a65
Latest
Sony A77 and A65 firmware update v1.05 peps up your laggy dials, improves autofocus
It's no secret that Sony's A77 and A65 SLT cameras have suffered from noticeable lag when it comes to adjusting exposure settings, among other things. For those irked, you'll be pleased to know that the company has just updated both cameras to firmware version 1.05, claiming it'll "sharpen their responses." Specifically, you'll be noticing faster cold startups shutdowns, quicker response times from the front and rear dials and faster access to images in auto review. That's not all, however, as Sony has also added in-camera shading and chromatic aberration compensation for 11 of its A-mount lenses, which can translate to less time cooking your images in post. Last, but not least, the A77 gets an extra bonus for its autofocus system that improves its abilities in high-contrast environments, while the SAL500F40G 500mm F4 G SSM super-telephoto lens will now focus faster with both shooters. Shutter finger already twitching? Don't delay, you'll find full details in the press release after the break and download information at the source link below. Be sure to let us know how it treats you in the comments.
Sony Alpha A77 hands-on preview (video)
When it comes to cameras, digital SLRs are a breed all their own. Many DSLR owners don't upgrade their bodies often -- if at all -- and even fewer would consider a switch to a competing camera system, especially after investing in a handful of high-end lenses. Manufacturers need to push innovation even further to target this segment of the market -- when some cameras cost thousands of dollars and already offer excellent performance, simply releasing a body with more megapixels and HD shooting options won't prompt photographers to pull out their credit cards. With its massive 24.3 megapixel sensor and high-res OLED electronic viewfinder, however, Sony's $1,399 Alpha A77 may just be the DSLR upgrade you've been waiting for. We spent a few days with a pre-production A77 paired with Sony's brand new 16-50mm f/2.8 lens ($1,999 in an A77 kit), and were very impressed with what will undoubtedly be a worthy successor to the well-received A700. Jump past the break for our initial impressions, along with plenty of still photo and HD video samples.%Gallery-131349%
Sony announces entry-level A65, adds yet another DSLR to the Alpha family
Sony is on a roll with some fairly incredible product unveilings this morning. The Alpha A65 is almost an afterthought when compared to today's NEX-7 and A77 announcements, but this $900 (body only) DSLR targets the vastly popular entry-level category, while still including a new OLED electronic viewfinder, 24.3 megapixel CMOS APS-C sensor, and 1080 / 60p AVCHD video capture. Many of the A77's other features made the cut as well, including Sony's Translucent Mirror Technology, an ISO range of 100-16,000, object tracking autofocus, and a high-speed shooting mode (though the pricier model can shoot 12 fps, compared to 10 fps on the A65). You will be missing out on the A77's nifty three-way tilt and swivel LCD, though the A65's display does support tilt. Also missing is a 19-point AF sensor (the A65's has 15 points), a secondary text LCD, and support for an optional vertical grip. Jump past the break for a brief video walkthrough from Sony, along with a sneak peek at the A77.%Gallery-131370%
Sony's A77 continues to tease, brings A65 and NEX-7 along for the ride
Still waiting for August? Don't fret, the Sony rumor mills are still a churnin'. We begin with another official-looking leak of the oft-teased A77 -- this time accompanied by its bodacious portrait-assisting hand-grip. Joining the fray is a plethora of leaked pricing: 1,050€ (or about $1,500) for the body of the aforementioned shooter and 900€ (around $1,300) for its little brother the A65. Fancy something smaller? Okay, well hop after the break for a picture of the firm's upcoming NEX-7, and don't forget to peep the source links for the full monty.
Sony's A77 and A65 spied in leaked image, announcement to follow?
First shown nearly a year ago, what appears to be a leaked official photo might finally mean the forever teased A77 is finally on the horizon. If you'll recall, the high-end Alpha was sporting a svelte see-through body, and the only tidbits the Japanese firm would confirm were the 2011 ship date and that all forthcoming Alpha's would have translucent mirrors -- you know, the spiffy kind that enables DSLRs to focus while shooting video. Opportunely, the above pictured image also came with a bevy of specs, which we'll have to assume apply to the pricier A77: a 24 megapixel sensor, 11 point AF, 10 frame per second burst and an ISO of 102,400. Also on the docket is USB 3.0, and a ship date of October. Whether or not the August announcement pans out remains to be seen, but you'll certainly know when we do.
