In these days I had some “precious” talk with long time trusted sources. While they cannot unveil me specific info (for security reasons) they gave me some insight on Sony’s strategy:
First: This year Photokina will not be that exciting. It means that no real bigger stuff is coming from any company.
Second: Sony’s focus at Photokina will be on lenses more than on cameras (which by the way I think it’s good news as this is what we miss most now).
Third: Major innovative products will be launched in early 2015.
Fourth (the good surprise): One major good news will come soon for Full Frame E-mount. They said “you will love it”.
Reminder: Sources can send me anonymous info by using the contact form you see on the very right of your browser. You can also contact me directly at sonyalpharumors@gmail.com.
I am working now every day to get info on the new Sony products. I can tell you there will be actually one good and one crazy-weird surprise. I am working to get more info about it now…
———
You really cannot afford to miss any of the upcoming Photokina rumors! So be sure to not miss any of them by following use here:
RSS feed: http://www.sonyalpharumors.com/feed/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sonyalpharumors
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SonyAlphaRumors
GooglePlus: https://plus.google.com/104216500156717934391/posts
Message to sources: You can send me more info anonymously by using the contact form you see on the very right of your browser. You can also contact me directly at sonyalpharumors@gmail.com.
——–
Reminder (SR = Sonyrumor):
SR1=probably fake rumor
SR2=rumor from unknown sources
SR3=50% chance it is correct
SR4=rumor from known sources
SR5=almost certainly correct!
0 Responses
hopefully the “crazy weird surprise” is the comeback of the OVF in a serious Full Frame SLR for A-Mount along with 85mm and 35mm F2 prime lenses. But I’m just a dreamer
It’s clearly the barrycam
Hope this will be true and there won’t just be like 3 new lenses…
From what we’ve seen do far, I’m guessing e-mount 16-35, 90/100 macro, 85/1.8 and a-mount 35/1.4 (+ maybe some updates).
If they announce 3 new A-Mount lenses, that would be OK.
3 lenses totally wouldn’t…
So does that mean that Sony will be announcing FF a-mount cameras e.g. a99II or not?
or will we have to wait (again) for a possible announcement in 2015? By the sounds of it there will be no major announcements at Photokina.
Please not more super zooms
If Photokina is all about FE lenses then that is all the big news I need.
+1
Do you think there will be new lenses for APSC e-mount?
From what I heard it’s only FF for now…
It seems as though they’re focused on FE lenses right now, as FF is a clear upgrade path for E mount. Better to invest in FE lenses now than have a bunch of lenses you can’t use because they’re aps-c.
No, FF is not a clear upgrade path for many!
Worst case scenario.
I bet that fourth rummor is about: A5 camera, which would be A5100 with FF sensor. We will get SEL1635Z and probably SEL85F18Z, but what more?
I am really interested in Zeiss AG offer for FF E-mount cameras.
The big surprise: Sony will add a feature via firmware upgrade
Please, please Sony, XAVC-S for A6000! 🙂
Why is that a surprise?
Hopefully it’s minimum shutter with auto-iso
internal 4K for A7s? 🙂
“You will love it” = Sony A5 with super fast hybrid-AF, touch screen, no EVF?
I wouldn’t love that.
So, no new FF a-mount cameras? I’m truly disappointed.
you can always use an A -> E mount adapter
best adapter ATM only features A65’s AF
…or A-mount to ebay to F-mount adapter ;]
??? No, I only aid major announcements will be lenses. There will be of course new cameras 🙂
And these will possibly be announced before Photokina right? From your previous SAR post.
yep
Thank you.
Any hint about new A-mount entry level, or something between a58 and a77m2?
no entry level from what I know. But I am still not 100% sure about that yet.
Thank you 🙂
A99ii would be “major”…. So suggesting some some cyber shot?
Cyber shot is coming too.
Yeap, refreshed A99 probably, nothing in middle level. Sony, how to live with it?
Wishfull thinking….
Mayby the FF E mount surprise will be IBIS and full comatability with A mount lenses….without slt mirwor adaptor.
Otherwise just another SCREW YOU A MOUNT USER show that Sony is so good at.
Uhm how is needing a SLT mirror a ‘screw you’? And what in your mind is ‘full compatibility’ with A-Mount lenses?
I think he just means the current level of compatibility achieved with the SLT adaptor, just without the adaptor…
Unless there is a huge shift in technology this isn’t going to happen at this photokina. ABB always has lofty expectations of what Sony ‘should’ be releasing.
Sometimes it’s easier to complain that they don’t have the technology you want when that tech is clearly a few years out than it is to admit that you can’t afford to purchase something new.
Barry, yet again I have to tell you. A-mount lenses require a dedicated PDAF module for fast AF. When will you get this simple fact into your thick skull?
Yet again I have to tell you AF lenses have optics and a motor whether they are A mount, E mount, or XYZ mount.
The only reason they are not compatable with Sony mirrorless cameras is that Sony chooses not to make them compatable.
Nonsense. A mount lenses generally have different motors (ringtype or SAM vs stepper), gearing and chips, tailored to the fastest possible movement in one direction, vs much more communication between body and (much more data) lens and many small oscillating movents (specifically in the last stage) as found in CDAF/hybrid systems.
The one reason why no camera maker to date has been able to make a lens that is perfect for CDAF/hybrid and dedicated PDAF systems.
Canon’s STM lenses for example are slower to focus in hybrid mode than say the A6000 and its kitlens (despite the user of stepper motor, but likely due to a less optimized hybrid focusing system in the camera) and much slower in dedicated PDAF mode than a recent SLT and recent SSM lens (mostly because of the stepper motor). It’s compromised to work with both.
Which means Sony would have to bring out a new lens line similar to the STM lenses to even ensure decent focusing speeds, yet it would still be a niche, for the above mentioned compromises with dedicated PDAF systems. The existing A mount glass, especially older ones using screw driven systems (which includes some of the top lenses) and older chips, is simply not going to focus fast with any focusing system that involves CDAF steps. Simply because chips are too slow for the data required and motors and gearing not suitable for CDAF oscillations and typical overshoot.
Then you put alternate electronics on E mount cameras to be compatable with the differrent motors.
These are just problems to be overcome.
They are simply not valid can’t be done excuses.
“Then you put alternate electronics on E mount cameras to be compatable with the differrent motors.”
Oh ok then, let’s do that….*sigh*……
It’s a good thing Barry’s here to sort out the big problems, otherwise, what would Sony do? It’s not like they design these things for a living or anything, clearly it’s as simple as just putting in some different electronics and voila, all your problems are solved! Thanks Barry, you really saved Sony some trouble there, and now that you’re going to buy all of their cameras (since they’re just what you want) they now have no more financial concerns. Hooray!
Alternate electronics like? Without a dedicated PDAF system, what’s the use of those motors and chips? You’d need a dedicated PDAF system to begin with, enter LA-EA4. Back to where we already are.
*slap*
Alternate electronics like? Without a dedicated PDAF system, what’s the use of those motors and chips? You’d need a dedicated PDAF system to begin with, enter LA-EA4. Back to where we already are.
Barry I like many others here have long given up being polite to you and explaining in simple terms why this can not be done using current technology.
You simply refuse to listen when people are taking time to explain why something is not possible yet and then cry about bullying when they tell you how much of an idiot you are being for making the same stupid statements over and over.
Everything is a conspiracy in your world, isn’t it Walter?
Get off the CANT BE DONE soapbox.
Once its done then it will be done.
I would love an A7m. A camera that I look forward to.
Good news regarding lenses, I hope Sony is able to release quality lenses (around Sigma Art quality).
Regarding Full Frame E mount, it’s either NEX 7 FF or Firmware Update for A7, A7r and maybe A7s.
A99-II
24-105 f/4
ZA 135 f/1.8 SSM
These need to be announced ASAP. Sony will be losing users everyday over the uncertainty with A-Mount (less so after the A77-II, but still).
If they aren’t going to make big A-Mount announcements at Photokina, at the very least they must unveil a roadmap.
A failure to do so would be a big blow to the core userbase’s expectations.
People have been saying this for years, doesn’t happen, then they keep saying it.
With each major event, there’s hope Sony will finally wake up.
Each time they don’t, another bunch of people on local forums put their carefully assembled Zeisses up for sale and take off to Nikonland.
Well I hope so, Nikon share every upcoming product with their legion of loyal ex-Sony users on a near daily basis! So I hope they will be happy there and I will happily pick up their glass for a bargain because they need such constant assurance.
Canon/Nikon don’t need to give any assurance, because there is no uncertainty around the future of EF and F-Mount. They also have complete lens systems, so they don’t really need to announce anything new on that front.
Sony is in a different situation.
So where is the ‘uncertainty’ of A-Mount coming from? Other than people’s minds that is. A ‘complete’ lens system implies that they will never need to change or add to that ‘complete’ system… which we know to be untrue. what you mean to say is the Canon and Nikon have a larger lenses system… this will always be the case. If you require this level of breadth in your system of choice then Sony is not for you and should move on, after all I know many photographers lives won’t be complete unless they know they can buy hundreds of lenses if they really wanted to.
The uncertainty with A-Mount comes from Sony’s obvious focusing on E-Mount in the last years. With Canon, nobody thinks EOS-M is a threat to EF, right? Nikon 1 to F-Mount? It’s clear DSLRs are the priority. Not with Sony.
It’s not about ‘hundreds of lenses’, it’s about most basic things like weather-sealing and SSM for all pro lenses. A line of f/4 zooms. Sane prices.
“With Canon, nobody thinks EOS-M is a threat to EF, right? Nikon 1 to F-Mount? It’s clear DSLRs are the priority. Not with Sony.”
That’s because Canikon have purposely under-designed and under-specced their mirrorless offerings so that they don’t threaten their DSLR sales. Those companies have huge DSLR market share to protect – but it’s a double-edged sword because it means their scope for being seen as innovators is much reduced.
It’s a double-edged sword for Sony too. Now that they’ve put all their energy in E-Mount, they’ve got the A-Mount situation to resolve.
They have a new system which sells reasonably well and has very little competition. They’d be dumb not to at least put some focus into it. That having been said, they are a large enough company that they can focus on the new system for a bit without forsaking the other system. Those of you “loyal” a mount users who are constantly complaining about the lack of lenses (when you have a very good selection of lenses currently) and the lack of new tech (when the tech available right now isn’t new) could really stand to relax a bit and stop screaming that the sky is falling. It isn’t. If you really can’t stand it, sell all of your gear and migrate to Nikon, but my gut tells me you’ll be sorry you did so when Sony releases the next A mount flagship with new tech and it’s better than anything out there. At least then you’ll be complaining on the Nikon rumor website.
More lenses… that’s great! But we also need the A99II!
Admin tried to hint you that A99II might not happen in photokina 😀 he dont have SR5 for A99II
🙁
There are so many FF E-mount camera. (A7, A7R, A7S)
And another FF E-mount at Photokina,
it may be A6 without EVF, or A9 with more advance AF.
And many new FE lens coming,
so……
A-mount is die-ing?
A mount is not dying! the Amount eco-system is still very large compare to Emount. Emount which is just established few years ago, base is still small compare to Amount. Sony sure will refresh Amount gears but the time constrain is the real problem here while to keep Sony continue to expand their lead in entry-mid-high end Interchangeable Lenses Mirrorless in the market.
With the SR5 rumor if it true to see lot of FE lenses on the road map, certainly Sony is in full momentum to fill the gap and to dominate mirrorless eco-system before anyone else build their base.
However, bulky DSLR eventually will obsolete may be after another 10 years time. The reason is mirrorless proven can delivered what DSLR can gave and even did better than DSLR. For instance: look at A7s (4k, low light ISO, silence shutter, price) and GH4 (4K, price). Thought handycam will death as well except for GoPro of the unique super tiny camera.
So, no worry, Amount is not death for now! 😀
“However, bulky DSLR eventually will obsolete may be after another 10 years time. ”
Good ergonomics will NEVER be obsolete. What you call “bulky” I say fits nicely in my hands. I hate small cameras with a passion, it’s one of the reasons I didn’t get the Canon 1000D many years ago.
4th bullet – means we going to see new FF emount with A6000 AF system, may be IBIS too!
5th bullet – we will also see the new A9000 Stereo double FF camera that requires you to have twice as many lenses to record a stereo…wait for it…100mp image that you can enjoy in all it’s glory with the new 3D immersing goggles a-la oculus rift.
Lenses: 85/1.8 and 16-35/4 FE lenses. 16-35 will be meh, 85mm will be very impressive though. Also, a couple of updates for existing lenses (SSM and some new colors for a select few)
Bodies: A99II and a new cheap A-Mount APS-C. The new FE will be Nex 6 in FF. They won’t bring Nex 7 back, sorry.
Sounds sensible, although I’d guess the new FE will be 5100 style with no evf…
How about A99 Mk2 ?
I remember a few days ago, there was a SR5 rumor said that
there will be “heavy stuff” announced right before Photokina,
include new RX and A-mount cameras.
and
1 week ago, there was a rumor talk about A99 II with 36mp sensor + world fast AF.
So, which one is a real trust source?
What part of rumor you don’t understand?
Rumors can be true or false, remember that, even SR5 rumors!
Exactly:
“The “heavy stuff” will be announced right before Photokina. This will
likely include the new RX and A-mount cameras and the many(!) new E and
A-mount lenses.”
http://www.sonyalpharumors.com/sr5-multiple-sony-announcements-august-19-sept-3-and-more/
So, will we see an update to the RX1 Admin?
If you look at the comments below specifically one from SAR_admin he says
“No, I only aid major announcements will be lenses. There will be of course new cameras :)”
Which is the answer to the question I had. Photokina with sSony could be quite interesting – if all rumors are true (but a rumor is just a rumor 😉 ).
zzzZzzzZZZZzzzzZZZZ
a6100 with XAVC and full sensor readout! Or add it in firmware, if it’s possible, to the a6000. I’d buy it immediately!
I second that.
more bodies instead of lenses?
One thing that rings false is that no company will have exciting news. Canon likely to release 7D2.
Yawn
Nikon promises new FF D750
No one cares about heavy bulky dslr any more
that is obviously wrong. there must be at least one guy (or girl) who buys thousands of Nikon DSLRs every month.
Sony is gradually losing the users that do care. Amazing how often in eBay and dyxum, etc, I see “leaving a-mount sales.” Sometimes switching to e-mount, sometimes to Canon or Nikon. The lack of attention on a-mount is losing some customers. Though Sony may find it more profitable to lose some a-mount costumers if they can make e-mount a dominant product.
And Sony has succeeded in some ways– the industry finally seems to be talking about Sony in the same breath as Canon and Nikon, but for e-mount.
Actually, lots of people do. There’s certain kinds of shooting, the ones that need fast zooms or big, fast primes, that just work best with a monster PDAF system and a big body with direct controls to balance that big lens. And that means a DSLR.
The D750 is a body Nikon shooters have been asking for for a couple of years, as long as Nikon goes with the expected specs it will be a smash hit for them.
Now if they’d just remember that there was a needed DX format D350 to go with the D750 (like the D300/D700 pair).
No one cares about heavy bulky DSLR anymore, they just don’t know it yet.
the nuts want heavy-bulky-dslr lol…
Yeah I am sure that Nikon are really worried about how well this bulky dSLR will sell.
hahahahha
sony and lenses… nice joke.
Hope to see a7r mark ii with a6000 af, and possibly the real nex7 successor
…and the “year of the A-mount draws” to a close….
a-mount? whats that?
It’s that Minolta lens mount that hangs off the end of the LA-EA adapters. I can understand you having never heard of it because neither have Sony.
Good one! ;^)
“Sony’s focus at Photokina will be on lenses more than on cameras…” Music to my ears.
Probably just E-mount. How it sounds now? I hear just “sell everything and run away” lyrics…
Let’s take a look shall we? The E-mount have 5 FF lenses the A-mount have 26 lenses (from Sony alone) Why runaway when you have almost 5 times as much lenses to run to?
and for your information: In 2013 Sony came with 12 lenses,8 for the E-mount and 4 for the A-mount. The reason the E-mount got that much lenses is for the introduction of the FF E-mount.
I think Sony is doing good in the lens department, both for E-mount as for A-mount
No cheap A-mount full frame, no 85 1.8, no 35 2.0, no beercan replacement, no KM 17-35 replacement, there is 28-75 Sony version, but it is about two times pricier than KM was…
If you have cash for a99 and zeiss lenses the a-mount system is great… but if not… buying C or N is way cheaper…
No 24-105. The 28-75 is SAM for $900… Surely should be SSM for that price.
Oh… and Sony flash system is overpriced if you compare its capabilities to N or C. Additionally lack of third party stuff… Sony should sell radio triggers on its own.
Why? I’ve bought myself Alpha 900 with some superior Sigma and Tamron lenses and I’m really glad with it, it’s still way better option than A99 for classic photography when shooting RAW..
If you believe that an OVF makes for “classic photography” then why are you using an exposure meter and AF lenses if you want the “classic photography” experience.
You like an OVF, good for you, but don’t make out the A900 and OVF is somehow superior to the EVF and A99 because it simply isn’t!
Can you show me a 85mm for E-mount? NO but 2 for A-mount
Can you show me a beercan for E-mount? NO
Can you show me a 17-35mm For E-mount? NO but a 16-35 for Amount
Can you show me a 28-75mm f2.8 for E-mount? NO but 1 for A-mount
Can you show me a cheap FF E-mount lens? NO but many for A-mount
If you want cheap FF lenses for your A-mount you have plenty, and some are very good. When you want cheaplenses for your FF E-mount there is only the kit lens.
When you want a AF lens >200mm for E-mount,well keep on looking For A-mount you have plenty!
If you want a macro lens for FF A-mount there is a 50mm and a 100mm no macro for FF E-mount
If you want WA primes<30mm for your FF A-mount Pick one of the 4 lenses none for the FF E-mount!
So is it strange Sony tries to make some more E-mount lenses then A-mount lenses?
The fact, that situation in FE mount is worse doesn’t change anything to loyal for years A-mount users.
I am a loyal A-mount user (I use the A700) I own some nice A-mount glass. I only stated that 1. Sony did come with some A-mount lenses in 2013. That nobody from Sony said there will be no A-mount lenses in 2014. I only said that When you want a good lens for your A-mount camera you allread can have it. When you want a good lens for the FF E-mount your choice is very limmited. So it does make sense that Sony makes more E-mount lenses now then they make A-mount lenses.
Too funny.
So no a99ii?
Would you really want one at this point? The 36mp sensor is getting old and new sensor tech is right around the corner. Wouldn’t it make sense for Sony to wait until that sensor tech is mature before putting out a new flagship? That’s just my thought on the subject.
The problem is since a-mount is now a derivative e-mount system if Sony skips the a7R sensor for the a99II then we have to wait 6-18 months after the release of the exciting new 2015 tech SAR is predicting (sure to be for compacts) to show up in an a-mount body.
That’s a lot of unfounded ASSumptions there bud. You’ve made the assumption that a mount is a derivative of e mount for which there is a trend but not a long term one. No meaningful conclusions can be obtained from looking at what’s occurred between e mount and a mount up to now because there simply isn’t enough data. I’d be surprised if the a99II didn’t come out right around the same time as an A9X using new tech in 2015. Releasing now would be a mistake, unless they release it as an a88 or something of the sort and save the a99II moniker for a proper flagship.
if there is no RX10 Mark ii, i’ll be getting the Panasonic FZ1000
I don’t think you are being realistic. The RX10 is way too new to receive an update at this point.
Of course there will be lenses. That’s what the official FE roadmap says. This isn’t even a rumor. It’s a fact.
No A mount, whata surprise, year after year its next year, Sony has no intention of making one. Its a big con to keep you all intersted.
They did eventually release the a77ii. Question is, was it a cynical last offering to a-mount diehards, or was it a real commitment to further a-mount development.
and why introduce new A mount lenses wjen there only the seriously outdated and outgunned A99 to use them?
Don’t be surprised if it’s only e-mount lenses.
Another big YAWN
With a hint of dissapointment.
Strong rumors do suggest at least somewhat interesting cameras from other companies. Rumors about the Canon 7dii suggest it may take a fairly innovative step or 2. Nikon appears to be announcing a Nikon d7500.
Apparently “year of the a-mount” was a miscommunication, when admin got lots of info about “lots of Alpha system”… Which is being shifted to focus on e-mount.
Let’s at least see if there are new a-mount lenses. IF there are no new a-mount lenses, and no new a-mount bodies…. With only 1 a-mount product released in going-on 2 years, it would suggest to me that the a-mount is indeed dying, with the a77ii being a last attempt to get money out of the last a-mount diehards.
It’s not that the a99 is necessarily thaaaat old, but it is no longer a true flagship, with lots of more advanced technology now in the a7-series and a6000 and a77ii. Heck, the a99 is now the only Sony ILC without zebra, eye detect AF, wifi, etc.
The ongoing discussion about the A mount future has become tedious, if theres no A mount developments this year then its over, at least for me, the clocks run down. I have better medium format cameras but would like a lighter general use / travel camera, I have a CZ 28 – 70 a CZ 135 and a few Sony lenses, great lenses, expensive lenses and I’ve held out because I thought Sony would give them the body they deserved. I shoot RAW, simply want a great functional platform with high resolution to match the lenses. Its obvious that Sony isnt intersted in the Pro end of the market, just have to look at Nikon to see how its done, I might buy an A7r with stupid adaptor as they are both only around $1800 AUD now and suck the life out of the setup before I sell the lenses and loose the dough I invested – but I’m finally accepting that Sony isnt the future and it will be Nikon next.
I hold on to all of my zeiss lenses just a bit longer. If photokina is underwhelming for a mount I’m done. I’m fairly convinced I don’t even need full frame anymore to be content. But, I have this thing for all this zeiss glass I have. I’m getting to the point where I’d rather sit on the bench, play with my mirrorless stuff and wait to see how the market fights it out for the future of full frame.
Zeiss make great lenses for Nikons too, many of my friends use and love them, I’ve seen the results from Nikon D800e via Zeiss glass and printed on an Epson 9800 full scale, beautiful quality, tone range, sharpness, highlight / shadow detail etc. The only reason I’ve held onto the Sony CZ lenses is that they are knockout pieces of optics and they cost $4000AUD but its getting silly now, this site has been predicting a big new A mount camera for years and it simply isnt happening. The A99 was never the huge stepup from the A900 Sony made it out to be, just a filler till the next big move, fact is Sony sold their tech to Nikon. I’ve tried and compared A900 and A99, putting aside some of the handy tech on the A99, the difference in resolution / quality was minimal. Sony have sold us out to Nikon, time to suck it up and accept it as fact.
I hear, I sold my A900 and I don’t even have a full frame! Even though I have thousands in alpha zeiss glass laying around and other lenses. I didn’t like the AF and noise- I refuse to hang on to a camera because it has an OVF. Nikon and Zeiss- now that is interesting. One more month and I’ll decide.
As a Sony mirrorless enthusiast, I’ve got my eye on the Canon 7DII. If the rumored specs are half true, the Canon 7DII is a strong consideration for my first DSLR purchase. I personally need a dedicated wildlife system and Sony simply doesn’t offer anything in the longer lens category for APS-C or FE mount–I have no interest trying to chase wildlife with adapted lenses.
You mean apart from the 70-400II? Which is in competition with the Nikon 80-400G for the best cheap long and good solution (yes, both of these $2k+ lenses are cheap by super-tele standards). The A77II + 70-400II is the way to go there and I strongly doubt the 7DmII will match it for outright performance.
Canon, even with a 7DmII, is still lacking here on the lens front unless you plan to go for the high-end exotics (at which point just buy a Sony 500G).
life goes on after the photokina. its just one week…
Finally, lenses… From past rumors, that FE news should be the el-cheapo Full Frame…
Yes, this is the best scenario of all. .. As long as the quality is decent, that is. ..
Its good they are focussing on lenses, updates to the A mount 85 & 135ZA’s are long overdue + where is the 80-200 f4 G A mount lens and when will they bring out a decent 35mm A mount lens. As for FE lenses we know there is a 16-35mm F4 and hopefully a 85mm f1.8, but where is the wide angle primes wider than 35mm? 4 or 5 Zeiss manual focus FE lenses will be announced shortly which will help fill the lens void.
As for cameras I expect the A99II to be announced with the 36MP sensor and maybe Sony will update the A7r with a new shutter to solve the vibration issue.
Do we have to wait until 2015 for the A9 which has IBIS and maybe a 54MP bayer sensor or a stacked sensor???
After Sony going crickets on the a99II at Photokina in favor of a quickie refresh of the a5000 they just introduced this year at CES you expect some a-mount love? Be careful. Saying crazy stuff like that on American soil may invite a DEA raid under the assumption you’re high off of serious drugs. ;^)
So the final shoe drops? We’re getting an SR5 that Sony is doing a re-run of a bad movie and will showcase an entry level 5xxx as their featured major show entry. Why does incompetent Sony marketing even bother going to shows? Really, guys. First we have the CES epic fail and now we’re going to lay a major egg at Photokina? Take a vacation and save the nearly bankrupt company some money.
So the SR5 message we’re getting is if you want a well-rounded FF that doesn’t have ergonomics that suck and has a wide range of lenses buy a Nikon 810? Yeah, Sony marketing that’s the way to excel in the post point and shoot camera era. What a bunch of maroons.
But you fools did give us a brand new selfie camera so I guess it’s a nice complement to the QX “doggie cam” you introduced at CES. So there is that.
Oh, and please don’t forget to bring back that Sony executive you had at CES to give us another dear in the headlines look when asked about the future of the a-mount. Because if you’re going to fail at a major show it needs to be a truly on an epic scale. We expect no less from Sony marketing.
How many camera bodies do you think is sufficient for Sony to release? Sony stole the show at PhotoPlus last year with the a7 series. A year earlier they released the a99 & rx1 at the fall shows. They just started selling the a77-2 and a7s this summer.
A legitimate focus on lenses and system accessories is a good move.
The clear message Sony is sending to – what 25-30% of their customer base at Photokina? – is dump the a-mount. Buy Nikon if you want Sony’s outstanding 36MP sensor because they’ve let Nikon monopolize that tech in DSLRs. Or, if you don’t mind lousy ergonomics, a far less well-rounded body, with fewer lens choices (that will likely never approach the range of DSLRs) go a7R.
My response to Sony marketing is how many stinking years does it take Sony to catch up in the a-mount with their own technology to Nikon in DSLRs? How long will a-mount fans have to wait for the derivative tech to dribble down from e-mount bodies to a-mount bodies? So far the picture isn’t very pretty.
Sorry if I come off a bit harsh but I’m really steamed at Sony. Not that I expected any better. In fact, I’ve been predicting ever since SAR started rumbling about a 4th FE body coming. I knew the chances of an a99II coming at Photokina were plummeting.
A99II wont come on Photokina, just short before or after it! 😛 😉
A lot of e-mount fanboys (not saying you’re one) will celebrate if this is true because they assume Sony is playing a zero-sum game and if a-mounts die they’ll get more attention. The bad news? Sony is giving the a-mount about zero attention as it is so this is about as good as it gets for you too. ;^)
To be fair the 5100 and 6000 weren’t launched at photokina either…
I consider any body announced as a precursor to a major show a show release because they’re meant to be put on display for the 1st time at the show and are pre-announced to drum up exhibit foot traffic. Sony timed bodies like the a5000 (CES) and a5100 (Photokina) thusly, hardly a coincidence. Any lenses announced from now until the show I’d consider the same. It doesn’t have to be a surprise announcement from the show’s stage, IMHO.
Completely agree!!!
“Or, if you don’t mind lousy ergonomics…”
Please elaborate and reflect on your experiences using A and E mount bodies.
You do realize that if they were to release an A99II this year, the sensor tech they’d use is already several years old right? It doesn’t make much sense to release a new flagship A mount now when new sensor tech is right around the corner. You are so short sighted that you’re complaining that they aren’t putting their aging sensors into the camera RIGHT NOW and you’re throwing a fit, but the reality is that it makes much more sense for them to wait until the new tech is out before refreshing. If it were up to you, they’d release a new A99II with the 36mp sensor right now and then be stuck with it when they could wait a bit and then release when new tech comes out, thereby soundly trumping every other competitor. The sad thing is that you probably wouldn’t buy the new camera anyway and you’d just find another reason to complain about it. Stop complaining and go take photos.
1. We don’t know what is “right around the corner.”
2. How do you know “right around the corner” isn’t right now? Go ahead and put this new sensor tech in the A99ii if it is really so close to ready.
3. Why bother releasing the A7/7r/7s is there is going to be some revolutionary new sensor tech right around the corner?
4. A camera is far more than the sensor — How about giving the A99ii an improved AF system, a deeper buffer, the SLT mirror improvements of the A77ii, eye-AF, zebra, wifi, improved jpeg processing, faster frame rate — Those improvements would all be HUGE, even if the sensor remained exactly the same.
5. So wait until the camera is capable of curing cancer before releasing any new bodies?
1. We know that there’s new and better tech just around the corner, as there’s always new and better tech just around the corner.
2. We know that right around the corner isn’t right now because Sony nobody’s released new tech. This is likely not an affront to their customers, but rather an attempt to come to market with stable products with reasonable production costs.
3. The A7X series is close to a year old. When they were released, the A7 and the A7R were using top grade tech and were revolutionary. They still are, but the sensor is getting old and won’t be top grade for very much longer. There’s still room in that lineup for a flagship A9 using new sensor tech when it comes out.
4. Yes, granted a camera is more than a sensor, but you know as well as I do that neither yourself, nor any of the rest of the ingrates here will be happy with a flagship A99II being released with the 36mp sensor and a few incremental upgrades, especially when new sensor tech is released. All of you guys whine at the merest hint that your camera is not vastly superior to that of another company and yell loudly about how you will not purchase the new bodies because they lack XYZ obscure (or not so obscure) feature that you can get elsewhere. Let’s be honest for a minute, people here love complaining and will find a reason.
5. No, that’s absurd. Wait until new tech is released for the flagship though. That way they don’t run into the complaints that they do now about other systems having the same sensor years ago. That doesn’t mean there isn’t room for a new body using the 36mp sensor, there is, but don’t expect it to be the flagship (at least not for long).
1. There is already new and better technology. There is already new and better technology that is several steps ahead of the A99 — And there will always be something newer and better around the corner. So how many steps do you need to wait before releasing an upgrade?
2. Nobody has released new tech??? The A7s isn’t new tech? The huge AF module in the A77ii isn’t new tech? The improved SLT mirror in the A77ii isn’t new tech? The dual pixel Af system in the Canon 70D isn’t new tech? There is lots of new tech.
3. Less than a year old.. is not old. And still is a whole generation newer than the A99.
4. There will always be fanboys who will think anything new is the greatest thing on earth — They changed the color of the logo!! I totally have to buy this new upgrade… Canon and Nikon don’t show such innovation!
And there will always be the cynics, who will think any upgrade is meaningless, until the camera can cure cancer.
But the reality is — If you took the original A99, and solely put in the A77ii upgrades — That would be a very very significant upgrade. Well worth upgrading for many people, if the price was right.
5. I don’t care about 36mp. I prefer they keep 24mp. But I do want better low light performance, I do want a deeper buffer, I do want a much better AF module.
What you’re saying is that — It is better to have a totally stale rotten flagship, if you can’t have a flagship that is lightyears above everything else in the world.
Whether we like it or not, sensors and Megapixels sell cameras. Sony could release an A99II with the 36mp sensor and all of those upgrades to tech right now, and it’d be a great flagship for a very short time, but it’d be a flagship that would stagnate very quickly in comparison to other companies. I’m not saying that they shouldn’t release a new camera, I think they should, but I don’t think it should be the A99II. Not yet. The A99II should be held off until the very beginning of the next gen of sensors and should include all of the most up to date tech at the time. Right now, they should disco the A99 and release an A88 which includes the 36mp sensor (or an A88r with 36/A88 with 24 in order to coincide with their A7 series…maybe even an A88S as well…essentially providing similar options between e mount and a mount and simplifying their production and R&D costs) and all of the incremental upgrades they’ve invested in. There’s room in the current lineup for this camera and it wouldn’t mess with the future of the lineup by precluding an A99II with new sensor tech, nor would it require a very short product life cycle for an A99II released now. That’s all I’m saying here.
Yup. It seemed ‘ok’ for a while, but now it’s clear it wont be ok.
I think Sony will send a good message to consumers by showing a commitment to a-mount by showing off a couple new lenses, a replacement for the abysmal f60 flash (which benefits all alpha shooters), an expansion of Sony pro services for repair & maintenance, and firmware improvements for existing cameras like the a99. If it’s not limited to hardware throwing the xavc codec at the a77-2 and a6000 would certainly be greatly appreciated by those owners.
Another smart move would be to get zeiss to release the Otus for a-mount and a couple of MF lenses (15mm prime, et al.). These would be be more for prestige than big revenue but it would take little investment for these to be produced with different mounting hardware and IBIS/ focus peaking would the a99 and its successor ideal cameras for them.
The A77ii is a very nice body… But it takes more than 1 body for a mount system. The A99 is still a very nice camera, but being it is the only A-mount full frame, it has quickly fallen behind other Sony cameras…. It has quickly become stale. While Canon and Nikon fullframe cameras remain top of their mount, the A99 is truly behind the A77ii in almost every way except sensor size… And the improvements in the SLT mirror/sensor/processor have really diminished the impact of the difference in sensor size.
Canon’s full frame bodies are all the same generation as the a99. Canon has not relented in at least a three year cycle for it’s upper range models.
I say it’s a good thing that Sony can exceed itself (as you say the a77-2 has done to the a99). It bodes well for the future bodies. If they release an a99-2 this year it will be a jump akin to the a77 to a77-2 (a solid evolutionary update). However if it comes in next year it could be far more substantial an upgrade if sony’s stacked sensor tech is ready for production.
Yes, Canon is on the same 3-year-cycle.. but among many many more body options. So that still translates to multiple new options for buyers every year. The 1DX and 5Diii are still true flagship products in the Canon lineup, The A99, OTOH, is stale compared to the e-mount series and the A77ii.
Then just go for Nikon and leave us alone please if Nikon is the solution for you.
THIS. A million times THIS… please for the love of everything dear just do it already!
Nikon doesn’t make SLT cameras 🙁
Ooooh, the drama.
Wait, don’t you have an A65 or something like that? It seems as though there’s quite a bit of upgrade room for you if that’s the case.
I wish Sony’s timeline for releasing new cameras was around thanksgiving and Christmas instead of early/mid year.
Photokina is in the fall. A7/r, a77, a99 and rx1 were released in November of their years.
Bring on the lenses!
It’ll be nice to see Sony adopt a 2yr refresh cycle on the A7 bodies, and 2-3 years on the RX1.
Will they continue to expand A-mount? My guess is Sony is waiting to see what impact the new FE lenses will have. If a solid, well-received, E-mount lens line-up leads more people (from all other mounts) to switch then no-doubt that success will motivate them to continue the focus on E-mount.
The quality of the FE wide-angle zoom will be fundamental to the system.
Sony’s pattern of behavior at major shows is pretty clear. A-mounts get zippo attention. I’m not declaring a-mount dead but Sony marketing has completely written off expanding the a-mount customer base and is just going to dribble out mostly derivative tech from e-mounts to bodies and a few minor lens refreshes on popular SKUs to justify higher margins on their glass.
I only wish the cost of switching over to a Nikon D810 wasn’t so darn prohibitive. By the time Sony dribbles out an a99II its derivative sensor tech from the a7R is going to already be stale.
Going from the interviews I’ve read, the marketing department only uses a-mount to wriggle out of difficult questions about the FE lens lineup… I wouldn’t write it off (it’s still got a lot of other offer), but I’d love to see the number of pros going FE compared to a-mount.
evolution and change is always hard to swallow by the masses…..but I’m glad Sony is doing it…the DSLR boat needs to be rocked
minipixels.net | Automotive Photography
But compacts, IMHO, suck. It’s not fearing change. It’s not liking the change. Unlike so many compact fanboys, I’m not aching to see everyone else’s system get killed off.
HOLY SHIT BATMAN, SONY’S GOING TO MAKE LENSES!
I would love to see a 90mm f2 rather than a 85mm f1.8.
55mm 1.8 (already out) and 90 f2 would be awesome to have with a combo of APS-C and a FF camera.
I would like to see 91mm rather than 90mm.
1.8 or 2 ?
1.9!
Would rather see a 100mm f2 personally.
so I guess no a99ii then….
if a new and good A-mount full frame is not released soon… then I’m jumping ship.
Most of us are already in the life raft at this point.
If I could justify spending $6,000-$8,000 switching to Nikon my collection of Sony and Minolta lenses would be posted on eBay today. As it is, I’ll have to gut it out. Maybe the new Nikon FF will be of interest. Not expecting it but they’re doing the most exciting stuff in the DSLR FF space. I have no interest in Sony FEs.
i think i could save some losses by ditching my CZ and G lenses and going for the cheaper and arguably better sigma ART lenses.
I think the majority of us are feeling the same way. I’ve noticed the community really coming together this time, so Sony may have a mass exodus. Blind and oblivious as usual, they’ll find themselves standing there, mouths agape, wondering what went wrong.
To switch brands, one does not need to replace everything in order to be effective. Most of us have overlap/unnecessary gear. Sure, we may miss having all our specific toys, but if we only buy the essentials when we switch we can come out on top money wise.
I’ll be switching to Canon if Photokina is a bust. I like Nikon’s system more, but they seem utterly lost and in deep financial trouble. Seems like Canon has a better chance of surviving.
Well said.
Figures, the only thing this site does is promote it’s self. Plus being at a camera store yesterday, they had zero A-mount bodies and or lenses. It’s true Sony is going the way of the E-mount. Small is fine, but surely not what I’m looking for in a camera. They can have all the innovation and the ability to make thing smaller, but a real camera IMPO is size matters. It’s would be nice to see more lenses, but this site has been says more Bodies, etc. This site is not of trust.
Yeah, those rumours are not true, WTF??!
Buy Canon, they only make DSLRs.
I have a Canon printer….
bigger body is better? who says? glad to see some traditionalist here…
minipixels.net | Automotive Photography
E-mount does NOT mean small bodies only. It just so happens that Sony have tended to release small bodies. There is nothing to stop Sony releasing a larger e-mount full frame body in the style of a DSLR, for example. You only have to look at the A3000 (as limited as that camera was).
EXACTLY. Why is no one else pointing that out. E mount can make DSLR style bodies but the market isn’t ready for that (or Sony isn’t). It will happen, it’s just a matter of time.
This is very, very disappointing news. They need an updated A99 with 36 Megapixels and super fast autofocus now. There are plenty lenses available. Also, you need a totally different team for designing lenses versus cameras!!! So, it sound like to very bad excuse!
To be fair, the a7/r got a lot of coverage because they were doing the impossible. The a7s likewise is doing something very different… On the other hand, the a5100 and a77ii, while great cameras, don’t warrant that kind of publicity. It’s quite conceivable that they’ll release the a99ii or the a7100 without much fanfare.
That’s what I’ve been expecting all along. I predict the A99II will follow in the footsteps of the A77II- better AF, 36MP sensor we all know is coming and that’s it. Maybe if we’re lucky we’ll get a new codec for video. That’s the only guessing game as far as I’m concerned- what will they do with the video. 4k?
Exactly, look how much coverage the (excellent) A77 II got… the only people who will really care are those that whine on SAR and then won’t buy it anyway because it loses the ‘must have feature’ of 3D panorama or whatever because when Sony actually tested it with users they found that nobody actually used it, but the whiners have to find an excuse not to buy, then be loud vocal experts on what Sony ‘should’ be releasing, only to find that the indentation on the button is not to their exacting standards and wait for the next model… and the cycle continues.
early 2015!
minipixels.net | Automotive Photography
If Sony fails to announce the a99II pre-Photokina – which looks highly likely – early November makes more sense to squeeze it in for the Christmas season. There’s no technical reason to hold it until 2015. Anyone expecting anything amazing with the a99II has an over-active fantasy life. All new tech goes to e-mounts first before it dribbles down to a-mounts a long wait later.
nikon D750 is coming, that’s enough !!
They should do the same thing with the A99II they did with the A7, 12MP low light, 24MP Standard and 36MP versions. all with GPS of course.
People are rapid firing off the A7R on ebay as well as the A7. The market is flooded with second hand examples and I think people have gotten their fill. I’m not sure following the same plan in alpha mount is a good strategy.
but it seems to me some of the people are dumping a7 and a7r to get the a7s.
Not necessarily a bad thing, I’m looking for a gently used A7r as a landscape camera.
I thought about the same thing but for all the money I spent on a mount I don’t want to make the switch. We’ll see, but the camera is bargain basement at this point. Can’t go wrong either way.
I would use my A-Mount lenses with a simple adapter and manual focus, mostly for landscape and macro where auto-focus is not a priority. And if it comes with the kit lens, as a portable camera when traveling light. The A7r is capable of amazing resolution, and the cheapest way to 36 megapixel
NOOO,.. the lack of Sony lens IMO are their streght, SONY are more flexible a bit than canikon, they could just abandon (only 5) a FE system and move to more advanced FE Curved design right away, they cannot do that with if they have hundreed FE lens.
CANIKON cannot swiftly switch away from DSLR by that.
in the otherhand RX series can do whatever they want
Release the Z shift and let them have canon Lenses,
what SONY should do is bulid a complete FE-curved lens lightweight, compat, big aperture, but cheap/less than similar DSLR system as they only using a little sand glass
Make no competitor with that system. NO other can follow.
Sony could use some tilt shift and telephoto lenses. That’s it in my opinion. I think their “gaps” are small and few, but they are still notable. I’d like to hear about the 85mm 1.4 being updated with SSM since we know the 135 is getting it- odd man out.
Here’s what I think about the above rumors. The FE rumor probably is refering to the monochrome we already are expecting. The lenses for a mount will probably be the 400mm f4 and dare I say (fingers crossed) a 200mm 2.8 would be a real surprise. I’m going out on a limb on that one but I can dream. We all have something to look forward to now. E mount fans can look forward to Zeiss announcing 5 manual focus lenses. That’s sure to be exciting. Non of this sounds uneventful to me. But then again, maybe we’ve all come to expect way to much.
Anyone wanna bet that none of the lenses is a-mount?
what’s a-mount? 🙂
I think that was Minolta’s mount back in the 80’s. 😉
In all honesty, I think E is right.
ugh more full frame – how about improving APSC sensors so we can maintain the smallest body and lens possible. Full frame is so over hyped and overrated.
no it’s not…..once you use FF, you’ll see what you’re missing out
minipixels.net | Automotive Photography
sorry I don’t use drugs 😛
Maybe you should.
Actually small sensor quality is hyped and overrated, especially M43. APS-C is low budget but usable, full frame is the standard for serious photographers. Remember the easiest person to fool is yourself, stop it.
its only the standard because that’s what they used in the film era, oh but wait, real professionals in the film era only used medium format or larger so by that logic full frame still isn’t professional
but there’re many APSC cameras to choose from already. what’s missing for you?
I just feel like everyone is moving in the wrong direction with this full frame business. Full frame is a throwback from the film era which is over. Great that it allows compatability with legacy lenses but any other benefits are marginal improvement over APSC.
Virtually all the professional lenses focal lengths are selected to use with full frame sensors, and although usable do not match up well with crop sensors. This fact, along with superior ISO performance and depth of field control give full frame a distinct and significant advantage.
FF is much better for wide angles and shallow depth of field, whereas APS-C is much better for telephoto and deep depth of field. However, APS-C is just as much of a throwback to the film era as full frame, and in fact was only marketed due to it’s use of a smaller amount of film per shot. The photos on the APS system, though, were never as good as full frame due to the size limitation. APS-C was chosen as it allows for smaller chips to be made while still almost being as good as full frame. Make no mistake though, APS-C is very much a compromise vs Full Frame.
ok I understand, but I feel we should be advancing and striving for smaller more advanced and portable tech.
Really? So when Sony makes a camera as small as a thimble you’ll say they finally succeeded???
yes! I don’t want to carry bulky gear. I want to see the following happen – DSLR dies a quick death, then mirrorless takes over and begins shrinking in size along with lenses. At the same time sensors get smaller but better high iso performance and dynamic range that surpasses the largest frame sensors. Then the software will take over and replace zoom lenses. Result is a tiny camera with widest sharpest fixed prime lens and software assisted zoom – the size of my thumb! (oh wait I forgot where do we preview the image?)
Zack Arias has a very informative/entertaining look at the full frame vs crop controversy. Do yourself a favor and watch this http://dedpxl.com/crop-or-crap-math-or-moment/
that is good news to be honest…..about time Sony releases the next batch of FE lenses! 🙂 Let’s just hope it’s not a half-assed job
minipixels.net | Automotive Photography
Anything about the RX1 replacement? Or is that part of 2015?
there are 3 ff e-mount cameras, why more so soon?
Nobody said there was a new camera, just “major good news will come soon for Full Frame E-mount”.
Their prices have plummeted.
Because people keep screaming for more Sony cameras…
I didn’t read that as more full frame e-mount cameras, just something that customers of that system will love – at least that was my interpretation.
It is simple: So we can buy them all, soon. What else ?
Zeiss make great lenses for Nikons too, many of my friends use and love
them, I’ve seen the results from Nikon D800e via Zeiss glass and printed
on an Epson 9800 full scale exhibition quality, beautiful quality, tone range, sharpness,
highlight / shadow detail etc. The only reason I’ve held onto the Sony
CZ lenses is that they are knockout pieces of optics and they cost
$4000AUD but its getting silly now, this site has been predicting a ‘big
new A mount camera’ for years and it simply isnt happening. The A99 was
never the huge stepup from the A900 Sony made it out to be, just a
filler till the next big move, fact is Sony sold their tech (and soul) to Nikon.
I’ve tried and compared A900 and A99, putting aside some of the handy
tech on the A99, the difference in resolution / quality was minimal.
Sony have sold us out to Nikon, time to suck it up and accept it as
fact.
+1
Simple, get the A7r for resolution, and actually some Zeiss AF glass to create those full scale exhibition quality bla bla bla prints. Why hang on to a mount (pun unintended)? It’s just a tool, use the tools you need.
I am coming to that realization that Sony makes sensors and Nikon makes cameras. The year of the A-mount was less than spectacular. I just hope there was not a translation problem and what they meant was this is the last year of the A-mount.
‘The A99 was
never the huge stepup from the A900 Sony made it out to be…’
maybe its not a huge step up for YOU but some folks out there like video functions, more dynamic range, less noise, better autofocus and a higher frame rate…
Dry your tears.
ROTFLMAO
Just out of interest I tried Googling ‘can Sony lenses be used on Nikon cameras?’ and it looked as if it wasnt possible because of the flange on the Nikon. Anyone out there had any success adapting Sony A mount lenses to a Nikon DSLR full frame?
Can a Sony lens be used on a full frame Nikon body?
no
You could build an adapter but you would lose infinity focus.
hopefully E-mount will get stabilized sensor. sensor-shift autofocus would be cool but would make the body huge.
Just bought two a900 bodies. Thank you Minolta.
Have all the glass I want. Thank you Minolta, Mamiya, Tamron, Tokina.
Have a beautiful flash system. Thank you Minolta, Phottix Odin.
Screw off Sony. You betray professionals who earn a living with A-Mount.
The A900 is a Sony camera, look at the name on the front. So you are screwing yourself, which is never good.
But man you’re gonna miss all the great new lenses… White versions of all the current stuff. This is gonna be GREAT!
Minolta lenses have 95% of the performance, at 1/3 the cost of new Sony lenses.
I buy ALL my gear used except for the occasional camera body, and most my long lenses are Minolta as well.
70-200/2.8 = Minolta
400mm/4.5 = Minolta
300mm/2.8 = Minolta
600mm/4 = Minolta
I dont doubt the new lenses are nice, but they’re in no way worth the price even for professionals. If someone gave me a new Sony 500/4, first thing I’d do is sell it and put the money in the bank.
Can’t go wrong with anything Minolta first generation. I recently fell in love with the 100-200/4.5 on a900. Holy cow that is a SHARP lens that weighs nothing. Pop the 24-50/4 in a pocket and hit any assignment.
The 100-200/4.5 is a killer lens.
The only downside to buying Minolta is if/when they have problems, you cant always get them repaired.
so why are you complaining at all?
I made no complaints. I sung the praises of Minolta and told Sony how I feel about them, and why. But I made no complaints here.
Now if you want to talk about the current Sony flash system, THAT’s something I could complain about. Or I could complain about Sony giving my competition the best sensor available, for years, in three different versions now, while leaving A-Mount customers with a toy camera to adapt to. Or I could complain about how current Sony cameras are slower and less responsive than the professional tool that Minolta created. I got your complaints right here buddy. But no complaints were made in the previous post.
Read the name on the front of your new camera bodies, what does it say? SONY not Minolta, so your argument makes no sense. Your Minolta lenses would be collecting dust if not for Sony, don’t bite the hand that feeds you.
You must be joking. The a900 is 110% Mind of Minolta with a Sony sticker spit glued to the front. I’m sanding it off.
Get this straight… The Mind of Minolta launched Sony into the DSLR marketplace. Sony benefitted from Minolta reputation and customer base. Sony should be thanking and rewarding that legacy user base who sing A-Mount praises into successful transition. But users have little to thank Sony for destroying what they took control of. The longer they have it, the bigger the promises, the worse it gets.
The fact of the matter is that the A900 would not exist if not for Sony and it’s a Sony design through and through. Denial is not a river in Egypt.
A900 is a Sony design? Now I know you have no clue.
Agreed. 100%
And yeah. I find the a99 less responsive than the a900 too.
Startup time on the a99 feels sluggish. Plus the a99’s LCD to EVF switchover lag is a joke. Oh and my favourite. The a99’s inability to take just one frame when you’re shooting in burst mode! Like I wanna switch back to single frame mode to take one frame. I wanna just lightly squeeze down, and take 1 single picture. It’s such a massively moronic oversight. Imagine if they’d touted the a900’s ability to take 1fps or 5fps on the fly as a “feature”. And yet it’s the lack of that feature that keeps me from finding the a99 to be a usable camera. And don’t even get me started on the slideshow playback effect that you see when you do squeeze down and shoot a burst. It’s so disorienting and dizzying. Definitely not a “feature”
Whatever it is they will release, wether it be full frame or another apsc e frame camera, if no 5 axis ibis implemented, its not that interesting…
My gut feeling is that we will not get an A99II at Photokina, and none of the lenses will be A-mount.
I hope I’m wrong.
Is there much point in A99II if it is delayed until 2015? By that time those few who are still shooting A-mount would have switched to C, N or Sony FE, depending on their needs.
Yes, current FE offering works for some, but to gain general acceptance among professionals Sony need to solve mirrorless AF speed and flash system. Also controls and ergonomics of A7 line are questionable for many shooting scenarios.
I’m hoping a lot of impatient Sony users dump their lenses and accessories and switch to Nikon or Canon, leaving many bargains for me to take advantage of for use with my new A99II. Sell Sell Sell!
I’d be surprised if there aren’t a couple of a-mount lenses. That said, I’ve promised myself I won’t buy anything else for at least another year…
When will we see the next RX10?
It is 10 month old you know? It is a high end camera, so I expect the successor in about 14 month…
Do you think they could announce a successor at Photokina, for release later in the year? I think the FZ1000 with it’s 4k must have put a dent in it’s sales. So Sony might step up the timeline for release. Include xavcs, slog2, 4k…not sure what else they could include to improve video. Maybe allow it to shoot raw.
so a99 M2 is not coming.
not at photokina? maybe
later? maybe
never? maybe
Here’s a recap:
Sony A-mount future = Unclear
Sony E-mount future = Unclear
Canon EF-mount future = Unclear
Nikon F-mount future = Unclear
Future of the photography industry = Unclear
Future of the photography industry = selfies. May god have mercy on us.
You know, that’s the way it’s headed. And I agree.
That just about sums it up, the industry is in a state of flux. This is a difficult time for the camera business, I hope the major players survive. It’s likely sales are going to decrease significantly due to the smart phone revolution, future cameras will be aimed at the enthusiast and professional and become more of a niche market.
Future of photography industry = more and more money poured into cell phone camera development
Whatever they announce, people here will complain about it 🙂
Complaints about what they don’t build are different than complaints about what they do announce.
This is a true statement. But it’s not our fault – it’s due to how Sony operates. People know what to expect with Canikon. When a new camera is rumored, people have relative confidence they can be excited. When a new Sony is rumored, it’s anyone’s guess. E-mount, A-mount, step forward, step backward, new camera with no lenses for it, new lens with no camera for it, etc.
They’ve divided their own customer base into two clammoring brands, both screaming ‘gimmie gimmie gimmie’. Sony throws the A-mount brand a bone here or there to chew on with worn teeth, while they dump the guts and blood over the fence for E-mount people to lap up.
Like the 5DM4 that’s been rumored for months, how’s that working out?
You know what they say about the ‘grass being greener on the other side?’ I’m not saying the grass is green at Canon. Maybe it’s yellow. But it’s definitely brown and dusty at Sony.
Oh yes, you are so right:
Look how informative Canon is about their mirrorles system (the EOS-M do you remember?) We all know what the future is of that camera do we? And they also tell us what the future will be for the EOS-Rebel SL1, do they come? Will they come? Or will they drop the system? Yes very clear!
No then Nikon, that is such a good company. They come with a new camera (the D600. It spills oil on the sensor. First they say there is no problem, then they say you can let your sensor cleaned for free, then they come with a new release of the camera, but you don’t get a new camera. In the end (thanks to the internet) they give you a new camera. They are so communicative are they not?
So yes the grass is not greener at Cannikon it is as rotten as at Sony, only you can’t see that they tried to paint it green, like Sony did, but you are closer so you see it here, not there!
You can count on that.
A99II will probably come right before or after Photokina, so the rumor is correct about no important camera news at Photokina hehe 🙂 (at least I hope there will be a A99II soon…)
Make.Believe
I find the statement, ‘One major good news will come soon for Full Frame E-mount. They said “you will love it”’ very odd indeed.
If there is something revolutionary in terms of E mount bodies, all those who have just invested in the A7 series will feel a little peeved that it wasn’t already integrated. Those, like me, who are considering which way to proceed (maintain the heavy A mount, or completely switch to E mount) will be left scratching their heads as to why Sony have a pretence that the A mount will be maintained and, by definition, provide the very best performance!
I wait with baited breath to discover just what it is everyone will love!! I’m a little afraid they are just about to shoot themselves in the foot…
Sony already tricked us by purposefully staggering the A7S release. I would’ve bought the S to begin with instead of the R.
But I suppose that’s the nature of business. I console myself with the thought that at least cameras retain more value than laptops and cellphones.
And I normally buy second-hand… which is the way to deal with this marketing strategy of designed rapid obsolescence. Now is a good time to pick up an A7 for $1k.
They tricked us by releasing another model? Hang on, that’s exactly what happened with my A77ii. And my a77, a580, a500….
Are you agreeing with me that this is normal marketing or are you taking issuing with the word choice of “tricked”? Anyway, the timing of the A7S was more trick-y (as it were) than usual IMO.
The timing was perfect. They chose the video-focused NAB show for the announcement.
I wouldn’t regard the later release of the A7s as being sly marketing, because to me the three cameras have different niches. Where I do have concerns is whether the precise combination of abilities has more to do with marketing than technological limitations.
For instance, if they could have included the very best focussing system on the A7r and A7s, but didn’t so they could have an incremental upgrade.
The daft thing is I think if there is anything to that then they could have taken a huge market share by including every bell and whistle and charging for it. I would have already bought into the A7 range if one of them had all the best parts of all three, even for twice the price! As it is, I still have my money and am undecided.
The A99 is the lightest FF DSLR in the world. If your finding it heavy, please consult a physician immediately, or buy a gym pass.
Apart from the 3 Sony A7…duh.
As to finding ‘it’ heavy, there is no ‘it’, rather there is ‘them’. I’m a professional photographer and usually carry 2 A99s, each with a grip, one with a 24-70 and the other with a 70-200. An all in weight of about 5kg and often for 14 hours a day (sometimes without sitting at any time), let alone the bag with 16mm fisheye, 16-35, 85 and 135, plus extras.
So, what were you saying about finding them heavy again?
A7 series camera are CSC not DSLR cameras. I’m professional, but I don’t carry a load that large. I normally use the 24mm, 85mm, 24-70mm, and 70-200mm for 90% of my work with one camera work.
However it I’m traveling light I drop the grip, switch the 24-70, with the 28-75, use the Minolta 28mm f/2, Sony 50mm, and Sony 85mm f/2.8 as my primes, and take the HVL-43.
I never referred to DSLR or CSC, other than saying I wanted something lighter. Unlucid Lu Cid implied sarcastically that my A99s were light and I corrected his misconception.
Also, you may well be able to carry just one body, but if you covered a wedding and that one body misfires…or you need more reach/wider angle immediately…or the single battery loses power…
Your set up sounds wonderful, but it simply doesn’t cut the mustard for the work I do.
It’s not. The Canon 6D and Nikon D610 are both lighter.
Yup, that’s why I wrote that the best thing for full frame E-mount is a firmware revision that fixes all or many of the issues that have come up.
There will not be any new A-mount gear announced at Photokina. All of the new gear will be E-mount full frame accessories, with new E-mount full frame cameras coming after the show. We will be showing off new exclusive sensor technology that will revolutionize the industry.
How do I edit a post?
Most of the majors don’t actually announce AT Photokina. They announce before and publicly show at big trade shows like Photokina.
Which is pretty much the same thing. When I talk about Photokina product releases I’m not saying they have to pop them on an unsuspecting public during the keynote address. Obviously, they pre-announce what they plan to show for the 1st time at a show like Photokina to drum up enthusiasm and foot traffic at their booth.
If that were true, it would be the most barking mad piece of marketing/manufacturing/selling Sony have managed to come up with (and they’ve produced some beauts over the years!).
You are telling us that Sony have just spent an absolute fortune creating the A7 series (which has pretty well pulled the rug from under their A mount market) and now they are going to render the whole lot obsolete with a new sensor technology that will ‘revolutionize the industry’???
I’m damn sure that I would invest a penny getting one or more A7, with the slight improvement in some areas but poorer in others, to replace my A99s, if I can wait a short while and take a huge leap with cameras to come.
Does anybody actually read Andrea’s posts for what is coming at Photokina? A lot of people have been jumping up and down in this comment section. READ what he writes and no he has not said there will be no cameras.
1) There has been 2 SR5 and 1 SR3 rumors but remember they are just rumors.
http://www.sonyalpharumors.com/sr3-a99ii-with-36mp-and-fastest-af-of-the-world/
http://www.sonyalpharumors.com/sr5-multiple-sony-announcements-august-19-sept-3-and-more/
2) He has indicated that there will be major announcements BEFORE Photokina & these will possibly include the a99Mk2 camera and other cameras This included the release of the a5100 on the 19th August & this has already come true. On September 3rd Sony will announce the QX30 and then after that the “heavy” announcements.
3) At Photokina itself Sony will focus on the lens line-up.
I’m amazed half of this lot haven’t committed suicide yet, using the straps of their Sony cameras.
Life is never that bad- unless you shoot canon.
I’m sure some of our members have tried. The straps probably broke.
Edit: I only say that because I recently had a strap failure on my A900. Lucky for me, the camera was ‘caught’ by a bush and not damaged.
Maybe they tried to pelt themselves with flashes?
I Tried cut my wrists with the pellicle mirror.
I still remember the rumor claiming a 36mp a900 body years ago… Then a99 was supposed to be 36mp… years ago.
I just come here for the conversation. Who cares about truth from a company who’s slogan is “Make.Believe”?
What’s Canon’s slogan? It’s….um….ah….
Don’t got one.
What’s Nikon’s slogan? It’s….well….uh….
Yeah.
Either Disqus is screwed up or it’s pokes poking pokes all the way down.
EDIT: Nevermind, Disqus is screwed up.
It seems like it chokes when the post rate is high. A quick page refresh will fix things.
Isn’t Nikon’s
1) “I am ignoring my customers”?
2) “I am thowing my profits down the shi**er”?
3) “I am ….”
Robin is that a lens in your tights or are you just pleased to see me. Oh hold on ..
Nikon’s got another BIG problem on their hands!!! At least Sony doesn’t have these kinds of problems. http://www.popphoto.com/gear/2014/08/nikon-releases-official-advisory-white-spots-issue-d810-dslr?src=SOC&dom=fb
Do I speak for a-mount fanboys?, Please give us the A99II, A99IIs,A99IIr and, or A88, A88s, A88r with, flip up capable mirror (so we can choose to use or not) improved all axis IBIS, and duel fast focus of course, depending on mirror position.
And No the A7 series with an adapter is not the same…. no IBIS so not an option. Current and future e-mount lenses are too slow! and we don’t care about size!
Most of the e-trolls stalking the site don’t actually own an A7 series camera, but I do. I never bought an adapter, and currently own three native lenses. After owning it for close to a year I can confirm that it’s no A99 replacement.
It’s my CSC, and nothing more. The A850, and A99 still do all the heavy lifting, because they are still more capable camera bodies.
I hope to see an 36mp, 12fps, A99II which I will buy immediately.
with better spread on the AF points. fast AF, high ISO and DR
The current A99 already smokes the 5D MK III. The A99II will easily outperform the 5D MK III in resolution, colour depth, dynamic range, and Low-Light ISO, and won’t be that far behind the D810. It will likely cost $1500 to $2000 less than its competition.
And of course the A99II PDAF is going to have a 79 points and 40% coverage, plus a hefty increase in ISO, DR, performance.
And unlike my A7 this camera (A99II) will actually deliver real performance.
Only if you are shooting at ISO 100 and if you go above ISO500, than 5DMk3 destroys A99. How do I know? I own both. What makes 5DMk3 much usable is the layout of focus points in the frame. As you know, Sony chose to put them in the center, way far away from rule of thirds intersection points.
I own both which is why I know what you are saying is completely false. The A99 is very good in low light, and I trust it up to ISO 3200 to get the job done.
Nope… in very rare cases ISO3200 is usable on A99 and if you take DxOMark as a credited benchmarker, you can also see that A99 has almost 1 full stop of disadvantage compared to 5DMk3. Thus, I can say that you don’t own both cameras, but you’re just a fanboy.
LMAO……
Say what ever you believe, but the A99 is the better all around camera, but saying the A99 ISO performance is poor is simply untrue. It can easily hold it own up to ISO 3200. So you’re FoS.
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/sony-alpha-slt-a99/20
http://www.sonyalpharumors.com/sr5-trusted-sources-about-sony-at-photokina-focus-will-be-on-lenses-and-not-so-on-cameras/#disqus_thread
A99 is better all around than the 5Diii? On what basis?????? Other than an articulating LCD, I can’t think of anything. And yes, the A99 can easily hold it’s own up to ISO 3200. Which really isn’t saying much for a full frame camera — The 5diii holds its own much higher than that.
I own the A99, I love it. For what I paid for it (I bought it used), it’s a great camera. Is it better than the 5diii? Would I be willing to have paid the 5diii price for the A99? Not in a million years.
Looking to pure ISO performance, if you look at the real technical analysis, the A99 *slightly* trails the 5diii and D600/800 up to ISO 6400/12800… close, but the A99 just a tad behind. Then, all of a sudden, the A99 totally collapses, and falls way way behind the 5diii and D600/800. Same is true of dynamic range and color.
The A99 is a GREAT camera. But it is not equivalent to the $3000+ Canon 5Diii. IQ is a hard comparison — If you always use tripods and bright studio lighting, so can always use ISO 100, the A99 is better. But once you venture beyond ISO 400, the 5diii is better. The 5diii has a much much better AF system. But the A99 does have an articulating LCD!
I was about to say that… The DXO “scores” are nonsense… Need to look at the whole picture. If you look at the entire graph for the A99 vs the 5Diii, you see that the A99 *only* out performs the 5Diii at ISO 100..
Noise levels of the A99 are worse than the 5Diii over the entire ISO range, but they are close — But once you turn the dial over 12800, the A99 really falls apart and the 5diii takes a huge lead.
In dynamic range — The A99 is better than the 5Diii until ISO 400. From ISO 400 to 1600, it’s close. 1600 and higher, the 5Diii begins to get a significant advantage in ISO.
Color sensitivity is closer throughout, but follows the same pattern as ISO — A99 leads up to ISO 400. 400-1600, very close. Above 1600, the 5diii gets an advantage. And above 12800, the 5diii takes a huge advantage.
I like the A99, I own the A99. But objectively speaking, the 5diii is a better camera — which may partially be the reason it costs over $1,000 more. Much better high ISO performance than the A99… much better AF system, deeper buffer, etc.
“The current A99 already smokes the 5D MK III. The A99II will easily outperform the 5D MK III in resolution, colour depth, dynamic range, and Low-Light ISO,”
Actually, look at the DXOMark comparison graphs — You will see the A99 only “smokes” the 5diii below ISO 400. Once you go above ISO 400 (which isn’t exactly very high), the 5diii starts to take the lead over the A99… once you get higher, the 5diii begins to truly “smoke” the A99 in all categories.
Yes my wife has owned almost all of the NEX camera’s and they just never could compare to my A77 when using similar lenses in low light. Needless to say she got rid of them all, (she loves the A58 because it definitely produces similar results to my A77). Yes I think the 36mp A99II is most likely the spec we will see, either that or they need to improve the 24mp sensor (sensitivity) if they want anyone to agree its worth an upgrade.
My wife’s Father had a NEX and tossed it he now uses the A57, with a 50mm, and 100mm macro lens, and most of the photos he produces are simply outstanding.
‘The A850, and A99 still do all the heavy lifting, because they are still more capable camera bodies’
depends on the type of photography your are using them for and/or your abilities as a photographer.
One that earns money from objects that actually move. If I was shooting still objects or doing portraits my A7 would be perfectly fine, however we also own and use our Phase-One medium format camera for those jobs and it makes all Full Frames look dated.
I’m not sure that being able to flip up the pellicle mirror would make any significant real world improvement but would allow the SLT cameras to measure better when tested by DXO and others. This would quiet the light loss trolls, and would likely be easy to incorporate. Sony should continue to refine the image stabilization system and also allow through a menu function, a manual method to enter the focal length of manual lenses. Also, I would be willing to wait for a few (maybe more) months for the A99II release if it incorporates a new and improved sensor design.
Yes, I guess the flip up mirror is just the Astro-photographer in me and for most users, it would not help that much. I would like to know the reason Sony has not incorporated the ability to enter focal length, not sure any Sony camera’s have that ability though, I suspect some other manufactures do have this ability… ? but have not looked into it. I too will wait for the A99II.
Sony already has sensor technology that provide 5 to 10x better ISO performance than todays models. It’s being used in car back-up mirrors. The next SLT cameras will likely have better ISO performance that their competitors, by a wide margin.
When the ultra high ISO capable sensors arrive the anti-SLT lobby will lose their last argument, because SLT cameras already are faster, have better dynamic range, colour depth, more resolution, and a more effective AF systems than their competitors at the same price points.
People shot for years without IBIS, in fact they still do. If you can’t then maybe you should improve your technique. Buy an E-mount camera and put your A-mount lenses on it if you are so desperate for that third-stop of light.
Been there, done that, with almost all of the e-mounts, and it just ain’t pretty as many will agree. Sure if you have a flash or your out in the sun light, but I don’t want to use a flash and half of what I do is indoors sooooo, there ya go.
I’m just hoping for a Zeiss 35mm f/1.4, or a Zeiss 35mm f/2, so that the ancient 35mm G-Series can finally be retired.
sigma
No thanks. I only buy Zeiss.
Buying Sigma is the equivalent of owning a Porsche, and buying Walmart tires.
LOL
Buying sony “Zeiss” is like buying Wal-Mart tires at the premium cost. Sigma destroys that sony crap, its only rival iq-wise its real Zeiss, but price-wise signs destroys it as well.
ROTFL…………..
Every Sigma lens I’ve owned has fallen apart. Sigma are good for maybe one or two years, after that they fall apart. They’re not even AF-D compatible and they don’t work with the lock-on flexible focus system of the new A-Mounts, so why bother.
Pay the premium and you’ll have a lens that lasts and remains compatible for decades.
weird. i have had my sigmas for at least 2 years and have had zero issues. And they get a lot of use and I’m not gentle with them…
Wait another year. If you’re using them occasionally they might last longer than two, but if your BRWAT or Myself, and using them in the Canadian Rockies, the High Arctic, the St. Lawrence River or North Atlantic they’ll (Sigmas) tall apart in less than a year.
He only buys G-Series, and Zeiss, because all other third party lenses have failed under these conditions.
I’ve got a Sigma 24-70mm F/2.8 EX DG IF HSM that I bought back in February 2011 that is still working great.
I think you are only referring to the A99. On the A77II, flexible spot focusing appears to be working fine with my Sigma 18-35mm as well as the built in range limiter.
The newer Sigmas (the global vision lineup) really are a lot better than their older counterparts, in particular their Art and Sport lenses. The USB dock is also really useful to get the best out of your lens.
Just to throw my $0.02 in – I own a Sigma 70-200 2.8 II HSM DG, that’s been around since 2008. It’s been used heavily on my backup body (that doesnt speak well to the reliability of my primary body…lol). It’s been in -20 weather, it’s been rained on, it’s even been hit by a spiked volleyball. It’s still in good physical condition and perfect optical condition. It’s easily as good optically as my Minolta 70-200.
I dont mean to say Sigma hasn’t made some garbage in it’s day – it certainly has. But not all Sigma lenses are trash. And the new Global Vision lenses are actually made quite well.
Well, two years ago Sigma only did so-so lenses. As I remember, sigma announced their 35/1.4 Art only in November 2012, it became available for A-mount even sooner. So, I doubt if you had your hands on it.
maybe in the past… the latest sigma lenses out perform lenses that cost double to triple the amount of money.
Na a sigma is like a WRX that kicks the crap out of its exotic cars for a quater the price
I think it’s time for another rant from somebody.
Bloody hell why hasn’t Sony released all of the cameras with all of the lenses I want? I have all of the fastest lenses in the world BUT THAT ISN’T ENOUGH – I NEED MORE NOW DAMN IT!
I want to use all of my cameras with ALL of my lenses ALL of the TIME. Damn-it. If all of the other camera makers can fffing do it WHY OH WHY can’t SONY. Damn-it. F****.
And where the hell is the Barry Stacked Scrotum sensor! He gets all of his information from reliable source. F***! Bloody hell – it’s time to move to a more reliable camera maker. Damn it!
“””One major good news will come soon for Full Frame E-mount. They said “you will love it”.”””
Could this be a new fast focusing super accurate A-mount adapter either mirrorless or using A77 II focus system to replace EA2?
…or even better A, F and EF set of mount adapters with super fast AF?
Would be nice to have a stabilized adapter. Something like the EA4 but with IS.
It’s not going to happen. If you want A77II / A99II performance, and stabilization you’re going buy a real camera.
a new (smaller) fast Af adaptor for A-mount would have my attention…
First – If Canon does do a 7D Mk II with a new sensor technology, tht would be big news
Second – agree, lenses needs to be the focus
Third – Any hints?
Fourth – For me this would be a major firmware revision that fixes everything on the a7 models 🙂
Haven’t seen a lot of 54MP non bayer comments on here lately if you know what I mean. Looks like someone is taking a break.
It was never a non-bayer design, which is why the fool who indicated it was has be ridiculed for the last 12 months. The last new on the 54mp sensor was last year, and apparently the yields were horrible.
I suppose Sony could sell the few successful yields, but those cameras would probably cost well over 5K.
Yeah, I was just referring to you know who. I’m surprised with all these a mount comments he’s not chiming in.
Well, we all know he’s 100% bonkers. If the 54mp does appear its going to have to be housed in something like the A99, due to the heat it’s going to generate.
But…But….he spoke to an executive…
He heard it while “Chasing The Dragon”.
A year has passed, the manufacturing process has no doubt been improved which would result in a better and perhaps acceptable yield. Similar issues were noted and corrected with early runs of smaller sensors. Don’t be surprised to see a higher resolution sensor soon, and it won’t cost over 5K.
Guys, he passed away. Have some respect.
I hope your serious- that would be a horrible joke. How would you know this? He was just on here a few days ago.
I hope you’re not being serious! A bad joke is better than him being dead (and internet commenters will say anything so I wouldn’t be surprised if someone would make such a bad joke).
HenryJ made just such a horrible joke. I e-mailed Barry and he is fine.
Are you serious? I saw he posted something a few days ago.
Henry, how do you know this?
You’re a jack@ss, I e-mailed him – he is fine.
What is Photokina ? And what is trusted sources ?
http://www.photokina.com/en/photokina/home/index.php
What is “what”?
so… no a99s coming… im sad
i was thinking about buying an a7s, but las week i had the chance to shot with an a7, the ligth weigth of a7 bodies its great, the layout buttons are good, i like more the dial than the joystick my a99 had, i dont like the feeling of the 2 dials, the articulated screen its good but no a99, i dont care about EVF so who knows, but speaking about photos, its so slow… im sorry but it hunt too much, many times it wont get focus even after it goes from one extreme to another, plus many times green confirmation showed in focus but the photo clearly was not, maybe im spoiled by SLT, its faster and better, it may hunt sometimes but when it says its in focus… its in focus
that was the thing i dont like about the a7, missed/not accurate focus, and the reason i will not buy an a7s (aparently the a7 has the better focus from the a7 series) and wait for the a99 with that sensor
pd. i was not impressed by the colors or high ISO low noise, was normal stuff to me, but one person who had a red nikon try it and really liked, was really impressed, he cant stop prising the colors of the a7, he say may end up buying one at his trip to ny next month (because where we live its cheaper fly to ny and buy a camera + lenses, than buy it in a local store)
Its called the “A7 hangover”
I bought the A7, and after close to a year with it I have mixed feeling about it. My A99 is so much faster, has better ergonomics/button lay out. My A99 with a 28-75mm, actually outperforms my A7 with the 24-70mm f/4 Zeiss, which is embarrassing, because it’s the A99’s crappy kit lens.
It so sad.
Not true. Cheap 28-70 is kitlens.
I’m talking about the SAL2875 which came with my A99 Kit. It clearly out performs my A7 with my new Zeiss 24-70 f/4.
I strongly disagree on the focus accuracy conclusion being drawn. A7 focus with native lenses is much more accurate than A99. I tried A99 couple of times and it is just as bad as any DSLR/SLT – 10% photos wasted due to mis focus. D700 is the same. A700 is worse.
A7 with 55/1.8 no missed shots at al!
I agree that AF hunts in low light and is slow. I got used to that. I could not get used to erasing my best photos with DSLRs/SLTs due to missed focus though. That said I do use the 135/1.8 with SLT adapter and it is just the regular hit and miss SLT story there. Many sharp photos and then the best one in terms of composition and colours is Out of Focus – surprise.
I don’t know what the issue you’re having is… but I haven’t had any such issues with my A57 missing focus.
As far as I know the A99 should be better right?
It could have to do with the lenses used. (I’ve never used the 135 1.8, so I can’t speak from experience with that lens.)
It could have to do with low expectations.
Yes A99 focusing is very advanced. A57 by the way is not bad to my knowledge, it is just lower spec than A99.
Problem with all DSLR/SLT is that the focusing system makes the occasional error. This is more pronounced with lenses like 85/1.4. 135/1.8 is actually doing quite well in comparison. There are some tricks to kind of mitigate the problems of focusing systems but it is faulty to start with.
Nikon for quite some time, recent Canon and may be even A77 II use very advanced computation models to focus lenses. These cameras err much less often and much less in quantity compared to older models. Still it is quite unpleasant when they do and the photo that they messed up turns out to be the one you like best from a series of 100 pictures.
The thing is mirror-less just never errs. If there is messed up photo it is 100% operator error. The camera considers the image focused when the image is in focus – that is what it measures – how sharp the output is.
DSLRs/SLTs in contrast measure phase difference between the left and right or bottom and top ends of the rear of the lens which is indirect evidence of the lens being in focus or not. To figure out if lens needs to still be focused DSLRs/SLTs use very sophisticated mathematical models of the lens and these sometimes lead to the errors I referred before. So while A99 and A57 and even A7 with EA2 adapter is vast improvement over previous cameras the system is still far from perfect. It likely never will be perfect.
I am sad to hear that no FF A-mount is coming, especially A99II. 🙁
its being launched before, because its a revision, and not an new camera. The 400mm is going to steal its thunder.
Great to hear that. Yeah its a revision and I am very well aware of A99. Thanks!
The 400 mm has such a minuscule market at a $7k price point that I doubt it could away anything from a camera release.
Yeah like the 500mm did…oh wait….
“focus at Photokina will be on lenses”
Yeah right. The same 16-35/4 and 28-135 PZ already announced.
No the widely anticipated 35 mm Zeiss f/1.4, The 24-105mm f/4 G and the 400 mm G-Series launches, and the 135, 85, 24, 24-70, 16-35 Zeiss revisions.
And the 85mm f/2 E-Mount announcement.
Great, so no primes wider than 35mm for this system. But an other 35mm…
Bullshit. 10-18 and 16 mm available. Apart from 3rd party 10/12/14/16/…/…/…/…/…/…/…/…/…/30 mm lenses.
Jader was talking about FE system.
Wishful thinking, LU CID.
Admin, how far out of your a$$ did you pull this one; “First: This year Photokina will not be that exciting. It means that no real bigger stuff is coming from any company.”??
I did not know you worked for Canon, Pentax, Fuji, Nikon, etc. and were privy to this information.
Try to focus on removing the spam from your site others have mentioned in recent post, and focus more on SOny and less on nonsense.
Good Point!
So, there won’t be a Nikon D750, D9300, Canon 7D II, Samsung NX1?
People get excited about samsung cameras?
Yes, of course, more competitors = more choice + more innovation. I believe Samsung makes better software than Sony.
What I need from the next generation FF mirrorless camera is Eye Tracking AF (you use the eye’s pupil to set focus point), a touch screen and better OS, better face and eye recognition algorithm, a separate windows that magnify the focus point in case of manual focus and peaking, a focus bracket mode (3 pictures with 3 focal planes to ensure focus, especially when shoot high-speed object)
Sound novel huh 🙂
WTF – it’s SONY alpha rumors, he is talking to people who care about sony products! Photokina will not be exciting for Sony fans!
No, he wrote “no real bigger stuff is coming from any company”.
It’s always amazing to me how threads on a-mounts gather the most interest as gauged by the number of comments which is inversely related to Sony marketing department’s interest in promoting and developing a-mounts.
But this rumor isn’t specifically about A-mount, in fact it doesn’t even mention A-mount. But even if you’re right about A-mount threads gathering more interest, that could just be because they attract more trolls.
Technically you’re right but most of the thread is disappointment over the a99II not showing up at Photokina as for the longest time it’s been the rumored body in the pipeline. IMHO, Andrea pictured the a99II for exactly that purpose: deliver the message a-mount fans are screwed again.
Sony is launching the A99II prior to Photokina. That has already been stated multiple times. The e-trolls are out swinging hoping to get a couple of shots in before the A99II arrives.
When it launches the anti-Sony lobby is going to be extremly upset again, but they’ll have to accept the new norm, as the A99II outperforms its competition, just like the A77II has.
They’ll have to accept that they are not Sony’s premiere camera system, becuase that title, has and always will be reserved for the A-Mount.
But most importantly they’ll have to accept that the their little cameras are nothing more that CSC, designed for people with fetishes for little things.
If a colleague was thinking of a professional future in Photography, they’ve got $10k and wanted your advice re what camera system to committ to, couple of bodies, 5 – 6 lenses, flash, meter, tripod etc, a working kit – what would your advice be and what criteria would you use to form your judgement? A commitment to the support and development of the manufacturers flagship camera system would have to be up there. Your friend is looking for a long term career, 20+ years and wants to invest their dough sensibly and with an eye to the future, my advice would be to buy the best lenses you can – then a great body, lenses are the core investment, you always upgrade the body as new technology becomes avaliable, then build and evolve the system as your photo practice evolves. Nikon Canon does this, great lenses and a slow practical evolution of camera body tech, this is where Sony has let the game slip away. Not replacing and updating their A system cameras has lost them the serious end of the market, ever see a Sony being used by photojournalists? rare I’d say, why? think about it. Not comitting to an A mount system and staying with it has cost Sony its reputation in Pro circles, this is not only with the photographers but go to a Pro camera shop and ask this question, should I seriously invest in a pro Sony system? the reply will inveriably be dont do it or a contemptuous laugh – Sony isn’t taken seriously at the pro end of the market – and why should they be?
I use Sony Full Frame SLT cameras and they are simply outstanding. I converted from Canon. I have been happy, and my experience has been great. The current A99 is a joy to use, and their Zeiss lenses are simply yummy.
Sony’s Zeiss lenses designed like the 135mm, 85mm, 24mm, 24-70mm, and 16-35mm are simply outstanding. Plus they are all stabilized (in-body steady shot) which is something the competition will never have. Sony cameras are thoroughly modern, and inovative. The EVF is brilliant, and I couldn’t go back to a dated OVF.
Sony replaces its important cameras, more often than its competitors, and with technology that is both inovative, and relevant (21st Century).
The A99 is being replaced after only two years, and the A77 was replaced after being on the market for a three years.
Canon, and Nikon’s products are simply boring refreshes of antiquated technology. Their customer support is horrible, and their products are overpriced.
If I had a collegue with 10K to spend I’d tell him to buy a Sony, anything less is dated technology.
Oh come on … as yet Sony hasn’t even incorporated its 36mpxl sensor in it’s A99, Nikon has had it for a long time and has built a great functional Pro system around it and then recently released an upgraded D810. I think that speaks loudly re Sonys commitment to their A mount system, or lack of it. Sony should own the pro end rather than have its customers waiting for years and wondering when they will get such a great sensor that should have been theirs rather than seeing Nikon get the advantage.10k is a lot of dough for an aspiring photographer to commit to, I wouldn’t want to be responsible for giving them such risky advice in the face of the unpredictable way Sony acts. And where’s the evidence that the A99 is being replaced? latest news here is its going to / might happen in 2015… to long a wait I’m afraid.
The A99 24mp is more than enough for professional work. Canon users currently make due with less, and I don’t hear them whinning.
Sony has actually launched more products to support their semi-pro/pro A-Mount DSLR cameras in the last 24 months than their competition
including the 70-200mm, 70-400mm, and a 50mm Zeiss for the A-Mount in the last 24 months.
New Zeiss Primes 135mm, 85mm, and a possible 35mm are being launched by the end of the year. Plus a 24-105mm, and 400mm G-Series are rumored as well
Their new A77II is revolutionary. The rumored A88, and A99II will be likely be outstanding.
Too bad you stuck in the past.
I own the Sony CZ 135, CZ 28 -70, CZ 85mm Sony macro and use the A99, also own a RX10011 (with electronic viewfinder), tried the A7r, have owned / used a bunch of Nikons including the D800e, I sold my Nikon D300 + lenses to move to Sony, also own a Hasselblad H5D-50 with amazing 35 – 90 zoom. The Canon 5 / 6Ds were the big camera a few years back, everyone had one, they’re now the most common student camera but haven’t evolved, I’ve never been impressed with their lenses.
I think the CZ Sonys are knockout lenses both as sexy design objects and in regard to optical performance. Its the A99 body that doesnt realise their full potential, its been frustrating waiting for Sony to make a move and give the lenses the camera they deserve and an insult to see the performance edge given to Nikon after I made the move to Sony – my mistake. The A99 is a fine semi pro camera, lots of useful electro bling but it lacks the overall performance edge the bigger sensor would realise via the lenses. Its a matter of different strokes for different folks, for me resolution is what I need professionally.
The A99 MKII is going to deliver the goods. SLT speed, 36mp sensor, and allow those Zeiss lenses to really shine.
Yup, The camera that doesn’t exist is going to be all of that in your dreams. Better not wake up.
Willful = Sony Rep, You know, One of the ones not listening to us….
http://i.imgur.com/miP0LLZ.jpg
Kazuo Hirai, do you hirai us?
I don’t hear so much but I love you.
You said me the same.
What I need from the next generation FF mirrorless camera is Eye Tracking AF (you use the eye’s pupil to set focus point), a touch screen and better OS, better face and eye recognition algorithm, a separate windows that magnify the focus point in case of manual focus and peaking, a focus bracket mode (3 pictures with 3 focal planes to ensure focus, especially when shooting high-speed object)
Sound novel huh 🙂
Love the Focus Stacking idea as a feature. OLY used to have it on there digital cameras. Sony should have it on there FF. (more so on anything with the a7r sensor).
I read the title and thought they are moving the focus system of the camera to the lens. And thought that could make the focus faster on the a7 bodies better. Then logic hit.
Will the new FF E-Mount be announced during the Photokina? I’m waiting to go FF mirrorless but I do not like the current offerings from Sony, the A7 series.
Ok, I was looking forward to this year, since the Admin promised it to be the most exciting year from Sony. Now, after all i know it is a rumors site and I know a lot of mouth-watering things have to be said to keep this site going, but…this year to me turns out to be the least exciting year for a long time and I wonder if the Admin could keep feet a bit more on the ground next time.
Critisize me, but other rumor sites seem to be a bit more realistic than this and I think they have and keep their visiters too.
For those of you who don’t understand, Sony is running a business. They are doing the right thing by focusing on launching more lenses for their E mount line this year. The A7 series camera is one of the most innovative cameras on the market now. With 3 variations of this system, it is about time that Sony has decided to dedicate more resources to lenses for this line of cameras.
And I still cant figure out why people are knocking the A7 series camera. For those who are skeptics about the speed of AF, pick up the A7 (NOT the R or S versions, but the basic one), and you will be amazed at the speed and quality of the shots. BTW, I had an A7r and was not impressed…traded it in for an A7 and I’m thrilled. Now I am ready to shell out +$5k on some nice, new pieces of glass this fall! THANK YOU SONY! 🙂
My advice for all of the complainers and moaners….pick up an A7….it will be the best $1500 you will spend! Then wait patiently over the next few weeks for some fine pieces of glass! 😉
I have the A7 and have an Alpha 900. De A7 is awkward to handle compared to the A900. Big time that is. The zoom lenses available for the A7 only has an 4.0 as a start, which is why the system will not appeal to those who need or want 2.8 or faster zooms (24-70, 70-200) that are so common in all other FF systems. The construction of the A7 makes it unlikely these will even be built as they will be much heavier. Having used 80-200/2.8 on the A7 this is definitely is not a lens you can use and carry a day with the A7, while you can with an A900 as the balance is just right! Ergo: the FE-system may be perfect for certain types of photography, but certainly not for all. That is why the A99 II is desperately needed. One of the new key features being a new focus system. Just because the A900 and A99 cannot keep up with the competition.
The A900 is still a very good camera for professionals. But it was not a very good move to completely drop optical viewfinders. Don’t get me wrong, I like the A7 and the A99 but it’s not what I want to work with.
Just curious….what do you want to work with?
I prefer an optical viewfinder, it’s as simple as that. I tried an A7 EVF but I was not so convinced (half press lag). I love shooting with my A850 and most of my work is still done with a Rolleiflex 2.8F. If the shutter on the sony continues it’s work, it will be good enough for the next 3 years.
I ditched my A900 three weeks ago. I found the IQ no different than the olympus M43rd I have- which is sad. Of course, my full frame lenses are better but we’re not talking about that. Noise was less than stellar above 400 and blotchy. AF hunted like no tomorrow even on a cloudly day and intelligent preview kills shots for no reason- should have had live view. The grip is inferior to the A99 as well IMO- even the a77. I’m saying all that to say it’s a good camera but keeping it for the OVF- no way. We need an A99II.
I agree with your assessment regarding the minimal amount of fast zoom lenses available for the A7 series, but I am hoping that will change very soon, and that new, faster models will be available. I have been shooting with the Zeiss Sonnar T FE 1,8/55 lens and have been extremely impressed with the quality of this lens. My hope is that Sony/Zeiss add similar lenses of this caliber.
I’ve had no issues with handling the A7 camera, but can see how it might be an issue with an adapter and larger lenses.
It is a shame Sony are not accouncing a FF A mount looks like Nikon are upping their FF line up http://nikonrumors.com/2014/08/18/the-upcoming-full-frame-dslr-camera-will-be-called-nikon-d750.aspx/ Si
?? Which is it. Are they announcing it after Photokina..not at all? I’m loosing the rumors in the rumors.
I have no idea what Sony are doing it seems to change. It has been all E mount news then they feed in a dribble of A mount then at the last minute drop it. Si
Some are going to laugh but guess what ? I finally make the move toward film photography. I’m now an happy user of a Nikon F100. Brilliant Full Format camera.
I was tired of Sony launching something cheaper than A99. So… i kept my beloved A57 and choose to enforce my toolbox with a FF film camera.
It is sad because i thought the price of all my gear (SLT + FF film) would cover the price of a new FF A-mount camera. Maybe some day i could do something with FF digital. Too early for the moment.
I’m not laughing. I do some medium format stuff and enjoy it as well. Sometimes not having a dang screen up in your face and limited exposures puts you in the right mindset. Regardless of what people here say- I’m ok with calling that progress. If it works it works.
I feel you! But you should have bought a Minolta Maxxum 7 it’s the same mount as your Sony’s you could have used your lens with it and it’s a more advanced body than the Nikon f100 it even has off-camera wireless High speed flash! I own 2 looking to pick up another one!
“Year of the Alpha” What a Joke.
Sony never stated it was, but if it is – it includes the a7 series and it was quite a year from a7/r to a6000 to a77-2 to a7s and 5 new FE lenses. That’s a hell of a lot of releases versus the competition.
“No real bigger stuff is coming from any company”
You just lost ALL credibility on this site. Nikon is coming with the D750 and Canon is coming with the 7DII. If that’s not “Big” then nothing is. SAR tactics are now as bad as Sony’s itself.
All probably wrong. I think Sony will come out with 24 A7 bodies… A7A through A7Z and NO LENSES. LOL
oh yes we have seen the huge amount of FE lenses and a great roadmap. OH WAIT…… we didn’t.
That’s Australian Dollars Folks – $1600 USD
I just want my damnn a99II already. I’m so freaking tired of waiting. I don’t want the outdated A900 or cluster all the freaking focus points and slow dial response a99. For the love of God Sony…stop screwing around and just give me the damnn camera. Is a 36MP fast shooting, quick responsive camera that should have been out three years ago asking allot!!!!! Really, just….ah ((palm to face)….I’m freaking having a melt down over here.