Like the SLT-A99V’s natural competitors, the Canon 5D Mark III and the Nikon D800, it’s got a full-frame sensor. In the A99V’s case it’s a 24-megapixel 35.8mm x 23.9mm sensor, so it’s slightly higher resolution than the 5D Mark III, but still leagues lower-res than the 36-megapixel D800.
So what makes this camera so special? You’ll notice the difference as soon as you pick it up. At just 733 grams it’s noticeably lighter than Nikon’s D800 and even lighter when compared to the 950g 5D MK III. It’s also smaller than both of the other cameras. If you’ve ever lugged a camera around all day, you know that makes a difference. That said, the build definitely doesn’t feel as sturdy as the Canon and Nikon cameras.
The camera also sports a sparkly new autofocus technology that uses not one but two phase-detection sensors for increased speed and accuracy when trying to lock on to a subject. Will that make a difference? We’ll have to wait to try it out — especially since the 5D’s new AF-system is so fantastic.
As for video, the A99V appears to be stacked. Unlike its competitors, it shoots 1920×1080 at up to 60 frames per second. It’s also the first pro-DSLR to have continuous autofocus while shooting video (the Canon EOS 650D also has continuous autofocus while shooting video, but it doesn’t work very well).
Many traditionalists will want to write off the Sony SLT-A99V, because unlike other full-frame cameras it doesn’t have an optical viewfinder. It also uses Sony’s proprietary translucent mirror technology instead of standard single-lens-reflex design. Yes, these facts come with potential disadvantages. Some claim translucent mirrors leak light, and you’d be hard-pressed to find a pro who doesn’t swear by an optical viewfinder. [Sony]
Sony SLT-A99V
• Price: $3500 expected RRP in Australia (body only)
• Sensor: 24.3MP, full-frame (35.8m x 23.9mm)
• Max ISO: 25,600 (stills)/ 6400 video
• Image: Up to 6000×4000 pixels
• Video: 1920×1080 24/60
• Max Drive: 6fps at full resolution
• Screen: 1.229-million dot, 3-inch LCD
• Weight: 733g (body only)
Great to see Sony competing at the full frame level. Auto-focus in video opened up to f/3.5 will surely be appreciated by videographers as well. I have absolutely no tolerance for anything but a true optical viewfinder though. (that's what moved me from a Sony Cybershot to Canon EOS in the first place)
Well, you will have to try the SLT's viewfinder before judging it.
I'm using the SLT-A55 and the digital viewfinder isn't bad. Since the A55, they've improved their viewfinder a lot and I'm sure you'll be surprised.
hi,photogpher friend, the less moving parts a camera has, the less the risks that something
will give trouble,trabslucent mirrors (SLT system) has own merits, keep in mind no camera
system is perfect, there always are pros and cons
i am 76 years old, i always used cameras of all kinds, that's why i know what i write about
dimitry from brazi,goiania,goias
email ushakovdimitry2@gmail.com
Sony are really hittin their straps now, pretty soon us Nikon/Canon users will have to sit up and take notice especially if they start releasing some decent lenses.
The Sony EVF system is astounding and almost as good as the optical finders in traditional SLR cameras-super smooth & hard to tell the difference!.
Fair call, I have had a look through the SLT-A65V viewfinder though and that was 'close but still no cigar'. Each to their own. Carl Zeis lens selection FTW though. I'm sure there would be some amazing glass in that range.
I tried using a Sony DSLR the other day in a studio using nothing but studio flashes. Under the modelling light the viewfinder was even less than useless... Is this just how they work or is there a way to get around this? I'm used to an optical view finder that has no problem in low light.
Justin, you can turn a what so call Live View Display setting Effect off, then you can see brighter subject
So why don't Sony just make a proper DSLR to directly compete with Nikon/Canon?
The A900 had a magnificent optical viewfinder. Probably the best on any FF camera? The A900 was likely a Minolta design, not Sony. Sony is an electronics company not a camera company and sees EVFs as the future. I don't think all potential buyers will agree?