Sony A99 test video with different A mount lenses.
Today let’s analyze the image quality of the A99 cameras. As usual keep in mind that the firmware isn’t final yet!
Our reader Michael shared many A99 Jpeg and RAW samples on Dropbox (Click here to download). More image samples on tweakers, Dcfever. An ISO comparison at Postimage here and here (via Fotozine). Thanks pics with firmware version 0.90 on Flickr. And more pics by our reader Nikola Ovcharski. One more Sony A99 video sample on youtube.
So, now you have plenty of images to get an idea about the A99 quality. I think the camera is great and will be on par with cameras like the Nikon D600 and probably better than the Canon 5DmarkIII. And can’t wait to see how the A99 compares with the RX1 that lacks of the new FF translucent mirror. Anyway, a camera is more than just pixel peeping and the A99 is definitely an amazing camera when it comes to think “hybrid”, still and video in one. But still, the camera isn’t really a hotseller at Amazon US (ranking here). Let’s see in time how successful the A99 will be!
P.S.: Our readers David talked with a Sony manger who said: One more thing, the mentioned about why they use 24 but not 32mp pixel in a99 is the 60p recording, they said they realized that 24M pixel is the best fix in nowadays sensor technology.
—
Sony preorder list:
A99 body Amazon, Adorama, BHphoto, Jessops, Wex UK, Wex Germany, Sonystore DE–UK–FR–IT–ES–NL–SE–FI–CH and more links at Alphacameradeals.
A99 with kit lens links Alphacameradeals.
RX1 Amazon, Adorama, BHphoto, Wex UK ,Wex Germany and more links at Alphacameradeals.
NEX-6 body Amazon, Adorama, BHphoto, Wex UK, Wex Germany Sonystore DE–UK–FR–IT–ES–NL–SE–FI–CH and more links at Alphacameradeals.
NEX-6 with kit lens Amazon, Adorama, BHphoto, Jessops, Wex Uk ,Wex Germany and more links at Alphacameradeals.
NEX-VG900 Amazon, BHphoto, Sonystore DE–UK–FR–IT–ES–NL–SE–FI–CH, Wex Uk and more links at Alphacameradeals.
NEX-VG30 Adorama, Amazon, BHphoto, Wex UK, Sonystore DE–UK–FR–IT–ES–NL–SE–FI–CH, and more links at Alphacameradeals.
Sony E-mount 16-50mm Amazon, Adorama, BHphoto, Wex UK, Sonystore DE–UK–FR–IT–ES–NL–SE–FI–CH, and more links at Alphacameradeals .
Sony E-mount 35mm Amazon, Adorama, BHphoto, Wex UK, Sonystore DE–UK–FR–IT–ES–NL–SE–FI–CH, and more links at Alphacameradeals.
Sony E-mount 10-18mm Amazon, Adorama, BHphoto, Wex UK, Sonystore DE–UK–FR–IT–ES–NL–SE–FI–CH, and more links at Alphacameradeals.
Sony A-mount 300mm f/2.8 Amazon, BHphoto, Sonystore DE–UK–FR–IT–ES–NL–SE–FI–CH.
194 Responses
This looks to be the camera the A77 should have been.
Shame that I have an A77!
Looking on the bright side, the A77 is probably one of about three cameras at the apex of APS-C, and part of the end of the line before that sensor size is finally relegated to small format cameras (NEX, etc). The future looks to be FF, and belongs to cameras like the A99/D600.
My guess would be that it belongs more to the cameras like D600 then A99 – more of a cheap full frames then advanced one. We’ll see how it goes though, cause so far, ever since the release of A850, I hear nothing else then slogans on how future belongs to full frame.
It’s been 3 years since first sub-2000$ Full Frame DSLR and nothing changed in terms of pricing and “full frame conquering the crowds”. FF sensor production costs are still high, manufacturers still make only high-end FFs (nothing like A57 with FF got released), and photographers still want the reach, low-cost lenses and wider depth of field advantage APS-C sensor size provides.
amen
No, I think Sony’s greater emphasis on video is the way forward. Stills are important, but Sony is the only one that has the balance between video and stills correct IMO.
Their design decision to choose a 24MP sensor over a 36MP one where the deciding factor was video compatibility is a shrewd one. A lot of people will disagree, but I do think *very* high resolution is an edge case compared to great video for everyone except those photographers that never actually print their shots.
I still don’t know why Sony designated this as an Alpha camera…
Looking at the Specifications and List of Improvements, shouldn’t it be designated as a VG or a NEX-FS?
Still and Video are two different things with totally different requirements. As far as I see, the a99 appears to me as a VG900 in a DSLR housing: Optimized for video with the possibility to shoot stills, too, but in a not for video optimzed housing.
Simple example: The focus mode selector button is now click-free in order to be absolutely silent for video. In photography, you want to feel blindly where the selector is set to., without the need to take the camera from your eye
Hope that Sony will present us a camera optimized for photo as well. Clearly, I have no interest in video at all. And if I would have, I would go for the VG900.
Please remember that the a99 had SSI which would be better for video than the vg900 which does not have SSI.
Reason Sony is not selling well is they announce cameras/lenses and then can’t deliver for months!!!
Nikon release the D600 a few days after annoucing it.
I am not willing to “pre-purchase” a camera that “might” be ready in November… (though I would probably have bought it last week if it had been in stock 🙂 )
Wake up Sony – fire your project managers, PMA has been on the cards for a long time, your camera should have been ready with “production” firmware. This is why you will stay 3rd in the race.
What do you mean by “for months”? There’s barely a single month since A99 release.
And D600 is an exception – remember D800? First lone period of silence, and then constant issues with delivering the camera for customers – and when it got delivered: Loads of units got broken AF.
Remember Canon 1Dx? Camera that hit the stores roughly half a year(!!!) after the release?
Sony isn’t even close to having an issues other 2 big companies got.
There is some true to all of the arguments above. All of them are cumulative to the situation of Sony not selling much.
However, the biggest factor is brand recognition. Sony is not a brand many will associate with professional stills cameras unless its people who have used them before. Sadly, in the eyes of consumers (those who are not photographers but can afford cameras) Sony is not really on top of their list.
That being said, many photographers will frown upon Sony anyways because it has not heritage (regardless of how many times you shout Minolta) behind it so.
Sony is seen as a contemporary camera company only willing to sell cameras but not take the glory of making them amazing (although, by comparison, A99 does deserve its place next to 5D3 and D800 and not D600)
The problem is overcoming perception and the truth is in the pudding…the results. Sony makes little effort in making sure that the samples, ISO samples, video samples, etc that go out to the public are well made.
Nikon and Canon on the other hand, as soon as they announce something, they already have a series of photographs, videos and other things to show what they can do. Not too long ago someone posted Sony’s failings to pitch their cameras properly to professionals by using professionals (I think he mentioned a blogger in Sony’s example) This is the biggest failing -> get people talking about you.
Same goes for me. How stupid to compare sales of a camera that’s on sale now, vs one that may or may not be available last month? Makes no sense at all really. And honestly, I have the a77 and I’m struggling to understand why I need a full frame. I shoot weddings an everyone has a full frame camera; however, no one takes better pictures than me. I’m not being full of myself, I’m just asking aside from a bigger crop factor, which I can get by just moving back anyway, aside from minor improvements in iso, which I can over come in other ways, why fork out $3k?
I agree with your point of view minus the ISO comment: If the D600 is anything to go by, ‘minor’ means at least 2 stops better. To me and many, thats major.
that’s because you haven’t tried a 24mm on full frame before. slurrpsssss
He can always use one of lenses covering 16mm 😉 😛
Mathew if you tried shooting Canon 5Dmk3 you’d know that iso 1600 from a77 is close to iso 8000-10000 on the Mk3. I too have the a77 and love it, but one has to bring lots of light to make a77 work for low light scenarios. Not to mention the brilliant AF canon delivers. The biggest Sony’s fail is dragging their feet. Nikon and Canon have announced their second round of FF cameras this year and most of them can be purchased right now (D4,D800,D600, Canon 5DMk3, 1DX) Sony a99 – announced with no finalized firmware, a joke of an AF array for $2800. No wonder it is eating the dust.
P.S. Pardon my frustration, I have about $12K in Sony Lenses, Flashes and a77+a850 combo. Not having access to a top performing camera drives me nuts.
I personally like when I do a event and other photographers and people always ask nikon or canon. 9 out of 10 times my pictures always look better than theres but that has more to do with the fact that I shoot raw and do some minor editing and they just take jpegs and upload. I really like being the only photographer with a sony camera but I do want the company to do well so I can still get new cameras. People are always shocked I use sony. Its kinda like ipods they dont make the best mp3 players, sony does but how many people own a sony compared to a ipod?
Maybe Apple could buy Sony and then we could build a iPhone in a new model as we’ll. With Apples marketing the crowds would line up for days to get one !!
I agree. Back in the day, most cameras that used 35mm film (with a few quirky half frame exceptions) were “full frame.” From the entry level cameras to the top of the line cameras. The difference was essentially in the lens (with some extra bells and whistles on the more expenses cameras). As full frame sensor prices come down, I think you will seen the same thing happening. From a manufacturing point of view, why would you want to produce APS-C cameras and full frame cameras AND two sets of lenses and other accessories? For the difference in cost for the full frame sensor it would be much cheaper in the long run to not have to do two sets of R&D, two assembly lines for lenses and bodies, etc.
Aps-c will not die. Why? Because no matter how cheap a FF camera gets, putting an aps-c sensor in makes it cheaper. Buyers like cameras which are cheap to buy. Manufacturers like cameras which are cheap to make
Sony does have several problems. The evf might be great but iat needs to be even better and even then many photographers will prefer a pentaprism. the iISO shoe preventing the use of accessories is another (fixed that with the new shoe). The lack of performance is another drawback (they’ve generally been slower than the canon and oikon models). Really expensive lenses is also a problem (often being more expensive than canon who’s lenses are known to be top notch)
Suffice it to say that if you’re a stills photographer looking for gear there really isn’t much to convince you to go with sony (especially if you want a vertical grip and can’t afford an a77).
The video is.. poor considering its 2013 and this is touted a video hybrid. The trees have no detail during the heli scene and basically look like fake computer things. When they pull the cover off the aston martin you can see moire all over the head light even though it is not a complex pattern and the color through out looks bad, the bokeh looks blurry as opposed to creamy and what really bothers me is the same thing as the a77:
Even in good light with a constant colour artifacts and noise seem to be introduced to such an extend that things like a solid red blanket have artificial digital patterns imposed on them instead of just being a smooth red blob of shadow and light.
Looking at the superb rx 1 video I am now 95% convinced that the pellicle mirror is doing something more nefarious then stopping light, somehow it is obscuring reality and the bionz cpu just cant stack the pieces back up.
Seriously disappointed by this over priced, overproduced example of shit video quality. The GH2 owned this.
I pray that these problems will not be inherited by the stills in the camera.
I don’t know why would anyone preorder camera that cost more than 2000$, it’s not iphone, ill buy it(or not), when i see several reviews on final product with finished firmware, take a look at it in store…
“So, now you have plenty of images to get an idea about the A99 quality.” – NOT at all. Images from early firmware tend to be rather underwhelimg comparing to these from final firmware. Yea, it varies from camera to camera, but in some cases it’s night and day. We’ll see how it goes here when people start testing production cameras.
This is a myth. Give me one example of a camera that was thought to be great or bad based on early firmware and proved otherwise. Everyone I have ever read about always it is a question of increments. The initial debute is 90% of what you will get. They will improve 10%.
Of course it is not as good selling as the Nikon or the Canon. People who have lots of lenses of a system won’t switch companies that easy.
Yep. An enormous delay between A900 release and A99 doesn’t help either. Nor does SLT mirror and focus purely on video when previous FF was studio-oriented with huge and excellent OVF.
Sony does not focus on switchers at all, because most consumers won’t switch for the reason you mentioned. They want to get Hollywood filmmakers and these usually don’t bring cameras into Amazon rankings or might prefer the NEX-VG900 anyway, which offers quite similar specs.
Yes, well, that brings up a question – why make an SLT so very much focused on a video when at the same time you release dedicated FF video camera for roughly identical price with the same sensor?
The answer is simple: Since A99 and NEX-VG900 are cameras with nearly identical hardware and therefore both for dual use anyway two versions are available for whatever form factor one prefers – same with NEX-5 & VG10, 5N & VG20 or 5R & VG30 (all priced more fairly than Canon their 1D X & C versions)…
I agree that it’s an offering of form factor choice. But is it just me, or does the VG900 seem awkward? The VG build quality does not come close to the Alpha line, and its center of gravity does NOT play nicely with heavier FF lenses. Only the smallest & lightest lenses balance on it. And now, my VG20 has lens contact issues, probably related from the forward strain of heavy ZA FF with the LA-EA2 attached.
So, unless Sony has truly beefed up the core stability of the VG900 body, I can’t imagine it will be half as rugged, or balanced, or as “fun to drive” as the A99.
(GEAR–A77, A57, VG20, NEX5n, ZA24-70 2.8, ZA85 1.4, ZA135 1.8, ZE24 1.8, Tokina 11-16 2.8, SEL50 1.8 OSS)
But at the same time, Sony wants filmmakers to buy an expensive CineAlta and not some cheap DSLR. At the end, they’re still just taking customers off themselves rather than expanding their market share.
Why would anyone expect the A900 to outsell the competing Canon and Nikon? At least here in the USA when it comes to cameras there are Canon/Nikon and everyone else in my experience. Sony also doesn’t help themselves with the poor advertising and customer support.
It is not a true competitor or decided for the same market as those two. The main competitors are the D800 and the 5D Mark III..
The assigned price already said it all.
I would say the weight is a better indicator to which cameras A99 should compare.
If price said it all then Hasselblad Lunar would compare with Leica. But we all know it’s just a standard NEX-7 with a new skin, and that is the class of cameras it should compare to.
Price is more an indicator of who the buyer will be.
Over here in Germany most pros are _very_ conservative – they still bought that Contarex SE dinosaur when the Nikon F and the Canon F1 were the leading edge.
And nowadays they don’t realize that an EVF is the future… Also they don’t realize the advantages of a tilting and rotatable display…
The only “real” problem is that most pros have a big investment in lenses and accesories and that the newcomers always see pros with Canon or Nikon but not with Sony…
So I think it’s “only” a big marketing problem…
It is mainly a Service problem. Sony has nothing like the NPS or CPS for still imaging. Their service for the professional video cameras on the other side is a world wide network.
thats because most pros use HDMi out for shooting video. They do understand the advantage of a tilting screen which is.. next to nil considering the sony peaking is way to coarse to be able to achieve critical focus with, at least on a77.
They know whats up.
The usergroup is a lot smaller, so it’s no surprise that the A99 doesn’t sell as well als the Nikon and Canon.
I dont think evf is the future at all. Ill always want to see the real thing
In my viewfinder then staring at a led screen. It just doesnt make sense.
I used the a77 for a month and my eyes were releaved when i could see in a pure nice clear ovf again. Maybe something hybrid where you could see an image preview if you wanted to.
But as a one and only solution i would never want an evf only.
That’s the whole point of EVF – to see the real thing, photograph before it’s captured. Sony’s EVFs (especially the OLED) are much closer to that then the OVFs. You see the white balance, depth of field, 2D picture, rough exposition preview – things impossible with OVF.
OVFs are much better in their own way, but you can’t say that you see what your camera will capture through them. It’s not even remotely close.
…Wi-Fi directly into the brains is the future, yeah 😀
Or even human retina read out…
no chance it simply has the wrong mount – and its too late to join the dslr race at such late stage.
they would have to change the game if they want to lead – with a FF NEX.
Sony! Make a photo-camera. Without video.
I’m sorry…I do not have Bentley.
+10… No doubt they have numerous options for video already.
Left the Stills Crew pissing dust.
Sony:
“Dear 9 Lovers… a99 is not for you. We made it for others who don’t know dank about 9 legacy. Move along.”
Even though I have a 15K$+ investment in the alpha mount I don’t see A99 (unless DxOmark comes back with a score of 94 and AF is tested to be on pair with Nikon) adding substantial value over my beloved A900. Obviously my opinion is based on me being a still photographer only, but is bothers me to pay an extra premium over the D800(10%) D600(20%) , prices in Denmark being a little different that the rest of the world.
So I’ll go back to waiting for at 36Mpix camera with a weak AA filter, really hope for something next spring since I hate to sell my perfect Zeiss lineup
Gotta love the arbitrary numbers.
No surprise that the A99 isn’t going to sell very well. even though it is more feature packed, and capable of doing things that the new cheaper FF 6D and D600 Cannot, it’s still around 600 US dollars more money.
CaNikon owners are like iPhone users, they aren’t going to jump ship to Sony for the A99, even it it’s better in many ways. It’s too expensive, and if someone already has most if not all the glass and accessories for their system, they won’t even bother. For Sony to get replacers or upgraders, the camera can’t just be better it has to be about the same price, or better yet, 1,999. Canon 6D one stinkin’ cross type sensor? One. Talk about bare bones. But it will still sell, just like the new, boring iPhone will sell.
I don’t know what will happen from here on out. I might give up some features, and make that FF chip 16-20MP instead of 24 for slightly better high ISO performance and speed to make the a99 a must buy. Sony A700 user still in limbo, this body is too much, the A77 is worthless at ISO 1600 and beyond, still thinking about a used D700, wishing it has a anti shake sensor and focus peaking… still stuck.
As much as I would like to get an a99, a $700 premium over the d600 for the same sensor, with at least a small high ISP advantage, no real speed advantage, I find it hard to justify staying with Sony. Sony needs a full frame camera competitive with the price of the d600, or they risk losing customers like me who are actual fans of the SLT technology.
Doesn’t the IBIS (stabilizer) count for something? How much more does it cost to build a lens inventory with or without lens stabilization? The overall system should be factored in when comparing price, especially if you plan to own more than one lens. Can you get a ZF.2 lens stabilized on a D600? No. However all Zeiss options for Sony get IBIS. The only way to get ZF.2 glass stabilized is to modify it with a Leitax adapter and put it on a Sony Alpha series body.
They’re all good systems. No one has yet built “the holy grail”. There are always trade-offs. I like the Alphas for more than one reason. But for arguing price, the IBIS pays for itself rather quickly, and offers advantages you can’t get elsewhere.
Need proof? Compare the Canon 70-200mm f/2.8 with and without IS. How about the 24-70 2.8? Oh wait, no such thing as a stabilized 24-70 2.8 FF lens unless you buy Tamron. However, my Zeiss ZA 24-70 on an Alpha can do handheld video things that Canons and Nikons simply cannot.
Hm, sorry, but the pictures are – hm – average. There is not one I really think: wow, great. And the video is substandard. May be, a skilled fotographer or filmmaker can show us the real nature of the A99. And, it’s nearly impossible to adapt other lenses from Nikon or Canon.
LOL, it’s firmware 0.x preproduction, shooting in jpg format with compression.
D600, Canon 5D mark III was damn ugly photos in jpg format before being placed on the market! and it does not say anything about the real quality. It is purely indicative.
I see that in a lot of detail and very good performance on iso, I will buy the A99! rawy be perfect after editing in the graphical editor – excellent!
I regret only little support AF-D, my basic zoom’ll have to replace (beloved Tamron(:), Camera a99 is nice toy.
this is the problem.. I dont give a shit about cost, but the photo and video samples are .. awful. Looks like some sort of mutated tehnicolor stew with too much digital sharpening making up for details that are being obscured.
This concerns me. Want the SLT tech to be a reality but everything from a poor resolution/inadaqute evf for showing light falloff into shadow to the weird rainbows and color hueing in shadows and noise everywhere make me think…
NOOOOOOO… I wanted this camera so bad. Get rid of the mirror! I dont care if I have to manual focus just dont do these horrible monstrosities to IQ!
NEWSFLASH: Sony not selling as well as CaNikon shocker…
:facepalm:
Well, I respond to: “So, now you have plenty of images to get an idea about the A99 quality.” I hope and I guess the IQ will be better. But how much better? Nobody knows. … 😉
I don’t understand Sony. They invited a bunch of journalists to show them the cutting-edge products. But the prototypes weren’t ready. Look at the NEX-VG900 video: http://www.videoaktiv.de/PraxisTechnik/CAMCORDER-Hintergrundinfo/Sony-NEX-VG900-erster-Test-und-Videoaufnahmen.html
PS: Hu, that should be a respose to BigP
What the frog? was this shot on a iPhone? It should have been because it would have been better. That looks like total shiznit on a 27″ monitor. Gross color extrapolation, aweful contrast and image iq. shaky.. wtf is that? Looks like early 1990s stuff shot on handitard cams. If this is serious I will be blown away. Its gotta be a joke. Looks worse then vg10
For me AVCHD 24MBPS IS BIG DRAW BACK. I need minimum 80mbps ALL-I codec with 4:2:2 sampling.
Atmos Ninja, Blackmagic Hyperdeck Shuttle… Enjoy.
Nobody (or atleast very few) compare jpeg quality by comparing file sizes.
Why do video shooters do that?
/E
Cause most people can’t see a difference between 24Mbps stream from low-end point & shoot and 24 Mbps stream for high-end professional camcorder. Just like most people don’t see a difference in noise between Nikon 1 and professional Full Frame.
Or to compare it with the other thing: for majority of so-called experts: more MPx is always better. 😉
😉
Do you need it or want it? The bit rate makes less difference than the codec, take a look at the quality of the FS100’s internal recordings compared to that from the Ninja.
The camera can do 4:4:4 up to at least 100 mbps. Just get an external recorder.
There we go. Ultimate answer for all concerns.
it can only do 4:2:0 in every way. Plus i need it on board.
if u dont get it dont bother.
So what are your options?
dont bother
ill admit it looks like 4:2:0.. but i doubt it is lol.. God what aweful video.
It does 4:4:4 actually. Do your research first! Not on board but through external recorders!
Name another camera that does it on board? I’m curious.
You must be confused.
GH3 does 72mbit ALL-I
5D mk3 does 90mbit ALL-I [it sucks by the way]
The Amazon rankings are in no way an indication about how a product such as full-frame camera is selling. And comparing it to Canon/Nikon is silly.
My head thinks the A99 is very nice from what’s out there so far.
But it doesn’t move my heart.
It makes a different if Sony can deliver the camera right after they announced it.
I keep saying this – Sony needed to get the A99 in the hands of competent reviewers and pros before release to produce top notch image samples and videos to build a buzz. IMHO, Sony should have released the A99 a couple months ago – why let it get buried by all the other hype from Photokina? Nothing gets released in the summer as most are waiting for Photokina, take advantage of the void.
Now the 6D and D600 will get reviewed by DPreview and others first, its a simple numbers game, look at most viewed cameras on the front page and Amazon rankings. The 6D has been far ahead of all others on DPreview since its announcement. The top cameras are going to get the most attention. The 5d3 and D800 reviews popped up much, much quicker than the A57.
I bet we see 6D/D600 reviews before the end of October, I’d be surprised if we see the A99 before the end of the year. I’d be willing to be we’ll see the new Fuji, GH3, Nex6, Pen’s and RX1 tests before the A99.
SONY Photo Camera Product marketing, engineering and management have been terrible and arrogant. Even Worse is how they ignore their dedicated install base customers and our most minor requests. Example basic corrective Firmware updates.
did i saw a 300G SSM II written in the video? means he used a preproduction or a released unit? that box actually belongs to the 300GII?
Most people willing to spend $2,800 for a camera body realize they need lenses also.
Now, its true that Sony does have some fine lenses but most buyers already know about or quickly learn that Sony is NOT in the same league as Nikon or Canon.
Sigh, cruel words, Steve, after I just saw this very disappointing comparison with my favourite NEX lens: http://translate.google.com/translate?sl=de&tl=en&u=www.heise.de/-1705014 😕
Steve, what are you talking about? IMHO, the Sony Zeiss stuff is as good as Canon and Nikon’s best. The sheer numbers of available options might be smaller with Sony, but the coverage is there within the line. Plenty of folks are adapting Nikon glass to their Canons, and now Sony too with the Leitax modification. So, how is it that everyone knows Sony is not in the same league?
Anyone comparing cameras this way should go to Vimeo and watch all of the Zacuto shootout stuff. It’s eye opening. TALENT is what puts anything in “the league” — not gear choice.
In your opinion? Well clearly your opinion is not familiar with Nikon 14-24 2.8, or 85 1.4 or any of the premium line, go, meet them, spend some time with them, then ask your opinion what it thinks…
Dear Ha…
Thank you for informing me on what my opinion does or doesn’t know. If you actually read my post, you’d see that I’m simply stating that there is a minimum entry point of pro-level quality that, once exceeded, the rest falls on the person using the equipment. The reason I included “IMHO” (emphasis on “humble”) was to hopefully avoid know-it-alls like yourself picking a fight, and eagerly jumping on an opportunity to condescend.
But since YOU brought it up, Ha…
I’ve owned and now no longer own (without regret) both Nikon & Canon, glass and bodies. As you are an obvious Nikon fan, you should keep your excellent Nikon glass. It IS excellent. But for my eye and application, I’ll take the Zeiss look (with AF and IBIS on Sony) over the Nikon look. I currently own 9 different Zeiss lenses (4x A-mount, 1x E-mount, and 4x CY mount), and that part is a fact, not opinion. What is also a fact is that they all produce images that look better to me than other products. Whatever looks better to you is also a fact for you, but only opinion the moment you try to force your preference on others.
So, thank you, Ha…, for bestowing your wisdom upon me. Without you Ha, I’d be sitting here with only my misinformed and inexperienced opinions. Who needs to share thoughtful and constructive commentary with a community of Sony users, when we have you, Ha, to guide us?
You are the smartest and most helpful person here. Ha!
your dumb. canikon is pro-sumer. Zeiss is legendary.
it may be that it is simply just to late…people interested mostly in stills who were looking for a a850/900 succesor for quite a while got tired of waiting…maybe sony lost more ground in ff market then they would have anicipated
they might gain some back with great video capabiities though
i find myself being interested in the a99 for video … but just like others, i’ll wait for some reviews to be sure that sony got it right this time
I hate it with all my heart when people say “it may be just too late for Sony”
Too late for what?? No more photographers are going to be born again? People have only bought cameras already and never again? I am just confused about these dumb statements!
If IQ of the pre-production firmware is bad, why on earth is the camera out and about doing the rounds? Announce the camera when it’s ready and people will see great images instead of bad ones from it.
Or maybe IQ is basically finalized, that’s why they are allowing the pictures. So don’t expect anything much from firmware 1.0.
Andrew Reid from EOSHD says about the video: “I saw the results from the Sony NEX VG900 and A99 at Photokina, and sadly they just don’t stand up – far too much false colour, moire and aliasing from line skipping.”
Oh, shit! Haven’t read that on his website, but Andrew is a very serious source when it comes to judgements like that and he already tended to prefer real video sensors like his NEX-FS100. Fortunately I’m not in a hurry to buy a NEX-VG900…
I’d wait for an actual test rather than conjecture from EOSHD after playing with a camera at the Sony Photokina booth – his posts are filled with false information in the form of harsh criticisms worded to sound like he actually knows what he’s talking about. All you have to do is read the endless praise for the GH2 and its hacked high bitrate detail while ignoring its most glaring fault – poor DR and the horrible noise and banding (esp. in the shadows) when the ISO is at 800 or higher, or posterization in the transitions to highlights. EVERY camera that uses a high MP sensor has to scale the image down for 1080p video – a 2.1mp image – so they ALL have issues with moire, aliasing and rolling shutter.
EXACTLY – the video looks like crap! But I dont think it is the sensors fault as the rx1 looks… fantastic
Im really looking forward this Cam. I have a Canon 5D MarkII and Nikon D800. The Canon has superb Image Quality and Colors, but the AF and High ISO could have been better, so i bought a Nikon D800. But I dont like the Colors out of the Nikon. In every Picture there is a yellow/green and it needs a lot of work and hours to get it right, if you shoot a lot.
The colors of the Sony look just right, no green oder magenta cast just fine. ISO and AF seems also very promising. I will wait until the Reviews and if everything is okay with this cam, i will switch to Sony! I think Sony could be the future.
And why not upgrade to the 5D Mark III? The AF and high ISO should be quite improved compared with the Mark II, apart from other improvements. I don’t think the A99 will have the same colours or even high ISO as the Mark III.
Amazon.com Best Sellers Rank, category camera and photo:
Nikon D600: #15
Nikon D800: #31
Canon 5D II: #75
Canon 5D III: #114
Canon 6D: #310 (that’s preorders since the camera is not available)
Sony A900: #944
Sony A99: #1104
Could you see where the RX1 is at? My bet is around 150
The RX-1 is #570.
WOW, A99=DOA that poor rank speaks for itself
I can not believe Sony Officers support the Product managers who made this introduction 33% more $700 more expensive than the Nikon and Canon competitors
It’s not competing against a 6D or D600, but D800 and 5D3. The cheaper comparison is only made by those interested in buying cheap full frame cameras and that for some reason still linger around here. If they would have ‘made up their minds’ and bought the cheaper ‘competition’, then they shouldnt even show up around here anymore.
lol. A900 sells better then A99? Sony FAIL.
Its because no in there right mind would want this camera. The images and video that has been realeased looks awful
Comparing these rankings is more or less nonsense because Amazon is not selling the A99 and does not list it as a DSLR. Come back and do this again when the A99 has reviews and a release date.
soony is nex not alpha… leave dslr to the king canon and go make rubbish mirrorless for amateurs
Mirrorless isn’t for amateurs you plank, it’s just a technology. Will Canon users suddenly be amateurs when that flappy mirror is no longer required…?
It doesn’t sell well probably because it gets stuck between the Pros and enthusiasts.
Most pros don’t need hybrid. How many still pros really do video, and vice versa? Pros know exactly what they want from their cameras and most of them are using Canon and Nikon. To make them to switch brand, there must be a compelling reason. By the way most pros don’t like EVF no matter how advance it could be.
For most enthusiasts, the price could be a concern.
I was an A850 user and I believe the A99 is a very capable camera. Unfortunately it seems that it doesn’t please anyone.
A beautiful camera and one I’d buy any day over a Nikon D600 or Canon 6D if you are just talking about “a” camera, but we are not. We are talking about buying into. “System.” And that being said, Sony’s lenses and flashes and a cessories are way, way to expensive. I would never in my wildest dreams pay as much for a Sony 300 f/2.8 as I would for a Nikon or Canon even if it was just as good or even better. Why? One word: “resale!” Sony needs to wake up and realize this or they will never compete. Are their products just as good? Maybe. Sony is doing some great stuff and I feel more in touch with what real photographers want and need. Camera prices are fine too for the most part. Keep going Sony but adjust your lens and accessory prices if you want to “win” people over from the Canikon crowd! This time the advice is free 😉
Honestly, I believe the reason the A99 is not selling well is obvious: it’s roughly the same resolution as the A900/A850. Sony users who already own those cameras have no urgency to upgrade if they don’t care about video.
I own two A900s, and even hedged myself. It’s frustrating because the D800 has such an amazing Sony sensor and I was really hoping them to use that one. It would be amazing for my commercial work.
Then I saw the frame rate: 6 FPS. When I saw the initial rumors of a new 24.3 MP sensor I was hoping for 12 FPS — which would make it a competitor to the Canon 1Dx.
This being said, after seeing sample images the improved dynamic range, color depth and detail was blatant. Knowing I need to have a video-capable camera to compete with my peers I pulled the trigger and pre-ordered my A99 + grip yesterday.
The new AF system looks pretty amazing as well.
Been a Sony user, i gonna talk about video side here:
Positives:
FF 24mpx, build, EVF, rotable LCD screen, silent knob, manual audio adjustment with XLR option, clean uncompressed 8bit 4:2:2 hdmi output, 1080p @ 60fps,
Negatives:
Aliasing and moire problems, low quality codec, soft image.
So? many positives things to say about the A99, but unfortunately the negatives ones kill the positive ones.
Low quality codec can be corrected with a external recorder. Yes, but cost and convenience aside, the main problem is the aliasing and moire, obviously is not so bad as the Canon 5d MKII, ASPC Canon cameras or Nikon ones, but still present and if Sony want to win here this must be fixed and the softness of the image too, the images looks like has been upscale from 720p to 1080p, no native 1080p downscale as the FS100.
I’m no photographic expert, but to my eyes Sony has add nothing new or revolutionary here.
Panasonic has announced the Lumix GH3, with a nice site, showing good info and enough professional pictures and a Short Film done by know professionals, liked or not, but have nice features for video recording, and to me compete very well against the A99 in the video field, obviously have many drawbacks too, but you know what? the price is $1300.
Why Sony doesn’t give us clean HDMI output and manual audio control on the A77, from day one? this is extremely easy to correct in Firmware, but no, Sony will try to sell us another camera for that.
I really love the Sony products, but i don’t know why they insist in give us cripples products, today Sept 25, right now, for a Multimedia camera i will look for the GH3 and if i need a Photographic one i think go for the Nikon D600.
Maybe is me, but this can add a little to the why the A99 is not selling as well.
P.D:
Before someone tell me why i don’t consider the VG900, Photokina reports says that the VG900, has a bad cheap build and suffer for the same as the A99.
Agreed. Sony needs to push it like Pana and show some serious shit showcasing their products.
Well, your negatives mostly don’t exist if you use uncompressed HDMI output 🙂 😉
You’re basing video quality on a few poorly produced videos using pre-prod cameras and subjected to youtube/vimeo compression? I’d hardly use that as to judge the quality of the codec or IQ. If that were the case I’d be dismissing the GH3 for its poor DR and harsh rendering of highlights and skin tones.
As a FS100 owner, Sony can certainly make some magic with “low” bitrate AVCHD. The ability to record an uncompressed stream means you can use a Ninja to get 10-bit 4:2:2 Prores – and as a bonus it also serves as an external monitor.
Sony needs to push 60p and showcase slow motion as other FF cameras don’t have it. Of course that would mean actually making an effort to produce some high quality demo videos — something Sony’s marketing dept doesn’t seem to understand.
You’re right Chris!
I have the FS100 too! but the AVCHD from the professional cameras has a different implementation mostly for the way that the sensor has been programmed to do the downsampling, the FS100 even at 24Mbits is much better than the AVCHD coming from the Pro-consumer line (Nex, Alpha, Handycam).
My business partner was on Photokina and i send him to look closely for the Sony a99 and the VG900, so the report i’m based is from his words, not for the videos already posted on the web, while the videos shown on Vimeo and Youtube are not so bad (aliasing and moire aside) are not better than others cameras around. The Canon 5D MKIII has cleaner image but with the cost of softness.
Excellent, good to see you’ve got a hands on report. Hopefully the final firmware improves some of the issues. Yes, the FS100’s codec is likely superior since its not scaling the image, but I’m finding the highlights and picture profiles difficult to master, so I may be moving back to a DSLR. It seems to be a compromise with every hybrid camera, but I’ll take steadyshot, 60p and the lower price of the A99 over the 5d3. I’m looking for a B camera for my FS100 and the A99 might replace my Nex5n as that camera – or just replace the FS all together.
The NEX-FS100 simply has got a dedicated video sensor and not a photo sensor like the A99, the Nex-5/6/7 line or NEX-VGxx, but also the NEX-FS100 is the most expensive of all NEX cameras only topped by the NEX-FS700.
I think the proof will be in the pudding…. I would not Count the A99 out of the race. No one can say that a camera is good or not based solely on specs sheets… The D600 and 6D from Nikon and Canon may out sell the A99 purely for PRICE 700 dollars is a big Jump, but just as many thought the A77 was over priced and would not do well they were proven incorrect. The D600 may share the same resolution, but the Specs are seriously lacking and we will see what IQ will be when we’ve had a chance to see the final Product.
There is more to a camera than Pixels it’s a TOOL and how easy it is to use that tool will also prove to be a difference. I have converted at least 6 people newly into Canon and Nikon because they were able to take my A77 and actually USE the camera effectively within the mater of hours as opposed to fumbling around deep menus and Options… The A77 honestly in my opinion could have done away with many of the program modes, BUT then I realize I am not the one Demo Sony is targeting and the A77 truly can Suit a Pro as well as a beginner in that sense.
Bottom line the A99 looks to be a pretty nice camera and will probably take off once word gets out about it…. Sony needs to do better marketing to really compete and that is what I think holds them in the #3 Spot.
Seriously, we collectively seem to have NO understanding of how all of this works. FIRST, any camera below #50 on Amazon, is statistically insignificant, which means Canon really isn’t doing any better than Sony.
Second, the MAIN reason you don’t see 10’s of thousands of pre-orders on the SONY, is not very many people have SONY FF systems to add the camera to! People looking to build a whole new system aren’t going to do it with a camera they have to PRE-ORDER.
Third, the Sony is NOT more expensive than the D600 and 6D, it’s LESS expensive than the BIG Canon and Nikons. The problem is NOT the price of the camera, it’s the price of the SYSTEM. Sony is actually less expensive overall, but starting into a FF system is expensive PERIOD.
And lastly, anyone that thinks that EVF is a problem, doesn’t understand the overall future of photography. It’s absolutely true that a lot of pros still want an OVF…..they’re called idiots. They may be excellent photographers, with lots of experience and skill, but their unwillingness to experiment with a FAR SUPERIOR technology leaves them dramatically behind the curve.
LIVE VIEW is the single most important feature since digital ITSELF. LIVE VIEW is the feature that digital was created for. It isn’t just better….it’s NIGHT AND DAY better than the dinosaur technology that is SLR.
The Sony a99 may have an uphill climb…but it’s a better camera than every single other camera on EARTH, for the simple reason that it does it’s job well, and has TRUE LIVE VIEW. No other full frame camera can say that….ergo, SONY is the best. You can roughly divide all photographers into two categories, those that have figured out the value of LIVE VIEW, and those that are shorting themselves on their potential as photographers.
The a99 is never going to sell as much as the Canon and Nikons…especially the Canikons that have been INTENTIONALLY dummied down to be CHEAP. Because just like the illusion of the Rebel with a kit lens somehow making you a “pro,” ANY full frame camera makes people think they’re a HIGH END pro. So let’s just buy the cheapest FF camera we can, to impress people with.
Thank you.
If nothing but live view is the future (what it is for me) and every other customer preferring an optical viewfinder is an idiot for you (where I believe in the freedom of different desires), Sony would have to give up A-Mount completely to get rid of this stupid unnecessary flange distance and offer nothing but E-Mount instead, because otherwise you would have to call every A99-buyer an idiot not waiting that short while until the unavoidable full frame NEX…
That’s exactly what’s happening, we’re just not completely there yet. SLT is a transitioning technology and might stay for a few more years, but its bound to disappear.
I see that anybody that does not agree with you on the future of photography is an idiot.
Very well said, Dave.
Amazon isn’t taking my preorders into account. Because of this Canon and Nikon are better? Maybe I should use Amazon so Canon and Nikon can suck more.
@Dave Melgas.
What a gadget freak. You have no idea what you’re talking about. BTW, caps locks doesn’t diminish ignorance. Live view the biggest feature since digital? Pure utter BS. A gadgeteer and obviously not a photographer. Try convincing portraits and fashion photogs. Another sign of ignorance? Sony is cheaper? Check out Sony’s lens prices and non-standard flash shoe which adds to cost when using remote triggers. Lots of fervent comments and mistakes, ERGO you’re a feverish fanboy who loves his gadget features and not a serious photographer.
spoken like a noob. Pros that like OVf like it for a reason. They dont do evf because.. their pros and they can shoot without it and the prefer seeing reality instead of a 35% composition that a digital monitor can render. They dont give a hit about live view or preview or whatever else because they do that shit in their mind. Your clearly not a pro so have some respect for the gurus. Yes EVF is the future.. when the actual tech comes of age. Right now it is in many ways a deficit. Its like saying people should have bought the first round of electric cars. Yes maybe its the future but if the present sucks why the heck would you buy it.
Word of advice to an amateur. Don’t advise the pros. Instead observe them so you can learn to see why they do what they do.
As has already been pointed out, it’s mainly due to brand recognition and the fact that Nikon has a huge established base. There’s a lot of APS-C photographers that already have invested in the Nikon system. Couple that with a great price point, then the potential for sales is big.
If Sony wants to distinguish itself, then it really needs to be exclusive of its best sensors. The IQ difference for still photography between a D600, MkD3, and a99 is going to be minimal. The D800 is still going to be on top purely because of megapixels. However because of Sony’s finance issues, they are definitely not in the position to do this. They need to make the quarter and stop posting big losses.
I dont know what to think. After looking at all the sample images I cannot see any improvement over my A900. I see no reason to upgrade unless I wanted to shoot video. I think this camera could be one of Sony’s biggest flops.
Personally I don’t understand why FPS matters in this market now, I shoot one by one photos and never set to continuous mode, also, I don’t need very noise reduction but reduced Sony / Minolta’s traditional color tone, as I’ve seen the images coming out of the A99, the color is “plain” comparing to my A900 vivid beautiful color (especially when pairing with MinO lenses), don’t get me wrong, I do need ISO 800 sometimes, but not all the time, and my A900 did a good job with that, sometimes I even added more noise create more film look to the photos (dramatic look).
I have a feeling A99 was made for more on video side instead of still! the D600 is really interesting me with OVF, good battery life, light body, amazing lens collection, but the problem is I’m currently owning 13 Sony / MinO lenses, love all of them, and am still in love with my A900. Sony, do something…
Yes, the a99 is all about video
If so thats sad because the video is shit, and their AF system in video sucks’ too unless you like shooting f3.5 at 1/1000 of a second or some variation thereof.
No matter how you slice-and-dice it, Sony must pry away customers from Canon and Nikon. This is the reality of the marketplace.
As a Canon customer, I won’t shift to Sony’s legacy based system. Especially since my 5DMKII is delivering to my client’s expectations—and beyond. Sony can’t win in the DSLR space, the race has already been won!
It’s too bad that Sony’s NEX VG-900 is in the wrong form-factor.
Sony don’t need to pry many *existing* customers away from CaNikon, there are plenty of new ones to go for. It’s already how they sell APS-C, new users not existing ones.
Exactly. This is the problem with ‘professionals’. They think Sony is not doing a better job catering to their needs. In fact, Sony attacks more on those who doesn’t have their needs catered by Canikon.
Much easier, much profitable, yet dangerous as it’s a lot of market gap and may dominate the market if Canikon is not careful.
Empty talk from me, but innovations were often ones looked down on by others.
Any body wants to start guessing what A88 could be?
what can Sony do to cut corners?
not on the EVF i hope?
clean HDMI out, the D600 has it.
maybe the AF (phase detection part?)
weather sealing?
cheaper material.
1/4000 again?
5 fps?
$1800 USD MSRP ($2100 just can’t compete with D600/6D)
Sorry, but I have to vent this morning. After looking at more sample images online I am left even more perplexed at Sony. Why did Sony loan these cameras out to what seems to be a bunch of hacks? I am seeing sample landscape photos shot at f 2.8-4.5????? Not one shot is over f 5.6. Half the shot is out of focus! I want to tear my eyes out when I’m looking at this poorly composed crap!!!! I really cant wait til a competent tester like Michael Reichmann gets his hands on this camera. I have a a99 on pre order but I’m half tempted to cancel it.
I have been loyal to Sony since my jump over to digital 5 years ago, and have invested heavily in their Zeiss glass and I’m starting to waiver. The RX1 looks great but I can’t contain myself to one focal length, and the A99 just seems like such a let down. I’ll never switch over to Canon or Nikon but maybe this is the push I need to get a bank loan and invest in a medium format system?
Luminous Landscape present take on the Sony A99 is:
“Their mainstay at the show is the A99, their latest full frame non-reflex ‘SLR-style’ camera. It’s fine. I personally don’t care for the physical experience of Sony cameras, but it appears extremely competent. I just don’t think people will flock to an EVF solution when the same megapixel count and body size are available with a proper glass finder. The 6D is really nice to look through compared to the Sony. While I have come to believe that EVFs are a necessary evil in pro-level compact cameras, you can take my pentaprisms when you pry them from my cold death fingers.”
http://www.luminous-landscape.com/essays/photokina_2012.shtml
So no bias there then.
I do wonder how these “hacks” get hold of Sony stuff. They can’t get the basics right as you say. Then the new camera is released missing functionality that an amateur would spot and with poor firmware and IQ…
It is all very puzzling, but annoyingly, easily correctable.
+1 The quality of the tester is ridiculous sometimes, and definitely puts people off.
The dropbox address listed above is invalid, returning a 404 error. Please correct as I am interested in taking a peak at the RAW files. If I can.
404
The A99 seems like a good camera, but like the posts above says, I have Canon L Lenses & speedlites and i am hardly about to change across to Sony FF, just because they launch a FF camera.
Actually, I have a 5d mk2, but I’m a bit sick of Canon putting bits of tricks into each camera to force me to buy expensive, (I realise they are in business to sell cameras) but that is P_ssing me off. Why would I buy a Canon 6D when it offers the same as my 5D2. The 5D2’s focusing basically has one usable focus point, but the image quality is pretty good, this is what the 6D is offering me?. I just bought a 7D and will wait awhile to see what comes out. These two cameras are offering me what I want for the mean time, they have the quality and I have a system that gets the job done. Actually, Nikon is bringing out better cameras than Canon, i’m well pissed off.
I have bought the SONY RX100 and it is a ripper of a camera images quality is great for such a small camera. A bit small for me, I bought it for my wife, although she keeps asking for it. I will most likely buy a NEX-6, that looks like a great camera. I was almost going to wait and buy it as my second camera but then I though it wouldn’t fit into my system. And, I needed a second camera sooner rather than later. I will buy it for the weekends, I’m quite excited about it.
Sony has to be around a bit longer for working photographers to change and buy their pro gear, we need to know they are going to be around for the long term. Generally people will stick with what they know and it takes alot for them to change.
If sony brings out a NEX FF camera that has inter-changable lenses then I think they will rip the market apart. Although the RX1 looks beautiful, I’m not about to spend $2800 on a camera that is for weekends, its for people with to much money, not people making a living out of photography. It does show that Sony has the skill to make a FF NEX camera and if they make one with inter-changable lenses, anything can happen.
Sony had to put a 16MP sensor in the A99 to compensate for the 1/3 of a stop light loss of the translucent mirror. Now the D600 will have a 1/3stop advantage over the A99, with the 16MP it would be about the same.
Look at the D800 and 36MP, above ISO1600 the noise is everywhere, compare that to the 5DMarkIII which performs much better or the Nikon D4 and 16MP which performs even better.
Why the D600 sells so well, I don’t understand. The JPEG’s from the D3200/D7000/D800 are soft and blurry and the D600 will be the same.
The autofocus of the D800/D7000 is much slower than the A77 which has the same Af module as the A99. And the D600 will not be any better.
From what I’ve seen so far the high ISO of the A99 will be about the same as the 5DMarkIII and better than D800. I wouldn’t care much about the 1/3stop disadvantage if you take in consideration the total package the A99 delivers.
Why buy the A99 when you can buy the RX1 and start shooting.
1. At US$2800.00 the Sony A99 is not a cheap camera and being a totally new launch it’ll take some more thinking for most before ordering one. For example, a current Sony A77 owner ( like I ) is still working on mastering the many features of it, let alone owners of other systems!
2. IMO the current A99 sample photos, although many really good, are still too premature to support a fair judgement of the camera.
3. The A99 with all its features is already superior to the Nikon D600 and I’m sure it’ll also show a higher IQ..
One of the problems with the SLT is that it fails to better the camera using the same sensor in a more normal mirror DSLR or mirrorless body.
I expect to see the little RX1 beat the a99 using the same sensor and the Nikon will beat the a99 also.
If IQ is the most important and price is second the a99 fails
if the pure noise performance – cause that’s what you are talking about, not IQ – is the only deciding factor then everyone would move over to Pentax. Or Nikon if they need more lenses.
But it’s not. Image is made from some more factors then just noise, and people decide on picking the cameras by looking at far more factors then just picture quality.
Right now all cameras anyway got very similar noise performance so I wouldn’t peer too much into needless grind towards ISO 1 billion.
The A99 is overpriced in my opinion. I thought that the lack of an OVF was supposed to reduce the price not increase it. I will stick with my A77 and A850 for now. I’m more tempted to purchase the Nikon FF and compare.
Sony really needs to examine their marketing and r&d division.. To me, A99 is disappointing camera compared to A77, A900, D600 and 6D in terms of price, features and advertising efforts..
Your FF line is too weak that when compete with canikon, A99 is facing both entry and pro level cameras.. Many ppl compares it with d800, d600, 5dIII, 6d (Sony users may know it’s a pro camera).. It’s market positioning is so embarrassing.. It’s sony’s own fault..
In terms of revolution, maybe a77 is too groundbreaking, a99 can’t give many ‘bling bling’ to us.. And maybe Sony reserves many advancement to future ff cameras, that a99 is just nearly nth special in specs
You can’t expect a99 to give any miracles in sales
A99 not selling well? Shocking! What is the marketplace for new DSLRs? Mostly those who currently own one, since most are buying mirror less now. Did anyone think current DSLR owners would switch from proven canikon solutions to Sony, no matter how good Sony might be? Sony’s future is NEX. They need to focus on that. The ten people who buy their SLT may complain, but do you keep designing for ten or cater to the millions of NEX owners and potential owners?
Sony has big problems competing with Nikon and Canon for the pro camera market and maybe it should just be happy its selling sensors to them a go with the very popular NEX system and dump the A-Mount altogether…………
Sony doesn’t have much of an investment in the lens mount and maybe that’s the reason.
I don’t believe that many still photographers that read even the most optimistic specification of the rumored a99 leaked over the weeks before it was officially announced believed it to be a worthy 9 series camera in the Minolta tradition.
Minolta fans need to give it up………it’s not Minolta it’s not going to be Minolta it’s a Sony.
FINE!!!
SO ALPHA 77 will be fast under 799 euros and MINE….
I’ll be surprised if they sell many a99s in the UK. It costs more than the D800 and only 10% less than the 5DIII. Hard to justify staying with the brand when they no-longer offer the best VFM of the “big 3”.
I think Sony have made a big mistake with this camera. As a package its to expensive compared to Canikon offerings, the camera itself would be fairly priced if it could offer cheaper lenses. However the lenses are extortionately priced to say they don’t even have image stabilization built in to them.
The camera itself should have focused more on photography than videography, it would have been nice for it to have also offered some of the nex-6 WiFi/aps features.
They Also need to rush out the net generation of weather sealed lenses such as the 70-200… no point having a weather sealed camera when the lenses aren’t.
Guys, you are so boring. Sony this Canon that…go shoot some pics. It doesn’t sell because it is not available yet. I’m planning to purchase the a99 but I want to see reviews first. Then I will have cash ready by Christmas as many other buyers. A99 seems to be a great camera, let’s hope it meets the expectations.
The A99 ship date now shows November 9 on B&H. Was there a slip?
I believe that whether I like it or not, the implementation of outstanding video in still cameras is the future, particularly for professionals.
More and more customers expect you to shoot video and still images at their weddings. They are not willing to pay for a videograpger AND photographer and if your competition is offering both you will have to adapt if you want to stay in business.
Reportage photography goes more and more in the same direction. You shoot a clip and the still images are taken from the clip – for newspaper, magazine reproduction those still images are more than enough.
Sports photography might go the same way, time will tell.
Sony has a profound knowledge in video technology and the resources to really develop a very strong hybrid camera, that does good stills and excellent video. They are already ahead of Canikon in that area and once professionals really HAVE to have a still camera that does excellent video, they will have to look at Sony cameras, whether they like it or not.
The fact that with the A99 you can shoot video AND still images, while shooting a video is sth Canikon can not do as far as I know. This is for some professionals rather important.
Last point, some people repeatedly argue that Sony has no professional service support, well they do, when it comes to video. It will be very easy for them to extend this service to still cameras as well, should they decide to do so, as the network is already in place.
For all of you who are disappointed by the specs of the A99, just go to the Canikon forums and see how disappointed they are. The grass is not greener on the other side.
The D800 has serious left AF issues and FINALLY Nikon has admitted so. Canon has not brought anything new to the table since the 5DMKII and they are seriously disappointed by the “slimmed” down specs of D6.
Sony is at least moving forward, trying new things. The Nex system was a bold, but very successful move and in the overall camera sales ranking from Bloomberg Sony is #2 in the world, after Canon but before Nikon.
With something such as the Nex system Sony got a lot of new customers who form the base for the future clientele for cameras such as the A99.
I think we should all wait until the A99 is finally released, before we jump to conclusion! And btw Sony releases their top end cameras faster than Canikon! The D800 E is still not readily available!
If one of you can tell me a camera that does it all, please let me know and I will jump ship!
Have to go now and edit my video that I HAD to shoot on Saturday with my A77.
Stef.
How many people use YouTube? If YouTube translated better to HD, would you stream it to your TV more? How many people quit using cable and satellite last year to move to Netflix or Hulu Plus? How many people would rather just get their content on YouTube?
Answer the question above and you may see part of Sony’s gamble.
How many A77 users here have plugged their A77 into a Sony TV? How many have used all of the features which seem like gimmicks like the 3d function? Frankly, I felt like I neglected half of my A77 when I plugged it in for the first time, ten months after I bought it.
The biggest thing Sony have going against them for A-mount is the fact that you can’t mount EF glass without optical adapters.
And that’s the 5D Mk II’s biggest selling point for VDSLR. EF mount, FF with enough bitrate, cheap and sharp 1.8 lenses. It’s also why the 6D will be the next VDSLR darling.
The only way Sony can gain some FF VDSLR shooters is if they release FF NEX (or a more affordable version of VG900). Just about any lens on Sony’s fabulous FF sensor. That’s hard to pass up.
SO the reason that they didn’t but a larger MP (32, 36mb) sensor in their “photo” camera is because of meeting a video spec? …video… Arrrg frustration!!! This is supposed to be their “flagship” “photo” Camera?? I used to think people were unnecessarily hard on the sony team but honestly what the heck are they thinking? Where is the logic?
+1
Also to continue my rant:
This camera will fail for the following obvious 2 reasons:
1. It’s not better in any real way than the Canon or Nikon offerings by way of price or features, so no reason to convince canikon customers to jump ship. See d800.
2. A900 / 850 users would have to be crazy to upgrade in such a horizontal manner, just to get a few more little features.
Put a fork in it,, it’s done. Sony Fail. And honestly I really wanted to buy this camera (upgrade from a900).
As a matter of fact, I’ve been waiting for the A99 announcement, but now I’m looking for a mint copy of the A900 now 😉
With Nikon’s price and availability strategy, they stole the A99’s thunder at Photokina. Sony has a hard sell on FF. They will need lenses to back it up and rebates.
Not to mention the RX1 distracted everyone.
Evf and video may well be the future. Thn again, that future has not yet arrived. Eye-controlled focusing is also the future.
YOU PEOPLE DON’T SEEM TO UNDERSTAND…
WE PHOTOGRAPHERS NEED VIDEO FUNCTIONALITY!
HOW ON EARTH DO YOU EXPECT TO TAKE GOOD PICTURES IF YOU DON’T HAVE VIDEO!
THIS IS WHY SONY HAS FOCUSED SO MUCH ON PERFECTING THEIR CAMERAS TO TAKE THE BEST VIDEO!
IT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THE FACT THAT MOST OF THEIR FIELD TESTERS ARE VIDEOGRAPHERS!
I assume you mean this as a joke? If not then I would actually agree with you. Photographers who want to compete need video functionality!
Stef.
not at all. They have been saying that for years and it is still less true than ever. Maybe on the very low low low end of the “small budget client” market.
“P.S.: Our readers David talked with a Sony manger who said: One more thing, the mentioned about why they use 24 but not 32mp pixel in a99 is the 60p recording, they said they realized that 24M pixel is the best fix in nowadays sensor technology.”
Sad thing, they’re thinking more about video than stills. I was expecting better stills capabilities in order to not affect the Professional Video and Broadcasting division, but now it seems they’re joining efforts (good thing for some)
You guys all must think that Sony ‘has something to prove’ or that they ‘owe you something’. Sony is NEVER going to be Canon or Nikon, no matter what they do or how they do it. They dont seem to want to be, and photography has foundations in Canon and Nikon, not Sony. 90% of the world’s photographers see Sony as a TV company that dabbles in Cameras. Thats the perception, and its not going to change. They are who they are, and nobody’s disappointment is going to influence that. If you dont like what they’re doing, GO to the other guys, who WILL satisfy you. Period. Everyone is squabbling on this board like it matters…it doesnt.
I am a Sony shooter, and a Konica Minolta shooter before that, and a Minolta film shooter before that. I chose Minolta and, Sony, because they ARENT Canon and Nikon. They are who they are. I just bought two A77s as MY upgrade from my A900 and A850. WHY? Because it does what I want it to. Will I buy the A99? Probably not…I dont need what it provides over the A99, at least right now. Yes, I’m a pro – meaning I get paid for my work and depend on it for my income to live from day to day. Guess what…while I have several Minolta and Sony lenses, I use primarily 3rd party lenses. My 70-200 f2.8 is a…SIGMA. Does that hold me back? Do people look at my photos side by side the Canon L images and discard mine cause its inferior? No. I’ve never had that problem. When people see my equipment, do they look at me funny? Yes. Happens every day. Do I care? No. Do my friends who are also photographers make fun of my Sony equipment? They sure do… 😉
If “two stops of ISO performance” or the “inferior” autofocus sensors are a dealbreaker – if they irritate you – if you feel like you have to get angry at people and squawk back and forth like 3 year olds, then please, don’t keep slamming your head against the wall and go to Canon or Nikon where you’ll be more happy in your overly picky, irrelevant detail fixated world. Whats wrong with you people? Sony is Sony. They’re bringing some GREAT cameras and lenses to the table lately. BUT I cant stress enough…Sony isn’t Canon! Quit acting like they ‘owe it to you’ to be ‘Canon!’
Pixel peeping isn’t for professionals. Pixel peeping is for wannabees. Go out and take some pictures.
James S
The problem is the A-mount. When Sony bought Minolta in 2006, A-mount was already a failed system with 1% of market share. Most people have already invested in Canon and Nikon mounts.
Sony’s future really is in more flexible E-mount system.
When viewing the “What Other Items Do Customers Buy After Viewing This Item?” section on Amazon’s SLTA99V page, I find it humorous that some people, apparently, buy a Tetris game app. I wonder what they were thinking … perhaps … “I’m going to buy a camera today. No! Wait! I know! I’m going to buy a game today! …”
Don’ think I will be selling my 5d3 anytime soon…
Why would you be selling a camera so soon after release? I just preordered the 99. I won’t be selling that anytime soon, but on the other hand I might not be getting it anytime soon either. How is he focus in low light and and colors? I thought about picking up a 5d3, but cannot find anyone in my area who will invest in a new body at this time so I could give it a go.
I am just worried about investing more in a camera system that may just be shutdown by Sony. In a couple of years they can go only video and E-mount leaving Alpha hanging
I actually doubt this particularly because implementing video technology in their cameras might give them the edge over their competitors.
Don’t forget Sony is very strong in the video department and for them to implement some of their technologies into their DSLTs is much easier than for Nikon who is NOT strong in that area.
I really believe that in future professional photographers will need to have good video functionality in their cameras to be able to satisfy the demand.
Stef.
Ok some basics to those who don’t understand the Sony strategy. It’s simple everyone on here who said Canon and Nikon users won’t move to Sony Alpha are more than likely correct. Sony gets that. That is why they have created this technology. It appeals to new and upcoming photographers who havent invested 10’s of thousands in accessories and lenses for Canon or Nikon etc. What surprises me is that so few people are getting their intent. Its a great full frame camera and a fantastic Video camera with extremely advanced technology. I think it changes the game totally and certainly appeals to a new market sector looking for the best of both worlds in a full frame format. They will own the Hybrid still and video camera market, thats their plan across the Alpha, Nex and Cybershot markets and all things considered it has to be said that it is smart move.
A “new market sector”, maybe, but a very outlandish (or snobbish?) one: “upcoming photographers” who make their debut with a $ 2800 camera!
Lol Raphael, perhaps, but then I think Hasselblad and Leica have that covered. I wonder what effect the RX1 and the NEX 6 will have on that sector.
Nikon and Canon sell more cams coz they are able to produce good firmwares and are not using the slt tech..as simple as this..many photographers are now switching to Nikon since the d800/d600 or on the top of dxo…let’s face reality, Nikon is now the leader. I own the A77 and I am going to get the D600. what sony has done with the A77 is a shame. I got fooled by the specs. Beautiful cam, great handling but iso perfs slightly inferior to competitors.I guess i will keep my minolta lenses for shooting films.
Well well, A77 didn’t attracted me to change my A700, A99 don’t attract me to change my A900… I got to like A700/A900 color rendering and hardly believe A99 is better than A900 in terms of pure photographic quality.
Video is great but with all the negative sentiment out there – if the market does not take well to the whole video focussed camera there isnt a lot left for the alpha mount.I am guessing that anyone who does not have a7* and above is probably not invested much in the system – that is not much for sure.
I can see photographers shoot some timelapse but video really?
Photographers are interested in printing whereas video is more about making cds/dvds – i just dont see the overlap here at a professional level?
It would be great if anyone could explain it a bit to me
The overlap is probably the press photog: Perhaps those guys are requested to bring home both, photos and video, for the web page of the newspapers — and as Sony is the standards defining player in the professional video/broadcast market, I guess Sony didn’t want to lose those shares to the concurrence. And as Canikon is advancing in this area, I think Sony put this on first priority. Paul Genge explained in a video of PK2010 that Sony wanted to do this filming DSLR stuff right.
On the other hand, the RX100 is a great pleasure for photography and so I think will be the RX1 as well.
So, again, let’s hope that Sony will give us a DSLR optimized for photos as well. As my four years old a900 still feels like next to perfect and lasting for the next ten to twenty years, I’m not in a hurry… 😉
The way this works is that you shoot a little clip and the newseditor takes from this clip a still image. I have done this numerous times and frankly the quality of these stills can be outstanding. My predicition is that in a few years if not sooner very good video in a stills camera is a MUST.
Why do you think Canikon is starting that race as well?
Stef.
Sales will go up once availability is proper and important reviews are out there to confirm how good the camera is. Still I can’t understand what are people complaining about in this camera as a photographic tool. Ok it has great video features, probably the best all around: shouldn’t you be happy of this thing? It seems almost as it irritates people. First they wanted low mpx high iso, and then we got A99. Now they changed their mind, they want 40ish mpix since they always shoot on a tripod or in a studio. Are you sure that the only one problem is that this camera is labeled Sony and not Canon?
The problem is that you have diametral opposing requirements for photo and film in terms of handling, resolution, lens design, ergonomics, etc. So, it’s systematically impossible to combine both photo and video optimized in one device — just like you can’t build a van and a sports car in the very same vehicle. If you do so anyway (as it is en vogue today) you have to make compromises. And in the a99, Sony sacrificed the photo stuff in favour for video.
I would appreciate if you could explain what you think Sony sacrificed in favour of video. I still can’t understand why would you for example think that Mark III is a superior pure photographic tool.
I’m a simple newcomer both as photographer and as filmaker, but… the best of both worlds is inclined to be the worst of a new world.
According to what you say, once again, 5D Mark III is supposed to be a failure of a camera too, right? Otherwise I wouldn’t understand why your philosophy should be valid for Sony on its own.
The difference is how photographs and films work:
In a film, the actors, the sound, the plot, the dialogues tell the story. A photograph is hanging silently at the wall and has to tell the whole story and produce emotions without any sound or anything moving or any before/after. This means, in a film, the camera plays the role of a neutral window through which the spectator sees the scene and imagines that this is life. You want the camera as stable and immobile as possible. In a photograph it’s the photographer who moves around in the search for a breathtaking perspective and moment. That’s all he has together with focal length, focus, aperture, and shutter speed. The difference between an award winning shot and a failure might be as small as 1/100 of a second: In one moment the eyes of the model are schockingly wide open, 1/100 sec later, the eyes are closed. In film, you have enough time to change parameters like focus, aperture, focal length, etc, and often you have even a script to plan things in advance. In photography you don’t have anything but the moment. And in this moment you have to find a great perspective by running around climbing on tables, lying on the floor, decide which aperture setting, which shutter speed, portrait or landscape aspect ratio, how you would post-process the shot and on which paper you will print it in which size. And when you come to the conclusion, yes, this would be great, you press the button. And either you get the shot — or you got a failure. When film is like riding a train — long and smooth–, photography is like skiing downhill black slopes. And like in skiing you want the camera to become a part of your body like skies does. Like in skiing, you want to have 100% control over your skies and camera w/o even thinking that there are skies or a camera in your hand: You want a clear, unaltered look on the scene, want to be able to change all settings extremely fast w/o even taking the eye from the viewfinder and concentration from the subject — like you keep your eyes on the slope when skiing downhill and let your feet do the control. While a film camera should be safely mounted on a support, in photography you cannot avoid hard shocks.
Now you can look yourself, where Sony has sacrificed great features from the a900 in sake of the video capabilities of the a99.
Don’t get me wrong. I’m not new to photography. But as I was about to invest in a new DSLR system, I opted for the a900 as I have considered it as the most suitable camera for photography. The offerings from Canon and Nikon didn’t convince me at all. And now, it’s tough to see that Sony has dropped everything which made the a900 so special for photography in order to get the video stuff running.
You mean AVCH 24mbit is favor of video???!!!!!!
GH3 ALL-I 72mbit
5D MK3 ALL-I 90mbit
A99 AVCHD 24mbit!!!!!!!! WTF.
For all I care, zero mbit is fine with me. I want a photo aka still camera! With bright view direct on the subject (not via a TV set) with handles and knobs which I can operate blindly.
WHAT FEATURES Sony DROPPED in A99 which made the A900 so special ?
Yes come on RB, I am interested in your point but you seem to be using a lot of words and not answering the question.
I think we understand the differences between video and stills photography. What we do not understand is where the A99 is any less suited for stills photography than the A900 or any of its competitors.
Please can you be specific?
1. What specific sacrifices do you think that Sony has made?
2. How does this impact negatively on stills photography?
I will obviously not answer for RB, but I guess it might have to do with the fact that after fours years of development the A99 seems very similar to the A77.
In fact, if you can not use the AF-D function than you have the exacty same AF system of the A77 with 19 AF points, of which there are 12 cross sensors. (Canon, 61/ Nikon, 51)
Whether noise has really improved remains to be seen. I think quite a few people are disappointed that Sony did not provide us with a quantum leap re noise performance, AF points and mps. Since Nikon came out with the NOT faultless D800, some were hoping that Sony would do the same. Admittedly, the D800 is capable of outstanding results, when used carefully, but it is NOT an easy camera to use to get the best out of it.
Nevertheless, as I have said numerous times, just look at the Canikon forums to see that they have their fair share of complaints! I was about to jump ship to get the D800, but boy….am I glad I did not! Quite a few of their cameras have AF issues and it took Nikon over half a year to admit to it! Canon is famous for doing the same re faulty cameras. Whatever some say about the lack of service for Sony, I can easily do without the one of Canikon.
Imagine for one second you had not invested in any camera system yet, money no object, tell me – what camera would you buy that you think is without problem or lack of features???
Stef.
Sure, I can be specific. As far as I can see from the news, a very quick collection:
1. Missing tactile switches (In particular metering method and AF mode: Things you need to change quickly, when you find out that the current setting doesn’t work)
2. CF cards (Have you ever tried to change an SD card in a hurry? It easily slips through your fingers straight in the mud. And: How many SD cards have I lost and found on the street…)
3. A bright OVF like a900 or better (An EVF might be great for video — but I want to have a bright unaltered view on the scene leaving the image processing to my eyes and my imagination, only)
4. A housing built like a tank (The a77 at least feels by far too light to have confidence that it will survive the next collision with a brick wall. How does it feel, when you have a heavy lens mounted to it (center of mass!)? )
These are just the points I’ve seen so far…
One reason I generally like this site is because it isn’t DPReview, where people do nothing but complain. But at least this post seems to be filled with nothing but complainers.
If you really hate the A99 so much, and think that Canon and Nikon are so far ahead, buy a Canon or Nikon, already. It’s better to get out while you still can, or else you will only become more bitter with age, and you’ll continue to rail against Sony for not being the dream that you came up with in your heads, which will never exist.
“There are some flaws in the video which the best video cameras in the world don’t have. This is a piece of crap!”
“My A900 didn’t have video at all and I love it! I hate video! We should abolish video and not allow the option! Real photographers don’t video!”
The fact is that the A99 is a jack of all trades, which will save you money if you’re not rich and can’t buy the best video camera and the best stills camera. This combines about 90% of each into a pretty compact and feature-packed bundle. If you are rich, then pass this by and spare us your grumbling. If you hate video, then simply go to another manufacturer. But be warned – in the future, you won’t be able to get away with just taking stills. The dynamic is changing.
I like the A99. I won’t buy it because it’s too expensive, but then again, any full frame is too expensive for me. I am looking forward to getting an A77-esque camera, though.
Generally, I don’t hang around sites which feature products that I hate. Maybe some of you should learn from me and find what you like instead of bringing this comments section down to the level of DPReview.
It’s not about hate. I acknowledge that Sony built in the a99 a camera which can do both video and stills in a decent quality. But in order to achive this, they had to make compromises on both sides.
But as I’m not interested in video at all, I don’t need those compromises and can express my wish that I would like to have a pure photo camera from Sony, like the a900 is. I guess that their F35 also doesn’t make any compromis in favour for photography….
I considered the Sony A99 and Sony NEX VG900 for a video camera as I like the full frame feature. The reason why I will not likely get either is because they have a video data transfer rate of only 24mbit which is not broadcast quality of 50mbit or higher. I can purchase a Panasonic GH3 for only $1300 which comes out of the box with a 72 mbit video capture rate (before hacks) and has the more appeal as a video camera (no record time cap). The only thing that I can think of that the Sony A99 or Sony NEX VG900 may do better than the Panasonic GH3 is have a shallower depth of field. Is there anything I am missing that could convince me to get a Sony A99 over a Panasonic GH3 for video?
Reid,a s far as I know the A99 can shoot still images while shooting video. If that is idneed true than this feature alone is worth a lot to me.
I am not sure about broadcast quality and I do take your word for it that it might not not be on par with the Panasonic, but then frankly neither off these cameras is made for long video taking as they get hot after a while.
You might argue, who cares as a good videographer will anyhow only take shorter clips. It becomes an issue though if you were to film an interview or a performance. For these kind of scenarios I doubt any of the Video equipped still cameras is suitable. You need at least 2 or more of them…
Stef.
Great reading all the input. As a past can not focus owner, who switched to Nikon. I am very impressed with the new A99. I think you get the best bang for the buck in Sony. The camera really looks impressive . I am in need of a Pro back up tool , so I am going with the Alpha soon. I dont want all my eggs in one basket .I really am so happy for Sony, to be in the race, we really are lucky to have them. Yes I wanted 10 frames per second in full sensor at 36 plus Mega Pixels,, but this is almost there. An it is the BEST video SLR out there. The TV view finder really is amazing and does the REAL TIME exposure check like no other view finder. I have gone to the Sony Store 4 times now just to look at the A77 , and every time I pick it up I am more impressed and more excited. Bobo