Todays Stockholm Sony surprise event is for the A68 launch. As reported by SAR in these days the E-mount stuff will likely be announced in another separate event coming sometimes between mid and end November.
Thomas Ludwig from Cosyspeed sent me those images of the A68 displayed at Salon De La Photo. He also told me he can give you a free ticket if you contact him at info@cosyspeed.com. Chassimages also posted many photos from the Sony booth. And there is plenty of A-mount stuff to see (finally!).
And now stay tuned for the next E-mount lens and camera rumors! There could be some surprise 😉
136 Responses
Body parts are definitely the ones of A77II, with joystick replaced with the wheel and different display swivel.
That means, the A68 has a magnesium body like the A77II?
A77II only has back part mag allow A77 mk I was front and back mag alloy
Someone was right when the said reuse the injection mould from the A77 they’re saving money but oddly go for a top LCD and skimp on the cheap mount, low res LCD and poor swivel. I fail to see the attraction of this model
I wonder if this has been one of the last iterations of SLT stuff already been in the pipe. They are not pushing A-Mount any more, only get rid of the remaining corpses.
Meh, Barry already ate a hat on such controversies.
I very much doubt it given that Sony has said that they were still working on A mount cameras…
LOL! Anti-climax strikes again.
Hoping against hope that Sony didn’t drum up a mofo “surprise” for that extremely underwhelming A68
It’s a solid entry-level camera.
What exactly means “plenty”
It means ‘in great or sufficent quantity’.
I think “more than sufficient amount” would be more adequate, even though many dictionaries say “sufficient amount”.
Big surprise!
I agree it being a solid entry level SLT.
Although I wouldn’t the low res EVF, however it is seemingly the same than in the A6000.
What I cannot understand is the dsplay being 460k only.
Even if entry level – at this price point 920k shall be standard.
Samsung would definitely put there a curved 4K 3D 55 inch screen.
These days it would appear to be that Samsung wouldn’t be putting even a camera to go with that screen.
Then they’ll put it on a washing machine.
I have some problems with using the word “solid” on a body with plastic mount.
“Solid” isn’t meant compared to all cameras – just compared to other entry level.
And also considered the features and functionalities.
The features a rich for an entry-level camera. Especially compared to the Canon Rebels and Nikon D3X00 line.
Compared to the metal-mount of the cheap Canikons, I expect the A68′ plastic mount to be rather wobbly, but not solid.
Had Sony A58 with plastic mount, it’s alright to be honest. But because its plastic you’ll always be extra careful…
Indeed! It is a shame that Sony missed another opportunity, here, but I think it also demonstrates their lack of Investment into the future of the A-Mount. And why should they invest in it? With A-Mount lenses auto-focusing on E-Mount cameras with the adapter, why buy an A-Mount SLT?
Most people who buy the entry level stuff only buy 1 or 2 lenses and usually end up with the one with the largest zoom stuck on them in the cupboard.
A plastic mount isn’t that big of an issue
That LCD on top of the camera is immeasurably useful for any camera. I wonder why it isn’t used on a7 or RX1, because even if you give a bit more space and even have just essential exposure info, not looking at the screen just to check where you at with exposure makes things feel a bit more organic. Very close to looking at your shutter speed and aperture dials in older cams (or Leica m or Nikon df)
Well, on A77II I shoot most of the time with my screen turned away, so this display is really nice to have.
Though I think the only reason it appeared in A6X line at all is Sony reusing the A77II body parts.
The A77 II Body is made of metal, the A68 is plastic. So how can they use A77II parts for the A68 ??
reuse injection-mold?
no need to re-construct a new housing?
All I see on A77II seems plastic to me. Maybe frame is metal?
Do you ever have a A77 II in your hands`?
Mine is just here, what about you?
You wonder that they dont use LCD on Top Screen at RX1 ? Really ???
“immeasurably useful”? This again goes to personal ways of working.
I’ve always been aware of the settings of my camera and an immediate glance at the viewfinder when I bring it to my eye confirms things, so I have barely ever used the top LCD. I suspect that many people are the same. Sony might think it a sensible money and power saving option to leave it off.
Money saving, yeah. It’s nice to have it, though. When I had my Canon and Nikon cams, the LCD was the first thing I looked at to see my settings. Sony does have this option on the screen (say, the RX1) where the back screen would display only data, and you can look through the EVF to compose and shoot, but the time it takes to show this data feels too slow compared to a simple LCD on top.
Also, LCD on top is always visible when you hang your camera, unless your camera hangs at an odd angle.
Nice to have is not essential, right ? Canon and Nikon cameras have optical viewfinders thus can one see all the settings through them ? This could explain the settings LCD on the right side of these cameras.
I think that the Sony set-up is smart, un-cluttered and well implemented in a way that “less is more” but of course this may not suit everyone especially ex-Canikon photographers who may have to change their habits to adapt to a different camera.
I would like to see a round OLED display on top of the rotary-dials, that shows you the information you can change with the dial 🙂
=> you can read it in the dark
=> works with TriNavi when functions of dials change
=> works if settings are changed by remote app
On bodies of A7-size there is only on the left side some space for a LCD/OLED display, but I personally would prefer to have another rotary dial here.
Yeah, I’d like that too.
Yeah, add some OLED display to the lenses (like Batis) and we will finally manage to bring the battery life down to mirrorless levels. Great!
So pessimistic.
Yes, sorry for that. But I couldn’t resist, because for pure information displays, no one needs power hungry OLED displays. LCD (with optional backlighting on demand) is totally sufficient. So I dont like OLED displays at all.
That’s the way I like it: :DD
OLED is more energy efficient since black dots are off, consuming no energy, while on standard LCD screens, black is still on. This is why many smartphones use OLED to counter battery hungry processors and apps.
This will be done in the LittleCam-phantasy future, when the animalsbybarry-3000-shots battery exist 🙂
Why should Sony install such LCD on the A7 and RX1 series cameras whilst we have all the exposure information on the top and bottom of the picture when viewed either from the back LCD or through the viewfinder ? I really don’t understand…
No question, physical dails are still the best in usability. With a shutter speed and aperture dail, you even don’t need a mode dail anymore.
But where do you want to place an LCD on top of the RX1?
Not in current design. But a smal 1.5×1.5 screen is doable with just alphanumeric characters, as if like a watch. Hardly expensive, can be back-lit and easily readable.
And what Infos do you want to read on this unuseful Display?
Basic. Aperture+SS+ISO+Frames Left+Battery
There are 4 components:
– EV compensation
– Shutter-speed
– Aperture
– ISO
At least 3 of them can be set manually, the 4th is the resulting (auto) value.
So I want to have at least 3 dials
on top of the evf thing 🙂
they are useful, you can check settings, dial in settings without bring camera to eye or being so obvious, works in all light/doesnt blind you in darkness.
phyiscal way which worked for leica is shutter speed dial, aperture on lens, focus tab, you can pre set them all once you know the feel of the camera 🙂
Well black friday comes and i really wanted to see the new a6100. To make a decision as to by a6000 or wait for a6100 release 🙁
Any live streams of this event planned?
When I saw that A68 pic at the Salon De La Photo show in Paris, I inmediatly knew that the surprise for today was not having any surprise at all.
That’s just cheap marketing stratategy to keep the buzz around Sony.
Am I missing something here? The one element of the A99 that I would really like in the A7 series (not dual cards, not a bigger battery, not the bigger body) is the fully articulated screen, rather than the ‘up down’ version.
I haven’t heard of any issues with the A99 screen and don’t see why it isn’t unversal in Sony cameras. Can someone tell me if I’m wrong?
I think it’s because of size.
GH-4 solution costs some mm on the left side that you miss in screen-size
A5000 flip up 180° does not work if an EVF is on top
A99 solution makes the body overall a few mm thicker because there is more mechanic – and likely more expensive.
I don’t think it should be that hard to keep it the same size; I don’t recall the A99 screen being bulky at all.
As to cost, again, I can’t see it being significantly greater as we are talking about a cable, rather than a ribbon, and a bi-directional swivel, rather than a hinge; everything else would remain the same.
Of course, if it adds $10 to production for each body then it does add up, but I think it would be worth it if they passed that on to the final price.
A99 solution is probably 2mm thicker than A7 ones. On a body big as A99 that does not matter at all. On A7 it is different:
If you read comments here in SAR and other platforms, the A7ii is regarded to be bulky whereas A7 is not. I mean: Except of the deeper grip the A7ii housing is only 3-4mm thicker because of IBIS mechanic. Imagine the whining when additional 2mm are added because of A99 swivel mechanic.
For me personal, this additional 2mm doesn’t make the body “bulky”, but I would welcome the “selfie” feature very much.
I sincerely hope Sony does not go the fully articulated LCD screen on the A7 series cameras. I’d rather have a stacked BSI sensor…
I would not like a fully articulated screen on the A7 series because these are much more fragile than the up/down version. More complex assemblies lead to higher potential for failures… and this is precisely what I’d like to avoid as it could ruin a travel photo shoot.
http://www.pentaxforums.com/articles/pentax-news-rumors/pentax-full-frame-to-be-named-k-1.html
Why do Sony SLTs always have to be lacking something important. I would have liked to see an improved EVF, a larger, higher resulution screen and a battery grip. OK, it would have been dangerously close to the A77II, then, but differentiation could have been via sensor resolution. Hardly any APS-C lens can resolve more than 20MP. Anyway, I am waiting to see what will replace the A6000.
I do not understand your complaints at all
I you have enough money you can buy the A77II; this camera has better hardware, some more functionality and better specs.
If that is to expensive for you then you can buy the cheaper A68. As it should cost only 600 USD you cannot expect to have better EVF, higher resolution screen, battery grip, etc.
People nowadays always want more and more (and are not willing to pay for it)
True, you can’t have everything for $600, but I think what really grates is that this camera has an inferior EVF (smaller) and screen to older models such as the A57.
It is marketed to “demanding amateur photographers”, but I think that target market will be disappointed with the EVF and screen.
But it does have the same EVF and screen as the A58, the camera it’s supposed to be replacing.
And the A58 was considered to be a major step down from the A57. The only thing that was better was the sensor. The screen, pivot, and frame rate were all serious steps backward.
As an upgrade from the A57, the A58 was a flop. If Sony had labeled it A38 or A48 it might have been received better.
If the A68 is considered as an update to the A65, it takes too many steps backward. If it is viewed as an upgrade to the A58, then it makes more sense.
The differentiation is also a smaller camera, the A65 atleast is a fair ammount smaller than A77. Im guessing not everyone likes the size of 77/99 cameras.. some may actually like a smaller quality camera. Atleast have a really good EVF and the same kind of tiltable screen as the 77 have on the smaller model, and also water resistance or whatever you call it.
There could of course be two (of the smaller) models, one budget friendly.. and one more high-end with better materials and weatherproof seals, better tiltable screen, better EVF magnification etc.
True but I at least need a bigger camera as I have big lenses.
‘Surprise’ ? That’s the most underwhelming surprise they could have come up with. Surprise we released something we already announced. Maybe the word got lost in translation. Considering the E mount lenses were rumored to be announced last month I’m no longer holding my breath on rumors.
Sony as a corporate needs a proper dictionary to help them define the term “SURPRISE”.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RB2GboGOuTI
Errrmm…. the fact that a announced surprise is no surprise at all, is quite surprising. o-O
Damn, that is an ugly camera. Wow.
Ever seen a DSLR style camera thats not freaking ugly?
http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lteij9Pdnf1qzt1ogo1_400.png
That hurts my eyes… 🙂
Hello Kitty – version?
Actually this is best color for a DSLR:
people automatically smile when they see it ^^
I believe it is your camera, right ? I prefer black or metal but I may be a conformist though… Now I agree that some people have different inclinations wrt colors. Enjoy it and get those smiles out !
Probably. 🙂
During the last Photokina 14 at the nikon stand I saw a chinese man with his three daughters (triplets), and each of them had a nikon 1, one red, one grey and one pink.
There the colors helped to distinguish the three girls – maybe also for the father. 🙂
Smile? I think you mean laugh. At the camera AND the person wielding it.
Pentax Surprise version.
Dammit. I love pink.
It’s nice…. Reminds me of the Pussy Wagon in Kill Bill.
TAKE THIS!
http://nikonrumors.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/red-nikon-d3100-dslr-camera4.jpg
EOS 5D (first model)
I mean it’s not the pinnacle of camera design in general, but it’s the only DSLR that comes in mind, that is not freaking ugly.
Fin DSLR were nice to look at. Those plastic rubber bodies of the 90s and later are just a pain to look at. ALL!
Maybe the Leica R9+DMR
A900 deserves a special place as it’s so ugly in a very special way, it’s actually quite beautiful. Like the Apache helicopter.
DSLR style cameras which are beautiful:
-Canon EOS 5Dm3 and 5DS, they are quite beautiful.
-Canon 1D series, I like them.
-Sony A99, probably the best looking DSLR by anyone.
-Sony A77
-Leica S
And some AF 35mm SLR which are quite beautiful:
-Minolta 9000
-Minolta 9xi
-Canon EOS 1V
-Nikon F4 gets a special prize too for being as ugly and beautiful at the same time as A900
Where are the camera designers from the 50s, 60s, 70s, and 80s? Are they all dead already?
Maybe one of these guys still worked for Leica in recent years. But after the SL release, i fear he is dead too.
LMFAO hahaha
Old/classic styled cameras are really ugly. :
They are working for Fuji.
clickbait clickbait clickbait clickbait fak yeaaaaaaaaaah
Told ya
Nothing to see here. Please move on
Surprise! YAY!!
Finally! What an amazing surprising further development of the A65 during the last four years after its appearance!
There’s a very special Sony camera featured at Fotomässan in Stockholm: The RX1R that was used in the new 007 Spectre Movie. It has a 007 logo engraved and is actioned out at Fotomässan, the money goes to charity.
http://sthlm.fotomassan.se/aktuellt/kameran-kan-bli-din-sony-auktionerar-kamera-dar-pengarna-oavkortat-gar-till-valgorenhet
And what about the price?
$600. Why do you ask? I mean, why on earth would a D800 guy consider a A68 with plastic mount?
Maybe I want something to work natively with my vintage minolta AF glasses?
Get a used A900. :DD
Why would a condor care about cameras instead of carrion ?
Why on earth would a H5 guy consider a D800 with a tiny full frame sensor?
Sony told us A-Mount should remain as semi-pro equipment with A99(x) and A77(x), so this is their answer? A camera positioned below the A77II?
Any other news form the event?
you know that money I’ve been saving for the past 2 years to upgrade my 77 to a 99? It’s going to canon
I saw the film and saw not one Sony gadget with the exception of an older Sony-Ericsson phone. After that, Bond’s TV must have been Sony, but didn’t notice other branding.
Wake me up when they changed to an actor that feels more like bond. 🙁
well the next Bond is apparently black so you may be waiting a long time
Daniel Crieg is a refreshing bond. The times change, you know?
I think he would have been better suited to play the villain.. but thats just my opinion 🙂
I’m not exactly sure the purpose of this camera.
They need a DSLR like camera to sell at this price point to compete against canon and nikon at walmart, best buy etc……. It’s a retail camera, not really for professionals or enthusiasts. The a6000 fits the bill, but not in the eyes of the consumer.
So Admin – tell me – when you said we have surprise and that surprise is not A68 – what were you thinking? Why you have to always lure people and lie, just to get traffic? Take a look at Fuji rumor site – they don’t do tricks like that and yet have a good traffic and much better trusty reputation.
My suspicion from last week before the announcement is true. Why skim on plastic mount on a68? What’s a disgrace. What happens to A-mount going to be a premium line? They should fire whoever approved such a stupid logic. They said they listen to customers? A68 going to be a $300 camera in 3 months after its debut for sure.
Exactly! Look at the CaNikon cameras in that price range, that is what Sony will be competing with, not the A77ii or a6000.
Why do they release this budget camera?????
Why not?
If you don’t want to go mirrorless – the best decision you can make.
YES!!!!!!! It’s coming!!!!!! A6100 and A7000!!!!!!! http://www.dpreview.com/forums…
Yeah baby! Oh yeah!!!!!
Gotta tell you that I am getting fed up with Sony. My a900 is long in the tooth, it can’t focus on an object coming towards the camera, and it cannot focus fast enough on a water polo game. If I could afford a D1x I would switch in a minute. The only saving grace is the a77ii which I may pick up used when I have a chance. The E system is pretty useless when it comes to sports like water polo and other sports that need quick focusing. The only thing an E system is good for is low light shooting, which the a900 is ABSYMAL at.
Is it, though? The A58 was priced lower at launch and I would have expected a replacement to stay as an A5x series model.
I hear you there! I have an a99, and have been waiting for over 2 years for the updated version to come out. Sony needs to stop F@#King around with all this e-mount stuff and release a new flagship ( in a-mount)
Vote up if you are considering switching to cannon or Nikon, because Sony has been dragging their feet on releasing a replacement for the a99
I voted 3 years ago. a68 body design looks very appealing so far. Love the live view implementation on Sony, but went for 5Dmk3 for event and studio work. Sony lacks flashes that could work reliably and low light AF ability/speed.
HA!
Now I know why Sony introduced the A68 in Sweden:
They hope for the Stockholm-syndrome, that after some time people get sympathy with this hated object!
I don’t claim that I know all people’s preferences but I fail to see how this is a better choice than an a6000
It’s a better choice if you own a bunch of A-mount glass. And A68’s AF is be faster with that lenses as A7Rii and A6100 and A7000 is.
and that’s about it… if you are new to sony there is exactly zero reasons to go A-mount, so the sales of A-mount bodies is destined to drop. I think that’s the main reason Sony abandoning the A-mount ship.
I largely agree. One area the E line is still suffering, though, is the lens selection, especially APS-C. The (A-mount) DT 16-50mm f/2.8, for example, is probably the the best crop mid-range zoom in the industry right now, and E-mount doesn’t have anything even remotely similar to offer. Yeah, you can buy the A-mount adapter to use it on the E-mount, but then that’s another $340+ for the adapter (on top of the price of the lens) if you want reasonable AF performance.
Nonsense
If you have the reasons, I would love to hear them. As I said in my first post I don’t know anything about other people’s preferences. I just can’t find a good reason to switch from any other DSLR or a compact to an A body (instead of E).
Actually I still have the good ol’ NEX5.
In black.
But I paint my nose in pink – people grin the same (<",)
Beautiful photos comes from cheapo body too. Lens is much more important too. People buy A99, than puts crap glass on it. What the purpose. Get A68 and put a better lens on it. Your photos will be better (in therms of optical quality) – now if you are a crap photographer even most expensive Leica will not help you!
Ya guys are so exited to troll on Sony. The problem is there are so many trolls in here that actually it might bring some damage to Sony …. but hopefully people can make their own choices.
I am going to buy this camera, even most of my gear tend to be top pro bodies. It is cheap, perfect for point and shoot. As backup body for an event it is top cool. I shoot with A99 as main cameras, then this one can have yet another range of focal lens on it. Integrates well also with it size and look into my gear range, yet ergonomics are comparable to A99.
When I shoot with A99 then want to use A6000, for a shot with another focal length, that camera switch looks odd to people. what? why so tiny cam on my event?
You forget people are not all photographers!
So yeah this A68, with it quick focus ability, this is all perfect. Then when A99II show up I tell you this is going to be a photo-gear-bomb of the year.
Cheers trolls & cheers to all Sony lovers and supporters.
For shure, magnesium body and plastic bayonet.