But, times are a changing. The introduction of the NEX series surprised many. It's selling extremely well, in no small part due to the radical design and small footprint, not to mention the very short lens register, which allows pretty much any kind of SLR lenses to be used with adapters.
The just introduced A33 and A55 can be a game changer. Specifically, the A55 has some real features that other manufacturers haven't used in their DSLRs. Not only did Sony include 1080P video, but it's the only DSLR that provide very fast continuous phase detect AF in both video and still, thanks to the use of a translucent mirror (pellicle mirror). This mirror is fixed and does not need to be flipped up like a conventional mirror to take a picutre/video. Sure the Nikon D3100 has continuous AF in video, but uses slow contrast detect method. This will be great news for most amateur users who use the DSRL for home and casual video, where auto focus in video is important. Another surprising feature is the speed of still capture at 10 frames per second, also thanks to the pellicle mirror design. This kind of speed is unheard of in a consumer digital camera.
This camera may be the first to signal the start of electronic view finders in DSLRs. Frankly, I am not against electronic view finders, after using the G1. In fact, I prefer it for manual focus lenses. I have no doubt that in 5 year's time, the EVF will be good enough to replace the optical mirror.
I think Sony will sell a boat load of the A55, especially if image quality is good (at least better than the 7D in low ISO). I am tempted to try (buy) one.
Hotdog Stand at Union Station -- 1D IIn & EF 16-35mm f2.8L II. Click to see larger.
I'm actually seriously considering the A55 as my next digital. It's about the size of the K-x (which I like), hs comparable high ISO performance to the K-x and has the EVF which solves the one problem with the K-, the mediocre OVF which is hard to focus with in low light.
ReplyDeleteThe A55 solves the real problem I had with the G1, low-light capability. I can live without the ability to use M mount lenses.
agreed!
ReplyDeletethough the 'translucent' mirror, phase detection AF and more fps, it is the EVF which I personally find most exciting, as it hopefully will make more users aware of a it's many advantages, albeit there are some disadvantages too.
I hope for many models with great EVF, great for focusing my old MF lenses, with live histogram helping to expose them right