Sony announced the release of the A77 SLT (single lens translucent) camera yesterday, and it is apparent that this is an important camera. dpreview has posted a hands-on preview of it already, and it seems that it has the potential to be a serious competitor to the established brand leaders.

Specs include 12 fps burst shooting, 19 point AF, 24.3 megapixel Exmor sensor, HD movie capability at 50p/25p and an ISO sensitivity range from 50 to 16000. In video mode, the camera allows for manual focusing and P/A/S/M exposure modes.

When the specifications of this camera were leaked, it was noted that this is a camera that housing manufacturers should be including in their plans.

α77 and α65 cameras from Sony with 24.3 megapixels and world’s fastest* 12 fps AF-enabled continuous shooting.

Translucent Mirror Technology line-up broadens appeal to photo enthusiasts.

• World’s fastest*12 fps full-resolution continuous burst shooting with phase-detection AF (α65: 10fps).
• Newly developed 19-point AF system with 11 cross sensors (α77).
• 24.3 effective megapixel Exmor APS HD CMOS Sensor and enhanced BIONZ processor.
• World’s first** XGA OLED Tru-FinderTM with versatile information display.
• Quick AF Full HD Movie with AVCHD Progressive compatibility, and flexible P/A/S/M exposure control in manual focus mod l New design and ergonomics with world’s first* 3-way tilt Xtra Fine LCD and ruggedized, reliable handling (α77).

Sony extends the appeal of its Translucent Mirror camera range with two new A-mount models appealing to advanced amateurs and serious photo enthusiast.

Latest refinements in Translucent Mirror Technology by Sony make the SLT-A77 (α77) and SLT-A65 (α65) the quickest, most responsive interchangeable lens cameras in their class. Revised ergonomics on both cameras include a comfortably contoured new grip design and tactile new button layout for ‘eyes off’ operation while viewing via the high-resolution XGA OLED Tru-FinderTM.

A long-awaited successor to the acclaimed α700 DSLR, the α77 adds further refinements in performance and ruggedized construction to handle grueling photo assignments with ease.


Ultra-responsive shooting.

The α77 boasts the world’s fastest continuous AF shooting performance*, capturing a burst of full-resolution images at 12 frames per second with full-time phase_detection autofocus. The α65 achieves a similarly impressive 10fps shooting speed, outpacing virtually all semi-professional cameras.

Precision AF tracking of moving subjects is crisper and more responsive than ever, thanks to a newly-developed 19-point autofocus system with 11 cross sen (α65: 15-point AF with 3 cross sensors). Tracking Focus maintains accurate focus lock on a designated moving subject – even if the target’s momentarily obscured by the motion of another object.

Razor-sharp responses are reinforced further by a new electronic front shutter curtain that achieves a pro-class minimum release time lag of approx. 0.050 seconds.

Unprecedented image quality and creative options.

The α77 and α65 both feature a newly-developed Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor by Sony with 24.3 effective megapixel resolution.

The sensor is teamed with the latest revision of Sony’s BIONZ image processing engine that handles huge amounts of high speed data from the camera sensor. This unique combination of sensor and BIONZ processor delivers unprecedented shooting responses, plus flawless image quality with ultra-low noise when shooting still images or Full HD video.

A broad sensitivity range of ISO 100-16000 is expandable (α77 only) down to ISO 50. At highest sensitivities, both digital cameras can freeze rapid sporting a with very quick shutter speeds, or capture atmospheric low-noise shots without flash. Low ISO settings are ideal when teamed with a long exposure for creating expressive shots of moving water.

Both cameras showcase the world’s first XGA OLED Tru-FinderTM. With an unprecedented 2359k dot (XGA) resolution, this precision electronic viewfinder off bright, detail-packed, high contrast image with 100% frame coverage that is 10 times higher than conventional electronic viewfinders and provides a wide field view to rival pro-grade optical viewfinders.

Detailed shooting information is displayed with a choice of five display modes. The effects of adjusting exposure, white balance and other settings are preview the Tru-FinderTM in real time. Fine focus tweaks can also be confirmed via a zoomed-in portion of the image.

At the touch of a button, the Smart Teleconverter displays an enlarged central portion of the image sensor. This allows compositions to be displayed clearly o high-resolution XGA OLED Tru-FinderTM and captured as 12 megapixel images with a digital zoom factor of 1.4x or 2x. There’s no need to remove your eye from the Tru-FinderTM from composition to checking final results – allowing photographers to concentrate on their creative flow.

Stills and video can also be composed and reviewed on the adjustable-angle 7.5 cm (3.0”) Xtra Fine LCD that offers high resolution (921k dot) and TruBlack technology for superb detail and contrast. As an extra refinement, the α77 introduces the world’s first 3-way adjustable screen that tilts and pivots freely for effortless framing at any angle (α65: 2-way adjust LCD).

Full HD video.

The α77 and α65 bring further refinements to the acclaimed Quick AF Full HD Movie shooting as already featured on previous Translucent Mirror Technology Sony. Phase-detection maintains accurate focus during video shooting of portrait subjects, even when they’re moving.

In another first for consumer-oriented APS-C cameras, Full HD video is now supported at 50p (progressive) frame rates – reflecting recent enhancements to the AVCHD (Ver. 2.0) format. 25p shooting is also available for beautifully ‘filmic’ video footage. Creative video options are extended further by the addition of manual focusing and P/A/S/M exposure modes familiar to still photographers.

α77: Translucent Mirror Technology refined for photo enthusiasts.

A natural successor to the enthusiast-oriented α700 DSLR, the α77 adds double control dials for intuitive fingertip operation and a separate top-mounted LC data display. The durable body features magnesium alloy panels for strength and lightness. Key controls are sealed against the effects of dust and moisture, complementing similar levels of protection offered by the new SAL1650 lens, VG-C77AM Vertical Grip for α77 and HVL-F43AM flash unit.

Underlining the camera’s rugged credentials, a new shutter unit is tested to 150,000 cycles and supports an ultra-fast minimum 1/8000 sec shutter speed (1/2 sec flash sync). On-board GPS allows automatic geotagging of photos and video clips with location data.

New DT 16-50mm F2.8 SSM zoom lens and accessories.

The growing range of compatible A-mount lenses for both cameras now includes the quiet, bright DT 16-50mm F2.8 SSM standard zoom with 16mm wide-angle coverage that’s ideal for portrait and everyday shooting.

The high performance lens features a dust and moisture-resistant design, and offers a zoom range of approximately 3x range at constant maximum aperture Optical performance is assured by two aspherical elements and three ED glass elements to minimize aberration at all focal lengths. An internal SSM (Super S wave Motor) drive assures fast, quiet autofocus.

Available as an option, the dust- and moisture-resistant VG-C77AM Vertical Grip assures comfortable handling in vertical shooting positions. It can house up to two NP-FM500H InfoLITHIUM batteries, doubling shooting stamina to approx. 1060 shots (via LCD monitor)/940 shots (via Tru-Finder™) when using Memory Stick PRO Duo™ media.

The compact yet versatile HVL-F43AM external flash is optimized for superb results with all A-mount cameras with a powerful output of GN43, Quick Shift Bounce adjustment, wireless ratio control and dust/moisture resistant design. This is complemented by other new A-mount system accessories that include a back pack, soft carrying cases, LCD protectors and eyepiece cups.

The α77 and α65 Translucent Mirror interchangeable lens digital cameras by Sony are available from October 2011.

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