I can confirm via a very highly trusted source that Sony is working on a new Full Frame A-mount camera. He told me that this camera is still in prototype stage and will not introduced along the Sony A9 (E-mount FF) which is likely to come in February already. He also told me the camera is an evolution of the current A99 and not a “revolution” as some may expected. This means it has no Z-shift or no “Foveon” alike sensor for example. He also told me E-mount is priority yet and he hasn’t been told if and when the camera will be announced.
My guess is that it’s coming the second half of 2015.
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0 Responses
Didn’t Sony say they weren’t doing a-mount evolutions anymore following disappointing a77ii sales?
that’s a sad thing if they don’t even consider to evolve any more in the A-mount !!!
Nothing Sony says can be believed…that hkaas been proven over and over again.
Especially when the topic is the future of A mount
Where are the published sales figures for the A77II?
How is an early stage prototype an SR5? A prototype may or may not ever actually see the market.
All this rumor tells us: a-mount is not priority. A-mount is not imminent. We might see another a-mount camera within 12 months.
In all fairness it states that Sony os working on a new FF A-mount.
The fact that the camera is still ONLY A PROTOTYPE long after it was expected to be ,be released, and that it is not a big technology advancement..thats the news.
again FF ?? when a new A-mount entry level camera that’s better then the A58 ?
It is very likely that there will never be another entry level A-mount.
Perhaps Sony considers A77original as a current entry level, similar to RX100 line where older models are not discontinued right away but are discounted and for a while take a role of lower end models.
But they discontinued the a77… They didn’t discontinue the older rx100 models.
I still see A77 for sale. It’s more a question how much stock of the older model being built up before production of the latest model begins. Canon and Nikon have also been selling two generations older cameras despite their production ended years ago.
Look at the Sony site. It’s only for sale on the discontinued page, not with active models.
They probably assume that if you are in the market for the A58 then the E-mount Ax000 will do you better. They clearly don’t want new A-mount users.
Was hoping for Mark II along the A9, but it seems my 2nd cam will be an A9 or A7s.
:-/
Was hoping for very same, however it seems that A9 and new SLT adapter (with A77II AF) is more likely than A99II…
For me it is quite simple, though. I need a new camera body before next “wedding season” and I know exactly what I need in that camera (and whole system) to suit me. So it is either A99II, A9 or if these are not available or suitable – a switch before April.
Trusted self-thinking: ST5″:
I don´t expect a revolution on the A-mount front ever again. Revolutions will take place only with E-mount! “
I read this as meaning SLT – Bayer – SLR Shaped and it all makes sense for the A99II. They have released 12 bodies since the A99 came out and have probably learned a lot. The A77 mark II is quite a leap from the Mark 1 in all areas besides image quality up to 400 ISO in my books so if the A99II has the same boost plus far better IQ it will be pretty good … for an A-Mount.
+1
Is this a back-up plan in case A9 will not be able to pull in remaining A900/A99 users? Releasing it in second half of 2015 and AFTER A9 just shows how high their A-mount priority is. Will there be significant A-mount FF user base left by the time it is released?
I do not see this as a backup plan. The one part of their communication where they have been clear is that E-mount is the priority. I’d personally prefer that they release well thought out A-mount a longer intervals than half baked ones faster. But then I am still happy with my 5 year old A850.
As I have previously said
Introducing the latest tech in E mount first is an absolute clear statement that A mount is bejng eliminated.
I have also said introducing a lower tevhnolgy more primitive hand me down A mont camera is an indication A mount is dead.
This leaves absolutely no doubt that sony is eliminating A mount …not that there has been any doubt by now.
That brings. Us to the lens gap..still no selecion of long E mount lenses..and even with the laea4 A mount lens AF is not fully up to par on E moiunt..hopefully there will be a new improved adapter.
Acording to a recend interview with Sigma ceo
E mount requires stepper motors in order to focuis at the higher speeds necessary to be compatable with mirrorless focus syqstems..they focys in and out continuosly rather than go directly to the focused position.
These motors are not very powerfull and the focusing elements need to move very rapidly..therefore those elements need to be extremely small and light for mirrorless lenses.
Lenses therefore need to be desighned totally different for mirrorless rather than slr/slt to have these smaller element rather than just using slr lenses with different mounts.
This is part of the reason there are no long lenses for E mount.
It also means that aditional compromises must be make when desighning mirrorless lenses that may adversely effect quality.
Long term I think a new much more effective motor will need to be made in order to allow more desighn flexibility for mirrorless lenses.
Photographers like myself that depend on long lenses are currently watching Sony put all thier resources into a new system that offers very little for us.
For A lenses they have to maintain A bodies it is clear.
Maintain is the keyword…Sony apparently will do nothing but maintain..and as little of that as they can get away with
Just like the full sized DSLR competition.
so what do you expect? Of course there will be a new sensor, new AF system and some other improvements. Maybe the 5 axis IBIS? If that is what you only call “maintain”, then I don’t know what you would have come up with…
Well they did say that the updated A-mount lenses will have new AF motors. I do not think that the A-Mount is dead yet but it’s terminally ill for sure.
A new more powerfull faster af motor may be the key to allowing slr lenses to work effectively on mirrorless cameras..we will have to see what thes new motors will be like.
Sony actually developed a special actuator for the RX10 that is designed for exactly this: http://www.imaging-resource.com/camera-reviews/sony/rx10/
As I said above, the 70-200mm has dual motors and is probably the fastest AF lens in the FE system.
Either way it looks as if you guys are selling your A-mount lens’s. Its a bummer, believe me, i almost cried a little when I put 3 of my Canon lens’s on Ebay..but such is life. Canon stopped evolving a few years ago and despite its flaws E-mount seems to be the future.
I have been saying this forever Barry… It is you who chooses not to listen. SLR lenses are designed to move rapidly once to achieve focus, this does not work well for CDAF systems (even with ‘helper’ PDAF points). This is also why Canon and Nikon will struggle to suddenly release a mirrors system that ‘works perfectly’ with every lens in their range, look at dual pixel AF, it works best with newly designed STM lenses, it doesn’t work at all with some lenses and works very averagely with the vast majority of the Canon lens catalogue. THIS is why adapting through an SLT adapter is still a much better solution… At least an SLT adapter with a bit more modern AF module that is, but at least doesn’t require redesigning and retooling an entire lens line.
Also, Sony has two motors in the 70-200mm f4 G for mirrorless, this in conjunction with the shallow DoF of long lenses actually makes the 70-200mm once of the fastest AF lenses in the FE lineup, which might actually be something of interest to you as I think you assume that longer lenses must be harder for mirrorless to focus, actually the opposite seems to be true.
Animalsbybarry, of all people you should know never to trust what CEO’s say. He continues to make excuses first for A mount and now E mount. The fact is Sigma missed the boat on E mount and could have been a major player now that E mount sales have take off. All he’s doing is attempting to cover his a$$ for bad decision making. This is what CEO’s do, never accept responsibility for screw up’s, just make excuses.
An a99 successor will be a sad waste of resources. Just get the upcoming A9 and an adapter and you’ll have the professional A mount body for all your legacy lenses. Sony needs to focus solely on E mount and cut their losses with aging technology.
I will only buy amount for the shape
I think you’re right. Unless there are solid rumors pointing to something worth waiting for in A-mount by the time the A9 comes out, it sounds like a reasonable strategy.
If Sony is serious about replacing DSLR with mirrorless, you’re probably right. FE needs f/2.8 zooms and f/1.4 primes and long tele lenses ASAP, along with a DSLR-quality AF system and an A99-sized body.
It’s likely, however, that Sony cannot produce all this in 1 year, that’s why they’re refreshing the lenses and the A99 to get them through 2015-2018, but it seems that no new technology will go into A-Mount.
Why to limit primes with f/1.4? It’s the widest f-stop A-mount can accomodate without problems, but E-mount can go much further…
MF only, or AF as well?
There’s no reason they cannot be AF.
Sony’s keeping it’s three product lines. The APS-C E-Mount, the FF FE-Mount, and the A-Mount. They are all growing.
The A-Mount grew 22% year over year (based on Sony’s actual report), which is outstanding for a SLR, it pales in comparison to the E-Mount’s 40%.
Nobody can predict what will happen by 2020 if the A-Mount keeps on growing at 20% per year there is a possibility they could own a very significant chunk of the SLR market.
Where does it say A-mount grew 22%? How does 40% pale in comparison to 22%? WTF are you talking about?
Great catch BAZ!!! Well articulated, you sound like an educated individual.
(SR5) A99ii still in prototype, Everything is unknown. 😛
This is a very trusted source that saw the camera and said there is no revolutionary tech on it. I know it’s little but you readers aksed me to post what I heard 🙂
How about 5-axis IBIS?
Its supposed to be in all Sony models, but as far as I follow the rumors there a few A99 II models around for testing and nobody knows which features actually will go to the final model other than that revolutionary ones will only go to the 2016 models if at all (for A mount)
I suggested a “overall” sneak peak of rumors and you agreed 1-2 weeks ago.
Nothing heard so far, what happend so far? 😉
Well, it’s nto that nothing happened…A7II???
That’s why I also had to postpone all my A9 rumor work 😉
Sony did a very good job in sealing their leaks.
Only small things leaks…
You didnt knew anything about A7 Mark II right?
I knew but I wanst sure about when it’s going to be released. And for the seocnd time after the A7s Sony busted me in time 🙁
They might busted you again with A99 II maybe, can/did they maybe?
Beside that i still belive, that A9 wont use Bayer sensor or they do tricks with math and high res.
Just my thought:
Maybe the just combine several pixels groups, they just look in the neighborhood of the pixel (RGBG) and do math to decrease noise.
Somehow math magic…
How much can we expect in next 2 weeks about A9 and how detailed?
Thanks for your work anyway!
Thank you for the welcome but dissapointing news.
Glad you posted it… But calling it sr5 is misleading. I understand it may be a 100% true “rumor”, but it will mislead some to believe you’re saying the a99ii is definitely coming in late 2015.
How many prototypes make final production?
The new A99 will not attract new buyers (considering all the other offers on the market), but it should gain enough improvements to make the present A99 and A77 (also mark II) owners to upgrade. Or they have to offer this at a very competitive that is low price. It is more an image move than a profit improvement move.
It’s also to show A-mount users that the mount is alive. So yes, more an image move. 🙂
It seems to me that Sony is looking to attract new customers to the E-mount and if we are to believe their corporate presentations they are doing a good job at it too. Besides the A7, I have to say that the A6000 is quite impressive and the Black Friday deals make it the most camera for the money than ever available. I am afraid that the A-Mount FF is another business altogether in the sense that it is a take it or leave it deal for those who are invested in their glass and will not come cheap.
Sony admitted their surprise at the strong sales of E mount cameras, which was far beyond predictions. You can’t blame them for capitalizing on this trend by concentrating on mirrorless technology and using very aggressive pricing models. I don’t believe they have abandoned A mount and we will likely see upgraded models released in 2015.
The current crop of full size DSLR/SLT’s (all brands) is primarily for current DSLR/SLT users looking to upgrade and or add a spare body. New buyers just starting out are buying compact mirrorless cameras, and that trend will continue at an increasing rate into the future. In ten years the DSLR/SLT cameras will almost be extinct, and be looked upon as film cameras are now. Such is progress…. 🙂
In ten years…
We will never see a revolution in tech, no foveon, no z shift, no nothing… it’s just boosting a hype after a hype, pure entertainment, no more. Why should Sony NOT introduce new tech, if there was. Now we should believe, new tech comes with the A9, or maybe A10, good bye readers…
Admin
Do you know or can you find out anything about new motors on future A mount lenses.
With the transition to mirrorless certainly comming this may turn out to be the most important lens development issue.
They seem to be SSM II, not stepper motor. So no real compatibility with mirrorless.
Though perhaps the ssm2 does have greater Mirrorless compatibility with the a9…..
Seems odd to be upgrading newish lenses when there are so many older lenses in far greater need of upgrade.
Perhaps they choose to concentrate on lenses that are suitable for current camera technology, that people will actually buy. Most of the old lenses that Sony, Canon and Nikon have in inventory will end up in a museum. All these wonderful old lenses that the fanboys love to make reference to look great in a catalog, but only a small percentage of them are of any use on a modern digital camera.
The Zeiss 16-80 isn’t suitable for digital? Nobody shoots with macros anymore like the 50 and 100 macros? Nobody uses superzooms like the 18-250? These are older lenses that don’t even have SAM/SSM. For some reason, it looks like Sony is only updating their premium full frame lenses that lack FE equivalent….
Typical fanboy response, read previous post. Only true philistines like Adam Brown use 18-250 lenses.
WTF.
Nobody shoots with the 50, and 100 macros. Are you smoking crack?
They’re rock solid professional lenses that actually don’t need to be updated.
There is no way you’re a FF professional Alpha user. The current 100mm f/2.8 is owned by 99% of all us. It’s razor sharp, and delivers the goods. I use it with the A900 or Maxxum 9 for every event I’ve shot in the last 15 years. (Yes, mine is the minolta version)
A77 users tend to buy the 50mm for the exact same reason.
Exactly! I’ve owned both the 50 and 100. And if Sony updated them with SSM, I would have bought the updates! I’d be far more likely to buy an upgraded 100 macro to get SSM, etc… Than I would trade in the 70-300ssm in order to buy a 70-300ssmii.
I guess he has an Ant sized brain. SSM is excellent for zoom lenses, the larger primes, and larger macros but on the shorter focal lengths I doubt it’d give those lenses a significant advantage over screw driven lenses.
If anything Sony should update the FF A-Mount’s screw driven AF system to be faster, and more accurate, (call it in-body SSM or iSSM) and leave in-lens SSM to only the lenses that really need it.
Personally I rather have weather-sealing, and updated coatings first on my 16mm, 20mm, 35mm, and 50mm (prime and macro) lenses.
Yes, more lenses need weather sealing. All lenses also benefit from ssm for a couple reasons:
1. Quiet autofocus for video and for events. Shooting a wedding ceremony for example, quieter the better.
2. DMF works best on SSM lenses. Particularly good for portraits, macro.
So instead of taking SSM lenses and upgrading them to slightly better ssm systems, why not give ssm treatment to most/all lenses. A huge number of Canon/Nikon lenses have the equivalent — USM/SWM.
The noise you speak comes from the lack of vibration control. If $5.00 worth of vibration dampening rubber were added to the parts list the lenses would be virtually silent.
But that’d make too much sense for Sony to do.
Hasn’t been told “IF” the camera will be announced? WTF is that supposed to mean? You could pretty much say they’re working on anything, but not be sure they’re going to announce it.
I strongly suspect that Sony engineers all own and shoot mostly E Mount for themselves at home.
I suspect their buisness department recommended that they either carry on developing the A-Mount or look for work elsewhere. The engineers at Sony are geeky eggheads, and there’s a reason buisness types (B.Comm, MBA) tell them what to design not the other way around.
“Evolution” = Obvious code for “lazy warmover”
With the A mount, we should get used to that.
To be fair, a warmover that adds the a77ii’s af (scaled up for ff) and 5 axis ibis wouldn’t be bad going.
Or 4K internal
A99 is being cleared out now. Meanwhile all these ‘long down the road’ rumours are almost always false or way off the mark, the ones that do come true are the ones where *suddenly* in two days time a new model will be released… Take note of A7S, A5100, RX1, A7 II, RX100 III, RX10 and on and on. An A99 replacement will show up and we will ACTUALLY know something real about 48 hours before it is launched, because that is the time that actual sources actually get their hands on these things at actual events pre-launch.
ISO, AF and LENSES are the 3 characteristics that have always truly mattered in a camera. A-Mount is still better than E in every regard, and the main plus of mirrorless (the ISO advantage due to the lack of the SLT mirror) seems to be negated by AF points on sensor. DxO shows same ISO values for A6000 and A77-II.
Size difference with FE is negligible now due to the size of lenses (laws of physics prevent FE lenses from getting any smaller), and the ability to adapt discontinued lenses is irrelevant to new users. Mirrorless has brought a lot of trouble and hindered the development of the Sony camera system for 2 years now, with no real upside so far. Best mirrorless cameras are still not as good as SLT, let alone getting better: A77-II runs circles around A6000, and if Sony released an A99-II right now with all current tech, it would easily wipe the floor with the A7x.
However, Sony seems to tag A-Mount along for as long as they need to produce a DSLR-quality mirrrorless and the essential lenses for FE. An A99-II with G2 lens revisions will probably get them through to 2018.
“the ISO advantage due to the lack of the SLT mirror) seems to be negated by AF points on sensor. DxO shows same ISO values for A6000 and A77-II.”
No it doesn’t. It shows about 0.4 EV difference at equal exposures throughout the scale, which is what you would expect from a comparison between an SLT and non SLT. And that means that in this case, the OSPDAF has no measurable (let alone visible) impact on SNR.
The overall score is heavily influenced by the fact that the A77II offers lower (expanded) ISO values and the fact that 2 out of the 3 “scores” are weighed at the lowest available ISO.
OK, I examined it closely and you seem to be right.
There’s a difference between A7 and A7R (print size), but it’s negligible as well.
Or maybe it means that DxOmark method cannot detect it. Camera interpolates missing values in raw, therefore for DxOmark it looks as LESS NOISE.
Transmission values of the APS-C beamsplitter were accurately measured over the full visible and invisible spectrum at several positions (including the applied 60 degrees angle) and those values seem to correspond with what DXOmark measured here. Add to that the fact that the difference between the NEX 7 and A77 sharing sensors, but without OSPDAF in either, is the same for all practical purposes (again between 0.3 to 0.4 EV difference in DXOmark). So I think DXOmark doesn’t show any meaningful difference either (less or more) way for OSPDAF in this specific case.
“the main plus of mirrorless (the ISO advantage due to the lack of the SLT mirror) seems to be negated by AF points on sensor.”
Well exactly, those pesky OSPDAF points really drag the A7’s ISO score back down to A99 levels. Oh look! No they don’t.
Stop making a fool of yourself, you’re becoming the new Barry with this strange desire to repeat the same old rubbish.
A7 doesn’t have A6000’s AF system.
DxO tool, however, does show a difference between A77-II and A6000, as MacReady pointed out. My mistake, the graphs are really very close, so I didn’t look at the actual values.
“A7 doesn’t have A6000’s AF system.”
So? You have, on more than one occasion, claimed that OSPDAF compromises ISO performance to the same extent that the SLT mirror does. That isn’t true for the A6000, it isn’t true for the A7 and I don’t think it has been true for any E-mount with OSPDAF.
Your biases are beginning to cloud your judgement.
You’re calling someone bias. That’s funny. Your sole purpose in life is to bash the A-Mount, and because of it most A-Mount users generally ignore your posts.
You’re probably the least credible source of info on the forum.
Steady on, Tiger, you’re confusing me with someone else. I own A-mount stuff.
You make a lot of claims about the superiority of the SLT cameras over the mirrorless cameras. And two out of three are wrong!
You are right about the AF, but mirrorless is coming closer.
You are wrong on ISO (A6000 is better then A7m2, not by much, just the mirror disadvantage of the A7m2)
You are wrong about lenses. All A-mount lenses can be used on the A7m2 with (fast) AF and with stabilisation too. So when a new buyer will go for the A7m2 he gets a camera that has all the FE and all of the A mount lenses….
Then you talk about size. Yes lenses can’t be very small for the E-mount compared with A-mount, but in the end, the smaller cameras will smaller with all the lenses, they will weight less with all the lenses. And when you want to go small there is the 35mm f2.8 lens. On camera that is a very small package.
Mirrorless is getting closer to where DSLR used to be, but DSLR AF is developing too. A6000 is now probably as good as 70D… meanwhile 7D-II got 1DX AF.
I was wrong about ISO, yes, but indeed the difference is really small.
E-Mount cameras can’t use their native AF system with A-Mount lenses, and the lousy LA-EA4 adapter with A65 AF is a stop-gap solution at best.
Canon DSLR with 40mm f/2.8 lens is not much bigger than A7-II with 35mm f/2.8
http://3zgehi1uaxi23dphbrgqa50r6z.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/IMG_0350.jpg
It means that Sony needs to learn how to make small lenses. When Sony made 24/1.8 zeiss, many cried ‘laws of physics’. Year after, Canon introduced small 22/2 EF-M
>Canon DSLR with 40mm f/2.8 lens is not much bigger than A7-II with 35mm f/2.8<
Goodness, another male generalization. Try running a marathon with a C Cup and then tell me its not much bigger than an A Cup……. Silly comparison from someone who's never run a marathon. 🙂
I think size and bulk are still a crucial difference. I use two or three Leica M mount lenses with my A7R (accepting the corner smearing wide open on the 35mm; not a big deal to me). This is way smaller than any SLR and lens package, which I also own and have rarely used since the A7R. I don’t want to carry my 6D around anymore. So the difference is between photo or no photo.
When I decided to buy a mirrorless camera, it was NEX because the flange distance was the shortest of those available at the time
the biggest A-mount whiner is back. Do you write daily letters to Sony explaining them why A-mount is superior and they have no idea what they are doing? No? You should, oh and don’t come back here and try to explain us with your faulty “knowledge”
2018? The SLR market share is definately gonna shrink, but the SLT market share has been growing by 20 to 22% a year since 2011.
The SLT is growing, while other SLR manufacturers market shares have either stalled out or have begun to receed. Sony A-Mount has the potential of doubling its market share in the next three years.
In 2018 Sony SLT may have already whizzed past its weakest SLR competitor.
Alleluia my brothers and sisters !!!
A-mount is resuscitated on White Monday 😉
Andrea is too kind to write new A-Mount Camera rumors….
They were crying all their tears expecting the future death of A Mount :p….
Admin, Is the RX2 also a prototype only? :-S
RX rumors? Good luck, that team leaks zero information.
I don’t need revolutionary tech in A99II. Current foveon-like sensors are too immature to be included in flagship products and the advantage they give is vague. Just upgrade low light ISO & AF performance to current standards and that’s all that’s needed. Even better, introduce A99IIs with A7s sensor and some serious AF system and I’m ready to buy it. For shooting in good light current A99 is more than enough for me.
It seems that any breakthrough technology will come on the E-mount. Sony will be a lot more conservative with their SLTs, just to keep current users “entertained” (a bit like Canon does).
TBH, I’m still surprised that Sony is still releasing SLTs. Last year the rumors were VERY strong that in 2014 Sony would drop the whole [translucent] mirror box thing and would go full mirrorless.
The rumors were only strong in your head.
Or on Andrea’s head. All the rumors I get are from SAR.
If you are doubting me, just check last year’s posts :p
Rumors Rumors Teruth Minolta Sold camera into the Mount, Sony sold cameras into the mount Sony says there are 50 million a-mount lenses.. and DSLR format cameras are still larger segment. Than mirrorless. Looking at Sony reports.. odds are the A-mount business is about as big for them as e-mount, just one that they will never lead as so they want to own the new market. Much like the Mac never lead PCs but Apple now leads in Phone and Tablets but still quietly makes money off Macs.. with minimal marketing compared to the mobile products So while A-mount is not the long term strategic product it would be like cutting off your arm, because you want to run faster.. stupid.
Erm… what?
Was that written with Google Translator?!
IKR, WTF??!
The rumor must also have been a secret, because no one else heard about it.
I’ve been here long enough to know what I’m talking about:
Here it is (it’s even an SR5!):
http://www.sonyalpharumors.com/sr5-sony-is-betting-high-on-the-new-a-mount-mirrorless-generation/
“2) First A-mount mirrorless FF and APS-C cameras to hit
the market in early 2014. They will be all mirrorless but maintain the
current DSLR form factor.”
That’s the now famous ” SR5 2014 will be the year of the A mount” rumor
We have all been quoting that rumor since it came out.
Yep, that’s it!
A-mount is dead.
still getting it tho, lol
Not nearly as dead as your brain.
That actually makes sense. They’re sticking to a three years schedule. The A99 is already close to being the ideal FF Alpha SLR, and current owners seem satisfied. If the new model has a 36mp or better sensor, and an AF similar to the A77II then I’ll definately upgrade from my current A900.
i think the A7R or A9R (?) will be the upgrade for my A900 : less weight , smaller , loxia lenses or my schneider and zeiis lenses i that can not use on the A900 , 36 mb sensor or a bit more ? 46 ?
i wait for a price drop of the A7R or for the upcoming A9(?)
I am a current owner and I am far from being satisfied, as my camera is not even as light sensitive as the Canon 5D mkII
And how do the images from the 5D compare with the A99? Don’t bother answering, there is no comparison.
Yes, they are much better, but for some uses, the A99 is nearly useless, and some of the video that it produces is sub-par.
Depends. In shadows in low light (high ISO), the A99 has slightly less noisy output than the 5DmkII and suffers less from patterns, amp glow and hot pixels.
current owners seem satisfied? but someone didn’t buy camera, because e.g. it’s only 24 mp
Not for me. I skipped the a99 because the sensor was not much different from the a900. Sony gave the 36mp to Nikon so they could reap huge rewards with the d800. It is rumored that sony didn’t place the 36mp sensor in the a99 so that they could fill a video spec (facepalm). Uggg.
So 3 years after the d800 we are lucky enough to use the long since developed 36mp sensor in an A mount? I am disappoint.
The A99 is better than the A900 in every way, stop fooling yourself.
Why troll and use my name? a99 different in many small technology ways but not in results. I use my camera in controlled environments, All it does is open and close shutter, change f-stop occasionally use AF. The results are almost identical. I care most about sensor and basic ergonomics and for that there not much difference between a900 and a99.
I personally passed on the A99 originally because there is nothing wrong with my A900, it operates as if it were new even after 100,000+ actuations.
If the rumours are correct, and this camera is 36mp, and 12fps capable, then it will be the replacement FF A-Mount users have been asking for.
To bad they weren’t launching an A990 as well.
No, the rumor said that the first version of the 36MP sensor wasn’t ready for fulltime activation in LV (or video) due to overheating. Which is quite crucial for a camera that operates with the sensor activated the whole time….
And “not much different” is quite an understatement if you realize that:
– it offered much better shadow noise charachteristics (+ 1.7 EV maximum DR, roughly a stop less shadow noise throughout the ISO scale)
– much less pattern noise, which visually meant more improvement than the numbers above suggest
– fulltime LV and video capabilities (much better thermal properties)
– edge optimalizations (especially at wider FL’s) through thinning of layers and offset microlenses
– 102 AF points on the sensor with relatively fast readout
Sure, if we just focus on 1 or 2 properties, they may *look* similar on the surface.
Well I’m not sure about the rumor as to why the 36mp was not used in a99 but I thought it was actually video recording spec, not sure and I remember reading that on this site (written by admin in a post). Either way it was just a rumor I suppose, most likely contract non compete with Nikon was the real reason.
As for your other points, ok the dynamic range advancement is quite impressive, I wish there was a better resource than dxomark. I have read many mixed reviews of the sensor comparison and quite a handful that suggest the a900 is still the better sensor, if only by a slight margin.
The other points are good but not really enough to switch, especially the LV. Have you ever shot between two cameras (OVF and EVF) in a hectic shoot? If so I’m quite sure you would prefer the OVF. That being said I’m willing to use EVF if the sensor is excellent, and it does give some great benefits.
Most likely there was no contract with Nikon about exclusivity, because Sony has never really been a threat to Nikon sales to begin with (relatively small player). The afore mentioned overheating rumor made a lot more sense.
As for the figures stated, they can be easily verified by lifting shadows a few stops. You’ll see up to 2 stops more hadow noise in the A900 files (Imaging Resource files are a good hint to test this, but only scratch the surface of the full differences, because the shadows mostly aren’t that deep and the light source isn’t as short in the blue spectrum, like most natural low light scenes).
I own both OVF and EVF cameras and with the latest one (A77II) I don’t feel I’m missing much, if anything in fast paced scenes, provided I use a large aperture lens that allows for fast refresh rates (and low noise) EVF output.
NOPE. it’s far from being ideal. The AF module was a joke.
A99 Ideal FF? Is that a joke?
Excellent high ISO?
Wide AF coverage ?
Excellent AF tracking ?
Excellent resolution ?
Super high fps?
Large buffer size?
Excellent Video?
Effective stabilization ?
Normally I don’t reply to Trolls, but in this case I’ll make an exception.
The only joke on SAR happens to be you. The camera (A99) is an excellent SLR, and can be had for around 2K. It has access to the largest selection of Auto Focusing Zeiss lenses ever developed.
And all of your points are simply wrong, and I won’t waste anymore time replying to an inept fool.
So anyone that doesn’t think the A99 is the Best Camera In The World Ever because it has weaknesses is a troll?
F**k off, you’re the troll!
That SUMS it up nicely. Thank you for your valued opinion.
MERGE E-MOUNT WITH A-MOUNT!!!
Yeah because it’s that simple.
Too late. They needed to think about it in advance.
Thinking is something you rarely do, and never in advance.
lol can i haz fanclub?
They did…It’s called FE…
Merge Idiot with Jacka$$ = al
So long as it has 36megapixel senor + and amazing dynamic range I will be getting one. Si
Not enough…37MP.
i bet, a99m2 will come in Aug/Sep, as sony did it on a99/a900…
GEEZ lets CRY because it doesn’t have a sensor that really has not been a success and would be new and won’t have some sensor trolley to break so I can put softer emount lenses on it?
If Sony just reaches into the STUFF WE KNOW WORKS box
It will be a 36 MP FF camera with 5 AXIS IBIS and the A77M2 AF system with better video and JPG engines.
That sounds like a GREAT camera… compare it to the D800-D810 or 5DMKII to 5DMKII Just guess SAR is dower because it was wrong again on other less useful tech… good.
Admin, do you know if coming A9 will be RF styled design or A7 design?
Any word on the A7000?
Any idea what ‘On Topic’ means?
I hope not release in Oct 2015, after wedding season. 🙁
Why?
so we can use it for wedding season…
I am so with you on this one! Give it before April’2015!
A mount….slow fade- don’t care. A77II will be mine soon enough along side the A7. Double death punch for the win.
Didn’t you read their annual report on SAR? The A-Mount went from 7% of the SLR market to 9%, which is a 22.22% increase.
So the A-Mount is delivering the goods to its users. Three new FF lens SKUs, a new Pro-Spec APS-C this year, and a FF body for ’15 is really delivering the goods for us.
Now I’m awaiting news for the updated 35mm G-Series.
please give a link
“Now I’m awaiting news for the updated 35mm G-Series.” Sadly, that is not going to happen. E-mount will get the new 35mm CZ F1.4 . After that, E-mount 85mm 1.4, and 135mm 1.4 etc.
135mm 1.4…crazy talk.
F2 or 1.8.
That’s big- really big. A mount death kill. I switch now- all my lenses. I don’t see it happening though. 2.8 maybe.
It’s the Sigma 35 1.4, no?
All the resource is in designing E-mount lens now,
Sony may update the current A-mount lens with new coating or firmware,
but they won’t waste the resource to develop new optical design A-mount lens.
Which is why it is being updated. The current model is excellent it just needs an update. I own it.
A-mount !!!! 🙂
Just the a99II? Where is the competition against the D4S/1DX? I understand that right now, releasing something that competes against the D610/6D isn’t feasible since the a7II can do it, but some photographers want something capable of performing great at sports. The a77II is probably the best SLT right now for sports photography but on personal experience, I wouldn’t push the sensor beyond ISO5000 while the a7S can be pushed to ISO12800 and a little bit more with great results, the fps and AF performance are far from desirable for action and sports photography..
thats a good lookin camera!!!
if sony actually put some mild effort in and did
a99II versions with 5 axis ibis, 12mp sensor, 24mp sensor and 36mp sensor, wifi, gps, extra scrolly wheel, FF a77ii focusing system and some other general improvements…. great camera from parts bin special.
yes, I like it & definitely will get one.
But Sony understand that, it will be a great camera but won’t sell well,
because no Cankon user will switch system because these camera.
some might, more canon users i guess
its impossible to know how successful a a99s and a99r would of been, i think the a99r would of done pretty well
I suspect that the licencing agreement with Nikon relates to the use of sensors in DSLR cameras.
So Sony decided to sidestep that limitation and use the sensors in mirror-less cameras instead.
Thus the reason why A-Mount is the lame horse in the stable and the E-Mount is getting all the feed. Hence also the reason why Nikon decided to broaden its supply base and go looking for other manufacturers to make them less dependent on Sony.
I reckon Sony is only using this particular A-Mount upgrade to bring in some urgently needed cash whilst they sort out the pesky AF in low light issue on sensor-based AF.
Once that’s done. A-Mount will be completely dead since it wouldn’t make sense to use ANY mirror anymore.
Just my twopence.
I suspect A99II will have dragon DNA, rock a grip as angular as a handle bar mustache and include shades in the kit- cause it’s that cool.
So much for A-mount. After this “evolution”, Sony will kill it completely and devote their energies to FE-mount. But I will continue to use my superb Zeiss A-mount lenses with an adapter on my A7 now, and on the A9 next year. A-mount could have been great, but it was overtaken by new technologies that made the larger DSLR form factor obsolete.
Yup.
So true a shame they cannot admit it up front. Si
SAR members insecurities are the only thing that seem to be shameful. If people are that scared maybe they should sell off their equipment, and move to another platform.
I am far from a very insecure A-mount owner but I can see the writing on the wall. A mount cameras will be a second class from now on but that is not going to be a bad thing. Not only that but adapters will keep my A mount lenses alive for a life time. Si
I am not saying one is better or worse. At the end of the
day its about immortalizing that moment and sharing it and we each pick what works best for us. When I look at new gear it always ends up being about what problems it can solve. In my case, the a850 was a no brainer, cheapest full frame at the time, access to my old Minolta glass, fantastic viewfinder and the 24MP allowed to address shortcoming in my composition skills. A second hand A55 paired up with the SAL1680 brought me portability and a lot more opportunities as well as the EVF of course. As my kid grew the A77 with its fast AF and tracking substantially increased the number of keepers and allowed me to capture moments that will never repeat themselves.
I am excited as everybody else regarding mirorless in general and the A7 in particular but I don’t get what that makes SLT or DSLR obsolete and even less which technology brought this obsolescence into play. Mirorless does not bring me faster burst, better AF, better tracking, better metering, better battery life, better connectivity, higher ISO or better IQ. It’s new, and it’s sexy for sure but as a technology its still in its adolescence with a lot of room to grow. Of course, the technology itself brings a considerable weight / size gain, especially with native lenses and arguably better ergonomics. But the main argument remains the modularity that comes from the ability to attach any lens.
A-mount users are better placed than other but let’s not forget that as soon we
attach that LA-EAx on there we are substituting all that new technology for the
SLT one that was just rendered obsolete and if you add the 24-70 you also throw
away the ergonomic advantage in my books.
In my particular case, the a7 does not solve any problem or
open new grounds. Having said that glad it works for you man. Enjoy your shooting.
no
Speak for yourself, the A-Mount isn’t going anywhere.
Your comment would make sense if the A-Mount sales had stalled or receded, which it did not. The A-Mount is growing. Cameras, and lenses are being sold. Sony just reported that it now has 9% of the SLR, which is up from 7.1%.
That 9% Sony reported referred to ILC as a whole, not just SLR.
https://rumors.limboint.dev/wp-content/uploads-legacy/sonyalpharumors/2014/11/Bildschirmfoto-2014-11-25-um-20.45.54.png
Actually Buddy you’re wrong, but thanks for providing the chart. You seem like some kind of demented psychopath determined to twist information to support your obvious A-Mount bias.
ILC = SLR (if you haven’t figured that out your mental) = 9%
MILC = Mirror-less = 40%
The mirror-less market is 30% all interchangeable lens camera sales. Sony’s share of that market is 40%. It works out to be 12%. The information in the brackets is just a comparison.
12% of all interchangeable lens cameras sold (mirror-less or SLR), are Sony mirror-less.
9% of all SLR camera sales which including, lenses, and bodies sold are Sony’s A-Mount (works out to only be approx. 6.3% overall) and it’s growing.
As the chart shows Sony doesn’t sell many A-Mount bodies but they sell a crap ton of premium A-Mount lenses (G-Series, and Zeiss).
But you already knew that.
It actually works out to 18.3% of all interchangeable lens cameras (mirror-less or SLR) are Sony’s.
So, you’re right Kliff that Lotus douche is trying to twist facts again.
Just read the the whole report and tell me again that ILC = SLR.
http://www.sony.net/SonyInfo/IR/info/irday2014electronics/IPandS_E.pdf
I think you jumped the gun. ILC here all alpha cameras (E and A mount) and DSC is Compact Digital Still Camera (i.e noninterchangeable). They subsequently further divide the ILC into “ILC:mirorless”and “ILC:Single Reflex” when they move into market projections. If you check the next slide it states that “In still cameras, the percentage of mirror-less ILCs will increase”.
So, within FY 2013 Sony estimates that it cashed in 9% of all interchangeable camera and lenses revenues and whatever section of that 9% was Mirorless cameras and lenses in 2013 they think they took home 40% of that. No way to tell what she shares are in units.
Also, by Sony’s projections (p41),”ILC:mirorless” units eats in the shares of DSC and not those of “ILC:SingleReflex” which they forecast will grow as well by 2017. And in terms of how those units convert into value (p43) Sony projects that “ILC:Single Reflex” will be generating 3 times more revenues globally than “ILC:mirorless”.
This is not the obituary ofthe A-mount. Not yet.
Wrong.
ILC represents MILC plus SLR/SLT. Sony has been using those abbreviations in that sense for many years and others (CIPA for example) too.
So Lotus Eater is right, 9% of the total ILC market (MILC plus SLR/SLT), 40% of just the MILC market and 19% of the total DSC (MILC plus SLR/SLT plus compact) market.
And if anyone still had a shred of doubt, all they would have to do is read the report (or any of the previous ones for that matter). Sentences like these are pretty clear:
“expect increase in ratio of ILC, especially mirror-less”. Which directly says that mirrorless is part of the ILC category as a whole.
ILC = Interchangable Lens Camera
SLR = Single Lens Reflex (camera)
These two are by far not the same!
In terms of market share, they represent intersecting sets.
According to Sony they ARE the same.
Sony, at various places in the report, define ILC as “Mirrorless/DSLR”, “Mirror-less” and “Single reflex”. Sony even refers to its latest SLT/SLR models as ILCA (ILCE for E-mount).
SLRs are by their very nature ILCs.
dpreview agrees: http://www.dpreview.com/camerareviews?category=slrs
I really don’t understand the confusion.
ILC may be the same but Sony is showing the ILC (a mount) and ILC (e mount) are two different categories. It looks like their growing segment for the ILC (a mount) is expected to stay larger than the ILC (e mount). Even though it looks like the e mount is rising little by little, it is because of the roadmap of lenses they have been doing while a-mount is at rest. This shows that a-mount is Sony’s priority for the camera division while e-mount is making the money.
That chart doesn’t show Sony’s A or E mount value, it shows the camera market as a whole for all brands. Note the title Consumer Camera Market.
It shows the single reflex market declining slowly and mirrorless growing rapidly. That explains why the report and Sony’s strategy is so heavily focused on developing mirrorless. How you came to the conclusion that A-mount is Sony’s priority, I will never know.
The chart clearly states and shows three different markets for the digital imaging. ILC (single reflex), ILC (Mirrorless), and DSC premium (RX cyber shot). It is Sony’s growth plan for their digital imaging department. Note: taken from their presentation last week. Other brands don’t call their cameras ILC or DSC.
Amount is not a “strategic Product” but it is part of the plan to keep the camera business healthy and growing..
e-mount is Sony’s IPhone and iPad. Sells like crazy where Apple makes money.
a-mount is like Sony’s iMac.
They need both.. but one become strategic to dominating new markets early so they still do now..
It may be part of their plans, but the graphs represent the market as a whole (not just Sony cameras), as has been explained numerous times.
I am not saying one is better or worse. At the end of the day its about immortalizing that moment and sharing it and we each pick what works best for us. When I look at new gear it always ends up being about what problems it can solve. In my case, the a850 was a no brainer, cheapest full frame at the time, access to my old Minolta glass, fantastic viewfinder and the 24MP allowed to address shortcoming in my composition skills. A second hand A55 paired up with the SAL1680 brought me portability and a lot more opportunities as well as the EVF of course. As my kid grew the A77 with its fast AF and tracking substantially increased the number of keepers and allowed me to capture moments that will never repeat themselves.
I am excited as everybody else regarding mirorless in general and the A7 in particular but I don’t get what that makes SLT or DSLR obsolete and even less which technology brought this obsolescence into play. Mirorless does not bring me faster burst, better AF, better tracking, better metering, better battery life, better connectivity, higher ISO or better IQ. It’s new, and it’s sexy for sure but as a technology its still in its adolescence with a lot of room to grow. Of course, the technology itself brings a considerable weight / size gain, especially with native lenses and arguably better ergonomics. But the main argument remains the modularity that comes from the ability to attach any lens. A-mount users are better placed than other but let’s not forget that as soon we attach that LA-EAx on there we are substituting all that new technology for the SLT one that was just rendered obsolete and if you add the 24-70 you also throw away the ergonomic advantage in my books.
In my particular case, the a7 does not solve any problem or open new grounds. Having said that glad it works for you man. Enjoy your shooting.
It’s really funny what you say about DSLR form factor because I’m quite sure we will see an increase in size for future Fullframe E-mount cameras.
Hope they improve the focus then, both manual and auto. The current state of tech is pretty high and the A7 cuts no ice – yet.
I’ll just register my disappointment, as the A99 is the closest thing to what I’m looking for, but as with all Sony still cameras, it comes with confusing caveats. An update that brings in the tech from the FE series would be a pretty easy sale for me. I don’t exactly understand how a smaller form factor is such a big deal for people. I happily use a larger camera, with the advantages that usually brings. Now we’re at the point where FE has more advanced IBS than A mount?
E-mount can attach Cankon lens though adapter, which is a big deal for Cankon users.
Sony can make a better camera than D800, 5dmk3 but no one are going to switch system because of one camera.
No, it’s not a big deal, it’s a small deal because you lose zippy af. A7 only makes sense as a second camera, for those beginners who don’t use flash systems – and have money to waste.
Very disappointed. 🙁 There were so many rumours about A99II for Photokina 2014. Then January 2015 and now Second half of 2015. 🙁 Sony should not let its users to have a second thought. 🙁 If Sony officials are reading these comments, please provide the clear picture of A-Mount. Thanks!
You will be lucky to have a clear picture that is for sure.
Si
Don’t be disappointed
There will be more rumors about A99ii before Photokina 2016 😛
🙂
Haha, good one!
It’ll be ridiculous if they will use the same sensor. Still waiting for A88…
Soooooo boring. Come on Sony, Give us a camera that can capture images more accurately, i.e. full colour sensing. Its time. If you are worried about performance then make it a switchable mode so you can have best of all worlds; high ISO, speed, high MP, Silent, High resolution full colour sensing or balanced. Making these modes allows you to exploit the best out of each feature while sometimes necessarily reducing performance in another feature. This makes the Camera versatile and relevant to more users.
Let me guess, a 36mp sensor found on D800 from over two years ago, and the A77II AF module.
Where do I pre-order?
Good news, thanks admin 🙂
http://www.sonyalphablog.com posted this info a month ago, after their admin returned from Japan. Their editor actually a dual citizen who is most definitely in the know.
Thanks Kliff.
LOL at some of the stories on that site.
I suspect their editor is actually a deluded/jilted A-mount user. The whole site reads like a wish list. There is absolutely no worthwhile content.
He actually is one of the few that’s had hands on the new A7II while in Toyko. In fact he’s posted his first impressions.
A-mount. Dead as a doornail.
Doornails have their uses. Probably. Although I’m not quite sure what a doornail is.
Awesome news for an awesome mount. If the A99II has the rumoured specs, it’s really gonna be a sweet camera. 36mp, 12fps, UHS-2, USB 3.0, updated IBIS, and 4K internal is gonna makes all Alpha SLT users shell out the dough.
So A mount cameras are Alpha, and the Sony A7/r/9 are E mount not A mount
Who cares? Initially, Sony named A-Mount products Alpha. Now they named their former NEX products Alpha too. All Sony interchangeable lens cameras are Alphas now. Simple is that. But again: who cares?
myNameIsConNor…
…again,who cares?
All sony cameras are alpha….. Alpha 7, 7R and Alpha nex 6, alpha 6000, Alpha 77 and so on. A-mount has nothing to do with alpha…. There are two mounts, A and E.
A-mount is like an injured horse, Just kill it already and end it’s suffering
Some of us are sadistic and would rather watch it slowly suffer. Kind of like Atreyu’s horse in N.E.S.
Of course it doesn’t have a Foveon like sensor. Those were just voices in barry’s head disguised as imaginary Sony Execs.
This is great new, but I’m pretty sure I saw it else where a month ago. Actually I did the SonyAlphaBlog covered this a long time ago.
Imagine how much lost market share Sony can gain if they release this camera before April with internal 4k, XAVCs, 5 axis IBIS, 10fps and improved a77 II’s AF instead of launching it with 5D mark IV and fight a losing battle?
Look, only beginners and geeks buy cameras based on specs. I doubt those funny numbers and acronyms make much of a differenc ein the market, consumers have matured.
Well said!
Its not a mobile phone to claim them as on paper specs like every phone has parallels. The things a mentioned are clear selling points and important features that give you distinct advantages over rivals. We are not talking about sweep panorama and MFNR or face detect
Important to whom? I’d give away all of that to improve, say, responsiveness or battery life or to get a decent viewfinder. Am I crazy? No.
A few years back I was dreaming of a stabilised sensor, then I learned why I don’t need it. This job/hobby has a long learning curve, don’t believe the shills telling you that this or that can change your photography: it rarely can.
Why does everyone think A-mount is dead? Even if there are no SLT made. There are still adapters like the LA-EA4 A-mount to E-mount conversion with full aperture and focus. They might not make more native A-mount cameras but A-mount lenses will live on way longer than most will think.
I think SLT technology is a dead end. All of the advantages it has over SLR can be accomplished by mirrorless. Sony should have stayed with SLRs for their A-Mount and focus on making real cameras for photographers and not camera gadgets. This prospect of the A99 II is, like some stated, just boring.
It may be a dead end, but if it is- it’s a pretty freaking decent one. I can’t for the life of me see how anyone could complain. A77II- it’s a machine gun- a box of wizardry.