Hurry. There are now a couple of A77 with 16-50mm lens in Stock at Amazon (Click here). Sold directly via Amazon itself for the normal price. But there is only one single body only option left at Amazon (Click here).
And what’s really interesting is that interview with the Sony A77 and A65 designers at Sony.net (Click here). For the A77 and A65 the designers used a styling technique called “Tensile Skin.” I really didn’t understand well what that kind of design is and the explanation made by a Sony designer sounds a bit funny: “What helped me explore this idea was an ordinary sock. As soon as I stretched the sock over our structural mock-up, it transformed the jumble of blocks into a coherent, sculptural unit. It looked fresh, and the jutting edges resonated nicely with the gentle contours. Although this unified whole could be called “monoform,” it was hardly monotonous, and there was a pleasant sense of tension. I knew that following this approach would lead us to the new shape for Alpha SLRs.”
DId you understand it ??? 🙂
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Well for anyone not happy with sony’s design, at least we know who to blame: socks.
well, tell that to kai from digitalrev. watch the video on how he describes the a77’s design. =p
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Al1BI82nV9A
That is actually a brilliant design process much like the sports car industry. To sum it up the human eye was never built for hard angles but rather perfect and imperfect curves like the golden ratio or a woman’s body. I personally never liked the design of Nikon bc it looks so boxy.
Socks and blocks. You hear that, Canikon?
It looks like Canon might have taken a similar approach with their 60D (as well as the prism tops on the high end models). To me, those contours are aethetically pleasing to the eye. The grips have a nice feel to them as well.
I hope that they reveal the A99 prototype when it’s still in the sock phase.
i didnt know japanese wear socks….
They don’t. Otherwise we wouldn’t have new body design for Alpha.
I like the design of the A77, it isn’t blocky like a cheap LEGO camera. having used the A77, it just feels natural, “like taking a shit”.
Sometimes you don’t even realize that you are holding the camera, it’s that comfortable.
But who am I to say it’s right or wrong, some people likes fat chicks some don’t.
Cheers!
I like the design myself, although I am a fan of the A700/850/900s uncompromising design, I think Sony are still separating themselves from the pack a little with the newer designs.
Custom Auto Audiophiles have been using this technique for years… Stretching fabric over a block structure in order to create organic formations.
You can see the process and learn how to do it here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kHgL5zGfBBs&feature=fvwp&NR=1
I think you may have misunderstood him in the translation. What I think he was trying to say is not SOCKS but that he thinks the design SUCKS. Of course, I could be wrong about that. What do you think? (/kidding, so please don’t ban me)
Got MINE! thanks
I like the new design but being invested in m mount lenses… I look forward to the nex 7
Actually, the first time I got a glimpse of this camera, I thought I was looking at the Minolta 9xi from just a few years back. Glad to see a little of the Minolta DNA keeps popping up every so often.
Just got mine today. Wow… Definitely lighter than the a700 and the feel is different. Like the muted shutter sound vs the mirror slap sound of the a700. If I had to compare the looks: the a700 looks like someone who works out regularly. The a900 is the triathlon athlete . The a77 is like something in between, shaved, showered, and smelling nice, ready to wow and impress. So far, like it, but getting used to the interface. Will do some shooting with it. The transition from LCD to eyepiece seems to switch fast enough for me. That evf is unreal. Was testing it in a dark garage at night… Very very nice.
THANK YOU SAR!!! I got the last kit on Amazon tonight. I seriously thought I’d have to wait until March… Although in light of the flood victims, it would have been a very small price to pay – lets not forget the human factor in all this.
Put yours socks on minolta 7d and you will
see…
looks…tastes..sounds….its personal thing.. Not everyone likes the Porshe/Ferrari design..Personally i love Nikon’s design, it looks prime and expensive. Love the mechanical looks of a700 compared to a77 modern sleek hape..And one more thing..Sony’s the worst Lens Design..feel very2 cheap.
You can buy excellent well made MINOLTA lenses for your SONY that are sharp with excellent color… and cheaper than Sony lenses too!
It’s like a woman in a tight, elastic t-shirt. The protruding parts are marked, while the recesses are masked by gentle curves.
love your analogy!
We’ll have to change it more often than once a year then.
Stocks at Amazon US are out for the A77 Body and Kit. Yesterday, Amazon US reported 2 kits in stock direct from Amazon, and one body from a third party. I went to buy it and it disappeared from my cart. Luckily a different third party was carrying one. Hopefully they still had one!
The Canon 1D team probably used the same technique.