Preview based on a pre-production SLT-A77 running firmware 0.65

After a four-year wait, Sony has returned to the enthusiast/semi-pro end of the DSLR market. Having made little impact in that market with the A700 that very closely resembled the conventional DSLRs made by Canon and Nikon, Sony has spent the intervening time developing something a bit different. The A77 builds on the company’s ‘translucent mirror’ technology, and uses an electronic rather than optical viewfinder. The final result is a product that may look traditional, but is able to promise the unconventional.

Spec-wise the A77 is impressive: it features a new 24MP APS-C CMOS sensor, 12fps full-resolution shooting and the highest resolution EVF we’ve ever encountered (a 2.4M dot OLED finder). It also uses a new 19-point AF sensor, 11 points of which  are cross-type (sensitive to detail in both the vertical and horizontal axis). Clever use of the main sensor’s live view allows the A77 to track objects as they move across the frame, enabling the camera to have a better understanding of which AF point it should be using at any given time.

Last year’s SLT-A55 gave some clues about how Sony hoped to bring its electronics know-how to bear in a high-end camera. Its fixed, semi-transparent mirror design meant Sony could do away with a conventional optical viewfinder and use an electronic display. It also meant that the phase-detection autofocus that gives DSLRs much of their immediacy could be used all the time. The result was a camera that could shoot at an impressive 10fps, could focus quickly in video mode and offered full-time live view with consistent DSLR-like behaviour in a way that no camera had really managed before.

Unsurprisingly the A77 takes all these capabilities a lot further than the consumer-level A55 – it combines the latest processor with an electronic first curtain shutter to offer the level of responsiveness the more demanding enthusiast/semi-pro users will expect. The A77′s massively improved viewfinder is also key to ensuring the A77 can hold its own against the very stiff competition it faces from the likes of Canon’s 7D. (You don’t have to read particularly far between the lines to conclude it was this feature Sony wanted to perfect before launching an SLT into this market.)

And, as with the A55 and a handful of other recent Sony cameras, the A77 offers in-camera GPS. It can be a really useful feature for organising and retreiving images, as allowing tagged images to be geo-located on sites such as Flickr. As with all GPS settings, it can take a while to locate enough satellites, or struggle to find them at all in built-up areas. Then, of course, there’s a battery penalty to be paid.

In addition to the technological advances, Sony has clearly been listening to its audience when developing the camera’s firmware – the A77 is not just the most customizable Sony we’ve ever encountered, but that customization includes a number of long asked-for features. In addition to the ability to fine-adjust the AF tuning, Sony has added the ability to define the upper and lower extremes that the Auto ISO system will use  – a step we suspect many users will welcome.

But despite all this technological wizardry, the A77 is actually a remarkably conventional-feeling camera. It may have a plastic top-plate, rather than the A700′s tank-like magnesium-alloy construction, and  use SD rather than CF cards, but in pretty much every other respect it looks and behaves like a logical progression of the series. Overall, despite the fact that it embraces a rather different set of technologies, it feels and behaves much like a conventional semi-pro DSLR.

I’m so excited to get my hands on this camera and give it a test drive, too bad we have to wait till Oct too see what it can really do in the hand of a seasoned photographer hehehe. I really think they should have given it two memory card slots but oh well with the size of memory you can buy now I’m sure one will be enough to keep you shooting most of the day. Can’t wait.

The Sigma Corporation is pleased to announce the new SIGMA SD1 Digital SLR Camera, incorporating a 46 megapixel 24×16mm APS-C X3 direct image sensor. The SIGMA SD1 is Sigma’s flagship digital SLR model, adopting a lightweight yet solid magnesium alloy for its body and O-ring sealing connections to make a weather-resistant design throughout for use in harsh conditions.

The SIGMA SD1 incorporates a 24×16mm APS-C X3 direct image sensor and dual “TRUE (Three-layer Responsive Ultimate Engine) II” image processing engines. The combination of the 46 megapixel sensor and dual TRUE II processing engines ensure the high resolution images are processed quickly with high definition and smooth and subtle graduation of colour. The SD1 is SIGMA’s latest digital SLR camera which meets high requirements of professional and enthusiast photographers for all types of photography.

SD1 Special site: www.SIGMA-SD.com/sd1
Product Summary

46 megapixel 24×16mm APS-C X3 Full-colour image sensor
The 46 megapixel (4,800×3,200×3 layers) 24×16mm APS-C X3 direct image sensor featured in the Sigma SD1 captures all primary RGB colours at each and every pixel location, ensuring the capture of full and complete colour. Using three silicon-embedded layers of photo detectors, stacked vertically to take advantage of silicon’s ability to absorb red, green and blue light at different respective depths, it efficiently reproduces colour more accurately, and offers sharper resolution, pixel for pixel, than any conventional image sensor. Since colour moiré is not generated, the use of a low-pass filter is not required, meaning light and colour, generated by the 46 megapixel APS-C X3 direct image sensor, is captured with a three-dimensional feel.

Dual TRUE II image processing engine
The SD1 incorporates a dual “TRUE (Three-layer Responsive Ultimate Engine) II” image processing engine which improves the processing speed and overall quality of the final image. The unique image-processing algorithm provides high resolution power and reproduces high definition images with richly graduated tones.

CF card
The SD1 adopts the TYPE I CF Card. This camera is compatible with UDMA Mode6, enabling fast processing of large amounts of data.
* It is not possible to use Microdrives and TYPE II CF cards.

11 point twin cross sensor
The autofocus system features an 11 point twin cross sensor. The shifted twin cross type sensor improves AF accuracy.

Magnesium body
The Sigma SD1 adopts a lightweight yet solid magnesium alloy body designed to withstand rough use and shocks in harsh conditions.

Weather-resistant design
Buttons and connections benefit from O-ring sealings to prevent dust and water getting inside the camera body.

Large, highly visible 3.0” TFT colour LCD Monitor
The SD1 camera features a 3.0 inch TFT colour monitor. This 460,000 pixel resolution LCD monitor benefits from a wide viewing angle, making it easy to check focusing and composition.

Optional lenses
The SD1 can be used with over 40 Sigma lenses such as ultra-wide, ultra-telephoto, macro and fisheyes which adopt the latest technology such as FLD and SLD glass, Aspherical lenses, Sigma’s unique Optical Stabiliser function, Hyper Sonic Motor and Sigma’s Super Multi Layer Coating. They meet the various and demanding requirements of all types of photographers.
Sigma SD1 camera specifications
Format Interchangeable lens SLR camera
Storage Media Compact Flash (Type I, UDMA compatible)
Image Sensor Size 24 x 16mm (1.5x APS-C)
Lens Mount SIGMA SA bayonet mount
Compatible Lenses SIGMA SA mount interchangeable lenses
Image Sensor X3 direct image sensor (CMOS)
Effective Pixels 46MP (4,800×3,200×3 layers)
Aspect Ratio 3:2
Viewfinder Type Pentaprism SLR viewfinder
Viewfinder Frame Coverage 98% vertical, 98% horizontal
Viewfinder Magnification 0.95x (with 50mm lens at infinity)
Eye point 18mm
Diopter Adjustment Range -3.0 dpt – +1.5 dpt
Auto Focus Type TTL phase difference detection system
AF Point 11 points twin cross sensor
AF Operating Range EV -2 to +19 (ISO100)
Focus Mode • Single AF
• Continuous AF (with AF motion prediction function)
• Manual
Focusing Screen Fixed, all matt screen
Mirror Quick return
Depth of Field Preview Yes
AF Point Selection • Automatic Selection
• Manual Selection
Active AF point indicator Superimposed in viewfinder
Focus Lock Shutter Release Halfway-Down position
Built-in Flash • Manual Pop-up Built-in flash
• GN11
• 17mm lens angle covered
Flash Metering System S-TTL Auto Flash
Flash Compensation ±3EV (1/3 stop increments)
Flash Sync Terminal Available
Flash Connectivity Hot shoe (contact X synchronization at 1/180 sec. or less, with dedicated flash linking contact)
LCD Monitor • 3.0″ TFT colour LCD monitor
• Approx. 460,000 Pixels
Dimensions 145.5 mm/5.7″ (W) × 112.5 mm/4.4″(H) × 80.0 mm/3.1″
Weight TBA

The DT 35mm F1.8 SAM (SAL35F18) adds the important 35mm focal length to what Sony now calls the ‘Easy Choice’ series. ‘Easy Choice’ is intended to provide great value, compact and lightweight lenses that are attractive to entry-level and advanced photographers alike. Each lens in the series is selected for a specific purpose, for example portraiture or macro. – Sony definition.

The 85mm F2.8 SAM (SAL85F28) is another ‘Easy Choice’ lens, this time offering the 85mm focal length considered the standard for portraiture because of the natural perspective it provides. True to type it is extremely compact and light, weighing just 175g.

Zenfolio | Rick Eselgroth Photography

Sony is also developing a new AVCHD high-definition camcorder featuring an interchangeable lens system. The camcorder, which will be available this fall, will be compatible with “E Mount” interchangeable lenses developed for Sony’s newest digital still cameras (model NEX-5, NEX-3), as well as many “A Mount” interchangeable lenses used by the existing “α” DSLR camera lineup via a mount adapter.

It will also be equipped with the same “Exmor” APS HD CMOS sensor used in the NEX-5 and NEX-3 models.

These compact interchangeable digital cameras (the NEX-5 and NEX3) are designed to offer photographers the quality of a SLR in a compact body. Approximately 75% thinner than the standard DSLR body (as an owner of the a550), I see this as being a way to fit my alpha camera in my purse, a task that proved challenging in the past…

The α NEX cameras are equipped with an image sensor that’s 13 times the size of the typical sensor meaning the ability to take images with softer backgrounds and stunning low-light shots. In addition to the E-mount lenses available for the α NEX line, alpha owners can leverage their current lens investments. With an adapter (sold separately), the α NEX line supports A-mount lenses.

Other specs include a tiltable LCD, Auto HDR, Anti Motion Blur, continuous shooting up to 7 fps, and Live View on a tilting 3.0-inch LCD. The NEX-5 offers Full HD movie capture (1080i AVCHD and 720p MP4) with Full HD 60i recording.The NEX-3 shoots 720p HD video as compact MP4 files. Both Sony cameras include built-in stereo microphones for high-quality audio recording.

So for alpha owners, it’s a compact camera with the level of quality that you’d expect from a DSLR. For point and shoot owners who may have been intimated going to the next level in photography equipment, it’s a solid first step. Both the NEX-5 and NEX-3 have a turn-and-click Control Wheel along with a pair of soft keys to help eliminate some of complexities of photography. Cyber-shot ™ owners also don’t need to give up fav features Sweep Panorama which is also included in the NEX-5 and NEX-3.

These prototype cameras have the new Exmor APS HD MOS sensor, which is a general APS-C sized sensor (24mm x 16mm) that is larger than the usual Micro Four Thirds system. It also will have the ability to take 1080P AVCHD video. Sony representatives were mentioning that one of the models (presumably on the left) would be the successor to the A700. Could this be the A750 I’ve heard rumors about in the past from the usual rumor mills? It’s hard to tell, but we should see a a DSLR with these capabilities sometime soon.