I watched the youtube videos on A99 focusing on the Korean review and it didn't seem as fast as expected - maybe it was using purely CDAF instead of the new hybrid system? Did anyone else watch the videos? Would be interested in your comments. The focusing looked kind of like watching my 5N focus.
^^ I thought that was fast (seemed to snap back in focus, when it missed, faster than the A900) especially with the AF-D. Focus speed, especially racking from one end to the other would depend greatly on the focus throw of the lens.
These reviews have me really excited for my camera to ship. I like what I'm seeing from the stills and video. I'm completely new to Sony FF and I think I'm going to go with the Zeiss 24-70, the 70-400 G for reach along with a few Sony, Minolta and converted primes for speed.
Using that linked Korean review as a point of reference... the dynamic range looks outstanding! Those sun drenched samples with the ZA 135 also look really, really nice to me (as a 135L user).
I've gotta track down one of these bodies first chance I get to check out the EVF... that will be the key for me. If the EVF is good enough, I dare say "I'm in!".
Jonas B wrote:
Thank you zstan and joychris; Now I'm more interested than ever.
+1.
Two things- the cross-section diagram of the SLT makes it look like the mirror should be simple to remove (locking latch at the bottom, open hinges at the top). In the video with the flowers, it looks like SS can be used on video as well. Is anyone else getting the same impression?
Two things- the cross-section diagram of the SLT makes it look like the mirror should be simple to remove (locking latch at the bottom, open hinges at the top).
the locking latch allows it to swing up for sensor cleaning. not sure it those hinges are open. on the a55 the mirror and frame unlatched from the hinged secondary frame. this looks like a different design, but hopefully still easy to remove (i would imagine it must be just from the repair perspective).
ken.vs.ryu wrote:
this guy changes his a77 mirror quite easily.
that shows the a77 removal to be the same as the a55 was. the cutaway of the a99 makes it look different, and it probably has to be since the FF mirror is bigger while the mount is the same size.
sebboh wrote:
the locking latch allows it to swing up for sensor cleaning. not sure it those hinges are open. on the a55 the mirror and frame unlatched from the hinged secondary frame. this looks like a different design, but hopefully still easy to remove (i would imagine it must be just from the repair perspective).
Yeah, looking more closely, I think you're right about the hinges, but I'm betting it won't be difficult.
freaklikeme wrote:
In the video with the flowers, it looks like SS can be used on video as well. Is anyone else getting the same impression?
After tinkering with a A57 in the Sony store, steadyshot works with video. Its one of the big selling points for me - that and the fact that it works with chipped/adapted lenses as well. After using the EM5 I really prefer IBIS to lens stabilization for the simple fact that everything is stabilized rather than a select few lenses. When I had the 5d2 I was forced to pay more for IS (70-200), if its even offered at all. Like many I wanted the 24-70 to have IS for the extra stop over the 24-105, but I bought the 24-105 because its stabilized. With the A99 every lens will be stabilized.
One of the issues I suspect will remain with the Sony bodies however is extended video shooting. They tend to overheat, and MORE quickly with the stabilizer circuit on. I just shot a 1.5 hour video in several segments non stop with an OMD and not a hint of issues with heating.
I've invested too much on Nikon gear but the A99 sure is a nice camera. Since I only shoot with manual focus lenses I'm extremely jealous of the peaking feature. If I could start again I will probably end up getting into a Sony system.
IBIS, native GPS, EVF, Focus Peaking, fully articulated LCD with touch screen, dual SD slots, native AF Zeiss lenses, weather sealing, size, and grip... etc it's all very tempting.
But it's kind of meaningless to me if the AA filter ends up being tuned to be very strong or if in addition to that the SLT mirror is not removable or it causes AF to not work at all any more.
rirakuma wrote:
I've invested too much on Nikon gear but the A99 sure is a nice camera. Since I only shoot with manual focus lenses I'm extremely jealous of the peaking feature. If I could start again I will probably end up getting into a Sony system.
if you only shoot manual focus lenses you should be able to just switch to sony cameras without changing your lenses.
traveler wrote:
One of the issues I suspect will remain with the Sony bodies however is extended video shooting. They tend to overheat, and MORE quickly with the stabilizer circuit on. I just shot a 1.5 hour video in several segments non stop with an OMD and not a hint of issues with heating.
The overheat issue was on the A35/55 with the steadyshot on as the older Alpha's used sensor stabilization with stills and video. The newer cameras use an electronic stabilization in video and the sensor based stabilization with stills - that has reportedly cured the overheating with the A57/65/77 and presumably the 99.
FlyPenFly wrote:
IBIS, native GPS, EVF, Focus Peaking, fully articulated LCD with touch screen, dual SD slots, native AF Zeiss lenses, weather sealing, size, and grip... etc it's all very tempting.
But it's kind of meaningless to me if the AA filter ends up being tuned to be very strong or if in addition to that the SLT mirror is not removable or it causes AF to not work at all any more.
The SLT mirror will be removable, but removing it will disable AF. The primary AF system is the conventional PDAF system in the mirrorbox, the on-sensor system is an assist, as is the object detection system (which is sort of a CDAF system). We're at least a generation away from using on-chip PDAF as the primary AF system at that level of performance.
sebboh wrote:
if you only shoot manual focus lenses you should be able to just switch to sony cameras without changing your lenses.
Depends on your MF lenses, pre-AI-S Nikkor's are not a simple conversion. AI-S Nikkors/Voigtlander SL/Zeiss ZF are relatively simple as is Contax MM or Leica R thanks to Leitax
