Sony today announced the 24.3-megapixel SLT-A65 Translucent Mirror interchangeable lens digital camera offering blazing speed, enhanced image quality, high resolution and incredible performance for advanced amateurs and photo enthusiasts.
The Sony Alpha SLT-A65 (α65) features a newly developed Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor with 24.3 effective megapixel resolution, as well as the world's first XGA OLED Tru-Finder viewfinder. The sensor teams with the next generation of Sony's BIONZ image processing engine to handle huge amounts of high speed data from the camera sensor, enabling unprecedented response times and flawless image quality with ultra-low noise when shooting still images or Full HD video.
The α65 captures a burst of full resolution, 24 megapixel images at 10 frames per second with full-time phase-detection AF. Precision AF tracking of moving subjects is more precise with the α65 due to a new 15-point autofocus system with 3 cross sensors. Tracking Focus maintains accurate focus lock on a moving subject — even if the target is momentarily obscured. Additionally, a new electronic front shutter curtain achieves a minimum release time lag of approximately 50 milliseconds, comparable to much more expensive professional-class DSLRs.
The α65 further refines Sony's acclaimed Fast Continuous AF Full HD Movie shooting, already featured on previous Sony Translucent Mirror cameras. Phase Detection maintains accurate focus during video shooting of portrait subjects, even when they're moving at fast speeds.
At the highest sensitivities, the SLT-A65 can freeze fast action or capture atmospheric low-noise shots without flash. Low ISO settings are ideal when used with a long exposure to create expressive shots, such as splashing water.
The α65 camera provides a remarkably crisp OLED Tru-Finder viewfinder, the world's first of its kind. With a 2359k dot (XGA) resolution, this precision electronic viewfinder offers a bright, highly detailed, high contrast image with 100 percent frame coverage and a wide field of view comparable to the most advanced class optical viewfinders.
However, unlike optical viewfinders, users have expansive customization capabilities through the XGA OLED Tru-Finder viewfinder and can preview the effects of adjusting exposure, white balance and other settings in real-time. Photographers can also make fine focus adjustments via a zoomed-in portion of the image.
The Smart Teleconverter displays an enlarged central portion of the image sensor, allowing compositions to be displayed clearly on the OLED viewfinder and captured as 12 megapixel images with a digital zoom factor of 1.4x or 2x.
In another first for DSLR cameras, the α65 can capture Full HD video at 60p (progressive) frame rates — incorporating the recently introduced AVCHD Progressive (Ver. 2.0) format. Also, 24p shooting is available for capturing beautiful cinematic video footage. Manual focusing and P/A/S/M exposure modes, familiar to creative filmmakers, also can provide enhanced control during video shooting.
Shooters can compose and review stills and video on the adjustable-angle three-inch Xtra Fine LCD display that offers high resolution (921k dot) and TruBlack technology for superb detail and contrast. As an extra refinement, the α65 includes a two-way adjust LCD.
Revised ergonomics include a comfortably contoured new grip design and tactile new button layout for 'eyes off' operation while viewing via the high-resolution XGA OLED Tru-Finder viewfinder.
New DT 16-50mm F2.8 SSM zoom lens
The growing range of compatible A-mount lenses now includes the quiet, bright DT 16-50mm F2.8 SSM standard zoom with 16mm wide angle coverage that's ideal for both portrait and everyday shooting.
The high-performance lens features a dust- and moisture-resistant design, and offers a zoom range of approximately 3x range at constant wide F2.8 aperture. Optical performance is assured by aspherical glass and three ED (Extra Low Dispersion) lens elements to minimize aberration at all focal lengths. An internal Super Sonic wave Motor (SSM) drive enables fast, quiet autofocus.
Pricing and Availability
The Sony SLT-A65 (α65) Translucent Mirror interchangeable lens camera will be available October 2011 in a kit with a standard 18-55mm lens (SAL1855) for $1,000, and offered as body-only for about $900.
Also announced today
Sony's Alpha SLT-A77 (α77) offers the same sensor with even more features for double the price.
See more about: Sony Cameras, Sony Alpha, Digital Cameras
