While I spent quite a bit of time on the Sony NEX-6 at the Sony Store, I also briefly handled the full frame A99. Personally, I like it better than the 1D III. The only thing I don't like about the A99 is that it has too many buttons at the back. This is the extreme opposite to the NEX-5 series, which does not have enough physical buttons.
Maybe I am used to the NEX-5N's viewfinder, looking into the A99 electronic viewfinder does not remind me of a EVF. I am as comfortable looking through the Canon 1D III's 100% optical viewfinder as with the A99's EVF. In many ways, I prefer the EVF, which contains much more information and is more dynamic.
What impresses me the most is the AF capabilities, specifically, the accuracy. The A99 I was looking at had a 50mm f1.4 lens attached to it. I shot some frames at f1.4 and the focus was quick and spot on. Even on the 1D III, this is not always the case.
Since I had never handled a Sony DSLR with Translucent mirror before, the A99 really changed my perception of Sony DLSRs. I wish Sony would make a scaled down version of the full frame camera, like A77, but with a full frame sensor and the A99 focus system, but minus the enhanced video features, and price it the same as the Canon 6D or Nikon D600, it would be a camera a lot of people would buy. I feel that Sony should deserve more credit, for it has done more than Nikon and Canon in terms of innovation in the camera industry. Unlike the conservative Canon, Sony is not afraid to try new things.
Sonic Bike Shop - NEX-5N & Contax Carl Zeiss Distagon 35mm f2.8
I must admit ... I looked eagerly at the SLT-A37. Its like a NEX5 with electronic viewfinder (no horizon), comfortly small, IQ should be between NEX-5 and NEX-5N, included shake reduction for my AF lenses Minolta 50mm f1.7 and Sigma 90mm f2.8 macro (and some more dumb Minolta stuff which I could get hold of). If only that plastic feeling would go away! I am not sure wheter Sony did the right decision dropping the classic DSLR line (without translucent mirror).
ReplyDeleteCheck out the A99. It's a wonderful camera to hold and it feels like, well, a real camera! If I don't already have so many Canon lenses, I would be extremely tempted, but this could be my second DSLR :)
DeleteThe A99 is a bit overpriced, I checked some shots at lenstip.com and had the feeling the shots were not clean ... a milk mirror ... in front of a superb machine (i am just talking of my feeling and never had the camera in hands). Is it really so fine built like A850?
ReplyDeleteYou-Lin ... its suspicious you never even mentioned the new Nikon FF models. Reservations? Incompatible with your lens sets? I find ... theses days the real big bang goes to the Nikon D600. Can A99 keep up with D600 having implemented doubtable mirror? The Nikon marketing department deserves credits offering a well priced FF camera to camera enthusiasts. Were they kicking their competitors from the market?
I agree with you that the translucent mirror is not ideal in terms of image quality it affects, but I think it shouldn't be so bad in lower ISO settings. The A99 has similar built as the A900.
DeleteFor some strange reason, I am not a Nikon person. I have used briefly some Nikon bodies and lenses, but never seem to warm to them. The D600 is much better spec'd than the Canon 6D. If I had to choose I would go with the D600. Only if I don't already have so many Canon lenses...
Addition: I bought the SLT-A37 and I must admit. It is very very good. All my Minolta lenses work out fine and Sony has really done a great engeneering job constructing this new SLT Line.
ReplyDeleteCongrats! Hope you enjoy the A37. I am still undecided :)
DeleteOne portrait to demonstrate how powerful the litte SLT-A37 is: old Minolta 50mm f1.7 AF lens @2.5.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.ihobs.de/tmp/lidija_set1/images/fullsize/DSC02500-1.JPG
What do we need more ... on NEX-5 I would have missed focus or had waggled.
Stunningly beautiful, both the subject and the picture!
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