Photo sharing: Sony Alpha

[HPS3]

Hamilton, check out my shots with the OMD on the mirrorless thread.

 

[Hockeyman]

So the A-mount lenses are compatible, but you need to buy new lenses to take full advantage of the A99? Is that right or is it just to use the AF-D?

I too was thinking about the A77. Looks like a great camera but is it a big enough step up from the A55? I read that the A77 is a little worse in low light that the A55.

All the old lenses will work but they wont be compatible with the dual focus feature. Some of the higher end lenses are compatible and others may be over time with firmware updates I believe.

Ive been debating with myself on whether its worth the upgrade from the A55 to the A77 but think I have sold myself on it

Check out this side by side comparison, I look at this as more of a guideline since great specs sometimes dont equate to a great final picture. A few features that do jump out to me that I like on the A77 are the 24p Video, weather sealed, more focus points, 12fps, OLED view finder and the battery can get almost twice as many shots as the A55. So for me it would be worth upgrading to these better features alone. Ive also read the same about the low light problem but thought I read it was a little better after the firmware update. There also is another update for it tomorrow but not sure what it will all include. Ive seen some really impressive shots with the A77 looking around Flickr also that has sold me on the camera when I did have doubts.

http://snapsort.com/compare/Sony-A77-vs-Sony_SLT-A55

 

[ukstitch]

I'm really looking forward to the A99 - I've had mine on order since some point in the first week after the announcement. I'm upgrading from the A55 which I've had pretty much since it came out. As my interest in photography has grown, I made the decision somewhere along the line to upgrade to a full frame as I love shooting without flash where possible so the reduced noise is a big bonus for me.

I'd managed to build up a nice little collection of full frame lenses without really realising it / trying to (I basically bought up a few old minolta lenses from ebay to try to upgrade my original kit standard lenses on a relative shoestring).
I also managed to pick up a Sony 28 - 75 last night for about $480 - here in the UK that lens goes for about $800 and even the tamron version (which isn't AF-D compatible or SAM auto focus) is about $500. I love my current Tamron 16-50, so replacing it with a fullframe version was a must for me. Managing to afford a sony 28-75 with the AF-D is a huge plus in my book, as I'd kind of assumed I'd struggle to afford anything that works with that feature

The last lens I want is a full frame compatible wide angle - probably the Minolta 17-35 (2.8-4) which can be had reasonably cheaply.

Luckily for me my fiancee is pretty understanding about my photography hobby so it wasn't too tricky getting the expense approved either

 

[BigGreen73]

All the old lenses will work but they wont be compatible with the dual focus feature. Some of the higher end lenses are compatible and others may be over time with firmware updates I believe.

Ive been debating with myself on whether its worth the upgrade from the A55 to the A77 but think I have sold myself on it

Check out this side by side comparison, I look at this as more of a guideline since great specs sometimes dont equate to a great final picture. A few features that do jump out to me that I like on the A77 are the 24p Video, weather sealed, more focus points, 12fps, OLED view finder and the battery can get almost twice as many shots as the A55. So for me it would be worth upgrading to these better features alone. Ive also read the same about the low light problem but thought I read it was a little better after the firmware update. There also is another update for it tomorrow but not sure what it will all include. Ive seen some really impressive shots with the A77 looking around Flickr also that has sold me on the camera when I did have doubts.

http://snapsort.com/compare/Sony-A77-vs-Sony_SLT-A55

Thanks for the link. Just checked it out. The same points that you make are the same points that I am thinking of going to the next level. Whether it be the A77 or the A99. I want to have something that does well in low light at least as good as what the A55 can do. During our recent trip, I used the A55 in jpeg to take pics of Lion King show, Nemo musical, and on some rides. Used ISO 1600-6400 and the pics came out way better than expected. I think the pics are excellent up to ISO 800, good up to 3200 and even up to 6400. Seems like the A77 is at least on par with that.

Another thing is I would live to get a battery grip. The A77 has one available and with more shots per change and two batteries that shouldbe more than enough for a days shooting. I already have 3 batteries for the A55 and I needed them during our recent trip. Many days I almost exhausted all 3? Oh yeah, and there's that price point of $1300 for A77 vs. $2800 for the A99 too.

 

[Hockeyman]

I'm really looking forward to the A99 - I've had mine on order since some point in the first week after the announcement. I'm upgrading from the A55 which I've had pretty much since it came out. As my interest in photography has grown, I made the decision somewhere along the line to upgrade to a full frame as I love shooting without flash where possible so the reduced noise is a big bonus for me.

I'd managed to build up a nice little collection of full frame lenses without really realising it / trying to (I basically bought up a few old minolta lenses from ebay to try to upgrade my original kit standard lenses on a relative shoestring).
I also managed to pick up a Sony 28 - 75 last night for about $480 - here in the UK that lens goes for about $800 and even the tamron version (which isn't AF-D compatible or SAM auto focus) is about $500. I love my current Tamron 16-50, so replacing it with a fullframe version was a must for me. Managing to afford a sony 28-75 with the AF-D is a huge plus in my book, as I'd kind of assumed I'd struggle to afford anything that works with that feature

The last lens I want is a full frame compatible wide angle - probably the Minolta 17-35 (2.8-4) which can be had reasonably cheaply.

Luckily for me my fiancee is pretty understanding about my photography hobby so it wasn't too tricky getting the expense approved either

Im looking forward to seeing some of the pictures you take with the A99

 

[Hockeyman]

Thanks for the link. Just checked it out. The same points that you make are the same points that I am thinking of going to the next level. Whether it be the A77 or the A99. I want to have something that does well in low light at least as good as what the A55 can do. During our recent trip, I used the A55 in jpeg to take pics of Lion King show, Nemo musical, and on some rides. Used ISO 1600-6400 and the pics came out way better than expected. I think the pics are excellent up to ISO 800, good up to 3200 and even up to 6400. Seems like the A77 is at least on par with that.

Another thing is I would live to get a battery grip. The A77 has one available and with more shots per change and two batteries that shouldbe more than enough for a days shooting. I already have 3 batteries for the A55 and I needed them during our recent trip. Many days I almost exhausted all 3? Oh yeah, and there's that price point of $1300 for A77 vs. $2800 for the A99 too.

You know, I don't ever think to put the camera in JPEG mode in low light situations. Do you notice a difference shooting in low light between JPEG and RAW?

I usually bring 3 batteries also but will end up going thru about 1-1/2 through out the day shooting at the parks. Since we have little ones we usually break in the afternoon so they can rest and also gives me a chance to recharge the batteries lol. I picked the 2 extra batteries on Amazon for like $10 each and they have worked fantastic.

Here are some Flickr pages for some A77 shooters if you want to see how it holds up in low light and other areas. Some impressive shots between the 3 of them.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/_code_/7160455102/in/photostream/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/phelpsm1/page2/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/wattsbw2004/

 

[BigGreen73]

Yeah, I really think I am leaning towards the A99. I really want a full frame camera. Starting to get teh funds together. I may not have any AF-D lenses, but I have a bunch of Sony lenses that should work nicely. I think the A99 will make them even better.

Here's hoping that I can get the $$$ together to give myself a very nice B-day present in January!!

 

[havoc315]

orchards-50.jpg by Havoc315, on Flickr

 

[BigGreen73]

You know, I don't ever think to put the camera in JPEG mode in low light situations. Do you notice a difference shooting in low light between JPEG and RAW?

I usually bring 3 batteries also but will end up going thru about 1-1/2 through out the day shooting at the parks. Since we have little ones we usually break in the afternoon so they can rest and also gives me a chance to recharge the batteries lol. I picked the 2 extra batteries on Amazon for like $10 each and they have worked fantastic.

Here are some Flickr pages for some A77 shooters if you want to see how it holds up in low light and other areas. Some impressive shots between the 3 of them.


The Bride of the Haunted Mansion by BigGreen73

 

[BigGreen73]

One more low light Jpeg


Fantasmic snake by BigGreen73, on Flickr

With the A55, many reviews stated that there is not a lot of difference in what is captured via Jpeg vs Raw. I have noticed that in quite a few cases. Even for the few Raw files that I have done, unless I want to get creative, I don't make too many changes.

When I get my A99, crossing my fingers, I will be investing in a good software editor at that time.

 

[johamna]

Waiting for the A99 to ship has been gruesome! I'm headed to Adorama today after to work to check out and, hopefully, pick up a barely used 24-70 CZ.

We have a shoot for And 1 coming up and I'm hoping I can sit sideline (literally?) and shoot some B-Roll with it.


Animal Kingdom: Station to Everest by Hamilton!, on Flickr

 

[HPS3]

Hamilton, I cant wait to see these A99 shots and the And 1 shoot sounds awesome. You'll be able to test out that new C-AF. Why did you buy the A99 over the D600 just out of curiosity? I dont know what way I would have gone. If I was going FF it would be Nikon especially for their CLS. Nikon's flash metering is AWESOME! Flash on my mirrorless cameras has been terrible compared to my D5100 and SB600.

 

[johamna]

Hamilton, I cant wait to see these A99 shots and the And 1 shoot sounds awesome. You'll be able to test out that new C-AF. Why did you buy the A99 over the D600 just out of curiosity? I dont know what way I would have gone. If I was going FF it would be Nikon especially for their CLS. Nikon's flash metering is AWESOME! Flash on my mirrorless cameras has been terrible compared to my D5100 and SB600.

I went back and forth, Harry, and even considered both the D800 and 5DMIII alongside the D600, but ultimately I was lured back to Sony. Some of the reasons for this are:

Better Video: Against the D600/D800, this was an absolute no brainer. I intend to put a lot more effort into video, going forward, and right now the A99 has positioned itself as a big player. 1080@60P is something that none of the other cameras offer and with that big sensor makes quite a difference. PDAF is an amazing feature for filming, as well.

EVF: Shooting with the NEX-7 has utterly ruined me. Having the histogram right there in the viewfinder along with a usable live view means I get the shot I want, when I want. Being able to preview the DoF right there alongside my exposure is excellent, too. It's nice not having to take the first confirmation shot before getting to work -- I can dig right in.

Articulating LCD: This is huge. One of the things I didn't think would be a factor when buying the NEX-7 was the pop-out screen. After shooting with it for months, I don't think I could go back a glued-in LCD. Low, high, to the side -- it doesn't matter, I can always see my shot and not have to twist and turn my torso.

Forward Thinking: This is a bit more philosophical, but as a designer/developer that loves pushing the limits of my clients' comfort zone, I am loving what Sony has been doing for the past couple of years. They're embracing technology and putting it inside their gear at breakneck speeds. This is not to say that Canon and Nikon play it safe, but they're certainly a bit more conservative. I've been wowed by Sony a lot recently and look forward to what they'll provide me with next.

Now let me get to that And 1 shoot and so some justice!

 

[HPS3]

I went back and forth, Harry, and even considered both the D800 and 5DMIII alongside the D600, but ultimately I was lured back to Sony. Some of the reasons for this are:

Better Video: Against the D600/D800, this was an absolute no brainer. I intend to put a lot more effort into video, going forward, and right now the A99 has positioned itself as a big player. 1080@60P is something that none of the other cameras offer and with that big sensor makes quite a difference. PDAF is an amazing feature for filming, as well.

EVF: Shooting with the NEX-7 has utterly ruined me. Having the histogram right there in the viewfinder along with a usable live view means I get the shot I want, when I want. Being able to preview the DoF right there alongside my exposure is excellent, too. It's nice not having to take the first confirmation shot before getting to work -- I can dig right in.

Articulating LCD: This is huge. One of the things I didn't think would be a factor when buying the NEX-7 was the pop-out screen. After shooting with it for months, I don't think I could go back a glued-in LCD. Low, high, to the side -- it doesn't matter, I can always see my shot and not have to twist and turn my torso.

Forward Thinking: This is a bit more philosophical, but as a designer/developer that loves pushing the limits of my clients' comfort zone, I am loving what Sony has been doing for the past couple of years. They're embracing technology and putting it inside their gear at breakneck speeds. This is not to say that Canon and Nikon play it safe, but they're certainly a bit more conservative. I've been wowed by Sony a lot recently and look forward to what they'll provide me with next.

Now let me get to that And 1 shoot and so some justice!

I agree with all of the above. I definitely think the A99 is a video machine. I also don't think I can go back to OVFs. I love love love the EVF. To see if I clip highlights or shadows before the shot is priceless. I don't miss reading the meter and having to retake the shot because the exposure was off by a stop or two.

I'm hoping that Sony will come out with a FF Nex in the $2000 price range with a CDAF/PDAF fast focus system. Enjoy that DOF control.

 

[Hockeyman]

The Bride of the Haunted Mansion by BigGreen73

With the A55, many reviews stated that there is not a lot of difference in what is captured via Jpeg vs Raw. I have noticed that in quite a few cases. Even for the few Raw files that I have done, unless I want to get creative, I don't make too many changes.

When I get my A99, crossing my fingers, I will be investing in a good software editor at that time.

Here s a similar shot that I took in RAW with some editing help in Lightroom. F/1.8 ISO 3200 1/50. Ill be up there this weekend for Halloween Horror Nights so id like to try to get some in JPEG to see if can notice a difference between the two but like you said it may be so close I may not even be able to notice a difference.

Constance Hatchaway the Black Widow Bride by Mike Sperduto, on Flickr

 

[johamna]

I agree with all of the above. I definitely think the A99 is a video machine. I also don't think I can go back to OVFs. I love love love the EVF. To see if I clip highlights or shadows before the shot is priceless. I don't miss reading the meter and having to retake the shot because the exposure was off by a stop or two.

I'm hoping that Sony will come out with a FF Nex in the $2000 price range with a CDAF/PDAF fast focus system. Enjoy that DOF control.

To be honest, I think we'll be seeing that right around the corner. I've also come to learn that the Sony online store is VERY relaxed with their education discount, among other things.

I'll be honest, I got the A99 for $2500 shipped. If you get on the phone with their sales reps they're willing to do whatever it takes to make that sale. The same goes with lenses -- you can get at least 10% off by selecting a school, and up to another 10% by simply haggling.


Animal Kingdom: Lodging by Hamilton!, on Flickr

 

[Hockeyman]

To be honest, I think we'll be seeing that right around the corner. I've also come to learn that the Sony online store is VERY relaxed with their education discount, among other things.

I'll be honest, I got the A99 for $2500 shipped. If you get on the phone with their sales reps they're willing to do whatever it takes to make that sale. The same goes with lenses -- you can get at least 10% off by selecting a school, and up to another 10% by simply haggling.

Those are some great tips, never even thought about calling and haggling them.

 

[njtree]

From few weeks ago on my trip. All shot on a A33 and kit lens-35mm f1.8 and samyang 8mm fisheye of course.



DSC04912 by NJtree, on Flickr


DSC04643 by NJtree, on Flickr


DSC04636 by NJtree, on Flickr

DSC04514 by NJtree, on Flickr


DSC04351 by NJtree, on Flickr

 

[Hockeyman]

^ Great shots Dan

 

[HPS3]

I'm with Mike, great shots Dan!