paul confirmed the A9x
A77 will be top APS-C model
The trusted sources said there will be third APS-C model
The new and external soruces probably misunderstood the Sony presentation and the third APS-C model is “Only” the A55 successor!
Mike
2 years ago |The guy on Sonyuserforum never claimed the top spot of the pyramid was reserved for an APS-C model. In fact, he denied it.
That claim was made by you in the initial A75 rumour. That’s probably where all the confusion comes from.
acolyte
2 years ago |Lost in translation?
PeterM
2 years ago |If you reverse the numbers of A75 you get A57. Perhaps a typo on the original senders part?
Sergei
2 years ago |Come on people, I bet you there’s hardly 10% shooters out here who can squeeze every drop of performance out of a77 or their current gear. It is a fine tool, use it
sony A750
2 years ago |Bye bye A77 until next year
http://theextinctionprotocol.wordpress.com/2011/10/12/thailand-flooding-closes-900-factories-270-dead-8-million-affected/
Clyde
2 years ago |Oh that’s just awful. I hope they recover without any more loss of life. All these tragedies are so sad.
Ollder
2 years ago |Eh… bye bye A77?
Maybe so, but when compared to this catastrophe it’ll be a shame on me if moaning some pitiful camera supply. Sitting in warm safe house.
But IF/WHEN the A77 is available again, every purchase will be a little help for people making them.
Ken
2 years ago |+1
Terryfried
2 years ago |A57 being A55 with 5N sensor and oled EVF to replace A55 would complete the range nicely.
Michal
2 years ago |Maby it is something like: A500 A550 A450
A500 smaller sensor + LV + better body
A550 bigger sensor + LV + better body
A450 bigger sensor without LV and extras
st that would be
A77 like A550, A65 like A450, Axx like A500 – same body as A77 with smaller sensor
blac
2 years ago |be careful what you post sometime admin, SR4 seems like 80% true. even as we know that rumors, even SR5 as you call it, can’t always be sure (it’s still a rumor). you should’ve made it as SR3 or less. that’s why everyone jumped in the bandwagon. rumors still affects sony in terms of buying decisions from consumers.
Maxwell
2 years ago |Well, time will tell.
So don’t worry, be happy
Andrea, again could you ask you sources if there could be a Sony
advanced/prosumer compact camera one day? Just think about the success
such a camera could be with new EVF now. Something like a G12, 7100, X10
but Sony and with EVF. I am already dreaming…
Cyrus
2 years ago |A57…
Yeahhh !!!
Almazar80
2 years ago |So, would a 16MP camera, in the A65 body but mith micro focus adjust interest anyone?
Jim Baxter
2 years ago |Ok Sony, listen up.
Do the A77 with the A580 16mp sensor, remove the video, bring back the compact flash and call it the A75. Leave all else as is and sell it for $1650.00 U.S.
I have money in hand waiting for this.
acolyte
2 years ago |xD But Sony doesn’t listen to SAR comments in detail~ Wrong place~
DchB
2 years ago |And so do I! Hopefully they will keep the PC connector socket as well. My wildest dream would be a FF a77 with a 16 MP sensor and OVF. My guess is that I am dreaming in technicolor. LOL! I will wait for the next offerings though, and see what happens.
Ren
2 years ago |Well, I don’t know what Sony’s plans are for the future, but as a PHOTOGRAPHER, not a VIDEOGRAPHER, I would like to see them put out the best photographic tool possible in the a77 price range. In my mind, that camera would have either the a580 sensor, or possibly even the a77 sensor, BUT make the thing either a traditional DSLR, or make the damned thing mirrorless and implement the NEX7 EVF and focusing system.
Getting rid of the mirror would maximize the potential of the sensor without the 30% light loss…and you can still shoot video, but with a slightly slower AF. Other than independent film makers who want AF (very few, by the way as most prefer manual focus), no one would miss the damned mirror!
I need the larger body of the a77, but I prefer the photo quality of the mirrorless and traditional DSLR systems.
Am I the only one???
acolyte
2 years ago |Kind of an interesting viewpoint.. So you’d rather have NEX 7 housed in an a77 casing..
But Sony will do SLT/mirrorless and move away from SLR though. So SLR is out of the question, and a large mirrorless is missing the design idea.
I think the existence of the mirror is made too much to a big deal.
The question is, outside of the light loss, is a77 right for you? I think you want Sony to go back to their previous business model, which was good for you, but wasn’t enough to compete with Canikon.
Not saying that you should change brands, but seems like that is off of Sony’s direction :s Remember, Sony and consumers are still trying out stuff. Who the heck would believe NEX is worth buying before it came out? And who’d believe NEX 5N would perform better than the SLTs before samples came out?
Better be patient – sometimes what we want is not what we need. Even though we’re certain that that’s what we’d like.
Ren
2 years ago |I have been a long time Minolta shooter, with an investment in glass, and more importantly a comfort with the system. I have a Canon 35mm, and I hate the ergonomics. I also have a Canon 5d and hate the ergonomics. I have shot Nikons and I hate the ergonomics.
I love my Sony and Minolta ergonomics, and I do NOT want to exit the system and have to buy all new gear.
But, when I look at a580 and NEX5 image samples compared the a77 samples, I realize that Sony has made the decision to prioritize video functionality over still photo quality.
Yes, I think a NEX5, or NEX7 in a DSLR body would be the ideal machine for me and my business. I have a studio where we shoot pinups, portraits, bands, and pretty much anything else. But, I also shoot weddings and sporting events, and I am still photographer for a couple for commercial clients. What this all means is, I need a camera that performs in the studio, performs in the low light of a wedding, and looks like a serious camera so that commercial clients don’t throw me off the set for showing up with a NEX7 that looks like the point n shoot the art director’s wife carries in her purse. Yes, the looks of the camera ARE important to my clients, even when I know that the image quality of a NEX camera is superior to that of an SLT.
This is my dilemma. I could switch to a Canon 5d mkii and get what I need, but if I hate the way it feels, then I am screwed.
Ollder
2 years ago |Seems to me that you should wait for the real pro, A9x
I’m not paid for any my pictures, so I will be happy with A77.
SLTPro
2 years ago |I’m in the same boat mate, love my vintage Minolta lenses, Sony bodies and killer Zeiss optics and would not trade any of it for any average Canikon bollocks…I have my A55 and A850 and I’m really waiting for this new A9x and I’m just praying that Sony don’t f**k this one up the way it seems they may have done with the A77….!
Almazar80
2 years ago |David Kilpatrick seems pretty happy with the A77, and I trust his opinions. He basically said that the A77 is an ISO better than the A900, which would mean it’s quite useable at ISO3200. He also says that with the 16-80mm Zeiss, he is getting very sharp images. As I plan on using that lens with the A77 (when I get one), I am heartened by the good feedback that actual users and reviewers are putting out (not bloggers and commenters who have never used the camera and just relying on images posted on the net). I’d look at one before saying the image quality is not good enough for you. Seems to me that plenty of professionals have so far found the camera to be an excellent tool.
Ren
2 years ago |I read that, too. I hope you’re right. I am buying one, and will give it a fair shake, but based on the test photos I am seeing, and comparing the a77 side by side with the a900 on imaging-resource.com, I personally don’t see a full stop advantage. As a matter of fact, while the a900 does show more color noise, both cameras suffer from a tremendous amount of lost detail.
Almazar80
2 years ago |With all the news about the Thai flooding, it seems only prudent that Sony has delayed deliveries of the new cameras for a few weeks. Still, I look forward to getting an A77 and hope that DK is right (although he has been more right than most other people out there).
SonyA77
2 years ago |Let’s hope the box isn’t damp.
danny
2 years ago |Sony shouldn’t have implemented the 24MP sensor, knowing the poor ISO performance. They should have stick to 20MP, it would have given better ISO performance and 20MP is still an improvement over the 16MP or 18MP of the Canon.
When over time the sensor was developed enough, then they should go to 24MP.
The way it is now is not bad, and because it’s 24MP, you don’t have to crop that hard, so you get an advantage in noise compared to 16MP or 18MP.
Ollder
2 years ago |So what?
Sony already did it and we cannot cancel it. Just to buy it or not, if it is not what we need. We are not intimidated to purchase A77, it’s voluntary. So why the endless plaint?
David
2 years ago |Again.. the ISO performance is pretty much as good as the last generation, and there’s over a stop more dynamic range and better colours. Plus of course 8 more megapixels resolution. That’s a win imo.
If you want the 16mp sensor, buy an a55
Ollder
2 years ago |+1
sony A750
2 years ago |don’t worry canon is going to release a Rebel T4I with a 20 Mp sensor early 2012
DchB
2 years ago |@Ren and SLTPro….I happen to share your agony. It has been very interesting to watch as SONY went about to “fix” something that wasn’t broken. It seems to me that if SONY were to surprise everyone and put out an a9XX that was a Full Frame 16MP version of the Maxxum 7D in an a77 body, the damned thing would FLY off the store shelves. It isn’t that we old guys aren’t open to, and appreciate technological advances at all. It is just that comfort with a product as personal as a camera that we put bread on the table with, is very important. Word does get around, and unless SONY makes a real workhorse of a camera, for the working pros, something that performs fantastically in the studio, they will be snickered at by the camera sales people in the various stores, and by the technical pros who eventually repair them. Personally, I have decided to wait a little longer to see what the next FF offerings are from SONY. The a55 is useless in the studio, as it does not recognize the specs of the studio lighting. It also does not have a vertical grip and extra batteries. So, I wait……still loving to shoot tethered with my Maxxum 7D. I dream of doing the same with a FF 16MP SONY Alpha DSLR, so that I can use all of my great Minolta AF glass again. Maybe I’ll be buying an a900 at a much cheaper price soon… I could definitely live with that. I never shoot above ASA 400 anyway….
Ren
2 years ago |David, if I could put the a55 sensor in an a77, or for that matter, an a700 body, I would have my needs met. What you’re not getting is that the a55 doesn’t meet my needs as a working photographer (small, cramped, no grip, incompatible with strobes, not enough buttons meaning too much time spent digging through menus).
My frustration with Sony’s choices is in the fact that they have shown that they can make a camera that performs well at high ISO (a580, NEX, a55), so why put out an a77 that doesn’t even perform as well as the lower end cameras at anything above ISO 1600? The extra resolution of the 24mp sensor loses it’s advantage above 1600 ISO as details like eyelashes become a smudged mess.
I embrace technological advancements to better my equipment, but the direction Sony is taking isn’t making my tool better for my job. They are positioning the a77 as the go-to camera for indie film makers, not photographers, unless the photographer shoots in studio only, where the a77 appears to perform quite well in the typical studio ISO range of 400 and below.
Unfortunately, I shoot in the studio, I shoot weddings, I shoot sports…basically, I need to upgrade my camera’s ISO performance, not just buy a new camera that does great video.
sony A750
2 years ago |+1 very well said!!! bravo !!!
sony A750
2 years ago |thats why i will get the new Canon T4I
Clifton
2 years ago |the A55 doesnt have a significant advantage over the A77 noise wise (according to DxO) and the real life differences between the higher rated 580 aren’t that significant, you talk as if the A77 is utterly useless because its maybe a stop worse at high ISO. I agree that it would have been ideal if the A77 trounced everything on the market, but, the translucent mirror and high resolution sensor have taken a negative effect on noise. If you want the best noise BUY NIKON, its as simple as that because this is Nikon’s design ethos, Sony is following a different path, be that dynamic range, video, or an all in one, jack of all trades ideal.
In any case, I very much doubt any other sub $999 camera is going to be capturing eyelash detail at ISO1600 or above, If you need that sort of detail, you would use flash, surely.
SonyA77
2 years ago |Ren, you are looking at APS-C when you should be using the A900.
passer-by
2 years ago |Assuming high MP causes bad ISO performance is not 100% correct. There are other factors to consider. By the way, 16mp sensor is better than the old 12mp,no? And some people say it already – DR and resolution have improved. Total score of this new sensor is better than the old one. I just don’t get it, people always have something to whine about.
Here are my suggestions to the problems associated with the new Sony camera:
1. Noise is worse than 16mp camera.
-downsize you picture to 16mp. Noise is mostly on par with 16mp camera. Ok, a bit noiser maybe, but it’s not that bad.
2. But I cannot resize RAW files..
-no viable solution yet, other than buying a couple of new hard disks.
3. I want ISO 25600
-Buy night vision scope + binocular to A-mount adapter. A77 is for normal photography.
4. File size are huge!
-Resize to your favorite 16mp resolution.
5. I don’t need video.
-Don’t press the damned movie button. You can ask Sony authorized service center to remove it if you are too paranoid of touching it. But I don’t recommend it because it will leave an ugly hole on your camera.
6. I don’t like the SLT mirror, 30% of light is wasted.
-Can’t help. You can remove it, but must focus manually or buy an NEX-7. Or an A580. or an NEX-5N(click click).
That’s all for now. See you later, whiners!
balduv
2 years ago |+1
Bruce Ramage
2 years ago |-1 I don’t believe you assign the same values to different specifications as other people. But it does take all kinds.
Ren
2 years ago |Clifton and “passer-by” –
Is it whining to expect ISO performance from the latest gen enthusiast cameras from Sony to be on par with the offerings from the competition? If so, then I am officially a whiner.
I am invested in Sony gear, and making a change is an expensive proposition. I have been waiting for this camera for a while, and to find out that it is more geared towards video than stills is certainly disappointing.
If you earn your living at a 9-5, or with your camera at ISO 1600 or less, then you probably can’t relate to the concerns of folks like me. That doesn’t mean that my concerns are invalid just because you don’t have the same concerns.
Oh, and eyelash detail at ISO’s above 1600 are a concern when shooting a bride’s face during a wedding ceremony. She doesn’t want her face looking like a smudgy, almost painted looking mess. And using flash is generally frowned upon, on top of the fact that the results look like $hit.
My hope is that if Paul Genge of Sony sees these rumor forums and pays enough attention to debunk yesterday’s a75 rumor, maybe, just maybe he will read my post as well as the posts of others with similar concerns and pass that info to the decision makers. We can’t call up the Sony execs and express our desires, so this type of forum is all we really have.
Working photographers like me buy the new bodies, and lots of expensive glass…I would hope our opinions would matter to Sony, even if they don’t matter to you.
I wonder if the folks at Sony agree that guys like me who shoot weddings and sports should just switch to Nikon? I hope not.
Almazar80
2 years ago |In my earlier post to you, I stated that ISO 3200 may be quite good with the A77. I’ve used my A850 at ISO 1600 and the results are quite good. Not 5DMkII good but quite good. If the A77 is an ISO better than the A900, I would say that ISO3200 would be quite good as well. DK also states that while the JPEG engine on the A77 is decent, ACR 6.5 really makes the high ISO images (with raw) very useable.
passer-by
2 years ago |I didn’t ask you to switch. Nikon is about to release a 36mp FF you know. Nikon has just joined the megapixels war. Forget Canon – they value large pixel count more than Sony.
Your demands for a better picture quality at higher ISO is also valid. The thing is – you cannot blame high pixel count for a bad ISO performance. There is no guarantee that the ISO will be better if the pixel count remain the same. The quality will probably remain the same. If that is the case, why don’t just buy a a580?
They increase pixel count because they can. They don’t increase ISO because they can’t. Those are two different things, and not directly related. If a decrease in pixel count can give better ISO, down-res 12mp sensor of a D3X 24mp sensor will has at least 204, 800 max ISO.
ISO advancement is much slower than the pixel count’s. If they can’t improve ISO, should they stop increasing MP? Hell no, many people want more MP for the same ISO performance.
Ren
2 years ago |I never mentioned having a problem with the pixel count. Although, pixel density DOES play a big role in SNR.
I mentioned the a580 sensor not because of the number of MP, but because the sensor just works, and works well.
I’m not whining about the a77. Just scratching my head wondering why Sony seems to have taken a step backwards on ISO performance with their most anticipated camera in years.
If the a580 had two thumbwheels and was built like the a700, it would absolutely already be in my bag. Sad thing is, I just might have to sacrifice having a larger, more durable semi-pro camera in my hands just so I can have the superior image quality of the a580.
passer-by
2 years ago |To be honest, I was also expecting better ISO performance. But the more I look at samples on the net, the more I felt that the ISO performance is not very bad. Maybe our expectation is just too high. Given its high resolution, downsizing can help reduce noise.
High resolution for landscapers, downsized high ISO for wedding photog. Everyone is happy in the end.
Job
2 years ago |Why not make a Hybrid AF? A translucent mirror phase detection for high speed shooting and it can be flipped-up via menu option to aid low-light shooting while having the traditional contrast-detection…?
Or… integrate the AF sensor to the Main Sensor.
SRL
2 years ago |+1
I shoot using an a850 that has three plus year old technology.
I would have thought that the state of art in camera sensors would have made bigger improvements over even this short of time.
the a77 looks to be a great camera, but maybe not as great as many fanboys like me had hoped.
I still have plans to by the FF replacement and still have hopes for the camera many hear dream Sony can make.
passer-by
2 years ago |This will increase cost, one of the main advantages of SLT.
Ren
2 years ago |You know, I keep hearing that you can decrease MP to improve noise, but I have never tried it for myself. If that indeed works, then problem solved for me. 12mp is more than enough for wedding ceremonies and sporting events. And then bump it back up to 24mp for things like the formals where I am using lights, and for studio work.
If you’re right, then the a77 becomes the camera I was hoping for. We’ll see.
Job
2 years ago |a580 might be your answer while still waiting for the low-light SLT
mike_2008
2 years ago |I like the job you do with sar andrea, but this was not good at all. You have to be very careful with rumours such as these, because people will get scared off from the a77 if they think something potentially even better might be just around the corner. Its worse than the worst FUD.
kn
2 years ago |Hi andrea, since when, sony as SONY… taking you seriously?
come on sony, at lease pls do your on fan/blogger/rumors page. To save everyone, put a VERY clear roadmap. People start to feel very meticulous just to protect their long term inve$ment and love for sony product as apple love they IOS.
KN
asu
2 years ago |i think you just afraid, because the a75 rumors is true,
and sony is very angry because manny of a77 buyer is think about waiting to buy a75 . ..
lol
Clemens
2 years ago |http://www.sony-asia.com/support/download/474591
1.03 Firmware as download
SonyA77
2 years ago |Only a couple of weeks late, well done Sony…
takomaki
2 years ago |Everyone including Paul stop giving Andrea a hard time, this is one of the best rumor site I have known and Andrea have shown a lot of effort trying to get all of us the extra information that we crave for.
So appreciate what he is doing for all of us, even through it might not be accurate if it a SR5 – remember – it is a RUMOR site not SONY’s official product site
SonyA77
2 years ago |There are “rumours” and there are “damaging rumours”…you need to be careful with one of them, I’ll leave you to figure out which.
Anton IRIMIA
2 years ago |I have checked minutes ago the photoroumors website. It seems that next high end camera from Sony WILL be a “9x” model. I am totally confused…please comment anyone…
blabla
2 years ago |“There are rumours and there are damaging rumours…you need to be careful with one of them, I’ll leave you to figure out which. ”
Maybe Andrea should now better leaf the European continent and stop using Internet before the Sony-mafia will find and kill him
Matt
2 years ago |I would take Paul with a grain of salt. If he is wrong then can we sue him for damages after we’ve all gone out to buy the A77?
Don’t forget it is in the marketer’s hand book to make you feel like you want to buy the product right now, then when the new product comes out make you buy it again!
Although he might be the manager of UK doesn’t mean he has access to all information at Japan HQ. He is like the CEO of HSBC Australia when HSBC has HQ in London.
Balkolino
2 years ago |I wish this 3. A7x will instead be an A750 with OVF of an A850 and a 20MP as inside the new Nikon, for ~600€ as an upgrade for A550 / A580.
I think that a lot of people (like me) don’t really want to be forced to buy SLT or overpriced NEX in the future, unless they will probably change to NiCan
Balkolino
2 years ago |sorry, I meant the new Samsung NX200 with has 20MP instead of the new Nikon