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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.
Unreleased Sony Alpha A77 already nominated for Good Design Award, reveals several new features
Sony may have yet to officially announce its upcoming Alpha A77 camera, but thanks to a nomination page ahead of this month's Good Design Expo, we can finally get a glimpse of what this imager will pack internally. Indeed, the A77 will come with a 24 megapixel Exmor CMOS sensor, along with a translucent mirror that enables full-time continuous autofocus. Additionally, with the help of its new BIONZ engine, we have a "world's fastest" burst rate of 12 frames per second, which goes nicely alongside the camera's 60p and 24p video recording modes (presumably in AVCHD). What also caught our eyes was this "world's first" XGA OLED electronic viewfinder, while the A55 and A35 come with just LCD versions. Well, only time will tell whether this camera lives up to expectations -- by the sound of it, we'll probably be able to play with one within a few weeks from now. [Thanks, pontsuku.] Update: And just like that, the nomination page has promptly been taken down. Good thing we saved a copy, though -- check it out after the break, if you want to practise your Japanese.
Sony announces A700 replacement, the A77, will ship this year
We've been hearing rumors about a mystical, magical A700 replacement since last year, and now Sony's gone ahead and made things more official. The teaser image shows a transparent case, but the bigger news here is the transparent mirror, the same as found last year on the A55 and A33. This allows for advanced, real-time autofocus while capturing stills or HD video. Behind that mirror will be an Exmor CMOS sensor and, while Sony isn't saying how many pixels it'll be packing, expectations are that it will fall in the 20 megapixel range. Sony has also announced a new battery grip and a new flash for the camera though details are slim on those as well. All are slated to ship "later this year," giving you plenty of time to make room in your camera bag -- and maybe your budget.
