We need your suggestions for the next Sony fullframe cameras!
Dear readers!
Yasuyuki Nagata (Sony Imaging Division Deputy Senior General Manager) said that Sony is “seriously considering a professional-level SLT camera“, however, “the company will listen to what its customers demand” before it can reveal its next step (Source Techradar). And now it’s time to collect your ideas about the next fullframe camera features. Please comment this post to suggest your features/idea list. After a couple of days I will write a poll adding all your options.
I will show you an example by disclosing my idea/features list for the next FF cameras:
- FF NEX (I want that!)
- removable sensor (to have the freedom to use different sensors like it works for medium format digital backs).
- Capability to move up the semitransparent mirror to avoid the small light loss.
- APP store for Sony cameras. let users create applications for Sony cameras (See the amazing list of iPhone-iPad applications!)
- B&W sensor with extremely high dynamic range.
- Hybrid viewfinder system a la Contax G2 (Click here to see tha camera). The Contax viewfinder zooms as you change lenses! By the way, Contax is from Zeiss 
Your idea matters! Let’s start!!!
P.S.: Please do not suggest lenses for now. I will write a new post soon to ask you for you fullframe lens suggestions.
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Comment from pefron: Sony a900 has everything I need except f...
Comment from I AM MUSE: Once again, make the reflex mirror a tra...
Comment from apamau: Well, as someone never use a full frame ...
Comment from Marcel: - Optical viewfinder with 100 % view lik...
Ami
9 months ago |Compatibility with Minolta A-mount, Pentax K-mount and Nikon F-mount.
Including Autofocus functionality.
Via some kind of well thought system of adapters.
(When combined with idea of interchangable senzors,
we come to system simmilar to the Ricoh’s GXR. It is not key idea of this post but possible extension. The key idea really is support for cross-platform compatibility of the three mentioned platforms.)
Josh Voyles
9 months ago |Honestly?
Great high ISO performance
Fast/accurate focusing
decent fps
weather sealing
all at a competitive price.
amik
9 months ago |The ability to take beautiful images across all ranges of available light. Ie, image quality & ISO. Nothing else really matters.
If Sony concentrates too much on bells & whistles, gadgets, ridiculous MP counts etc etc it will lose its focus on the basics. If Sony gets the important things wrong it will not win back pro & semi-pros. So please Sony make sure the core capabilities are hit out of the park!
If they get these right then customers will forgive lots of other sins, but if they get that wrong it will be a long hard road back.
a900 old school photographer
9 months ago |WOW!
What a great positive views here and am sure the new Sony Full Frame cameras is going to be the winner for all kinds of professional photographers, leaving other camera’s makers quaking in their boots!
I’m old school photographer and OVF is what I’ve been brought up with, even today with my present a900 (what a camera!) I would very much like to ask Sony if they will be faithful to continue OVF Full Frame Cameras as long as possible – (p.s. I’m not that old by long!)but I don’t see no harm bringing out the EVF as well ?
I’m very happy with the camera size, maybe a little lighter if you can, and I think Sony don’t need to make it smaller, because as we know people living in the west side of the world have larger hands, that is the fact!
I’ve borrowed a NEX and I’m being honest here, I didn’t like it, because it was too small and I had hands cramp! I’m not the only one who has hands cramp too! (ooops Sony!)
More MP 48 ? Why I often do cropping, so it will ideal.
Lower than 25 ISO ? This would bring out the noiseless picture in the world!
Live View would be useful like the a77, but can Sony make it viewable during in the bright light ?
I’m with most of the guys on here with all the needing extras and of course no video mode please, that is the real reason why I and the others too brought the a900 in the first place!
Just a thought here, if Sony make two or three Full Frame cameras, ensure the (1st) OVF and (2nd) EVF, both have the same performances, only one of the (3rd) EVF Full Frame Camera have the Movie Mode to keep the others happy ? This is not too much to ask isn’t it ?
Sony, keep up the good work and one day Sony is going to be the number ONE camera maker for the professionals! Including the Semi-pro too!
I bit you a good luck!
Phil.
P.S. Can Sony make their own rechargeable batteries for the flash ?
passer-by
9 months ago |What is wrong with the video mode? It doesn’t affect the camera’s ability to take picture. It’s mostly software related.
Vlad3D
9 months ago |Dear Sony, let’s remove the mirror from SLT and here is the plan:
Extend the sensor-shift stabilization system to make possible to move the sensor also front and back. This will allow fast contrast AF with any lens. Instead of try-re-focusing of lens, camera will try-re-position the sensor. I know – it sounds crazy but may work
Giuseppe
9 months ago |Hi agree with you:
Professional must have the OPTICAL VIEW FINDER!
Please Sony, you could surely make the best FF sensor, but please think about old school photographers: OVF –> YESon professional camera!! . And if possible Fill in Flash. Do you remember the Minolta Maxxum/Dynax/alpha 9 Film Camera?
I love My A900!!!
Ciao from Italy
Purex
9 months ago |Before Sony launched the A900 they asked photographers around the world if they wanted to be involved in shaping the new camera. I like many others sent in suggestions for improvements, none of these proposals was accepted! So I doubt that Sony really listens to us users!
But if, as I have also this time some suggestions that I hope they “embrace”.
Out of all: NO VIDEO, I think many of us who use the camera in our proffession want a real still image camera and no hybrid with a lot of extra electronics and such for a video that is never used! Make every effort to make a market leading professional still image cameras.
Since the most important of all: Speed and so noise-free camera as possible! Will Canon and Nikon to remove noise, so it would be quite amazing if Sony cant manage this???
One very important thing is to NOT use the slider controls for the on / off switch or other switches, they collect dirt and become unusable after some time. This was one of the comments that were presented before the Sony A900 would be built but ignored by Sony! Such a simple thing has cost me a huge amount of problems.
It should also have built-in transmitter that can send images wirelessly to a server from anywhere in the world!
Then you have to weather-proof your lenses! Now you have the world’s finest optics in the Zeiss and so they’re not weather sealed???? How stupid can you be???
And where are the telephoto lenses??? Now you have promised a 500mm for almost 5 years ?????? And where are the 400 and 800 lenses? Do you not see what Nikon and Canon have their optic programs??
You’re kidding with us, photographers, or do you think we are stupid? Minolta had a series of very good telephoto lens, why did you not continue to build on these because you obviously can not develop your own telephoto lenses. It should not take 5-6 years to develop lenses that are already there!
I chose Sony because Zeiss optics, but since there is no reaction from your (Sony) side, I’ve grown tired now. It may well be a return to Nikon! But I do not think you care about, then the “respect” you have shown your customers are not worth anything.
Sorry to say this but this is reality.
P D
9 months ago |Giuseppe,
The Dynax/Maxxum 9 did have built in flash. You are so Right! I guess we are the only ones that recall how great a built-in Minolta/Sony flash is. It is a master light controller that lets the remotes do 99% of the work! Genius if you ask me. It was a signature feature of the Maxxum lineup in the 90s. When you want to travel light, and simple, this feature makes a huge difference. I use my wimpy built in flash to control my one HVL-F36AM all the time. Nikon remembered to keep it in the D700.
It may sound petty, given the low light capabilities of it, but Built in flash is literally the biggest reason I didn’t pull the trigger on the a850 in the spring of 2011. I think it is quite a distinguishing feature, compared to CaNikons with full frame. I seriously considered the jump to Nikon for the D700, for just that reason, but I thought I would wait and see what full-frame Sony comes up with, and compare it to the next Nikon offering, since the D700 is getting a bit old.
Sure I could buy a Pocketwizard setup and the Sony FA-HS1AM Hot Shoe Adapter, but that is a lot of cash, and bulky, when the built in solution is surprisingly easy to work with and pretty effective.
I have a bag of Full-frame compatible Sony glass. I’m still open to selling it all and jumping to Nikon for their D800 or whatever it is, if it has a control capable flash built in, but I really don’t want to, if I don’t have to. This new viewfinder sounds like where I want to go next.
Joseph
9 months ago |Give us a similar strategy like the NEX-5n and NEX-7.
Giuseppe
9 months ago |PD,
hope is the last to die…
Sony Please FF with OVF and built in Flash. Photography remain an art: it is the art of writhing with light. It is so easy.
In my opinion Max 24 Megapix but very usable at hight Iso (2.500 ISO is really enough)!
Ciao Ciao,
Please Sony think about photography meaning when you realize the new professional FF camera: in that case don’t think about PS!!!
Alfonso Cuitiño
9 months ago |HI
hphoton
9 months ago |I find color correction in post processing time consuming.
Why not add a feature which creates a custom color/whitebalance adjustment profile in camera, from a photo of a standard color chart taken prior to a shoot?
This profile could then be stored and used to correct JPG/RAWs in camera.
Maybe DNG RAW output?
Paul
9 months ago |Important, with much improved high ISO performance compared to A900. A 24MP option should be offered with very low noise unlike the recent A77 ISO test images.
Rockas Kane
9 months ago |Hummm… I would say that my suggestion is quite simple.
Grab the Minolta Maxxum 9ti (or Dynax 9) and transform it in a modern camera
riot7
9 months ago |This is what we’ve done with A55… as our HD video camera – http://www.vimeo.com/fotofreaks
We have a couple of A55 and both has served us well. Fully manual for HDvideo on fullframe is very much needed to have the maximum effect. Manual control on audio is a must too.
JP Worthington
9 months ago |I would love to see Sony’s next semi-pro/pro camera to have advanced time lapse settings.
The ability to ‘digital zoom’ when recording without loosing quality.
But the biggest thing would be for a ‘slight’ shutter! I travel and hate the loud shutter noise.
Launcher
9 months ago |Please make a fullframe NEX.
r_jak
9 months ago |My dreams for a perfect FF camera are:
1. Ability to upgrade sensor, buffer memory, processors, display and viewfinder (then you can use a very good body for many years without obsolescence problems and low investment for stay up to date).
2. Two (or more) shoot modes: a) normal (translucent mirror in their position); b) reflex: translucent mirror moves as a non translucent mirror; c) tripod: mirror lock up; d) ???
3. Software adapts steady shot for different lenses.
4. Steady image in the EVF (by software).
5. Optional interchangeable OVF/EVF.
6. All the current a900 specifications.
7. US$ 3500 with good 2.8 standard zoom and no more than US$ 2500/3000 body only (bearing in mind my #1 dream of course).
ieR
9 months ago |able to shoot raw in not only L, but M and S size
Dustin
9 months ago |I shoot Nikon, but I’m here because I’m seriously looking at committing to the Sony system with Zeiss glass. Here’s what it would take for me to switch.
FF sensor (obviously) w/ appx. 20MP+ sensor. I print large, but image quality is more important than megapixel count.
Low noise at high iso. The D700 can shoot at 3200 iso and the images are excellent. If Sony can match or better that could be enough of an incentive for some. (concert photography scenario)
FAST – ACCURATE autofocus. Again D700 51 point auto focus, sony just needs to be close. The important thing is that it has to lock on and be fast.
Increased FPS – 8 would be good.
Make it tough. Gear gets tossed around and the last thing we need on a shoot is a fragile body.
I know some people have said NO Video, but that’s not really an option anymore. Having the ability to shoot high qaulity video opens the door for a lot of freelance work. 85mm 1.4 zeiss with silent accurate autofocus in a FF format would have the 5dmkII crowd converting in droves. Sometimes fully manually is perfect, but sometimes run and gun with autofocus makes life easy. Let it shoot 60fps at 1080 and its game on! Sony has some great video technology (EX-3) and just a touch of that in a FF DSLR would go a really long way.
I’ve never shot with an alpha so I can’t comment on the menu, but it’s really important to be able to switch settings fast without delving into the menu screens. Make ISO/WB/Fstop/metering all fast and easy to change. I hate the cannon scroll wheel, I much prefer the menu system on the nikon.
I’ve read that the Sony has a great LCD screen. i need a camera that I can zoom in at 100% and see all the details if the shadows are noisy I need to know then so I can make adjustments. Not when I get back to the computer and I have to “fix” it.
Kick ass dynamic range. A variable dynamic range would be awesome. Not full HDR, but enough to when I get to a challenging scene I at least have a little assistance in camera and I don’t have to bracket everything.
I’ve always wanted an option to cover the sensor when changing lenses. I have switching lenses down to a time trial at this point. Sometimes i feel like my own nascar pit crew, but that’s only because I’m worried about exposing the sensor to elements when switching. What if there was a manual flick switch that lowered a plate that I could click down while I take my lens off and put the back on and then take the back off the other lens and mount it. i know I can use a body cap, but that’s an extra step, I’m looking for speed.
Make it affordable so I can buy two.
The more I think about it the A900 is a pretty complete camera.
asfarley
9 months ago |-full frame NEX
-metal body
-optical viewfinder
-provision to turn off LCD
Denis
9 months ago |Dear Santa, I would like a FF NEX9, no much bigger but much better than the NEX7, with:
- electronic curtain and dustproof (scealed) sensor,
- 14 bit RAW,
- why not interchangeable sensors? (sport, night, art, video…)
- huge + fast buffer,
- GPS, WiFi and USB3,
- tehering (wired and wireless),
- either a bigger battery, or an inbody rechargable one (UBS3, …)
- weather proof body and lenses,
- high contrast 3 axes articuled screen,
- and decent lenses (35mm f/0,95, standard zoom f/1.2,…), even if it needs sensor stabilisation!
I know it would be kind of expensive, but.. professional.
Ahmet
9 months ago |We want a traditional OVF dSLR with new sensor (ISO performance is good) and old body (new sensor with in a900′s excellent body!!!)
Please!!!
Peter
9 months ago |* Automatic mode like on the a700, but enhanced with the addition of program shift.
* Open firmware. Users can hack on it. Keep the image processing and IS proprietary, but let us replace it with our own, and open up the whole UI.
* Allow both EVF and OVF. When the mirror flips up, instead of looking at the lens, we should be seeing a little LCD with live preview and high quality review.
* Allow the EVF to really gain up in really low light. E.g. if I’m in a dark room, it should be maximum ISO, 1 second exposure, 1fps update. The EVF _should_ be usable anytime the camera can shoot, but it isn’t.
Kent
9 months ago |It would be wonderful to have a FF camera with Infrared capabilities without a special conversion. More awesome would be able to have HDR or panorama with infrared. What if the infrared could be integrated in some percentage into a combo of normal light range and infrared. What if the sky could be composited to a normal range picture or some percentage of it. BTW… a time-lapse mode would be nice too.
LGM
9 months ago |I’d like to see Astro tracer module(similar to Pentax’s O-GPS module) which take advantage of the anti-shake function of the sensor.
ari
9 months ago |NO AA FILTER! Increased Image Quality (Post processing can remove if needed)
PIXEL SHIFT! (Optional setting, All colours can be captured for each pixel as sensor is moved to capture full colour with each shot, like Hasselblad medium format)
ABILITY TO TURN OFF NOISE REDUCTION!!!! (Not just reduce. Image Quality sometimes suffers because of this)
These three things would increas IQ significantly.
Ability to Lock Up Translusant Mirror for mirror free capture (Increased light)
DAVID DUNCAN
9 months ago |STAND BEHIND YOUR CAMERAS – BETTER SUPPORT! – I bought a new HXR-NX5u camera, 1 month old used twice and It is loses it’s presets and resets itself to factory. A real pain with the assignable buttons. Twice it would not turn on at all? Now Sony service has it and is waiting for it to replicate the problem there. Now they have had it 10 days and may send it back to me not repaired as I need it for a shoot the week after next. This is a new camera and it’s defective, why are they not standing behind their products? Twice it would not turn on at all? I have been purchasing and using Sony Cameras all my career since the U-matic days. from dxc 325′s to 537′s betacam-sp to d-30s to 570′ dvcams. As a professional I must count on my equipment, if it does not work . .I lose a client., that is why I have been with Sony so long. All I’m asking for in the camera is that is works as it is designed to or replace it with one I can count on to be reliable.
JohnKoelsch
9 months ago |Maybe everyone has forgotten “bit depth”. An APS c sized imager with a bit depth of 12 to 14 is by far of greater importance than “full frame” 35mm size. A 14 bit imager on an NEX-7 would drive Leica to update their very flawed and horribly expensive M9P (freezing up and disabling memory cards, failure to correctly read full battery, deficient JPEG’s). Think about it…
Alok Kumar Karn
9 months ago |Hi All…Sony Camera is good but the service they are providing is not good as per mine experience..As whenever we submit the camera for service they charge a lot & also after warranty expire camera shows problem…So its better to look for other brand rather then SONY…….
vlad theodor
9 months ago |Lcd flip to left side or normal video output for cheaper “china made” mini tv (no hdmi)
A silent shooter sound
Manual controls for video
Zebra/peaking update to a33
A cooler (or two) for Exmor
Sliding mirror for manual mode
Auto-manual apperture for lenses
More cheaper grip’s for a33 in Romania
Every 3 months 1 free cleaning – sensor and lenses in autorised service centers ( for older not weathersealed alpha products )
Mp3 player (with rds)
vlad theodor
9 months ago |For Beyoncee-processor, sorry !
Little Muttley
9 months ago |Sony please create a machine that makes me a wonderful photographer.
What? It’s not the machine? Oh, my…
Neph
9 months ago |I wish it to be a Full Frame !
with :
Optical or at least even better than A77
100% viewfinder ><
More ZEISS !
More quality lenses !
M-mounts ?
Better ISO
Weather sealing !
More FPS
GPS
USB 3.0
More features (infra red, panoramic, gps,…)
and over all more pro !
Thank you Santa
Julian
9 months ago |FF NEX!!!
khuzul
9 months ago |1. A FF NEX and a FF SLT
2. Compact Zeiss primes for the FF NEX (50/2, 35/2 and so on!)
3. Good high ISO performance (Canon 5D MK II or better)
4. Great dynamic range (Better than every other camera out there).
Physica
9 months ago |Well , is it too late for suggestion now?
What i concern for the new FF camera…. is…..
1). VERY HIGH LEVEL OF WEATHER SEAL LEVEL…
- for a photographer , a camera which could be rely on it and take camera in different situration and weather condition will bring an advantage compare with other system , Olympus do a very good job with weather sealing , you always see some fotog taking some picture in heavy rain , snowy space which a think snow cover the camera , just look at the same level of camera of C & N , non of them have the same weatherproof class even of 1Ds and D3S/X , if Sony could introduce a camera with a weather seal level on par or better then E-5 , plus 1 or 2 high level weather seal lense , people with place a equal mark between FF Camera (of Sony) and Great Weather seal. it will attract some of the fotog to buy it.
2). HIGH DYNAMIC RANGE
I don’t know if new 5D3 or Nikon’s D800 / D4 will have a higher Dynamic Range , but it will be a selling point which could attract plenty of the people to buy it , higher Dynamic range is definitely a advantage especially at high contrast situation.
3). HIGH ISO LOW NOISE PERFORMANCE
Some of the people will buy the 5D2 , or the Flagship class 1Ds and D3 , sometime is buying it’s low noise performance at high ISO. while you need to take some picture for a target in motion at very low light , you need a high ISO speed to keep the Shutter fast enough to take acceptable picture , i’m a EOS 7D Owner , i was very upset while taking a dragon dance event at night outdoor space with a little light only , my fellow using a 5D2 using a much higher iso speed could take a very acceptable picture, while my EOS 7D could not … even in same lens same aperture and same ISO….. High ISO Low Noise Performance is quite important in lot of situation.
4) Overheat Problem
A55 facing a problem of Overheat while taking movie. Overheating is quite a problem for EVF camera as they using their CMOS to observe the view. although it won’t stop you to take still picture , a heated CMOS will effect the PQ for the Hot Pixel …… some astrophotographer will customize their camera with cooler system to allow long time exposure picture. So What about Sony to do something the same? for my view, is there possible to made a inter-cooler which control the temperature to a adequate level? This option will be very useful especially for the country always in a certain high temperature……
Actually for my opinion , the Line could be as below….Three Option:
New Flagship model……A1R (OVF) , A1T (EVF)
-Build-in vertical Grip (not only made it smaller, but also allow more internal space for the hardware)
-duel (or even tri)Bionz processor with large buffer space for burst shot (for SLT it is very important…. High FPS is no use if no buffer space)
-Duel CF card slot or CF card plus
-High Level Weather Seal at least on par with E-5
-19 AF Point AT LEAST
-ISO 100 – 102400 , no need too high , need for performance.
-Internal CMOS Cooling Function (For EVF version), or even a in body Micro-climate for A1 Series. if Flagship series is a build-in version , i think it must have some space for sony to consider it.
Budget Camera….. A99
- EVF (If Sony could introduce a OVF version of A990 , then it could made a comparison , then A1R above is no more necessery, but i think OVF is much more preferable for the pros )
- Single Bionz processor with acceptable buffer space
- 5 FPS is acceptable,
- ISO 50 – 25600
- CF Slots , or CF + MS duo/SD?
- Internal CMOS Cooling Function
For Both class camera , no need to join the high-pixel competition but please concentrate in the PQ side . Then it will be very promising for the C/N user to made a change.
Marcel
9 months ago |- Optical viewfinder with 100 % view like alpha 900 !!!
- built in GPS
- optical preview button (aperture shutter)
- Program shift
- focus correction, individual for each lens
- built in flash
- quick and precise autofocus system that can compete with higher Canon models
- max. shutter speed 1/12000
- user friendly with buttons for each essential adjustment
- A-bajonet and compatible with older equipment like flashes
- weather sealing, magnesium case
- good high-iso quality
- removable sensor would be great
apamau
9 months ago |Well, as someone never use a full frame and will never thing of using any full frame… but if it can be in something like nex 7 or slight thicker or bigger body, that’s fine and I will try to own one.
Actually size does matter, everyone is moving fr PC to ipad and Tab, if technology permissible, why not.
I think sony are also surprise to see more pre-order in next 7 than A77, they should now know what to do, breaking the technology barrier is not our job, is sony’s job.
I AM MUSE
9 months ago |Once again, make the reflex mirror a translucent mirror so you can get the best of both worlds. Also include a lock button when you want it to stay fixed for video and image burst.
pefron
3 days ago |Sony a900 has everything I need except for good quality pictures, I am talking about low noise at high ISO (in a900 is already badly over ISO 600) and maybe a better LCD, faster AF and WiFi.