SLT-A77/A65 Firmware 1.04 Upgrade
November 29, 2011 - 01:09:49 PM:
Sony has just released firmware 1.04 for the Sony SLT-A77/A65 (for example, click here and here to download). As usual, this is a common upgrade that can be installed on all regional models. Of course, you will still get only the languages and features of that regional model.
The official improvements (compared to version 1.03) are:
- Added more lenses supported by the lens correction feature. The newly supported lenses are:
This means the A77 now automatically corrects vignetting, chromatic aberrations and distortion of 6 lenses.
- Improved usability and response times
- Improved image quality
I will update my A77 review as soon as I'm back home next weekend.
Update
After installing version 1.04, I found there is no need to update the review. The reason is that none of the problems described there are fixed!
I can confirm that Lens Compensation works with the 16-80/3.5-4.5. Other than that and the version number, I do not find any difference! The control wheels react as sluggishly as before, turning off the camera still takes about 5 seconds, viewfinder switchover has not improved, and none of the problems and bugs described in my review were fixed. I read about the problem that in single shot mode the camera sometimes recorded two images with a single press of the release button. But I never experienced this before, so obviously version 1.04 does not fix this for me. I can not confirm that the shutdown hang was fixed, because I experienced it only once, anyway.
Categories: Cameras (Sony), Product Updates | Readers' comments | Archive of all entries
Sony has just released firmware 1.04 for the Sony SLT-A77/A65 (for example, click here and here to download). As usual, this is a common upgrade that can be installed on all regional models. Of course, you will still get only the languages and features of that regional model.
The official improvements (compared to version 1.03) are:
Added more lenses supported by the lens correction feature. The newly supported lenses are:
Vario-Sonnar T* DT 16-80/3.5-4.5 ZA
DT 16-105/3.5-5.6
This means the A77 now automatically corrects vignetting, chromatic aberrations and distortion of 6 lenses.
Improved usability and response times
Improved image quality
I will update my A77 review as soon as I'm back home next weekend.
Update
After installing version 1.04, I found there is no need to update the review. The reason is that none of the problems described there are fixed!
I can confirm that Lens Compensation works with the 16-80/3.5-4.5. Other than that and the version number, I do not find any difference! The control wheels react as sluggishly as before, turning off the camera still takes about 5 seconds, viewfinder switchover has not improved, and none of the problems and bugs described in my review were fixed. I read about the problem that in single shot mode the camera sometimes recorded two images with a single press of the release button. But I never experienced this before, so obviously version 1.04 does not fix this for me. I can not confirm that the shutdown hang was fixed, because I experienced it only once, anyway.
November 14, 2011 - 07:29:23 AM:
When you buy your first SLR, you soon notice that it's not a good idea to let it bang at other objects when you carry it around. So you buy a bag for it, e. g. one of the abundant top-loading bags. Then, if you've been bitten by the SLR bug, you probably add one or two lenses to your set and an external flash, and so you've outgrown your bag. So you sell your top-loader and buy another bag. And then you buy a tripod, or a larger lens, etc. And at this point, you realize: that one ideal bag simply does not exist. A bag that can hold everything you own is just overkill when you only take a walk in the park.
Over the time, I've owned seven camera bags, used another two, and until shortly, I was left with just three. Now I've yet again bought a camera bag (it's impossible to have too many), the Lowepro Inverse 200 AW.
 Read more...
Categories: Reviews, Accessories (3rd Party) | Readers' comments | Archive of all entries
When you buy your first SLR, you soon notice that it's not a good idea to let it bang at other objects when you carry it around. So you buy a bag for it, e. g. one of the abundant top-loading bags. Then, if you've been bitten by the SLR bug, you probably add one or two lenses to your set and an external flash, and so you've outgrown your bag. So you sell your top-loader and buy another bag. And then you buy a tripod, or a larger lens, etc. And at this point, you realize: that one ideal bag simply does not exist. A bag that can hold everything you own is just overkill when you only take a walk in the park.
Over the time, I've owned seven camera bags, used another two, and until shortly, I was left with just three. Now I've yet again bought a camera bag (it's impossible to have too many), the Lowepro Inverse 200 AW.
November 12, 2011 - 03:04:29 PM:
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| Sony SLT-A77 |
On August 24th Sony has released the SLT-A77 camera. It took a while before it became available in Europe, but I recently bought one. Here are my first impressions of the camera.
You will not find 100% crops of highest-ISO shots in this review. This is not my shooting style, and it's not my review style. You will also not find detailed descriptions of all features and menu items. What I write about here are my impressions of the camera in real-life use, and other thoughts. Obviously the A77 is compared a lot with its predecessor, the A700, and this review is no exception.
Read more...
Categories: Reviews, Cameras (Sony) | Readers' comments | Archive of all entries
Sony SLT-A77
On August 24th Sony has released the SLT-A77 camera. It took a while before it became available in Europe, but I recently bought one. Here are my first impressions of the camera.
You will not find 100% crops of highest-ISO shots in this review. This is not my shooting style, and it's not my review style. You will also not find detailed descriptions of all features and menu items. What I write about here are my impressions of the camera in real-life use, and other thoughts. Obviously the A77 is compared a lot with its predecessor, the A700, and this review is no exception.
September 28, 2011 - 07:32:02 PM:
Recently I've explained Electronic Front Curtain Shutters and how Sony recommends when not to use it.
In the meantime, I've found the same warnings also in the A77's manual.
I've also found another explanation of why not to use it with Konica Minolta lenses. It's related to the angle of incidence of light from the lens hitting the sensor.
Read more...
Categories: Articles, Camera Technology | Readers' comments | Archive of all entries
Recently I've explained Electronic Front Curtain Shutters and how Sony recommends when not to use it.
In the meantime, I've found the same warnings also in the A77's manual.
I've also found another explanation of why not to use it with Konica Minolta lenses. It's related to the angle of incidence of light from the lens hitting the sensor.
September 19, 2011 - 09:51:47 PM:
What is it, and why use it?
When Sony recently announced the SLT-A77,
SLT-A65, NEX-7
and NEX-5N, one little detail in
their specification lists was mostly overlooked: They are Sony's first photo
cameras with an electronic front curtain shutter. What does this mean, how
does it work, and why use it anyway? This page provides the answers.
Read more...
Categories: Articles, Camera Technology | Readers' comments | Archive of all entries
What is it, and why use it?
When Sony recently announced the SLT-A77,
SLT-A65, NEX-7
and NEX-5N, one little detail in
their specification lists was mostly overlooked: They are Sony's first photo
cameras with an electronic front curtain shutter. What does this mean, how
does it work, and why use it anyway? This page provides the answers.
Display filter re-designed
September 16, 2011 - 12:39:35 PM:
The display filter on the equipment table pages was re-designed. When changing the selection, the page content is updated immediately. The overview display was integrated into the filter. A permalink is offered for linking to a selection externally.
Categories: Site News | Readers' comments | Archive of all entries
The display filter on the equipment table pages was re-designed. When changing the selection, the page content is updated immediately. The overview display was integrated into the filter. A permalink is offered for linking to a selection externally.
NEX-VG20
August 24, 2011 - 10:43:29 AM:
Today, Sony has also updated their lineup of system camcorders with the NEX-VG20. It's an update of the NEX-VG10, using the NEX-3C/5N's 16 MP sensor, now with 50p/60p recording, still image recording in RAW format and audio level control.
 |
| NEX-VG20 |
The tech data will be available later today.
Categories: Cameras (Sony) | Readers' comments | Archive of all entries
Today, Sony has also updated their lineup of system camcorders with the NEX-VG20. It's an update of the NEX-VG10, using the NEX-3C/5N's 16 MP sensor, now with 50p/60p recording, still image recording in RAW format and audio level control.
NEX-VG20
The tech data will be available later today.
New E-mount lenses for NEX cameras
August 24, 2011 - 10:38:51 AM:
Besides the new NEX cameras, Sony has also announced three new E-mount lenses:
 |
| All NEX lenses |
- Carl Zeiss Sonnar E 24/1.8 ZA (front row, far right)
- A fast wide-angle lens. This is the first Carl Zeiss lens with a native E mount. Unfortunately, it does not have OSS.
- Sony E 50/1.8 OSS (front row, second from right)
- A fast short portrait lens for E-mount.
- Sony E 55-210/4.5-6.3 OSS (rear row, far right)
- Medium aperture telephoto zoom with image stabilization.
The new lenses were already previewed last year on Photokina. Sony has kept the promise to release these lenses in 2011. Also previewed, and expected to be released in 2012, were:
- A mid-telephoto lens
- A wide-angle zoom
- A high-performance standard zoom
Categories: Lenses (Sony) | Readers' comments | Archive of all entries
Besides the new NEX cameras, Sony has also announced three new E-mount lenses:
All NEX lenses
Carl Zeiss Sonnar E 24/1.8 ZA (front row, far right)
A fast wide-angle lens. This is the first Carl Zeiss lens with a native E mount. Unfortunately, it does not have OSS.
Sony E 50/1.8 OSS (front row, second from right)
A fast short portrait lens for E-mount.
Sony E 55-210/4.5-6.3 OSS (rear row, far right)
Medium aperture telephoto zoom with image stabilization.
The new lenses were already previewed last year on Photokina. Sony has kept the promise to release these lenses in 2011. Also previewed, and expected to be released in 2012, were:
A mid-telephoto lens
A wide-angle zoom
A high-performance standard zoom
Sony NEX news, NEX-7, NEX-5N
August 24, 2011 - 10:33:03 AM:
It's a big release day! Together with the SLT-A77, Sony also announced new NEX cameras and accessories.
 |
| NEX-7 with Carl Zeiss 24/1.8 |
 |
| NEX-5N |
These are:
- NEX-7
- A higher level NEX camera with more controls, built-in flash, iISO flash mount, 24 MP sensor and electronic viewfinder.
- NEX-5N
- An update of the NEX-5 with the 16 MP image sensor of the NEX-3C.
- LA-EA2
- Lens adapter for A-mount lenses on E-mount cameras. In contrast to the LA-EA1, this one has a semi-transparent mirror, deflecting light to phase-detect AF sensors. It also features a built-in motor for screw-drive A-mount lenses. In short, a NEX-camera using this adapter works like an Alpha SLT camera. The new lens adapter only works with the NEX-5N, NEX-7 and NEX-VG20.
- Electronic Viewfinder FDA-EV1S
- This viewfinder with 2.4 million dots can be mounted on the NEX-5N to provide an image preview in strong ambient light. It can not be used with earlier NEX cameras.
The new cameras are expected to be in shops from September through to November.
Categories: Cameras (Sony), Accessories (Sony) | Readers' comments | Archive of all entries
It's a big release day! Together with the SLT-A77, Sony also announced new NEX cameras and accessories.
NEX-7 with Carl Zeiss 24/1.8
NEX-5N
These are:
NEX-7
A higher level NEX camera with more controls, built-in flash, iISO flash mount, 24 MP sensor and electronic viewfinder.
NEX-5N
An update of the NEX-5 with the 16 MP image sensor of the NEX-3C.
LA-EA2
Lens adapter for A-mount lenses on E-mount cameras. In contrast to the LA-EA1, this one has a semi-transparent mirror, deflecting light to phase-detect AF sensors. It also features a built-in motor for screw-drive A-mount lenses. In short, a NEX-camera using this adapter works like an Alpha SLT camera. The new lens adapter only works with the NEX-5N, NEX-7 and NEX-VG20.
Electronic Viewfinder FDA-EV1S
This viewfinder with 2.4 million dots can be mounted on the NEX-5N to provide an image preview in strong ambient light. It can not be used with earlier NEX cameras.
The new cameras are expected to be in shops from September through to November.
Sony releases SLT-A77, successor of DSLR-A700
August 24, 2011 - 09:00:16 AM:
The rumors were intensifying over the last weeks, and finally Sony has released the successor to the DSLR-A700 today, the SLT-A77.
 |
| SLT-A77, AF DT 16-50/2.8 SSM |
As the name suggests, it's a DSLR with a semi-transparent fixed mirror. 1/3 of light coming from the lens is directed to phase detect AF sensors, and 2/3 go through the mirror to fall on the image sensor. The advantage is that you get fast full-time AF. There is no black-out when taking still images, and you don't have to rely on slow contrast-detect AF when recording videos. Also, since the slow mechanical flip-up mirror is removed, very high frame rates are possible while keeping the camera affordable. In contrast to earlier live view implementations from Sony, you also do not need a secondary image sensor. The live view image is taken from the main sensor, and it's displayed on the rear display or an electronic viewfinder.
The slight disadvantage is that since only 2/3 of the light reaches the image sensor, the sensor signals need to be amplified a bit more to reach the nominal ISO rating compared to more traditional DSLRs, potentially increasing noise. Also, the semi-transparent mirror needs to be of high quality to avoid negative impact on image quality.
This principle of constructing a DSLR has been introduced already with the A55 and A33 (later replaced by the A35). Now Sony has released the A77, which implements this principle in a semi-pro body, with a more robust build, advanced features and higher specifications.
The main differences of the new camera compared to the lower-level SLTs are:
- Higher resolution, 24 MP on an APS-C sensor.
- Higher frame rate of up to 12 frames/s.
- Better OLED electronic viewfinder with XGA resolution.
- Larger, more robust construction, vertical grip (VG-C77AM), two control wheels, studio flash connector
- Video recording with 1080p50/p60 and manual control
Compared to the DSLR-A700, the main differences are:
- SLT with electronic viewfinder
- Full HD Video recording
- Higher number of AF sensors, and more cross-type sensors
- Features that were introduced over time in lower-level bodies, like HDR, tilt/swivel rear display, face recognition, panorama shooting, GPS.
- No CompactFlash slot!
- Top LCD
SLT-A65
 |
| SLT-A65 |
Together with the A77, the SLT-A65 is released. It is very similar to the A77, with the following major differences:
- Plastic body instead of magnesium alloy.
- No top LCD
- Fewer cross-type AF sensors
- Slower shooting speed and minimum exposure time
- No weather sealing
New kit lens AF DT 16-50/2.8 SSM
With the new cameras, Sony also released a new standard zoom lens, the AF DT 16-50/2.8 SSM. It features a large constant maximum aperture and a fast and silent SSM focus motor. The lens is also sealed against dust and moisture.
Both cameras and lens are expected to be available in shops in October/November.
Links:
Categories: Cameras (Sony), Lenses (Sony) | Readers' comments | Archive of all entries
The rumors were intensifying over the last weeks, and finally Sony has released the successor to the DSLR-A700 today, the SLT-A77.
SLT-A77, AF DT 16-50/2.8 SSM
As the name suggests, it's a DSLR with a semi-transparent fixed mirror. 1/3 of light coming from the lens is directed to phase detect AF sensors, and 2/3 go through the mirror to fall on the image sensor. The advantage is that you get fast full-time AF. There is no black-out when taking still images, and you don't have to rely on slow contrast-detect AF when recording videos. Also, since the slow mechanical flip-up mirror is removed, very high frame rates are possible while keeping the camera affordable. In contrast to earlier live view implementations from Sony, you also do not need a secondary image sensor. The live view image is taken from the main sensor, and it's displayed on the rear display or an electronic viewfinder.
The slight disadvantage is that since only 2/3 of the light reaches the image sensor, the sensor signals need to be amplified a bit more to reach the nominal ISO rating compared to more traditional DSLRs, potentially increasing noise. Also, the semi-transparent mirror needs to be of high quality to avoid negative impact on image quality.
This principle of constructing a DSLR has been introduced already with the A55 and A33 (later replaced by the A35). Now Sony has released the A77, which implements this principle in a semi-pro body, with a more robust build, advanced features and higher specifications.
The main differences of the new camera compared to the lower-level SLTs are:
Higher resolution, 24 MP on an APS-C sensor.
Higher frame rate of up to 12 frames/s.
Better OLED electronic viewfinder with XGA resolution.
Larger, more robust construction, vertical grip (VG-C77AM), two control wheels, studio flash connector
Video recording with 1080p50/p60 and manual control
Compared to the DSLR-A700, the main differences are:
SLT with electronic viewfinder
Full HD Video recording
Higher number of AF sensors, and more cross-type sensors
Features that were introduced over time in lower-level bodies, like HDR, tilt/swivel rear display, face recognition, panorama shooting, GPS.
No CompactFlash slot!
Top LCD
SLT-A65
SLT-A65
Together with the A77, the SLT-A65 is released. It is very similar to the A77, with the following major differences:
Plastic body instead of magnesium alloy.
No top LCD
Fewer cross-type AF sensors
Slower shooting speed and minimum exposure time
No weather sealing
New kit lens AF DT 16-50/2.8 SSM
With the new cameras, Sony also released a new standard zoom lens, the AF DT 16-50/2.8 SSM. It features a large constant maximum aperture and a fast and silent SSM focus motor. The lens is also sealed against dust and moisture.
Both cameras and lens are expected to be available in shops in October/November.
Links:
Tech data of SLT-A77 (to be completed)
Tech data of SLT-A65 (to be completed)
Tech data of AF DT 16-50/2.8 SSM
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