It’s officially announced! Our soruces were spot on and here is the new Sony A68! This is the full press text:
Uncompromising features and performance for demanding amateur photographers
- 4D FOCUS for fast, accurate tracking autofocus with world’s highest[i] number of 79 AF points
- Translucent Mirror Technology™ delivers constant AF tracking at up to 8fps[ii] continuous shooting
- 24MP[iii] APS-C Exmor™ CMOS image sensor delivers wide ISO 100-25600[iv] sensitivity range
- BIONZ X™ image processing engine enables the capture of high-quality images
- Precise OLED Tru-Finder™, tiltable LCD monitor, top display panel and custom controls
- SteadyShot™ INSIDE works with all 34 A-mount lenses
- Full HD video with high bit-rate 50Mbps XAVC S[v] format
The new α68 (ILCA-68)camera from Sony lets enthusiastic photographers discover even more creative opportunities with their precious collection of A-mount lenses.
Inheriting many pro-style features from the acclaimed α77 II, the α68 features Sony’s unique 4D FOCUS system that delivers extraordinary AF performance under any shooting conditions – even in lighting as low as EV-2 where other cameras struggle.
This phase detection system uses no less than 79 autofocus detection points including 15 cross points, plus a dedicated F2.8 AF sensor point for dimly-lit scenes. It all adds up to fast, wide area AF with predictive tracking that locks faithfully onto fast-moving subjects.And thanks to Sony’s uniqueTranslucent Mirror Technology, the α68 delivers constant AF tracking at up to 8fpsii continuous shooting.
Whether you’re shooting stills or movies, peerless image quality is assured by the 24MPiii APS-C Exmor CMOS image sensor with wide ISO 100-25600iv sensitivity range. It’s teamed with Sony’s speedy BIONZ X image processor that uses Detail Reproduction and Diffraction-reducing Technologies plus Area-specific Noise Reduction for pristine, finely detailed shots every time.
Full HD movies use the efficient XAVC Sv format for high bit rate recordings at up to 50 Mbps with outstanding detail and low noise. And thanks to Sony’s unique Translucent Mirror Technology, you can enjoy non-stop continuous autofocus that effortlessly tracks moving subjects for crisp, professional looking footage, whichever format you choose to record in.
With a powerful array of creative features to explore, theα68 has plenty to offer experienced amateurs as well as step-up photographers and newcomers to interchangeable lens cameras.
Framing stills and movies is a pleasure through the clear, bright OLED Tru-Finder. 100% frame coverage ensures you see exactly what you’re shooting, with high contrast and faithful colour reproduction helping you focus manually with absolute confidence.
Complementing the Tru-Finder, the 2.7-type LCD monitor tilts up to 135 degrees upwards or 55 degrees downwardsfor comfortable composition from a wide variety of shooting angles. Serious photo enthusiasts will also value the backlit top display that allows quick confirmation of camera settings, whether you’re shooting handheld or on a tripod.
As found on the critically praised α7 series, there’s a control wheel on the camera’s rear that allows quick fingertip adjustment of camera settings. In addition, 10 customisable buttons[vi] can be assigned for instant access to frequently-used functions. There is a front control dial for quick adjustments of settings and a sturdy grip to ensure that you are balanced, even when using heavyweight prime or telephoto lenses.
SteadyShot INSIDE reduces the effects of camera shake for blur-free handheld shooting – at all focal lengths and with any compatible lens.
The inclusion of a Multi Interface Shoe and Multi Terminal lets you expand creative options further with a wide range of optional accessories, including flashes, lights, microphones and remote commanders.
The new α68 A-mount interchangeable lens camera from Sony will be from March 2016 for approximately €600 body only or €700 with DT18-55mm F3.5-5.6 SAM II lens.
– Ends –
α68 (ILCA-68) technical specifications
| Lens mount | A-mount | |
| Image sensor | APS-C （23.5 x15.6 mm)Exmor CMOS image sensor | |
| Number of pixels (effective) | Approx. 24 megapixels | |
| Recording format | Still | JPEG（DCF Ver.2.0, Exif Ver.2.3, MPF Baseline compliant), RAW（Sony ARW 2.3 format） |
| Movies | XAVC S format /AVCHD format Ver.2.0 compliant/MP4 | |
| Media | Memory Stick PRO Duo, Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo, Memory Stick Micro (M2), SD memory card, SDHC memory card（UHS-I compliant), SDXC memory card（UHS-I compliant, microSD memory card, microSDHC memory card, microSDXC memory card | |
| Focus system | Type | Phase detection AF |
| Focus point | 79 points (including 15 cross points), F2.8 AF sensor point | |
| Sensitivity range | EV-2 – 18（at ISO 100 equivalent） | |
| Exposure control | Metering type | 1200 zone-equivalent metering |
| Sensitivity Range | Still Images: ISO 100 – 25600 (1/3 EV steps) Movies: ISO100 – 12800 equivalent (1/3 EV steps) | |
| Shutter | Shutter Speed | Still images：1/4000 to 30sec, Bulb, Movies：1/4000-1/4sec |
| Electronic front curtain shutter | Yes（On/Off） | |
| SteadyShot INSIDE (image stabilisation) | Type | Still: Image Sensor-Shift mechanism Movie: Electronic |
| Drive | Continuous shooting speed | Continuous Advance Priority AE: Max. 8fps, Continuous shooting Hi: Max. 5fps, Continuous shooting Lo: Max. 2.5fps |
| Movie Mode (Resolution/ Frame Rate/ Bit Rate) |
XAVC S HD | 1920 x 1080 50Mbps (30p/25p[vii], 24p) |
| AVCHD | 1920 x 1080 24Mbps(FX), 17Mbps(FH) (60i/50ivii) 1920 x 1080 24Mbps(FX), 17Mbps(FH) (24p/25pvii) |
|
| MP4 | 1440 x 108012Mbps , VGA3Mbps | |
| Viewfinder | Type | Electronic viewfinder (OLED Tru-Finder） |
| Total number of dots | 1,440,000 dots | |
| Field coverage | 100% | |
| Magnification | Approx. 0.88x (35mm camera equivalent: Approx. 0.57x) with 50mm lens at infinity, -1m-1 | |
| LCD screen | Type | 2.7″ type TFT LCD |
| Total number of dots | 460,800 dots | |
| Adjustable angle | Up approx. 135 degrees, down approx. 55 degrees | |
| Audio | Microphone | Built-in stereo microphone |
| Speaker | Built-in, monaural | |
| Interface | Multi Interface Shoe, HDMImicro connector (Type-D),Microphone terminal (3.5mmStereo minijack), Multi/Micro USB Terminal, DC-IN Terminal | |
| Built-in Flash | GN12 (ISO100, m, Flash angle 16mm) | |
| Battery | Rechargeable battery pack NP-FM500H | |
| Weight | Approx.610g (Body Only) / Approx.690g (With battery and media) | |
| Dimensions (W x H x D, CIPA compliant) | Approx. 142.6 × 104.2 × 80.9 mm | |
| Operating temperature | 0-40°C |
Sony A68 images:
665 Responses
Move along folks nothing to see here
What about the A6000 update
Have Barry already started eating the hat?
He will argue that it is no “new” camera, or not new enough, something like that ^^
Indeed – he always said there will be no new aMount camera and since a month the changed his statement into “there will be no aMount camera with new features”
You’re pathetic
I see you are definitely set on becoming a forum clown.
What does it feel like to encounter a clown who is far more intelligent than you?
Haven’t seen one. Forum clown I see has intelligence of a sloth. Can’t even troll.
Pretty sure a sloth has a higher IQ than a teddy bear ROFL You must think your inability write come backs cute too.
Its a camera for beginners, no upgrade for an Alpha77 user like me or so many others. Too bad they didnt included 4k video, with such a big body heath wont be any problem 🙁 But anyway, good for the a-mount, cheap cameras are good.
The best upgrade for an a77 is the nearest garbage bin. After that you can head to a shop and buy a Canon or Nikon if you need a dslr or an E mount if you’re in to photography.
Trolls should be placed in the nearest garbage bin along with their trash talk. Same goes with typewriters that produce rubbish.
Though it definitely looks like a simply cut-down A77II. No new tech at all.
It IS a cutdown A77II… Well, for innovations we have to take a look to e-mount, thats just the truth ^^
I wonder how one is going to select AF point with that wheel thing.
where is a6100 or 7000?
So, lower continuous shooting speed, viewfinder magnification much like A58 (i.e. very small), stupid wheel on the back, simpler screen tilt mechanism, lower-res screen.
Have they cut out AF adjust as usual?
Thank-you Sony for pouring salt in the wound.
Thankfully we have the A99 to remind us what a flagship camera actually looked like. 🙂
I say this hesitantly but… I’m forward to the A99 II now
Nothing to see here people. move along, move along…..
As much as I like my A77, I’d rather recommend a A6000 for beginners. It’s more compact and unobtrusive, and therefore more likely to have with you – and cheaper.
I’d like an A6000, but too small for my hands, had cramps holding it for 10min last time I tried it. That A68 on the other hand…
It’s the same size as A77II, not smaller.
pretty good specs for an entry level. not for me though and probably most people
Still no holding my breath
Phewww… I am relieved this was not the “surprise” Sony had saved for the Stockholm Photo Fair. 🙂
I wouldnt be surprised if the surprise tomrrow is just this camera. Seperate announcement for Sweden.
Well, we do have internet here in sweden. And polar bears 🙂
On the one hand I’m happy they released an a-mount dslt but on the other, it’s like a step back at worst and at best it’s a lateral product. Had this been in a lower price range I can see why they’d release it. Should have focused on putting the newer a7 series tech in an a99 mk2 body IMO.
A77II tech going down the line means we will see an updated A77II with the new tech.
That’s true, but I really wish they’d update the a99. I’ve had mine since late 2012…it’s about time.
Got someone the official retail price?
It’s written above…
“The new α68 A-mount interchangeable lens camera from Sony will be from March 2016 for approximately €600 body only or €700 with DT18-55mm F3.5-5.6 SAM II lens.”
No one honest can say that this will make users of other brands will convert to Sony because of this. So the sole purpose here is to keep current A mount users happy.
Well, it’s intended for A58 users (who will DEFINITELY see a HUGE improvement) or as a 2nd body for A77II shooter.
They’ll see an even bigger improvement by tossing this in the garbage.
O really? What would you recommend them for $600 having the same tech?
dont feed the trolls…
Why is it ok for A mounters to troll 364 days of the year when there are E/FE announcements?
Go back to your E-mount troll cave and cry more over your awful slow zooms.
You need to look me up too… i don’t own zooms… i manual focus
Oh, so you are a masochistic type of troll. Happens.
So E-mount glass is so bad you have to manual focus?
I dont care what turns you on
Hence E-mount is ideal for you.
E mount is great because it’s compact and I can do a lot of cool things that I definitely wouldn’t be able to do with A mount.
Of course, what works for you is best for you. It’s arguably the best system for manual focusing and MF lenses.
Because we like to annoy all the a-mount haters!! Seriously e-mount started hating a-mount!
A mount, as shown by the latest release, is a parasite technology. It’s not making any real profits and is sucking the life out of E/FE progress. If they stopped making A mount tomorrow, no one worthwhile would be affected. There’ll be a screeching hizzing sound for a few weeks from the current A mounters and all will all be well and bad times forgotten soon.
You totally sound like a butthurt e-mount user right now, move along.
He may be a massive troll, but there isn’t a right lot for E-mount users to be butthurt about at the moment.
Why would i be butthurt by an aps-c A mount? You need to look up what I shoot.
Canon and Nikon are far better systems for anyone who need a DSLR
Clearly a Canikon Troll.. What are you doing here in this comment field, get away and Troll somewhere else..
You must be new. Look me up.
ok, sorry then 🙂 But why are e-mount folks and A-mount folks trolling against each other all the time, i dont get it..
Thought you were in the canikon camp, my bad 🙂
It’s not even a flagship A mount. This dev/marketing money is better spent on a FE lens and will do Sony more good in the long run.
Look on Flickr. There is way more photos from a-mount than e-mount = more lenses around!!
More photos doesn’t mean it’s better. By that logic smartphones are better.
E mount is much newer. I would be surprised if there were more E mount pictures on Flickr than A. Your post makes absolutely zero argument.
Doesn’t matter if you are new or old. A troll is a troll.
Don’t be harsh on him/her…
But Canon and Nikon are DSLR, not SLT.
Isn’t it sad that SLT is meant to be better?
Why would it be sad? I was amazed when I first took an SLT camera in my hands, Sony had me converted. It was so much better than my 7D. Now, this feeling from the 1st-gen SLT is what still makes me believe in Sony, after all those years of them dabbling with E-Mounts.
Totally agreed!
Of course it would be better than your Minolta 7D 😀
I’m not that old ^_^
Then why are you still here? This topic is not for you.
Why are you replying? My comments are not for you. Go play with you A mount rubbish and hold a sign saying “judgement is coming” or whatever.
Good. They are nice people too.
Not nice enough to make a hole in profits just to keep them quiet 😉
Honestly Sony should offer to buy back A mount bodies and give these people an upgrade path to E mount.
It’s not to keep them quiet, it’s so they can take nice photos. Don’t be a selfish twat.
You must think that using that language must make your argument stronger.
I toned it down, just for you. Not sure where you think you are coming from here. Nothing you have said is of any consequence, it lacks any kind of style or class, you are not occupying any kind of intellectual or moral higher ground. For someone who obviously can say things of merit, you are missing the mark in this thread.
Plus, there is nothing wrong with calling someone a twat who is being a twat.
maybe you just should read once a realistic e-mount test like the following from DPREVIEW:
http://www.dpreview.com/articles/5684109129/lucky-number-7-shooting-pro-sports-with-the-sony-a7r-ii
You read dpreview articles? Lol
A mount users are clueless
You are.
Want to put that in a sentence, champ?
But there’s no upgrade path to E-Mount. All E-Mounts so far have been downgrades in many ways that are significant to us. As soon as there is the first DSLR-quality mirrorless, I assure you we’d start planning a switch. IF there ever is one.
Indeed, I tried switching to e-mount, but they just don’t work for me.
DSLTs are less than DSLR quality and will always be thanks to their crooked mirror in the way.
Mirrorless is equals to or better than dslr quality.
I didn’t mean picture quality. DSLRs still rely on OVF, and mirrorless have a long list of flaws compared to SLT.
Think newbies and gift buyers . . . It doesn’t do much for existing a mount users aside from demonstrating that Sony is still working on a mount.
Good news for those waiting for an updated A99 and who thought that A-mount was dead. Stop whining
I’m not sure if an A-68 mostly repackaging body from the old A-65 with partly horrible low-end specs (see LCD and viewfinder) is good news for the A-system…
If you read the subtext, this is just to pacify existing A-mount users, not to draw new users into the fold.
“The new α68 (ILCA-68)camera from Sony lets enthusiastic photographers discover even more creative opportunities with their precious collection of A-mount lenses.”
Translation: “here’s a camera to keep you A-mounters happy for a while longer; no one else is really going to buy this.”
Haha I didn’t notice that but we knew it. It’s Sony’s own tongue in cheek way of saying “move on A mount users”
What else did you expect? A-mount will be continued for existing users, but the future is E-mount.
That’s more than obvious since at least 3 years now for everybody with 5 brain cells and was also never a secret hidden by Sony.
Uh…3 years ago the a99 had just been formally announced and there were a handful of NEX compacts for those looking to jump from a point and shoot to an ILC.
Oh, certainly, but I think the “will be continued” won’t be for very long, and anyone who thinks otherwise is fooling themselves. I think we’re witnessing the last generation of A-mounts being released. I expect another A99 replacement, and then for it to fade away.
Really? An entry level camera is for existing A-mount enthusiasts?
But A68 is not entry level, it is medium level body. Hint: A300, A33, A58……
It’s only “entry level” because they already killed the lower models in the line. Read the text and you can see that they expect buyers of this camera already have a collection of A-mount lenses, which wouldn’t be true of total newbies.
Ha, ha. It’s a press text. You must be joking!!
It’s an affordable beginner sports camera, not bad. It’s so cheap but not many lenses to go with it.
Yeah while stopping down to account for no micro AF adjust. Some lenses will no doubt be perfect without adjustment but going from A580 -> A77 I appreciated it immensely for some larger aperture teles.
We don’t know if it has or has not AF adjust yet.
True : )
Maybe my pessimism is entirely unwarranted. Would bet on the opposite but right know the cat is neither dead nor alive.
I’m astonished at the suggestion this is just ‘to keep A mount users’ happy.
Do people honestly think that Sony would bother at all if this was the case? It just doesn’t make much economic sense if they didn’t think there was a genuine market for it.
One minute people are saying that Sony are effective gougers by bringing out new cameras, rather than providing firmware to improve existing model’s perfromance, and the next they are throwing money away on some bizarre mind games.
Sorry, but I think that idea is nuts!
I think Sony will throw in an A-mount camera once in a while. E-mount is earning good, almost no R&D is needed to switch sensors for a better ones in A-mount. The only R&D required is for PDAF modules, but there’s nothing too complex or too innovative in this area.
I’m totally happy with an A-Mount once in a while 🙂
At one time they had like 10 different A mount bodies with barely any differences. They were equally crippled. It doesn’t take much for Sony to release a new body. We all know that.
“It doesn’t take much for Sony to release a new body.”
So STFU about wasted money then.
Quick to waste money. Logic doesn’t seem to be your strength beardo…
Thank you, real men have beards. Maybe do less reading here and more about customer relations, metrics of loyalty, market cycles, etc. Then there would be less talking out your ass.
If your Dad doesn’t have a beard, you’ve got two mums.
Lol
Rofl by that logic people who don’t use deodorant are telling the world they have bodies and hobos are telling the world they have bladders. Do you also wear tights and wigs like the dudes in Barry Lyndon? Lol
Again… logic fail and fashion fail. Stay in business school, beardo. Ask questions about cameras. Don’t make statements about subjects you don’t get.
You aren’t talking about cameras. You are talking about profit, and whatever the hell this post was about.
It’s a joke. Logic fail … person fail.
Try turning it around lord Beardo lol
Upvote for the beards reference.
They only had 5 max. btw. my a900 has never been crippled!
Yes it was… maybe you didn’t know about the cooked raw files. And what about live view? Can’t do any critical focusing for landscapes, etc.
No, A900 and A850 are two last body dedicated photography
characteristics. They are tough, fast and, most important, reliable! Just mount Minolta 85 f1.4 G and you have F1 portrait machine 😉
The A900 is a DEATH MACHINE IN A GOOD WAY
You’re right, they wouldn’t put something on the market if they didn’t think there’s customers interested in it and if they wouldn’t make a profit, no matter how small that might be. But, on the other hand, it’s quite difficult (and less profitable) to sustain 2 or more different lines of cameras with different lens mounts in the long run.
Canon, Nikon does it, and so does Leica.
They do, with one notable difference: they serve different purposes/customers. Canon has 1 lens mount for full frame and aps-c, and then another one for its compact mirrorless line. And even Leica had different mounts for completely different cameras, rangefinders and reflex. Sony is kind of more confusing when it comes to lens mounts.
LOL
They’re the same line of cameras, just ask Sony. It’s one system.
Which would be great if it wasn’t total BS
How do you E-mount people pick an AF point with this wheel thing?
Real photographers don’t whine over buttons and wheels
I’m more interested in the process description than in demostration of your awful trolling abilities.
Im more interested in people not blowing rape whistles over button placements
Yeah, that’s what I was reffering to as an “awful trolling abilities”. Come up with anything smart already.
You need to put some thought in to those comebacks instead of going “im telling mom”
Lol, here we go, mom jokes. Here we see a typical E-mounter with all his bad glass and anger over the more successful A-mount people.
LOL That wasn’t a mom joke
“bad glass” LOL in front of my microwave oven.
Im more interested in Sony launching SAL500F80II SSM
The original was already excellent. Agree that faster AF would be good but I’d prefer if they did a 600/8 or faster shorter one because 500/8 is just too common.
Real photographers whine over a company releasing a product that isn’t for them.
Money better spent elsewhere
So go spend it. It’s not your money.
Sony spending that money in FE is Sony spending that money well.
You are completely wrong anyway. The lens system isn’t even complete yet, so another round of A-mount cameras will keep more in the fold for little R&D cost, and grow the future Sony base. It will lead to more profit, not less – which gives your precious FE the extra money you are looking for.
There is no future in A mount. If anything is there there’d be a newer body than the rubbish a99 and you’d actually see professionals using them. I don’t care for pros but they need dslrs/dslts for machine gunning /spray-and-pray style of shooting and ironically Sony dslts are meant to be the best for machine gunning. So why aren’t people bothering with them? Because it’s not happening.
It’s important to read what others write, as well as what you write. You don’t understand, Sony do.
Lol and why do they do so much market research for anything that matters?
Again Sony understands there’s a want for this camera but poor A mount users wouldn’t buy enough to justify. Go to some place like Singapore where they sell cameras in brick and mortar shops and you see discoloured brand new sony slts in boxes with no takers. This will be one of them.
I like discoloured boxes.
Well I think the a7x is more rubbish than my 6 year old a900. Take that!
Completely agree with 1st gen.
Not sure with 2nd gen.
There is no future in E mount. If anything is there there’d be a newer body than the rubbish a7rii and you’d actually see professionals using them. I don’t care for pros but they need dslrs/dslts for machine gunning /spray-and-pray style of shooting and ironically Sony dslts are meant to be the best for machine gunning. So why are people bothering with them? Because it’s happening.
Doesn’t make sense. A7rII is a game changer. The first a7r turned many heads and got people over to Sony. The a7rII is doing it all over again thanks to IBIS and amazing sensor.
A mount has never done any such thing in its history.
Klick the center button to go into af point selection mode and then move it by klicking in the direction. It’s a wheel and a navigation pad. Just in case it was a serious question…
Ah, it’s a navpad too, I see. Yeah, it was a serious question – last time I’ve seen it on A6000, one has to click a button and then use two wheels to move AF point horizontally/vertically.
not true, the A6000 and all other E-mount cameras since the NEX series have the same navpad and functionality
On A7rII and A7sII you can redefine the Center/Left/Right/Down buttons on the wheel to Focus Settings, which allows to move the focus point either with wheels or the directional buttons on the wheel, much like on typical DSLR with the joystick or directional buttons. It does take one extra press, and currently you cannot redefine Up button, but is pretty easy to get used to.
Sony continuing to redefine Euclidean geometry by following 5 axis with 4 dimensions.
Sony knows better.
P.S. There is actually an Euclidean 4D space and there is Minkowski 4D spacetime.
I know, Euclidean spaces can be generalised to any number of dimensions (and string theorists seem to thrive on multiple dimensions, even if they aren’t Euclidean). But I don’t think Euclid ventured into a fourth dimension and, in any event, a camera is very much a 3D product (as are photographers).
You can’t know, Sony camera can be a projection of 4D object into our space. xD
we do need bigger body to handle those bigger lens like 70-400mm.
i still think SLT tech still has its place in the market to provide full-time tracking while mech shutter flips up and down. that’s of course until electronic shutter tech takes off then on-sensor AF sesnors can provide the same result.
i would be happy to see A7II internals being stuffed into an A99 size body with dual card, weather seal and 10fps burst along with 100+shots buffer.
Why the limited bitrate?
I was getting excited about a budget A77ii but the small evf, 2.7 inch lcd was a bummer. Even the A65 was better in this regard. The look of the mount also don’t appeal. This had to be an a59 instead of a68. Really absolutely no new tech in A mount, which is worrying than the low specs. They could have improved the steadyshot atleast mentioning the stops improvement. A mount is still strong for sports shooters and better AF overall. Sony mustn’t isolate just because they see the future in E mount
Only tilting screen also 🙁
Tilting is fine. But just 2.7 inch what 460k dots is just unbelievable in 2015
True. It’s like a laptop with a CRT screen.
Tilting is not fine. This is the first A mount camera whose video screen cannot move into a comfortable portrait/vertical orientation. I love my a6000 and my a7S, but might a99 simply gets more use, and the radically more flexible screen is one reason. My Zeiss 135 1.8, Zeiss 85 1.4, and 70-200 2.8G balance wonderfully on my a99 (opposite on the a7S), and those focal lengths lend themselves to portraiture. So, yeah, the lack of a vertical orientation axis on a camera that can comfortably hold big heavy lenses will be missed by some of us.
That’s not true. The A58, for which this camera purports to be an upgrade to, only has a tilting screen.
“Dead, gone , finished , no longer made, no more A-mount, never again, deceased, extinct, done, not gonna happen, get over it” (c) animalsbybarry
Now, I search for “Barry eats hat” on Youtube and it gives me nothing. https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=%22barry+eats+hat%22
It’s a big hat. He needs time to finish.
Not nice to pick on people who aren’t a part of a discussion.
He’s always a part of a discussion on SAR.
First impression is disappointment but then thinking a bit more, the 4D focus could be a real plus. Also this could be a tease about whats to come soon for FF? Either way, looking forward to the A mount revival.
You have to think A68 from A58 user’s perspective, not as an A77II/A99 user.
I agree. I just feel frustrated that as a FF A99 user, we haven’t had a new camera in over 3 years.
People seem to be wondering why Sony wastes time on A-mount entry-level bodies and not on pro bodies.
This is very simple, and the same reason why Nikon invests in entry-level DX, and Canon in their Rebel line. They are counting on novices who want a DSLR because they think DSLRs are the best. Entry-level DX/Rebel cameras cater mostly to people who have no idea about sensor sizes, don’t know what focal length and aperture means, and just entertain the stubborn belief that DSLR = better.
Nikon and Canon then hope to convert some of these novices to enthusiasts, and hope to sell them a D600/6D along the way. This is why they don’t make nice APS-C primes / fast zooms. They want an upgrade path that leads to the more expensive full frame system.
Sony is probably also hoping to convert such novices to E-mount along the way. This A68 camera shows that they don’t want to miss this market. It is a smart marketing move.
Wrong! It used to be that way, but not anymore. Now every Sony marketing or sales related employee will direct a novice to low end E-mount APS-C bodies. Don’t trust me? Check for yourself – call them, email or ask on FB, visit their official retail partners.
I sell cameras for a living and I had my Sony rep try to talk me out of buying a A77m2 even after I told him I shoot sports and wildlife! I told him I wasn’t interested in e-mount he got mad! I have 16 A mount lens that fit on A mount why do I want to go backwards I just need a A99m2 Sony.
Great way for Sony to promote SLT and A-Mount, giving their sales reps instructions like that. Idiots. Easy to see how they squandered the amazing potential of the SLT system.
Converting to E-Mount from A68 would be a big downgrade. A68 seems to have A77II’s AF, which is one of the best, and E-Mounts, including the top A7RII, only have OSPDAF, which is much worse: http://www.dpreview.com/articles/5684109129/lucky-number-7-shooting-pro-sports-with-the-sony-a7r-ii
Oh this is when one needs to get his popcorn.
A7RII never was a sports camera.
Several thousand bucks for not-a-sports and not-a-wildlife camera…
Price of the 5DS/r please?
Ewww, never mention this 5DSR filth in the temple of Sony.
It’s not a sports nor a wildlife camera, simple comparison 🙂
So where is the fast FE body? Since A-Mount users are supposed to ‘upgrade’ to E-Mount. Also f/2.8 zooms please? Nowhere? So, it’s not an upgrade, it’s a downgrade.
Can’t you use the A mount lenses on E mount bodies?
It’s a BS story pushed by Sony. There’re significant limitations. Again, the dpreview article covers this. It can be an option if you own a lot of expensive A-Mount glass, but very few people would buy new AF A-Mount lenses specifically to use them on E bodies.
Come on man, don’t you see that this adapter talk is actually “we don’t have the füčkïñğ lenses you need in this system, give us more money and we’ll give you a shïťťý solution so you can buy our lenses from another system”?
I never said it’s THE solution. I know it’s a temporary solution, but it’s available and you have access to 2.8 zoom lenses (and they are great!) until they release the FE native ones.
I know you didn’t say it, but a photography system should never have a “temporary solution” like Sony does. But the catch here is the fact of the E-mount line being incomplete actually gives a helping hand to A-mount, keeping the lens production profitable and in the other hand… Forcing Sony to continue the Minolta legacy. I changed my mind, I LOVE E-MOUNT AND THOSE ĎÃMÑ ADAPTERS!
True – but nevertheless 5DS is still better for sport and wildlife than A7Rii
ahemmm….Leica?
Leica is targeting the special audience, those are completely out of discussion.
just saying, some people (and in case of Leica is indeed a tiny little fraction of customers) don’t need *everything* in a camera, or we would all be using huge bricks shooting 12fps. Every camera has compromises, the choice largely depends on the intended use for it by the photographer. A lot of people switching from Canon and Nikon to the A7 series are fully aware of the issues they’re going to face, but they’re willing to switch anyway. Why? Because, for them, what they gain is more than what they lose.
Mamiya?
Leica is purposed to take pictures of stills. Actually is purposed to take pictures of stills’ pictures.
agreed, like the D810 and the 5Ds are not sports cameras. 2016 is a Olympic games year, and usually camera manufacturers introduce fast sports cameras before that. So Canon will probably announce the next iteration of the 1D series, Nikon will do the same with the D5. We’ll see if Sony will try and break into that market with an e-mount, A7-style, fast sports mirrorless coupled with new fast zooms, or if they will just let Canon and Nikon keep on dominating that market.
No, it’s a hipster camera.
AF is surely an important thing to consider for a lot of customers, but do you think it’s the #1 thing they look at when choosing a camera?
#1 would be probably lenses. With still no f/2.8 zooms for FE, A-Mount wins this one too. #2 and #3 would be AF and ISO, with E having a slight advantage in the last one.
It’s an entry level camera, users are not looking for lenses, this a68 will come bundle with lenses (18-55 and 75-300 I suppose), so they don’t care
Why would you think that? Not everybody’s rich. There’re good cheap options for A-Mount like Tamron 17-50 f/2.8.
Why would I think that? Because they are sold like that, for example the a58:
http://www.idealo.fr/prix/3812448/sony-alpha-58.html
Use the dropdown menu next to “variantes” and see for yourself, that’s how they sell it.
Most users don’t care about lenses (and body only), they will only use the one bundled with (most likely a superzoom).
This may be a dated stereotype. “Most users”, who don’t have any idea about photography, just tend to use smartphones these days.
Unfortunately, it is not 🙁 The sellers tend to “advise” buying a DSLR (1200D or D3200 generally, with bundled lenses), I saw it when I was shopping for a new TV last week, it happens 3 times and they all left with a 1200D or 100D.
True saying. Anyone who buys a DSLR or DSLT these days wants something more in a camera that smartphones and p&s (does the latter still exists?) can’t offer.
There’s no point in offering the SAL75300 with the A68, it’s a full frame lens on an APS-C sensor. IF they offer two kit lens options (SLT-AxxY/K on the entry level models), it’s much more likely to see a DT SAL18250.
I doubt it. The 18-250mm is an ageing screw drive lens.
They would offer the 18-55mm and 55-200mm SAM or 55-300mm SAM.
Yep, good point on that. I never used the 18-250, i thought it was SAM.
Read my post below about the A58 😉
You’re right about #1, although if Sony is serious about the e-mount as they say they are, they’re going to introduce at least 2 2.8 zooms soon, beginning with a 24-70 and 70-200, both 2.8.Personally, not having any horse in this race and judging only by what I read here and what I see amongst my colleagues, it looks to me like the A-mount is a failed experiment. Good cameras, a good amount of innovation, but somewhere, somehow, Sony just stopped believing in that. Their marketing efforts for the A7 series are incredibly more powerful. Just my very personal opinion.
Yes, they definitely gave zero marketing for SLT.
It’s not the A-mount that’s failed experiment. It’s the SLT. That technology had a potential to provide best of the both worlds (SLR and mirrorless), but Sony just did not make waves with it. They failed to market the advantages, and the initial models highlighted the disadvantages (EVF lag, EVF resolution, light loss). Things might have been different if they started today, with all the new tech available now.
But it is too late really – general opinion seems to be that SLT combines all the WORST of both worlds instead.
So it’s important to remember – it’s not the SLT (which is amazing), it’s Sony’s complete marketing fail regarding SLT that got A-Mount to where it is today.
that, and the weird idea of introducing a new lens mount without designing a new line of cameras, i.e. the A7 series, around the old one.
SLT does have inherent design problem, though. The light loss, which results in some image degradation. Yes, it quite irrelevant in practice, and sensors in past few years have more than made up the difference. It is still there, however, and ask any photographer what they think about reduced image quality. This light loss, lack of marketing effort and immature EVF is why the effort failed.
For me, the EVF experience is still terrible, even with the latest cameras (not tried the Leica SL). I know quite alot ppl personally, who think the same.
– still smearing and lag
– resolution is still way too low to compare to an OVF experience
– most importantly: contrary to what all EVF fans say, the image is NOT what you get on the sensor. It is heavily (or better terribly) processed JPEG engine output. Oversaturated, way too much contrast, blown highlights.
Normal users look at MEGAPIXELS first. Since their compact camera days.
>Converting to E-Mount from A68 would be a big downgrade.
If you speak about body-size – true
Have you actually the comment you’re replying to?
there’s only one difference: the novice buys a Nikon or a Canon dslr, usually a Aps-c camera with its a kit lens, usually a slow zoom. Then the novice becomes an enthusiast, and buys a better lens. Then he/she buys a better camera, either Aps-c or moves to full frame, depending also on which lenses he/she has bought. No problem there: aps-c, full frame, same mount. The path from novice to enthusiast for someone who buys an a68 today and maybe will move to an A7 in the future is slightly more bumpy.
Besides, it doesn’t make a lot of sense for a company to put overlapping products in the same market. Either Sony truly makes some moves to differentiate the target for the 2 different mounts, or one of them will go away when demand for one falls below the minimum profitability.
Just a little mistake in this whole year, but at least now they can dedicate themselves to important stuff.
I had a curious thought today. Imagine a scenario in which Sony has to drop support for one of the mounts. For whatever reason – financial, marketing, alien invasion, anything. Think about it! Which mount would that be?
the one that brings less money in their pockets in the long run. And judging *solely* by their marketing efforts, if something like that happened today, it’s quite safe to say they’d drop the a-mount.
Oh that’s obvious. E-mount.
I’m not sure if you’re serious, but do you really think they would drop a highly successful and modern mount for a declining 30-year-old mount?
Not sure? errmm… I’m not sure if you’re serious, but….
Deadly…
It seems you can’t figure someone’s sarcasm. But i like the way you talk about E-mount, it’s very fanboyish LOLOLOLOL
Fair enough, but sarcasm is extremely difficult to separate in this place when you consider the number of trolls here.
But you let yourself down with the fanboy insult Maybe you’re implying E-mount isn’t successful and modern, while the A-mount is definitely not 30-years-old and declining in sales. It’s sad when the fanboy accusations come out when all I was trying to do was state the reality.
Ok I’m sorry, we shouldn’t be arguing. Friends?
No question, after this announcement, E-Mount is dead.
I’m a Nikon SLR/DSLR user for decades, and a recent convert to Sony E-mount for mirrorless. If I want a mirrorless, I go for Sony. If I want a DSLR, I go with Nikon (and acknowledge Canon are quite good too). Why do people buy Sony for DSLR instead of Nikon/Canon – I don’t get it. From what I gather, Nikon and Canon have so fine-tuned the DSLR that it makes no sense to me to buy Sony for DSLR.
If you want DSLR, you buy Canon or Nikon.
If you want mirrorless, you buy Sony E or Fuji.
If you want SLT (best of both worlds), you buy Sony A.
Simple.
I wouldn’t buy this SLT. That screen alone is a deal breaker.
Unfortunately this is supposedly a mid-range camera for “demanding amateur photographers”, but it has too many entry-level features.
It has a great AF system and fairly good layout with top LCD etc., but it’s ruined with ridiculous cost-cutting features like plastic mount and lower res screen. Granted, you can’t have everything for €600, but Sony make some strange decisions sometimes.
Agreed, although for me the deal breaker would be how the screen tilts, not its resolution; the original A65’s screen allows for vertical shooting, not this one.
If they would have used the A7s/A7rII/… viewfinder OLED, I could take that screen (and maybe plastic mount too, if price is below 400-500€). but without any proper device for focusing/picture evaluation, this is simply a no-go camera.
It’s like with the A3000; I like the DSLR style and it’s a good sensor for that money. But the display/viewfinder just sent me straight to the a5000 (at least as backup camera….).
Fast forward sensor generation or two. Imagine a stacked sensor with global shutter and OSPDAF layer that can be read out separately. This would make mechanical shutter irrelevant and provide full time AF even while sensor is recording exposure. That would bring same advantages in a much simpler design. It’s not even a fantasy, all the required elements already exist either in products or patents. This is where mirrorless is going mid-term.
I can’t fast forward, I don’t own a time machine. Everybody keeps saying that mirrorless is the “future”, but we live in the present. Whatever we can imagine, we can’t shoot with ATM.
I can understand that. For me A7rII is enough for my work as I do not shoot sports and fastest action ever for me is occasional fashion show.
If I was a sports or wildlife photographer, I would have switched away from Sony long time ago, mostly because of lens choices. If I was a professional back when Minolta was so slow about digital, I would have switched back then already.
If you want foveon, buy Sigma.
But don’t complain that system has no future.
In theory, SLT can provide full time AF even while exposure is being taken, allowing better continuous tracking. In practice, the AF systems in competing DSLRs are so good that the real life advantage is negligible. Then there’s a light loss which, while pretty irrelevant in practice, degrades image quality slightly. Somehow Sony failed to capitalize on the AF front until A77II and photographers are quite sensitive about any kind of “image quality degradation”.
Agree.
And I feel sorry for A-mount people that have invested big money into A-mount glass over the time.
But I don’t feel sorry for people starting to buy in to A-mount after 2010, because since then it was obvious that A-mount has no future. Want DSLR/SLT? go Canikon!
Canikon don’t make any SLT. What are you talking about?
SLT is a DSLR spinoff nothing else. So it belongs to the DSLR-group.
Whatever, Canikon still don’t make SLT. In 2010 fast AF + EVF = SLT A-Mount. It only started to change a bit with A6000 in 2014, but still nowhere near a complete replacement level.
Except that no one offers a DSLT except Sony.
Neither of them offers ibis though…
In a parallel universe there is another brand that offers a camera that can make coffee.
I wonder why people don’t complain neiter Sony, Canon or Nikon can do.
Obviously you live in a parallel universe called fairyland.
Or an EVF.
Wow. I feel sorry for A-Mount users!
Tell that to A58 users. And run.
Because they have to put up with pointless trolls on every post?
Every A mount post… which is like once in 3 years. Oh how difficult it is to confront reality and society… let’s all hide behind a beard.
You really know how to make friends.
You people as friends? ROFL
I support/oppose ideas. I don’t care for people.
Well, I’m really sorry that something happened to you last year to turn you from the person you were, into the person you are. It’s time to get past it. Good luck with doing that. People are OK.
Lol are you serious?
100%. I won’t attack you for being like this any more. Good luck with everything.
Your photos are marvellous. Why do they end on Flickr in 2014?
Hmm, the articles seem to end then too. I hope what seems to have happened hasn’t happened, and if it did, I apologize.
After initial release of Sony NEX 3 and 5 with gorgeous screens of 920k dots, where did sony find screens with 230k on SLT33-35 and A3000-3100 and 460k pixels? On trash yard?
A33/35 had the same screen as NEX3/5. Only the a37 had a downgraded screen.
My miss. You’re right!
A37 had a huge EVF though, wchich was downgraded in A58.
But A68 is still lack of WI-FI with sony apps and NFC… strange camera…
Well, look up from A58, not down from A77II/A99.
Wasn’t that huge and it was icky field sequential which the A58 wasnt (same EVF as A6000).
And for the sake of saving a few pence, they go halfway by only providing a tilt screen, not a tilt swivel one. Will Sony never learn, people who need the tilt will also need the swivel at some time as well so why not do it. What about all the photographers with disabilities who rely on the screen being able to swivel as well as tilt. The A65 had tilt/swivel, why take a step backwards on the new camera. That is so stupid!
1080p?!?!? What the fudge?!?!
E-Mount is dead!
Yeeehaww
No new E-mount camera in almost two months. Definitely dead.
Did you mean crop E mount dead?
I mean, FE-Mount and E-Mount is dead!
you’re too mean.
There is only one E-mount.
No – there are two:
the wobbling E-mounts and the stable ones.
Yeah finally dead!!! “The Walking E-mount” 😀
But at least APS-C lives on
Is that a plastic mount?
In my use metal mounts were getting wobbly faster, than plastic ones.
Really? The A77 mount was a solid as f***.
I really wouldn’t fancy hanging that 70-200/2.8 off that thing. Then again, if I had the money for a 70-200/2.8, there’s very little excuse not to pay the extra couple of hundred for the A77II.
A57 one wasn’t after some extensive use.
I’ve hanged 70-200 on a plastic A58. It’s totally fine, plastic mount “issue” is overrated.
Well that one had plastic mount locks too (right term?). It was just the plate that was metal.
The A77 is all metal. m/
Well, on A77II I see some signs of future wobliness too. So far only with tight zooms like 16-50.
It’s plastic fantastic!
Oh man, now I’m going to have that stupid Barbie Girl song in my head all day long!
I can’t imagine it is really plastic. That would be a bummer.
It’s not plastic. It’s a non-metal, petrochemical derived polymer alloy, designed to provide the best performance and reliability when using your long* lenses.
*max. length 50mm
Like MontBlanc pens, which are made of “prcious resin” instead of plastic.
“plastic” “petrochemical derived polymer alloy”
is same as
“cleaning lady” “room attendant executive assist-manager”?
The A68 seems like a great camera for what it is. A lower end camera. What I don’t understand is why no one is curious about the availability date. March 2016. Five months is a long time between a product announcement and availability. For me, this says one thing. There will probably be other announcements before this camera goes on sale. I now believe that a high end A99 replacement is coming. And since the A77II will be two years old when the A68 comes out, there is a likelihood that the A77II replacement will also be announced sometime in the intervening months. This announcement seems more like a signal that other things are coming. Of course, I could be wrong, and all he naysayers and negative vibe vendors in SAR could be right. But why be negative? Sometimes, a dose of optimism is needed (and warranted).
I think we will soon see an A98:
-body like A99
-sensor like A99
-AF like A99
-menu like A99
but slower FPS, no weather-sealing, and lower price as current A99 street price 🙂
How much lower fps than a99 can you go, and why? 6 fps is no speed daemon to begin with, and it is basically the limitation of the sensor. Even CPU in the cheap a6000 can do 11 fps at 24mpix, newer Sony CPUs should be even more capable.
Then go just 5 fps or cripple any other feature of A99 somehow else…
But Hurray: there is a new A-mount FF and Sony can still claim they are fully committed to A-mount.
At a guess, a 28mp a77iii to match the rumoured a6100…
This is going TOP TEN in Amazon preorders. Guaranteed. Look at that plastic mount, folks, all the better to mount your “precious” A-mount lenses (like the DT 35mm f/1.8?). What is Sony trying to do here? Are they trying to gain new converts to A-mount? With this? Would a current a65 user upgrade to this instead of a discounted a77ii? I have to agree with the other commenters that this might be nothing more than a stopgap “get something out there” for A-mount just to keep people from abandoning all hope of an a77iii or an a99ii.
I think the A3000 flopped and Sony expects this DSLR form factor cam couldn’t be worse in the market..
It will be discounted enough in the near term to be the entry level camera that gives users a good feel for how fast the AF system on the larger bodies can be.
If Sony only had a77/a99 priced bodies, users would (and have recently) complain about there not being any budget bodies. This fills that gap. A-mount can get by with three bodies in three pricing structures and co-exist with E for a while.
The high ISO benchmark for this camera estimated 1317
Wrong, A77II scores 1013 and it has the same sensor and the same light-robbing semitransparent mirror.
I clearly said and believed there would be no new A mount camera.
I am pleased to say I was wrong.
It is generally wise not to burn your bridges, and Sony has at the absolute minimim expense to themselves accomplished that.
Other than that this camera accomplishes nothing…no innovation, no new or latest technolgy, and no reason for an a77ii owner to buy one.
It does however at least leave the door open in the unlikely event that Sony ever decides to make a real commitment to future A mount development.
The a77ii was a good camera and this appears to be a lesser, cheaper version with most of the same features.
Maybe a new a78 is coming? Using the latest 28MP sensor of cos’ 😀
Minus afma, which couuld be a deal breaker for a lot of people. Still, it’s reassuring to set there’s still some life in the a-mount!
A77II still is a decent camera, and for only 300$ more, I wonder how many would actually choose this over A77II.
That’s at list. The a77ii is frequently discounted and is all over ebay.
Get out that hat!!!
“I am pleased to say I was wrong.”
Stop lying, this is killing you.
“It is generally wise not to burn your bridges, and Sony has at the absolute minimum expense to themselves accomplished that.”
Still in denial Barry, get over it.
” no reason for an a77ii owner to buy one.”
Why would the owner of the top of the line APS-C want to buy an entry level body unless it was a spare backup. Senseless argument.
“It does however at least leave the door open in the unlikely event that Sony ever decides to make a real commitment to future A mount development.”
Yes it does, so start working on a prepared statement when the A99II is released and you are proven wrong again.
My are we ageeable.
Fortunately you do not in any way represent me as I dissagree with you across the board.
Of course I disagree, you were/are wrong about everything.
As I said you must dissagree with everything I say….but you say I am wrong about everything…so you agree with everything I say
It must be difficult to be unable to think for yourself and be totally obligated to dissagreeing with someone else…but you will need to tell me it’s easy.
Non Sequitur – a conclusion or statement that does not logically follow from the previous argument or statement.
It’s fun to go after Barry. He so richly deserves it for all of his arrogant posts, his false declarative statements regardless of facts and his incessant shouting down of any contrary argument, no matter how reasonable. (It’s like he taped a sign to his backside which says “kick me.”) But it has to stop someday. Maybe not today, but someday.
I said I was wrong and you acuse me of lying…so clearlry you believe I was right.
You do not believe Sony was wise not to burn thier bridges…so you believe Sony shoild have stoped supporting A mount.
You dissagree with no reason for a77ii owner to buy one…so you must think they should
I think you simply need to dissagree with everything I say regardless of what I say….so you will probably need to tell me you agree with everything I say
And you have the Lotus Eater seal of approval…that must make you feel good to have so much in common with him.
No, he said you were lying about being pleased, which you almost certainly are, considering your extreme obsession with being right and predicting future events. I imagine this is quite a dent to that ego of yours.
There were absolutely no caveats attached to your definitive insistence that there would be no more A-mount cameras.
So I must also have been lying when I included ” I hope I am wrong” in almost every A mount comment I made.
And of course you must have been lurking anxiose for any chance lo sink your bloodsucking teeth in….as always.
“I included ” I hope I am wrong” in almost every A mount comment I made.”
No, you only really started doing that after the A68 rumours started circling. Before that you were quite happy to shout anybody down who didn’t agree with you (I’m noticing a theme here) that there were definitely going to be no more A-mount cameras.
So, what’s going to be announced tomorrow at Stockholm event? Supposedly it was a A68….
Live feed of Barry eating his hat probably. Noone’s going to believe his excuses anyway.
LOL
ROFL
No, A68 was indeed rumored to be today. Tomorrow is a “surprise”.
There were also other rumors indicating that new E-mount announcements would be “shortly after” the A68.
I thought that Sony was announcing a “NEW” A-mount camera. If they think about this one to be it, I find the joke of very bad taste.
Well if A-mount is alive then the A99 replacement should be next, no?
Most probably, as A7rii is in market for some time and the sensor is available A99ii should come next.
A99 gets a liitle sister:
It’s called A98, lacks weather-sealing, has a platic shell and the framerate is reduced to 5fps. But the new badge on the body will be fresh and shiny 🙂
Having just ordered a new A77ii, I was worried that the details of the A68 would make me wish I had waited. Seeing this, I have no regrets…
You will love the A77ii. I’m relieved to see that this latest A-Mount camera still provides screw drive. I live in fear that some day Sony might stop supporting the old screw drive lenses in hopes of forcing us to buy new and expensive SSM lenses.
The problem with that is that many Sony lenses are still screw driven, so they will need to upgrade a lot of them if they want to drop the AF motor. For example:
16mm fisheye
20mm 2.8
35mm 1.4 G
50mm 1.4
50mm 2.8 Macro
100mm 2.8 Macro
85mm 1.4 Zeiss
135mm 1.8 Zeiss
Sony would have to discontinue or update the many screw drive lenses that they currently produce / sell. Sony should either produce an la-ea 3 with screw motor or an e-mount body with a screw motor for adaptation.
“Translucent Mirror Technology”
Ahh, but what’s the point when they have OSPDAF tech?
OSPDAF tech is way inferior. Read the dpreview article: http://www.dpreview.com/articles/5684109129/lucky-number-7-shooting-pro-sports-with-the-sony-a7r-ii
Did not seem inferior to other Sony cameras, which were never in league with D4s/D1X.
A77II.
In fact. You use an a7 series last generation and then pick up an a77II and it is Formula 1 all in a sudden. Not talking about frames rate.
So what are the differences with the a77ii? Plastic and 8 fps. What else am I missing?
Low spec LCD and EVF. 460,000 dots on the LCD, ugh.
Indeed, this is a śhíttý LCD. My A35 have 921k dots. And that plastic bayonet, very very sad.
Eh. Sounds like it would be a good option if it was priced cheaply enough. As a a58 replacement.
IT’S ALIVE!!!! A new low end A mount body is a good sign, the 32 people that buy one will need an upgrade path, so there’s hope for a new A99. We’ll see how hard Sony pushes it marketing wise. It is odd that it’s being announced now and released well after the holiday shopping season when camera sales peak.
“So you’re saying there’s a chance!”
It seems to be good upgrade for A77 users. Fast AF at decent price.
Seems like a cheap A58 upgrade. Given that the market see a-mount as dead, will this really make much money for Sony?
By Sony standards, this camera, seems like an early 2014 model.
It doesn’t have a low spec EVF, it has the smallest EVF of all DSLT series ever made, including A37. Also it has the rear LCD with the second worst resolution, only better than A37 and worse than everything else, including A55 from last decade.
The LCD is on par with Nikon D90 from 2008.
Great camera. Decent specs, with a decent price. Everything matches my expectations, apart from the low resolution screen and plastic mount? Seriously? Still plastic mount? And the images even suggest that the plastic mount will be able to withstand the weight of the 70-200? Wow? But I do like the heft and size though. And surprisingly 5 axis wasn’t mentioned, just ‘steady shot’. It’s a sign that Sony better come out with a jaw dropping a77III or a99II between this increbibly long delivery time of almost half a year!
Being an A57 user i have no problems with viewfinder resolution as it’s bettered in a way that its OLED now. Yes more resolution would have been better but i believe it should give slightly better battery life as lesser pixels to pushed. LCD display could have better resolution and A57 is 921k, but from what i have seen out of my use one will need a full hd screen to appreciate the pixels you capture. The only true problem that is see with this camera is the burst rate which could have been left untouched, though 5 FPS would allow buffer to clear better and possibly would allow longer burst durations. Its a mixed bag but what entry level camera is not.
I’m a A57 user too, but I think that the camera to upgrade to is the A77II, not this A68 which is a nice upgrade from the A58. The only advantage the A68 has is resolution and 4D AF, but there are also downgrades like the lower frame rate and worse LCD. The A77II offers much more advantages such as a more flexible LCD, faster frame rates etc etc.
In addition to all that, I made a solemn vow to never ever buy a camera with worse LCD than I currently have, and I will never buy a PDAF based camera with AF micro adjust. Game over.
Dude is cheaper than the a77 II, therefore it should be less and you should be happy.
This is sooooooo excit…… *YAWN*
sssssssssssssss….. sssssssssssssssssss……
WT/F?! where is promised surprise?!! Where is A6100 or A6500 or A7000 or
new 8 FE lenses or new FE lens roadmap?!! WT/F SONY?!!! Did you just
again released a most illogical and least asked camera? WHo The Fu/$k is
gonna buy this piece of $h/it?!! Where is our APS-C 16-50 PZ MkII and
16-70 MkII with sharp corners this time?!! Where is FE24-105 F4 or
FE24-70 F4 MkII with sharp corners – aren’t you going to rehabilitate
yourself after such DUDS produced? Where he fu/$k is FE24-70 F2.8 we all
been waiting for so long since the dawn of times? WHAT THE HE/$L WERE YOU
THINKING SONY???!!!!
WHAT YOU WERE THINKING SONY?!!!
WTF?! where is promised surprise?!! Where is A6100 or A6500 or A7000 or new 8 FE lenses or new FE lens roadmap?!! WTF SONY?!!! Did you just again released a most illogical and least asked camera? WHo The Fu$k is gonna buy this piece of $hit?!! Where is our APS-C 16-50 PZ MkII and 16-70 MkII with sharp corners this time?!! Where is FE24-105 F4 or FE24-70 F4 MkII with sharp corners – aren’t you going to rehabilitate yourself after such DUDS produced? Where he fu$k is FE24-70 F2.8 we all been waiting for so long since the dawn of times? WHAT THE HE$L WERE YOU THINKING SONY???!!!!
WT Faggots?! where is promised surprise?!! Where is A6100 or A6500 or A7000 or
new 8 FE lenses or new FE lens roadmap?!! WT Faggots SONY?!!! Did you just
again released a most illogical and least asked camera? WHo The Faggots is
gonna buy this piece of faggot?!! Where is our APS-C 16-50 PZ MkII and
16-70 MkII with sharp corners this time?!! Where is FE24-105 F4 or
FE24-70 F4 MkII with sharp corners – aren’t you going to rehabilitate
yourself after such DUDS produced? Where the faggots is FE24-70 F2.8 we all
been waiting for so long since the dawn of times? WHAT THE faggots WERE YOU
THINKING SONY???!!!!
SONY WHERE IS PROMISED SURPRISE?!!!!!!!!!!!
The surprise is the plastic mount.
Same body-dimension in lower quality material.
WE ALL EXPECTED TO HAVE THE BODY AS COMPACT AS A58 WAS !!!
Tomorrow in Sweden
Look at your calendar. It’s November 5 today, not November 6.
You have to take apart the A68 first and you’ll find the prize inside.
Where is promised surprise?!! Where is A6100 or A6500 or A7000 or
new 8 FE lenses or new FE lens roadmap?!! SONY?!!! Did you just
again released a most illogical and least asked camera? Who is
gonna buy this piece of ?!! Where is our APS-C 16-50 PZ MkII and
16-70 MkII with sharp corners this time?!! Where is FE24-105 F4 or
FE24-70 F4 MkII with sharp corners – aren’t you going to rehabilitate
yourself after such DUDS produced? Where the is FE24-70 F2.8 we all
been waiting for so long since the dawn of times? WHAT THE WERE YOU
THINKING SONY???!!!!
Err, it’s not the 11am on the 6th. Chill.
Was it ever any indication that such a surprise should come today?
Look how big this thing is!!!!!
If I was a gambling man, I wouldn’t be surprised to see a new version of the A99 within 12 months, but I would wonder whether it will be more like this and the existing version, or have more in common with the A7 series.
As many have suggested, a large lens on the A7 body is not well balanced, so the simplest thing would be to use the available space to cram in plenty of ‘goodies’.
I suspect that the mirror will disappear and they will have refined the on-sensor AF to an extent it will be better than SLT models.
However, the big question that only Sony could answer is just how many people have sufficient A mount lenses, or would buy new, to justify using that mount, or whether to move wholesale to the E mount. Given the endless stream of criticism here and on related forums I will put on a tin hat and keep my head down if that happens!
That said, it’s funny how few seem to remember that Canon did exactly the same thing effectively, but they’re now held up to be a paragon of virtue in terms of customer respect…
>I suspect that the mirror will disappear
Mirrorless A-Mount will never happen. 100% sure, even with Sony’s random behavior.
Why your certainty?
Ultimately, all a mount consists of is a physical metal bayonet and some electrical connections set to a specific distance from the sensor. I would imagine it relatively easy to retain if there was a benefit in terms of maintaining a customer base.
If you could beat current AF and live view performance without the mirror then the ONLY disadvantage would be a little wasted space. There would be no more light loss.
It will come down to form versus function and manufacturing economics; pure and simple.
“If you could beat current AF and live view performance without the mirror” than this will be no different than FE body with an adapter. So they’ll just make those, with the additional benefit of the ability to take the adapter off and use E-Mount lenses.
Exactly. A full size body loses all of the advantages of mirrorless, which is why mirrorless cameras with legacy mounts tend to fail catastrophically in the market (Pentax K-01 for example, at the end of its life it was selling so cheaply that the kit with a 40mm pancake lens was CHEAPER than the lens alone!)
Nope, that’s not what I meant at all. If they drop A-Mount, they’ll have to release full-sized E-Mount bodies.
Depends on the definition of what a “full-sized body” is. Current standard high end DSLR with a external or integrated grip (5D3, D810, 1Dx, 4Ds, A900, A99) are in my opinion too big. Somehow the DSLR design got bloated during digital transition, perhaps to fit all the electronics inside, which at the time were not miniature enough.
My ideal E-mount camera for events, wildlife, sports and weddings would be just a tiny bit larger than current second generation A7x bodies, but with an integrated vertical and perhaps slightly deeper hand grips, and obviously amazing AF, general speed, dual cards and sturdy metal shell and great build quality. Apart from focus point joystick, I prefer A7rII+grip ergonomics to the A900+grip, even when handholding 70-200/2.8!
Agreed, big enough to fit the focus point joystick – and also A77-type fully-articulating screen
The K-01 was a joke. You can’t reference that camera seriously and who else? We have Sony and a one off from Pentax.
Yes, it was a joke, which is why you’re not going to see any one else crazy/dumb enough to do it.
I think you missed my initial observation (and that of many others) that the current E mount bodies do not balance well with large lenses.
As I say, if Sony do come out with a new A99 type body, the decision they make as to the mount used may depend upon whether a mirror is necessary.
To think that such a product would be ‘no different’ is contradicting all those who say the A7 series is too small. If Sony can make one to use both mounts (incorporating a detachable adapter?), without compromising any of the functionality, I think they would be on a winner. I can’t see that being easy at all, though!
“Ultimately, all a mount consists of is a physical metal bayonet and some
electrical connections set to a specific distance from the sensor. I
would imagine it relatively easy to retain if there was a benefit in
terms of maintaining a customer base.”
For Canon EF and Sony E, along with FT/MFT – yes.
For A-mount – no, mechanical linkages are present
Picky, picky, picky…
Also because every attempt to do mirrorless in a legacy mount so far has been a catastrophic failure. It has such a horrible track record that no one is going to touch that with a ten foot pole.
Isn’t mirrorless in a legacy mount exactly what Canon have with their Cinema line, that dual pixel AF works pretty well too.
It’s video-only, also Canon’s EF mount is the newest of the SLR mounts and the ONLY one that is fully electronic. I would consider it not to be “legacy” but “trailblazer for the current generation of mounts”.
There’s a reason that Techart has had good success in adapting it to emulate a native E-mount lens instead of emulating the EA adapters.
A-mount is, on the other hand, a legacy mount that still has mechanical linkages.
That is 30 year old ancient history and back then interchangeable lens cameras were much more of an enthusiast/pro market than they are now. Also, there was no internet for collective whining. Also, the AF is a huge advantage over MF, so it was much easier to convince existing customers about the benefits.
During AF transition, Minolta ditched the old mount first, then Canon followed. Nikon and Pentax decided to build on their existing mounts. Looking at market shares today, it is obvious that changing mount back then did not make or break the system’s future.
The fact that Canon decide to go all electronic (AF and aperture control) on EF from start might be an ace if and when they add FF mirrorless to their portfolio – it will be easier for them to support existing lenses, especially if they create new mount with shorter flange distance – the adapters will only require electronic circuits, unlike Sony which also need aperture mechanism and screw drive AF motor.
P.S. Mirrorless A-mount does not make too much sense. Same can be achieved with a larger E-mount body with an adapter, utilizing that extra space for larger heat-sinks, larger battery, more processing power etc.
Mirrorless e-mount doesn’t make since e-mount started out as a cropped sensor format them Sony created a totally new different full frame e-mount called FE but guess what you those lens need an adapter to use lens between formats how dumb is that. A-mount uses aps and full frame lens without adapters!
Um, no… FE lenses work fine on APS-C bodies without adapters.
FE is NOT A DIFFERENT MOUNT. It’s just a designator for E-mount lenses that are FF capable. Just like Nikon “DX” is NOT A DIFFERENT MOUNT.
Wow wait a second! Are you saying that FE lenses don’t fit/work on APS-C E-mount??? And cropped lenses don’t fit/work on FE bodies??? Oh come on you’re joking right? Is this true???
As I suggested, the sense of it will depend upon whether Sony can make the on-sensor AF superior to the separate module and how much of an existing A mount market they feel would upgrade.
If the market is deemed too small, or the performance impaired, it wouldn’t get off the first stage of the drawing board.
That said, the A68 seems to indicate Sony think there is still a decent A-mount market out there!
“The fact that Canon decide to go all electronic (AF and aperture
control) on EF from start might be an ace if and when they add FF
mirrorless to their portfolio – it will be easier for them to support
existing lenses, especially if they create new mount with shorter flange
distance – the adapters will only require electronic circuits, unlike
Sony which also need aperture mechanism and screw drive AF motor.”
Canon’s already there. EF-M adapters are 100% passive, just contact passthrough. Which is why they’re <$80 first-party and $20 third-party.
It's also why adapting Canon lenses to E has been so much easier than other mounts, and in fact the Techart III (partially) emulates a native lens. (The aspects of emulation it fails at are adapter bugs, not technical limitations of EF-mount – EF does have motor speed control.)
EF mount, while in some ways can be considered "legacy" due to being introduced in 1987, is the first "modern" mount that eliminated all mechanical linkages from the mount across the board.
So, Sony stick the A68 batch on the A77II camera and release as a new camera? It feel exactly the same as the 16-35II and 24-70II approach. Modify some existing stock in slightest way as possible and make it a release.
So, Sony stick the A68 batch on the A77II camera and release as a new camera? It feel exactly the same as the 16-35II and 24-70II approach. Modify some existing stock in slightest way as possible and make it a release.
It’s not. This is a design mix of A65 and A77, with a modified back with different controls. It’s made out of plastic instead of magnesium. It has inferior LCD and EVF. I could go on for a while, just read the spec list. It is a new cam between A58 and A77II.
Of course there are some differences. Sony modify the A77II a tiny bit and release as a new camera. It essentially is the same as A77II inside with some minor changes.
That is what Sony already do with the a7 series and Apple has been doing for ages wit most of their products and nobody complains, just buy.
Now all we need is a slightly modified Sony a99 with a 42mp sensor and they can call what ever they want, even “the best mac we ever made…”
No, this is an update of the A58 to have A5100 internals and controls. It’s not nearly an A65, where it’s better is merely a case of newer low-end bits getting added since the A65 came out 4 years ago.
The only real higher-end spec here is the new AF system and the appearance of a E-mount style back control dial. Otherwise this is more A58 than A65. Plastic mount, crappy EVF (1.44k 0.57x), low-grade rear LCD, 5fps body with crippled 8fps mode for speed claims. The only notable difference from the A58 that isn’t due to technology iteration is size, it’s a big body for what it is, unlike the A58.
The size will be an issue, small is good at this price point and this looks to be a throwback to the A2/3/4/5×0 bodies and their bloat.
It’s like 760D is to 70D duh.
What, no 4K????
And no 1080 60p either looks like…
How can you release a new camera today without 1080p60. A bad dumbed down move by Sony.
Works for Canon.
It’s a f*** sony as a screen 460k…
They got the suggestion from Canon, this is an entry camera thus they have to protect their more advanced and expensive lines. I’m not complaining though, Sony is still more affordable and advanced that whatever Canon will try to protect. But it looks like a step back or that they’re slowing down a bit after the a7 line sprint.
I’d even take Pentax over Canon.
Wheaterproof cameras are cool
Micro focus adjust?
The manual focus ring on your lenses, I’m afraid.
How can you be sure? Is it normally listed alongside the AF?
I’m not sure, I’m just afraid as I said above. No camera below 7 series Alphas has AFMA up to now.
Every E-Mount with LA-EA2/4 adapter has it. We also have never had a entry level camera with an upper level AF system before, so we just don’t know. Obviously AF is fairly important to this model.
True, but I’m guessing that was down to the reduced manufacturing tolerances caused by throwing an adapter into the equation.
Well that would be a poor guess. Every body needs it and its ommision is NOT because it was more accurate.
Of course not, its omission is because it’s a lower spec camera.
But the need for AF adjust is going to be higher with adapters as there is more scope for inaccuracies, so that is likely why the LA-EA adapters have it.
Yet they both need it. Your point was that entry cameras don’t / won’t get it, but that has been shown not to be a 100% every time fact. Entry cameras don’t get this kind of AF system either, so we can’t make conclusions based on previous models in this class.
Dunno, but I’d hope a lack of it would be less of an issue with the f/2.8 AF sensor. I never really had a need to micro adjust with my A700 as it was always very accurate, even with fast lenses. The A77 was a PITA though, as it only had f/5.6 sensor, so micro-adjust was an absolute necessity.
That’s fine for the one point. Even then MFA isn’t so much for a lack of system accuracy more system tolerances. Every PDAF system needs it IMO.
Yeah, if anything it’s more important on an F/2.8 sensor – with an f/5.6 sensor the system offset might be “lost in the noise” of accuracy errors – with an f/2.8 sensor the offset will be much less likely to fall “in the noise” of accuracy issues.
AF Fine Tune has nothing to do with the size/sensitivity of the AF sensor. It’s all about manufacturing tolerances in the lens motor, lens cams, lens mount, mirror position, and AF sensor position.
Well my A700 must have been one finely tuned machine in that case.
I’m aware of why AF adjust exists, but in my experience the Sony f/5.6 sensors in recent-ish A-mount cameras were way less accurate than the A700. Using fast lenses on the A580 and A77 was a terrible experience (especially the A580, where you could do nothing about it), with fairly consistent back focus issues with fast lenses. I had been led to believe this was down to aperture focus shift issues. I think David Kilpatrick explained the issue quite well when there were complaints about the accuracy of the A580.
That’s a different thing. Because of the way PD works, the reliability of the information that the camera is using to make decisions changes with aperture (due to light paths) and with position (due to astigmatisms). You can’t AF Fine Tune those things away, at least not in the way AF Fine Tune is currently being done.
Accuracy is two things: (1) did the focus system know exactly where to go? and (2) did the focus system actually go there? You’re talking about #1, while AF Fine Tune is about #2.
Certainly I’m aware that aperture changes the reliability and that AF adjust is not a catch-all for all apertures. However, I found that the fairly consistent back-focus at wide apertures could be negated with AF adjust (not an option on the A580). That may have negatively affected accuracy at smaller apertures, but the larger DOF can somewhat mask this.
Maybe I’m barking up the wrong tree as to the cause of the focus issues I had, but I can only share what I experienced, and I simply found the A700 a much more reliable camera in terms of AF.
I thought about picking up an A700 for fun- you know, OVF and I never owned one. They’re only like 200 bucks. You still shoot that thing?
I used love that OVF, but it feels kind of small and dark-ages now compared to modern EVFs.
I still have it, but don’t really use it, not least because I only have the pretty shoddy 18-70 kit lens to pair with it. I keep it for old times sake, really, nothing more.
I found a brand new A700 last year. It was $700, but I went for it because I figured I’d never see another. Still has only about 200 clicks on it. I love it. It’s basically an APS-C A900. The ergonomics are way better than A77 IMO.
I just found a Sony A700 full product page. 🙂
http://www.sony-mea.com/microsite/dslr/09/A700/
And one for the A900. 🙂
http://www.sony-mea.com/microsite/dslr/09/A900/
Try only four coffees tomorrow.
Looks like a melted christmas pudding that no one wanted.
SLT series design is actually the best in all camera market right now.
Good one! Never heard that one before.
Come on, A99 is the most beautiful camera ever, who can argue with that. Not that good on the inside, but look at it!
http://cnet3.cbsistatic.com/hub/i/r/2013/01/24/f8c2d718-67c2-11e3-a665-14feb5ca9861/thumbnail/770×433/26f778f87b48638bb661451b290da0ea/Sony_Alpha_SLT_A99_35437773_10.jpg
That’s a matter of taste. The A99 is not that bad, we may even argue about if it’s good, but in no way is it “…the best in all camera market right now…”.
The only Sony camera that has really outstanding product design, is the A850/A900. Only my humble personal opinion of course.
for real though, who cares? It’s not a purse.
This shïť’s just beautiful.
ignoring the sarcastic voice of your post:
I wondered how A77ii AF compares to D7200 and 7Dii.
But I never found a direct comparison of the Sony vs one of the others.
So: how do you know SLT is best?
The only thing I concluded on my internet search is, that A77ii was probably not sold very often.
Again, you’re way offtopic. We were talking about the looks of the cameras. Do you have some reading comprehension problems?
This is his modus operandi, just bouncing around the board making obnoxious comments while contributing nothing to the discussion. Sic.
I like pudding.
I’m already jump up to A7, but for my old and loved A57 since 2012 there is no replacement…((
Ho will by A68 if D5500 and 700D have much better display and lower price. Whot for it have LCD??? It’s LiveView camera!!! No one need it!!!! Sony socks!!!!
Better AF system, better video…
Yay Sony socks!
nice joke Sony, thank you. laughed so hard, almost fell out of the chair.
I hope you didn’t hurt yourself. Hopefully an A7RII helped break your fall.
thank you for taking care about my humble person, I almost hit my arse but I was able to bear that. My a7r2 is fine 🙂
Dude, stop spamming the forums because you’re too stupid to look at your calendar.
The promised surprise was promised for TOMORROW (November 6) in Sweden, not today at the Paris photo show.
We did have a rumor of a November 5, announcement for A68, then the news of ANOTHER announcement scheduled for November 6 in Sweden, along with the supposed rumor of A6000 replacement being announced *shortly after* the A68, NOT AT THE SAME TIME.
Can’t wait to see their up coming FE lenses. #1 wish, 135f2 :))
the 135 A mount zeiss is perfect already
*checks calendar* It’s not April 1st. This is a pretty bad joke.
This is almost a throw-away camera in the sense that buyers will look at the A68 and compare it to the A77ii and make the logical choice to just choose the better A77ii camera. Assuming that the final price in USD is around $600-$700 for the body, that puts it within $100-$200 of the A77ii’s body-only price.
In all honesty, was really looking forward to seeing an announcement for an A99ii or something along those lines.
Of course, having said that, Sony is basically iterating over features with the in-between model number release. Basically forcing people to make choices between the features and the cost differences. A/B testing with real products, so to speak.
Seriously, Sony, bring out the A99 replacement, that has the more ergonomic full sized body.
I’m sure they are planning on using a rapid discount model for this products life cycle. They’ll try to grab the first adopters and them in a few months WAMMO…400 buck rebel territory…coming to a walmart near you.
That’s probably what happens, but if that’s the strategy, not taking advantage of the holiday shopping season is really stupid.
Agreed, unless you have some pretty tight price restraints, the A77II is a much more attractive option – so are many CaNikon kits given the fact this is an entry level camera.
This camera is D.O.A.
But at least it offers hope that a pro A-mount camera is coming.
I love how the product photos show it with the kit lens mounted onto it, and also with the 70-200mm F2.8G SSM II mounted onto it! That’s the most EXPENSIVE 70-200mm F2.8 autofocus lens that the world has ever seen. And no “demanding amateur photographer” or “enthusiast photographer” is ever going to buy it and mount it onto a plastic mount. EVER.
They also showcase lenses such as this with A7x bodies and LA-EA adapters. Like anybody’d buy a lens like this to use with ADAPTER. Far more rediculous than this one.
Sony SAL 70-200 is so rarely sold, that you even cannot find a comparison to the Canikon-counterparts in the WWW.
How is this even remotely related to the comment you’re reponding to? It seems you’re just wandering around the threads making random statements
I don’t see the A,C,M dial on the side or sync port. Other than that- it’s an A77II and I’m sure it’s probably missing a few things in the menu….BUT it’s prettttttty much an A77II.
I don’t get this camera. If it were 400 bucks then I’d say they’re going after rebel territory. Who exactly are they targeting?
…..and where is my mother fking a99II thank you very much.
They’re targeting no one. Dismal sales will justify their ditching of A-mount.
Going after 760D territory. I think it is a very nice entry level camera that skimps on a few parts of lesser importance. I don’t like spending money on crop gear but it is occasionally very handy. A cheap camera that can focus my A-Mount lenses like an A77 II… Yes please.
Well…not dead. Now how about a permanent price reduction on the 70-200mm. The pricing is just silly.
+1
You can get a D7100 brand new now for 499.00. Think about that one. D7200 doesn’t have that much over it.
Sony, why you no put 5 axis in!!!!????!!!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!
Hysteria is worse than not thinking Straight.
One thing this release does is give us some idea of product timing. If it takes them 4 months to ship a “new” camera that has no new parts, it’ll probably be at least 6 months before we see anything interesting. It’ll probably be next autumn.
Do you know how long it takes an intern to put the guts of all existing A77ii into new plastic shells?
Apparently until March
Plastic lens mount! I was so excited for this little guy, it seemed like an awesome backup camera for the A99. The specs look awesome for the price, but, with that cheap plastic mount I dare not use any of my heavy lenses on the thing. Seriously! What is it with Sony and all the cost cutting on tiny yet very relevant details. I just bought an A6000 for that very purpose with a kit lens and was enraged when I had to go straight to ebay to buy a decent charger, a rear lens cap and a camera cap for my brand new camera. Not even the cheap Canon SL1 or the Nikon D3xxx have a plastic lens mount.
I´m a true believer of the A-Mount format, but if sony continues with this trend, I´m selling everything and buying into Nikon.
Sell everything, buy into Nikon.
Nobody cares if you don’t go to the party.
Thanks, have one on me mate!
The surprising part is that Sony actually releases an a-mount, but even more surprising part is Sony makes an a-mount to insult the a-mounters
Topdouche… That is all.
u forgot to attach a photo of ur face.
When one sees the price point and some of the 2012-2013 specs. of this camera, it is clear that Sony released it to send us a clear message:
“Guys, A-mount is not dead. Look at this! Just shut up, let us milk the E-mount and give us some more time to shift our attention to the development of an A99 replacement”.
sales manager: A77ii sales figures are sh*t, can you built something useful out of our A77ii parts inventory?
engineer: You know, that I’m busy working in the A9 team, right? Why don’t you goo to the A-Mount dev team?
sales manager: There is no A-Mount dev team.
engineer: hmmmm.. We could do an A68.
sales manager: OK. But do it quick and cheap!
enginee: Pfffffffffff….
Well, we all know that your theory/fantasy can’t be true. There are no huge piles of A77 II parts in stock, only very small. The Japanese companies did INVENT the concept of lean production, remember? The production of parts is adjusted to the need at the moment, with only a small amount of surplus..
Nah. To me it only says one thing. We (Sony) are missing an opportunity by not having an entry level DSLR to compete against entry level Nikon and Canons. Not only are we missing out on those sales numbers (which are probably high in volume terms), but we are letting those entry level photographers be captured by the Nikon and Canon cameras systems, where they may stay all their lives as photographers.
This is planting the flag for newbie photographers. The challenge is first to get them, and second to keep them in your system once you have them. Insofar as existing a mount users are concerned, you can infer from this that Sony is going to continue building out its a mount system to keep these people, and existing a mount users purchasing.
If you don’t have a competitive entry level camera, you have doomed your system to eventual failure.
Hmm,
that’s interesting, it say Steadyshot only works with 27 lenses. So I
guess the images stabilization doesn’t work for older Minolta A mount
lenses anymore?
This previous generation system works with all the old Minolta AF lenses, perhaps the number 27 represents current lenses.
I worry when i see stuff like that since Sony is trying to eliminate the old Minolta equipment from their products to get everyone to buy newer Sony lenses which IMHO are lower quality with less quality control.
It still has a screw drive on it!
“SteadyShot™ INSIDE works with all 34 A-mount lenses”
“SteadyShot INSIDE reduces the effects of camera shake for blur-free
handheld shooting – at all focal lengths and with any compatible lens.”
Compatible lens would be, of course, A-mount lens or any lens with the use of an adapter.
What a classy way of Sony saying “A mount its dead”
Almost everyone was expecting an a99ii with the AF of the a77ii, surprise!
You need a proof nobody buy the a77ii and nobody is buying A anymore
What more proof than selling a77ii overstocked guts in cheaper plastic
Now its clear a99ii its not coming in at least one year, if ever
Who the hell will buy the a68 when sitting next in the shelf its the a6000
I say it 3 years ago
What its more likely?
A gaining market share in next 5 years with same strategy or
E getting better with new tech and new lenses, betting all moving to mirror less eventually
3 years ago, A users don’t want go to E, because they had ibis and better AF
Now E had better ibis and better AF (tracking, locking accuracy, eye)
E had much better lenses than A today
In the next 2 years E will get faster lenses and faster AF, targeting sports
They will had that a9 pro body, that will sell like hot cakes once lense line up is filled
Like I said 3 years ago, it was an easy bet, E its the future, minoltA had a 10 year extended life
The a68 had same “new” tech that last year greatest A camera, seriously, how old look against FE a7 series, it look as locked in the past as canikons dslrs
A68 will sell the remaining A stock and I feel little sad for the ones that buy it thinking they are getting the best deal of their lives, cause you know, expect a68 many bundles with remaining A DT lenses
Now guess
Will Sony release the a88 Slt swansong (a99 guts in cheaper plastic), like when a850 ended the ff DSLR alpha, or this is already the a580 swansong?
Sounds like Animalsbybarry to me.
It’s his ghost.
but he is right
This is just Animalbybarry using an alias, and he’s still wrong.
barry does alot of typing errors, but barry knows . and ,
It would be more accurate to say Barry believes. Knows; not so much.
Should that comment be in the special font? When has Barry been right about anything?
Haha I’m surprised he’s not in here tap dancing around his comments, furrowing his brow, trying to make sense of it all. Guess he’s too busy munching away on that crow based humble pie. come on Barry I summon theeeee
“selling a77ii overstocked guts in cheaper plastic” sounds about right, along with the cheap EVF and LCD. This camera should be selling for $400 with a cheap kit lens.
What a bunch of butthurt 🙂 A new a mount released and still trying to convince yourself a mount is dead,, man thats some kind of sad delusion. It’s guys like this that are actually in denial.
I have the same feeling as the moment I finished watching the last part of the Matrix. Utter disbelief, what a piece of cr.p, they really f.cked it up…
Nice analogy.
This does seem like a weird release. Old parts from other cameras in a plastic shell. I guess they sold more of those A3000’s than we though.
The new α68 A-mount interchangeable lens camera from Sony will be from March 2016…………?!?!…ghost camera…
A99 isn’t listed so am I missing something:
http://www.sony.net/Products/di/en-us/products/index.html#ctgy0
10 E-mount, 1 A-mount. That hurts.
I get why the A68 isn’t up yet but they have every camera except the A99 listed. So what gives?
Well, it could mean anything. It could mean, that we are only hours before a A99ii announcement, or it could mean, you know, A-Mount is d…..
Not surprising, this is exactly the proportion of cameras on display in Sony booth in largest regional photo show couple weeks ago. Around 20 A7x cameras, of which at least 3 were A7sII and probably even more of A7rII, with bunch of Metabones adapters for people to try their own Canon lenses, bunch of A6xxx and A5xxx cameras, with all available E-mount glass, at least couple pieces of each. Three A-mount in total – two A77IIs in open display and one A99 behind glass. Want to guess which of the cameras were equipped with 70-200G2 and 70-400G2. Correct, A7rII with LA-EA3!
And your point is . . .?
Just an observation on where all of their marketing emphasis is at the moment.
I cannot disagree with you. When Sony pushes out a new a-mount flagship camera, things will presumably change.
IF and WHEN. I do hope they come through with it, at least until A9 sort of thing materializes. I would love an ultra fast and low light capable camera for my 70200G and 2470Z lenses.
Gee let me think, maybe because those cameras are new and the A77 II / A99 are not? I bet they didn’t have dozens of A3500’s on display to play with either.
F1?
Why anyone wants to buy an APS-C camera like that? Give me a reason.
Whoa, Sony releases an A-mount camera and they get all this hate from morons?? Obviously A-mount isn’t dead but the ‘A-mount is dead dipshiits’ won’t stop… C’mon guys, this camera is marked improvement over it’s predecessor. Looks like it’s a baby A77II. 🙂
So did they remove all video frame rates faster than 30P? No 60p video?
Wow… I’m usually making fun of Sony and the A-mount war but I’m very surprise of all the comments here.
I used to have a A57 and I would love to update it. This is the new serious entry camera for A-mount.
People that don’t want tiny body like A6000, or the need / cash for an A7 series, this is the ultimate choice. There was the A58 but I think it’s going to stop production.
With a new AF system, I’m happy to see coming reviews in low light for example. Everything is updated, while keeping it a simple A-mount camera. What people thought ? Something revolutionary ? This would pretty much be part of the A99 successor.
Anyway, find this release interesting. A65 was a good camera, a57 didn’t have a real update with the A58 so now we have found at least the true alternative.
This will allow every shooters to try EVF system in a good camera (not like A3000). Price tag is a bit hard but we all knows it’s gonna jump fast. 500€ would be a good price as I paid my A57 for the same.
Well done Sony, and shame people are complaining too much. I don’t know what they were ready for. You can’t do what Nikon and Canon have never done too.
You really can’t take these SAR people seriously. They are all now just trying to cover for themselves. Proof positive has arrived that a mount is alive. But these people just can’t bring themselves to admit it when they are wrong. Instead, they are here on SAR in droves trying to write clever commentary.
Look, this is not a camera for snarky gearheads. This is a camera that Sony hopes to sell in volume to your average consumer. No one buying this camera cares about pdaf or IBIS. Nor are they ever going to drop $3200 on an a7Rii, which has way more advanced features than they need, want or care about. These people care most about getting best value for their money. And from that perspective, this camera looks pretty dang good The price is obviously set where it is so Sony has a great deal of room to allow retailers to drop the price in order to convince price sensitive consumers that they are getting a great deal. Look out Canon Rebel. Look out Nikon D5300. Here comes the a68.
Some of us still love our A-Mount cameras as I do my A99. I have invested enough time and money on the format to be very interested in it’s development, and I’m sorry, but not all of us are trolls.
I’m just tired of Sony’s ultra slow updates and mind boggling cost cutting decisions. This new camera and the older A57 are the only DSLR’s in the market that have a plastic mount. The A6000 I just bought as light portable camera did’t come with a charger, rear lens cap or body front cap. It enrages me to have to go straight to Ebay right after buying a brand new camera because the manufacturer decided that it wasn’t worth putting in the box some very inexpensive components. It would literally cost them a few cents to include them.
I would love a small, inexpensive backup camera for the A99. Something that would live 99% of the time in a shelf or in my camera bag but knowing damn well that if all fails, I can still have a good day’s work. But, with that flimsy plastic mount, I wouldn’t dare put on my 24-70mm f2.8, none of my Sigma Art series lenses or my 85mm Sony/Zeiss.
On the other hand, if I owned a Nikon D810 or Canon 5D III I could probably rely on any of the Rebels or a Nikon D3XXX to keep me going until I can get my camera serviced, not having worrying that any of my expensive glass would shatter on the floor because Sony decided to skimp on the cost of one tiny aluminum part.
OK I will assume you are not a troll. If you have sincerely stated your interests then you should be taking a hard look at a Sony a77ii or a used a77. Both are terrific cameras in their own right, both have metal mounts, and both can tide you over until the a99mii emerges.
I am impatient too, but I would rather wait and have Sony get it right, than have an a99mii in my hands today that does not incorporate the latest and greatest technology that Sony has to offer. Rumor has it that Sony has stopped producing the a99, so its replacement cannot be far off.
“Asume” what you want, I honestly don´t care either way.
Any way, this isn’t about what you and I feel anyway. This is all about the fact that there are legitimate reasons for A-Mount users to be angry and sceptical with Sony’s product development.
It seems like Sony always produces some great products but always makes some weird and mind boggling cost cutting decisions that turn away potential customers. Kind of like using the A77 APS-C sized AF module on the A99. That wasn’t a deal breaker for me because I mostly use manual focus, but honestly, who ever thought that was a good idea should be shot. Well, at least fired.
Case in point. I don’t need a second body that has super fast AF like the A77II, hence I don’t want to spend $1,500.00 USD on something that will just sit there collecting dust until the one day that I urgently need a second body to save a session. I also don’t like buying used, but that’s just me.
So, this A68 would be an awesome alternative if only I didn’t feel like my expensive glass would shatter on the floor if I ever decided to use it. If I was using any other mount I would be catered for, unless of coarse, I decided to stick with Sony.
I’m reluctantly thinking of buying into Nikon. I say reluctantly because I love the A99’s EVF, I love the fact that Live View is just as instant as looking through the EVF, and I love that I can shoot videos in broad daylight with out having to use the rear screen. IQ is also still awesome for a three year old camera.
I guess I’ll wait for the A99 II announcement and pray for the best.
Chill! Just acknowledging your representation that you are not a troll and trying to offer what I believed to be a constructive suggestion. It’s not going to work for you and that is perfectly OK. (Just an aside . . . I think I bought my a77ii at the peak of the market and it didn’t cost me $1500. Took a quick look at B&H today. $848 body only.) I feel your pain. I have been PO’d at times too, but I really just think it is a question of “when” now. Sony has been on this e mount frolic for a while and its now time to turn its attention back to a-mount. I think that’s where we are now.
Oops, sorry about that then, I can get carried away at times with all the comments madness. Your suggestions are much appreciated then.
The thing is, Sony´s pricing strategy here in Mexico is just bonkers right now. The cheapest I have seen the A77 II is around $1,500 USD with a kit lens with no “body only” option. I would buy from BH or something but the importing tax raises the price too much.
I honestly hope you´re right though, It would sure make a lot of people(including me) take a breath for once.
Well I just bought the A7RII in Mexico for USD$2,950.00 TAX Included 🙂 @Palacio de Hierro. That’s less expensive than in the US
Sure, FE mount is getting proper distribution and pricing, but A-Mount cameras and lenses are being dropped everywhere. Did you see any A-Mount cameras or lenses in “El Palacio de Hierro”? The answer is probably no. I have only been able to find it in the official Sony stores for a huge markup and in a few vendors in “El Centro Histórico”. Lens selection isn’t even very vast. Any time I have asked a salesman from Liverpool or El Palacio for A-Mount they very factually point out that the A-Mount platform is discontinued.
For example, the Sony/Zeiss 24mm f2 A-Mount is a lens that I am on the look out for. It is listed in B&H for $1,398.00 USD, here in Mexico it´s usually listed for the equivalent of $1,926.00 USD. That’s a 37% premium over the consumer price in the USA.
That´s a lot higher than the Nikon and Canon premiums.
That’s why I just bought the 35mm 1.4 Sigma Art lens for exactly the same price as the USA. I´m very happy with it BTW.
Another middle finger to the A-Mount user by Sony.
Is there a similar mount replacement avalible for A-Mount ?
If so its one way to adress the issue.
But it sux that Sony doesn’t think more about craftmanship and quality.
“Fotodiox TOUGH E-Mount Replacement Lens Mount for Sony NEX & E-Mount Camera Bodies”
Your argument is illogical at best.
right there with you. Been using 2 A99s since they came out and love them, but if Sony doesn’t play their cards right, they’re forcing me to reluctantly head to Nikon.
It seems pretty odd that the mount is not metal but I do not doubt it can hold onto a 24-70 or 70-200 without any issues whatsoever. Is it a camera for a full time working professional? No of course not.
Does it have a top-notch AF system and a good sensor for the money? Yes. If you are swapping lenses a couple of times a day, there should be no issues with the mount whatsoever.
With pricing flexibility, this body will certainly eventually be sold at a sub $500 price point. That will make for a very good value.
The EVF spec isn’t great in this camera. Better than the A3000 sure, but that really wasn’t going to be hard. The magnification in particular is a real head scratcher, but I guess 1.4m pixels doesn’t look great at a decent 0.7+ magnification.
Hold up… did I just read… MARCH? As in… almost 6 month from now by the time it reaches peoples hands? Say what you want about the specs or the fate of A-mount, but to wait THAT long for an rather underwhelming release is just… fishy. A LOT can (and likely will) happen in the market in such a long time frame. This announcement feels like pressured/forced move. Sure, if people could get their hands on it now or in the next few weeks in time before the Holidays shopping, I can see that as a smart move by Sony – get the bargain crowd while their wallets are still full, but MARCH? C’mon, son…. I feel for ya, A-mounters, or should I say… A-mourn-ers, LOL!
p.s. seeing that $3K zoom mounted on this plastic-fantastic thing is just silly…
That is a while but it is more like 4 months.
Perhaps Sony doesn’t want the high priced a-mount flagship to have pathetic AF performance compared to a sub $600 entry body and that gives them enough time to ready the launch of the a99 successor.
March is typically when Canon makes 5D announcements…
I guess that’s one theory though I don’t buy it. Every other recent release didn’t have such a long range of announcement to availability spread. The question is… why, WHY the eff would it take that long… obviously there’s no groundbreaking new tech that’s holding up the production as it’s the standard parts from the current A77 bin, etc. So, that tells us it’s a much more of a PR move than anything else to keep the A-mount doomsday rumors at bay. Something to keep the loyal customers frothing at the mouth while they eagerly await A99ii… maybe, I hope so.
I guess this is the estimated time for a Sony intern to re-badge enough A77ii and paint the mount black.
Yep, the new mk4 should be announced by April (canonrumors).
March is tax season, most people dont buy $600 gifts for others during holiday time
Holiday season is exactly when budget friendly models get released. It’s not just the gifts… people spend more money in Nov/Dec on non-essentials than all other months of the year combined. It’s the spending frenzy time.
I see most pull out camera advertisements in my Sunday paper around mothers day and fathers day.
I used to run models for Big Data around spend… real scientific approach with current and historical data, accounting for the shifts in brick and mortar vs online spending too. It’s Nov/Dec.
I use my eyes and ears. Its pretty clear to me when the manufacturers are making big pushes on entry level camera sales. The advertisements fill up my Sunday newspaper and my mailbox. I’m not denying that many sales happen in November and December. But it is clear that there are many other opportunities during the course of the year . . . particularly around those other holidays that that focus on moms and dads and families.
Agreed….. Very odd to announce a camera 5 months before release, especially a simple entry/mid level camera.
In fact, by then, the A77ii may be barely more expensive than the release price of the A68.
The whole camera feels like stalling, instead of any dedicated effort to continue the A-mount line. They haven’t released or announced an A-mount since the A77ii in the first half of 2014. They know there has been increased chatter about the death/future of the A-mount, and they clearly aren’t ready to truly kill off the line. So this is simply stalling for now…….This way, the year 2015 doesn’t go by without any new A-mount. They can say they at least announced a new A-mount in 2015. And in 2016, they can say they have released an A-mount camera.
So this strikes me as an attempt to stall answering real questions about the A-mount future for another 2 years.
A truly innovative A99ii would be a statement about really believing in the future of the A-mount. This camera, while not a bad camera, but especially when considering the far future release date, it feels like it’s just stalling. Just an “announce something” so that they can say the A-mount is still alive.
No. I won’t eat poop.
YES YOU WILL DUDE!
NOW BUY THAT A68!
Training wheels to convert AMount to EMount rear control wheel and compromised mount.
Clever Sony Devils.
Same old steadyshot system seems to be in place. This doesn’t bode well for the a99 successor getting the superior 5 axis system, which will be a shame for users who want to use both a-mount and E-mount bodies to compliment one another. Third part A-mount lens makers will continue to disable lens IS.
I noticed the same thing…
Only Tamron. Thank you god, Sigma keeps IS for A-mount lenses enabled.
And especially for long teles it is a good thing, regardsless if the body has IBIS or not.
Sigma dropped IS from few lenses in A-mount, 17-50 f2.8, 18-250 and 24-105 f4
I just looked at Sigma and Tamron on the 150-600 and the 70-200 and thought it is a general rule of both companiew
Oh that’s good to know. I thought sigma disabled it as well.
Why is this ANY reflection on the A99 II? Do you also think it will have the same screen, EVF, screen articulation, plastic mount etc?
I swear, people are never satisfied on this website.
People are never satisfied, no matter which website.
Yep, pretty much.
Me I will be buying this camera for certain.
I think it looks like a nice camera for those owners of lower-level A-mount cams that are looking for an upgrade and don’t want to shell out for an A77II. I don’t see anything that would be a good reason for new users to choose this cam over E-mount, though. Maybe the SteadyShot, since the APS-C E-mount cams don’t have the 5-axis stabilization yet…
such is the nature of this website
There is so much hate for Sony right now because they’re innovating relentlessly and releasing product after product at the speed of light 🙂 don’t worry, the one who’s getting advantage is us consumer because we now have many great options to take pictures 🙂
Nah. I think it’s more of a case of the Hatfields and the McCoys. I’m not sure where it started, but a lot of e-mount users dislike a-mount and vice versa. No one in the e-mount camp can complain that much about Sony, except for the fact that its been slow to pump out new lenses. A-mount on the other hand has been a bit neglected by Sony but today’s announcement is further confirmation that that’s changing.
Seems a camera produced in a hurry, just for the public keep believing that a-mount isn’t dead, so people invest money on newer lenses and empty sony a-mount lens stock.
Low production cost camera, low production volume…
Maybe sony will launch the last one A-mount FF pro camera with 4k and all of the of the features, but the moment has to be one that do not detract the sells and the fever of the mirrorless ones, so they will extend as much as they can to let the A7 penetrate and saturate suficient at the major public, when everybody miss the handling, battery life, etc… and become bored from the mirrorless wave (this always happens, back and forth, with each product tecnology), Canon, Nikon and other will be prepared to counter attack, then sony will show off its new A-mount pro monster.
Please Slap Me!
@SAR_Admin, please take note on this coward, trying to make fun of my personal picture that he found out off disqus photos.
People can argument and their own arguments represent them, this kind of extremely low level mind trying take on personal.
You’re loser. Learn to use the internet.
A-mount is NOT dead!
Where is Barry&Animals to apologise for all the trolling two weeks ago ?!?
Since Sony announced A68, they’ll definitely continue A77 and A99 lines.
Thats what they want you to believe. =P
Do you have some insight contradicting that very likely possibility for just soft trolling?
do you have?
Logic tells me if Sony had chosen to deep six the A-mount this camera would not be offered. But logic doesn’t seem to matter much on this message board where trolling and whining is king.
sorry – wanted to post my last post in this font
No problem.
just soft trolling believe me. =P
Here in SAR we need to introduce another font, if something was meant ironic
And you could use it all the time.
good idea
Barry: no guts and no glory.
He Doubled down too after I called him out for confirmation. His ego must be suffering at the moment.
Sometimes trolls get their just deserts . . .
humble pie … mmmmmmmm
He will be back to troll another day.
On the contrary, I fear this cheap piece of plastic is actually more indication of A-Mount nearing death than if there wouldn’t have been any new camera for now. And as someone with a Minolta past I’m not one who will applaud to the death of A-Mount – no, I will mourn it.
I’m quite sure that the plastic mount and comparatively tiny and low-resolution LCD are going to deter potential customers from it
@SAR_Admin, could you please create a poll who’s gonna buy this cam? I bet less then 3%.
I was going to, so that i’d replace my A65. But after seeing it up close, I think i’m going to hold off. Worst case scenario i’ll get A77II. Yes, more expensive, but not by that much.
It would be meaningless. A person who frequents SAR is not the marketing target for this camera.
Nonetheless 528 comments by 3:40PM CST – the A7r2 announcement probably has generated less 🙂
Just wondering – who’s the target for this camera?
The majority of the commenters (including you) seem to be people who operate from the premise that this camera is not worthy of the attention of a serious photographer because it lacks the bells and whistles that you will find on something at a higher price point. In the U.S., it would be like asking Republicans whether they would vote for a Democrat in order to draw some conclusions about the worthiness of the Democrat candidate . Because of the inherent bias of the poll, the result of such a poll would be completely unenlightening.
One has to assume that Sony did its market research before deciding to release this camera and decided it was worth the investment. Who is the target for this camera? Just go down to your local Best Buy or Target, and spend some time hanging around the camera counter.
Well said!
At first I was excited to read: Top LCD, front and rear dials, new sensor, new AF module. Then i’ve read a few comments and looked at pictures, and: March 2016? Black mount – is it plastic?. Rear dial is replaces the old 5-button control, aka ancient Canon style? And on top of that it’s not really a rear dial…
C’mon man! And here I was all feeling warm and fuzzy about Sony trying to inject new life into A-Mount. What the heck is this abomination?!
It’s like the big brother of A58 rather than a younger brother of A77II… WTF happened Sony?
As I said earlier, on another post, why would you introduce a camera five months before it goes on sale? I actually believe that by the time March 2016 comes around, the A99 replacement has been announced (and probably available for sale) and that the A77II replacement, which will be two years old by May 2016, has been announced or will be announced shortly after March 2016. Timing is everything and the gap between announcement and release is telling.
I doubt an a77-3 is in the cards within less than a year.
The A77II was introduced on May 1, 2014.
I have my doubts about A77III in 2016. Simply because of the “3 year between models” thing. Although i’d love to have one, and it would be a real upgrade for my aging A65.
if I were you I’d jump on the A99, bargain price if you ask me.
I thought about it quite a few times. But I have only 2 FF lenses right now.
A Tamron 70-300 USD and a very old Minolta Rokkor 58/1.4, which was converted to A-Mount.
The thought of losing resolution down to 10 mpix when in APSC crop mode stops me every time. Also poor quality video is a deal breaker. I’d even consider going for the mythical A88 if it had XAVC. A99II is going to be quite expensive.
Besides A77II is very close in ISO noise to A99, so there’s no point for me to go for A99
I understand having not enough full frame glass, but trust me… it’s worth the investment. As far as the A77II matching the A99 in noise, make no mistake… the quality of its images are far weaker especially in terms of dynamic range. MY assistant shoots with an A77II and I’m always shocked by how much less latitude his files have in comparison to my A99 files. Again, I don’t shoot video, but if that is a concern then yes… steer clear!
If you need good AF, forget it. Going from a77-2 to the a99 is a huge leap backwards.
I need good AF for stills and good video quality capabilities, for when I need video. So A99 isn’t an option either way.
I shot an event last night with an a99 as my main body in a dimly lit space. The hunting AF and shutter delay (particularly with flash) are excruciating.
My biggest beef with A99 is horrendous video quality. To the point that i’d rather use my aging A65 instead.
It had such potential for quality video. Sony seems to have learned a lot moving forward from the a99 about consumer expectations and satisfying the video demands. The a900 suffered also due to lack of video recording despite having live view. The 5D2 became the obvious choice for many (myself included) because it lacked video.
I suspect there was too much protectionism of the video division for too longs. Thankfully the market and competition forced Sony to change starting with the a7s.
The a900 doesn’t have live view but rather a live preview button that shows a single frame in a buffer. Good for setting up a shot bit not very practical. In 2008 when a900 released there were not many cameras with hd video. The 5dmk2 was kind of revolutionary in that repect but released after the a900 if i remember correct.
Oh, I thought it had a live view function. The 5D2 was same generation, announced in 2008.
There was a 2.5 year interval between mark I and Mark II, which would put the introduction in November 2016 – not less than a year away.
The point is that Sony has time to introduce something else between now and March 2016. I am not privy to their product development plans, or what interval they choose to refresh a particular product. It may take less than two years to refresh the A77II this time around (or maybe not). Replacement cycle time is not invariable.
So you’re meaning agrees but your tone seemingly disagrees. I originally stated that the camera would not be updated in less than a year. I think we predict the same thing, differently.
We don’t really know when the A77II will get upgraded (or even if it will be upgraded). I still think that something is afoot, A-Mount wise.
They might be tired of the a-mount dead or alive questions, and are afraid they might lose users without a real announcement. So they did this well ahead of time in an attempt to calm nerves.
If anything, this abomination makes me even more worried. This shows that they are not even trying anymore…
You may see it as an abomination, but what other camera (DSLR) from any manufacturer has equivalent specs, at the same price (MSRP), new? Let’s not go overboard here. This is a pretty well specified camera at its price point. It will probably sell for less (few items sell at MSRP after the introductory period). You haven’t even used it yet. It’s not the camera for you, but it is not an abomination.
THIS! This is an awesome camera, it is so ridiculously good FOR ITS CLASS I cannot believe how much hate. But then this is SAR and a new entry level A-Mount release, or entry level release from Sony period. They always get this kind of hate, followed later by some rose tinted glasses ‘oh the old one was so much better’.
This camera absolutely rocks it.
This camera is supposed to be an upgrade for A65, with the target user base being existing A65 users. I’m one of them. I was going to upgrade my aging A65, but now I feel like A57 users, when A58 came out….
Sure, AF and better sensor are upgrades, but plastic mount and a small EVF are downgrades. Mount can probably be changed, but EVF especially is a deal breaker. So now i’m back to square one, with only option being A77II
For two hundred dollars more, and immediate availability, buy the A77II. Sony never said this was a direct replacement for the A65. You assume this, from the numbering system (not a bad assumption, mind you). Still, a faster, more accurate AF, built in microphone input, priced BELOW what the A65 was originally priced is not a bad deal. You’re disappointed, we get it. The camera, on its own merits, seems to be competitively specified and priced.
I see it as an abomination because it upgrades one area, like better sensor and better AF, but severely downgrades another area, like plastic mount and small EVF.
For new A-Mount users(are there even any out there?) this might be a good market entry, but for existing A65 owners it makes no sense whatsoever. Especially in the EVF department.
No way in h*ll i’m going back to the tiny EVF of A55
Its an OLED viewfinder. Not the same one as the A55 which was an LCD viewfinder.
At $650 its not really an A65 replacement.
I have no idea what Sony is doing. Still, this camera does not seem complex enough to warrant a five month delay to market. Unless their production lines are occupied by other items (current and to be announced), they should have been producing the A68 already.
It’s probably plastic. The teeth looks like so. 1st gen of A7 has a shiny mount but plastic teeth.
Yes, some sites have already confirmed that it’s a plastic mount. This is a decidedly inglorious world’s first, I must say.
bbbbbooooooorrrrrrrrriiiiiiiiiinnnnnnngggggggg
I hope Sony is committed to A-Mount, because there is no other Camera capable of focusing while the shutter of your camera is closed.
Bravo to Sony. It’s great to see them continuing to support the A mount with a new camera.
Why only 0.57 magnification for the EVF? One of the main advantages over APS-C DSLR’s would be a decent sized viewfinder? I guess the 1.4m pixel EVF looks bad at high magnification.
Really not sure who they are aiming this at. I guess it could be a second body for those invested in A-mount glass, but the A6000 is a better buy all round for a newbie.
One more reason why this is a bad upgrade of my A65. And it reinforces my point in a previous post, that this is a bigger brother of half-baked A58, rather than a younger brother of an excellent A77II
Nothing is a bad upgrade from your A65…
How do you figure. Explain?
You’re good at trolling, we all know that. Might want to back it up once in a while…
I’ve had two A65’s and they were quite literally the worst camera I have ever owned. Equally they used by the greatest A-Mount douches.
Figures, you had 2, so you are twice the douche….
You’ve just reinforced my point, and for your douche information, there are fewer differences between A77 and A65, than there is between A68 and A77II…
Do you really want me to count them? Yes I was a douche for buying them, though it was a mistake I quickly corrected. The A77 was $1200 at launch from memory and the A65 $900, where these are $1200 and $600.
But you like your poxy A65, which takes a very ‘special’ kind of person.
I like my A65, but I recognize its issues. A65 was $799 when i bought it, and A77 was $1199
You keep on saying that its a bad camera, yet you still havent mentioned why. There are very few features that A77 has, which A65 doesnt. Primary reason why I bought it.
You on the other hand, might as well use Hasselblads, as you dont seem to have a slightest clue.
Do you know much about Hasselblads? No clue indeed.
And? I don’t care what you paid for it, I paid a negative sum for both my A65’s, its completely irrelevant.
Image and build quality are terrible, AF is bad, ergonomics are bad, screen articulation is cr@p. There was nothing good about that camera, only ‘special’ cases who think it is in any way good and always say that it’s ‘basically’ an A77. A77 had sad IQ as well as the awful live view but there the similarities end.
I know plenty about Hasselblads. I’m talking about Lunar, HX, etc…
A65 has a good AF, just like A580 and a bunch of other cameras. And EA4 for that matter. I use only center AF point, or a center group, and it never missed a shot, even in bad light.
EVF is great. Image quality is good if you know how to use the camera, which you apparently dont. Yes, beyond ISO 800 it becomes problematic. But so do a bunch of other cameras that came before it. In overall use and egronomics, it beats A55 that I had prior to it, and its well ahead A7 line in egronomics.
My biggest problem with A68 is the horrendous EVF from A55(size) and a plastic mount. But even that seems too much for you to grasp.
“and for your douche information”
HAHAHAHAHAHAHA LOL
Its really for newbies, not current a-mount users. And to newbies, it has the advantage over an a6000 of looking like a “real camera.” For many people, an a6000 is just going to scream out “expensive point and shoot” (fair or not). Is an a6000 a “better buy all around for a newbie? That’s a highly debatable point, but I am guessing that most people who are interested in the a68 are going to go with what looks conventional and comfortable. If they understand the specs at all it will be from a pretty high altitude. Most important will be what does it cost, and what bundle of goodies comes with it.
In many ways worse than my A55, I am so disappointed.
I also use an A55 and in many ways this camera with destroy the A55. IQ, MUCH better focusing, top LCD, better battery life etc.
No EMount camera generates 500+ comments. Sony should provide the AMount fan base with a camera to be proud of. Then these comments would be positive.
Sony… I think you may have lost me.
The new question… Will Sony support professional grade AMount?
Enough of these insults. My gawd Sony just destroys AMount one tiny cut at a time since the abandonment of superior iISO for MIS disaster. Killing your loyalists Sony. Shame on you.
One reason Sony, except showing their commitment to A-mount, make such an early announcement of the A68 is that they have a message:
Don’t expect any price drops on the A77 II for a long time!
A77II is already discounted beyond what A77 was….
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=&sku=1047080&gclid=CjwKEAiAmeyxBRCJxoKk7IWLl2oSJABvZjhh8N6TV5xVMKkLQPGcu5igT0L0pIHO5eHY1dh7pMoxkBoCD2Dw_wcB&is=REG&m=Y&A=details&Q=
Yes I know. But with a $/€ 600,- price for the A68 the A77 II will not get any cheaper from now.
I don’t think it was reasonable to expect a bigger price drop. Only if it get’s discontinued… maybe…
Your assumption is predicated on the retail price of this vs the discounted price of the A77 II and that this will not receive any discounts.
I don’t understand. Why would Sony feel any compelling need to make a statement about the price on an a77II?
Might want to check your keyboard settings.
LOL
Ah, too bad. I was so looking forward to this, but that crappy 2.7” display is a total dealbreaker. This does not bode well for the build quality of the body. Frustrating. Top LCD looks like a flag on a mud barge. Seems like a genuine dud in fact. Weird. A77ii looks like a MUCH better option right now.
Wow, the camera that is twice the price is better… Shocking!
A77II os not twice the price. Currently its only $150 more. And you dont know what prices will be like…
A77 II rrp is $1199, this is slated to be $599. Do you GET it or do I need to talk more Stan-slowly?
Its currently selling at 849, and we dont know what the deals will be like for this new camera. Do YOU GET it or do I need to talk more MdB-slowly…
Wow did you think of that all by yourself? Witty! I can get a used Dynax 7D for $50 how the heck does Sony expect to sell the A77II for more than that!? Get real champ. The ONLY point of comparison is their respective rrps.
When you want to compare prices, you should seek for the MRSP. Not what you can get on the street. If we follow your logic, I could get a a77 for 400USD…
Thank you for being able to reply, without trying to insult others. While I aggree what you have mentioned, we dont buy cameras at MSRP prices, but rather at various discounts. I know the current price of A77II, but for A68, only MSRP is available. Now we can use the % at which A77II is doscounted, to try to guess future prices of A68, at least 1 year after it goes on sale. That would make it around $400. Yes, at that price it is a good deal.
Spinal Tap focusing. The D’s go to 4!
Tomorrow’s surprise: LAEA5
A900 had cooked raws and the A mount users weren’t knowledgeable enough as a whole to make enough noise. It was when Sony wanted to breathe some new life in to the 2 year old deadman walking camera they released the fw update.
Dslrs had live view since Q1 2004. It was in Q4 2008 they released the a900 and they still couldn’t do it. That alongside very poor noise, the a900 might as well been a film camera ;D
What do you mean by “cooked” raw files? The A900 is one of 3 A-mount cameras that had uncompressed raw. Sure, it’s 12 bit rather than 14, but still uncompressed. No E-mount camera ever had uncompressed raw besides the A7RII via a recent firmware update.
Look it up kid
You’re getting the A700 mixed up with the A900. According to the article below, “unlike the A700, when you ask the Sony A900 to turn off its high-ISO NR, it does in fact refrain from applying perceptual NR to its RAW files.”
http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/AA900/AA900NR.HTM
http://www.dxomark.com/Reviews/Half-cooked-RAW/Noise-reduction
That doesn’t refute my previous post. High-ISO NR can be turned off…
You guys really need a room ! 😛
Honestly the A65 was not as good as the A77 as the AF was poorer. The A68 uses the same AF system as the more expensive A77 II so anyone can get the same results as the A77 II considering the two main features – AF and sensor are same.
The main differences will be smaller viewfinder and smaller LCD both of which don’t matter as much in taking photos and less direct control buttons which is the only major deal breaker that the A68 has.
To be honest, we really do not know enough about the a68 to make any valid comparisons. Clearly there are some differences between the a7ii and the a68 that you can take from the specs. For example, the a77ii maxes out at a claimed 12FPS. The a68 at 8 FPS. Even if true that the a68 shares the same AF module and same sensor with the a77mii, that doesn’t guarantee that one will “get the same results.”
I just figured out what is wrong with this camera. It simply doesn’t have a feature set that seems to appeal to the target audience.
Those who buy your A65’s and claim ‘its practically an A77, I don’t value the extra features of the A77 that make it worth the extra cost’ – these people seem to value specs as in numbers, like how many MP, how many fps and how many dots on the LCD screen.
The other camp is the ones who DO value the ergonomics and shooting features (rather than specs) of a more enthusiast type camera… But these people are prepared to pay a bit more to get more.
So even though this has half the launch price of the A77 II, it doesn’t appeal to the specs crowd (who are hand wringing that it has some lowered spec or the other which has been replaced by having more enthusiast oriented controls and shooting features) and doesn’t appeal to the other crowd because they are happy to pay a bit more for the extras in the A77 II, like they usually do.
It doesn’t have 60p(50p) video mode! Disaster! The LCD that only tilts (it doesn’t rotates)! Disaster! No touch-screen again (Canon 70D had it years ago)! Hopeless! 🙁
It’s hard to believe that the a68 won’t do 60P in 1080. When I bought my a65 in October 2011 it had 60P, which I dearly miss in my current video cameras. Except for the a35, (?) I don’t think Sony has released any video recording device without 60P. If true, this would be a bigger slap in the face than the plastic lens mount, small LCD and crap EVF. Couldn’t Sony have charged a little more and not cut these corners? They must think not, but it seems weird to take obvious steps backwards in such a fast paced progressive industry. The LCD on the a58 was such a mistake. I recommended it to a friend and felt so bad. The LCD on the a6000 looks like garbage compared to the a65 as well. It’s strange in Sony land sometimes.
DPR has the some videos specs listed as 30P max. That’s just hard to understand. Wouldn’t this camera more likely have had 4K? No heating issues, competitive with Panasonic’s 4K cameras.
I didn’t realize at first the screen is the same as the a58. That right there would make it a no-buy. I don’t care what else it can do. That screen is so bad I wouldn’t use anything attached to it.
Sony don’t give a sh** with this aSixtyF**kySucky release. It’s embarrassing.
a PLASTIC mount…. ROTFL.
and that AFTER the A7 mount disaster.
i mean come on… sony had a camera already where third party have to produce a quality mount that does not bend or break…. and now this.
will sony EVER learn?
This may sound coy, but do you know if the mount is plastic or some sort of composite material? I think for many people, the faster, more accurate focusing is a significant improvement. And the XAVCS codec is a good upgrade as well. The viewfinder is akin to that found on the A6000, which while not as good as the A77II’s viewfinder is more than serviceable. I think there will be people who will find the features in this camera, at its pricepoint, appealing. If it mad micro focus adjustment, it would make a great backup to the A77II and/or A99.
I’ve bought A65 in 2012 and it was a fancy simple camera with nice features like GPS, SteadyShot with Autofocus on 1080/50p video, etc…and it is still giving me great Hi-Res pictures enough for cropping in post with a bit more expensive than kit lenses. But I’m pretty sure that today in 2015 nobody would buy the same camera for a dying mount with such a poor specs. And in 2016 it should become just an overpriced crap.
I still use my a65 with it’s 35mm f/1.8 lens. It’s LCD screen is so much better than my a6000 and the IBIS is such a big deal for me (I’m dreading the day I get old and actually have shaky hands).
Surprise! YAY!
Again, business school language is not welcome in the scientific circles. You clearly don’t know anything outside the former.
690g? Quite heavy for an entry-level camera. I mean, D750 is only 750g.
Wait a sec. Compared to 4 years older a65, a68 has smaller, lower-resolution screen, smaller, lower resolution EVF, only tilting screen instead of fully articulated, no GPS, 8fps instead of 10 fps and plastic lens mount. And it is quite a bit bigger and 70g heavier despite the smaller screen, EVF and plastic mount:
http://camerasize.com/compact/#32,640,ha,f
The only thing going for it is supposedly better AF system. Is it progress for 4 years of work?
I don’t understand Japanese camera industry anymore. They are SO ripe to be taken by Chinese…
The number of negative comments amaze me. Guys, let’s be fair to Sony and look the price / quality ratio. This camera has 79 AF points, a 24 MP sensor and new 4D technology. How many 600 euro camera’s do have these specs? Some other things, such as the EVF, may not be best – but what do you expect at this price tag? Price / quality ratio is imho impressive!
I think what people are reacting to, including me, has more to do with the amount of steps backwards Sony took with this release. It’d be like BMW bringing out a new M3 at a 40% discount and including a better tuned, more powerful engine engine… but then putting brakes on it from last year’s 328i, using unnecessarily heavy and ill-fit suspension from last year’s 535i and making it a 4 speed automatic instead of a 7. Had they not made so many things significantly *worse,* I don’t think there would be such a revolt here.
Not being able to record video at 60P? That is such an insane omission from Sony that it had to be done for strategic reasons, not cost savings. The LCD on the back is so pitiful that that “feature” alone would prevent me from buying this camera. A reduction in shots per second? A step back with the tilt-out LCD mechanism, removal of GPS, and who knows what else… amazing. I’d quite literally rather keep my a65 than trade it in for the new a68 straight up.