First Look: Sony SLT-a77 and SLT-a65 HDSLRs

Hands on analysis of SLT-A77 and SLT-a65 HDSLRs by Michael J. McNamara, world-renowned digital camera expert, photo-videographer, and imaging analyst.
Bio at : http://www.mcnamarareport.com
Contains an overview of new camera features including 24.3 MP Exmor APS-C sensors, new 19-point AF system on the a77, body build and controls, and 2.4 million dot OLED viewfinder. There is a unique HD video segment showing how the 2.4 million dot OLED viewfinder looks to the eye and responds during a 12fps burst, and how data panels and played-back images look inside viewfinder.
Includes commentary on usefulness of GPS and PC-Sync terminal, optional battery grip, and other special features of these cameras.
Also shows how the weather and dust seals on the A77 hold up when a cup of water is poured on the camera, as well as how the a65 compares in size, shape, and features to the older SLT-a55.
UPDATE: Shot video and stills with pre-production version of Hurricane Irene in NY. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8LkIiopzG1Q

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• Sony SLT-a77
• Sony SLT-a65
• translucent mirror
• OLED microdisplay
• OLED viewfinder
• 24.3MP Exmor APS-C sensor
• 12fps
• Sony 16-50mm lens
• Full HD 60p
• Camera GPS
• weather-sealed camera

[mp4podcastDOTcom]

The mirror might be ghosting problems. If you do night photography or night time city photography you might want to go with Nikon or Canon. Some people do not mind the ghosting problem but others do.

[mcnamarareport]

@mp4podcastDOTcom Ghosting due to the mirror? Are you making this up? I've not seen any examples of this and have shot plenty of still images and video at night with the a77. See for yourself in the Youtube video I posted shot at night in NYC with the a77 (it comes up in the top 3 when you search YouTube for the SLT-a77.)

[roflastc]

but does the a65 accept the grip or not?

[mcnamarareport]

@roflastc Nope. The SLT-a65 does not have a battery-grip option.

[megamegamario13]

haha i pooped myself when you poured the water on it!!! i didnt think they were that weather proof, i though it was like a little sprinkle but hell no, thats crazy :)

[KatiushaVN4]

I had trusted this guy and then bought an Epson printer which turned out to be a piece of crap. This guy can lie with straight face

[fluffyman15]

@nghanshing

glad to hear that, have fun :)

[nghanshing]

@fluffyman15 I I just stepped up from the a300 to a77! Solid piece of camera with solid performance. No regrets.

[fluffyman15]

@nghanshing

nice, i will step up from the a300 soon too!

[OriasUnderlined]

The A77 is impressive, but the optics just con't measure up to most cannons. It's got bells and whistles, but the bells and whistles aren't as good as Canon or Nikon. For example, those 11 fps only last one second. After that the camera slows down considerably until the point of only capturing one frame per second. Not to mention the low quantity of lenses and flashes. There's a reason Nikon and Canon make up 80% of the photography market. Remember that when you spend thousands of dollars.

[TheSonoranscape]

If you taking lots of shots in low light situation, stay away from these two camera and go with Canon 5 D Mk 2.....Canon image sensor is full size, it'd pick up every thing just like an eagle eye. I just returned my A 65.

[ttKTizzle]

@MajorEasley i want one so badly! :(... waiting for it to hit stores... im so impatient!

[Blaze0820]

Some people have doubts about the a77, maybe it's not the strongest performing in low light, but I can live with that, it's not like the a77 is useless in low light. I think its good to those who learn how get the most out of its blistering speed and other new cool features. What it lacks in iso performance, it will make up for in ANY other situation. I betcha' people with get more cutting edge shots with this thing then most dslr cameras!

[Blaze0820]

Some people have doubts about the a77, maybe it's not the strongest performing in low light, but I can live with that, it's not light the a77 is useless in low light. I think its good to those who learn how get the most out of its blistering speed and other new cool features. What it lacks in iso performance, it will make up for in ANY other situation.