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Archive 2012Sony A99
p.16 #1Sony A99
Sony just shut down a DSLR lens factory (see article on PetaPixel). I wonder what implications this has?
Oct 19, 2012 at 06:10 PM
p.16 #2Sony A99
Nobody really knows without knowing what their total capacity is, what factory was producing what, what agreements they have with third party makers, etc.
Oct 19, 2012 at 06:20 PM
p.16 #3Sony A99
While that is true, one can only imagine that 840 people must have been putting out a large number of lenses.
Sony has been incredibly active with putting out new bodies, but much slower about putting out new lenses. I wonder if that has something to do with it? They could have pushed the whole lens angle much harder.
I wonder if this will mean more ZA lenses? That would be pure upside!
Sony has been incredibly active with putting out new bodies, but much slower about putting out new lenses. I wonder if that has something to do with it? They could have pushed the whole lens angle much harder.
I wonder if this will mean more ZA lenses? That would be pure upside!
Oct 20, 2012 at 04:07 AM
p.16 #4Sony A99
philip_pj wrote:
wow. 3200 looks excellent, really usable, with a touch of contrast and perhaps sat needed in post. Great colour retention and tonality with it.
I need to settle fast on a base ISO for detailed tripod work, and to my eyes 100 is a shade better than 50.
Thanks joychris for the link, I cannot wait.
No problemo. I'm really looking forward to the A99 shipping, just a couple more weeks if there are no delays.
cheers,
chris
wow. 3200 looks excellent, really usable, with a touch of contrast and perhaps sat needed in post. Great colour retention and tonality with it.
I need to settle fast on a base ISO for detailed tripod work, and to my eyes 100 is a shade better than 50.
Thanks joychris for the link, I cannot wait.
No problemo. I'm really looking forward to the A99 shipping, just a couple more weeks if there are no delays.
cheers,
chris
Oct 20, 2012 at 07:55 AM
p.16 #5Sony A99
a Canon studio strobe shooter and his take on the a99:
'It’s no secret by now that I love the A99. It’s a great camera, with a cool EVF which opens new options and fits user needs we never knew we needed.
The image quality is awesome (also related to the used glass of course).
Dynamic range is impressive. Noise levels are more than adequate.
Colors are nice. The combination I’m testing now has a really nice “round” “3D” look to the images. Price is a bit high but it’s a pro camera..'
Note the emphasis on sensor characteristics and last sentence.
http://www.frankdoorhof.com/site/2012/10/modelshoot-with-the-sony-alpha-99/
'It’s no secret by now that I love the A99. It’s a great camera, with a cool EVF which opens new options and fits user needs we never knew we needed.
The image quality is awesome (also related to the used glass of course).
Dynamic range is impressive. Noise levels are more than adequate.
Colors are nice. The combination I’m testing now has a really nice “round” “3D” look to the images. Price is a bit high but it’s a pro camera..'
Note the emphasis on sensor characteristics and last sentence.
http://www.frankdoorhof.com/site/2012/10/modelshoot-with-the-sony-alpha-99/
Oct 22, 2012 at 12:58 AM
p.16 #6Sony A99
Don't get the constant overpriced comments about the A99 across the inter-web, its priced $200 lower (in the U.S.) than the D800 and $650 less than the 5d3 - and EVF/OVF debate aside - offers Steadyshot so you get IBIS on all lenses, full weather sealing, tilt LCD, 60p, dual AF (on a handful of lenses, but most of the good ones
) and so on. Feature-wise the D600/6D can't compete and from an imaging standpoint - after printing samples - the A99 is easily competitive with the others.
In the FF relam, IMHO its a great value as the Steadyshot, tilt LCD and 60p are all reasons I'm choosing the A99 over the D800 and the 5d3. I just picked up the 70-400G and I'm searching for a Zeiss 24-70 to start my Sony kit.
cheers,
chris
) and so on. Feature-wise the D600/6D can't compete and from an imaging standpoint - after printing samples - the A99 is easily competitive with the others.In the FF relam, IMHO its a great value as the Steadyshot, tilt LCD and 60p are all reasons I'm choosing the A99 over the D800 and the 5d3. I just picked up the 70-400G and I'm searching for a Zeiss 24-70 to start my Sony kit.
cheers,
chris
Oct 22, 2012 at 09:46 AM
p.16 #7Sony A99
joychris wrote:
Don't get the constant overpriced comments about the A99 across the inter-web, its priced $200 lower (in the U.S.) than the D800 and $650 less than the 5d3 - and EVF/OVF debate aside - offers Steadyshot so you get IBIS on all lenses, full weather sealing, tilt LCD, 60p, dual AF (on a handful of lenses, but most of the good ones) and so on. Feature-wise the D600/6D can't compete and from an imaging standpoint - after printing samples - the A99 is easily competitive with the others.
In the FF relam, IMHO its a great value as the Steadyshot, tilt...Show more →
Depends where you live. Here it will be around 15-20% more expensive than D800 and about 10% more than 5DMK3. So, yes its overpriced. But then everything from Sony is overpriced in EU. Sorta standart. Except small Polish guys following "market rules" and selling for how much it can sell.
Tho I shouldnt complain that much, cause compared to poor guys in UK which are literally ripped off by Sony, we are doing just fine..
Don't get the constant overpriced comments about the A99 across the inter-web, its priced $200 lower (in the U.S.) than the D800 and $650 less than the 5d3 - and EVF/OVF debate aside - offers Steadyshot so you get IBIS on all lenses, full weather sealing, tilt LCD, 60p, dual AF (on a handful of lenses, but most of the good ones
) and so on. Feature-wise the D600/6D can't compete and from an imaging standpoint - after printing samples - the A99 is easily competitive with the others.In the FF relam, IMHO its a great value as the Steadyshot, tilt...Show more →
Depends where you live. Here it will be around 15-20% more expensive than D800 and about 10% more than 5DMK3. So, yes its overpriced. But then everything from Sony is overpriced in EU. Sorta standart. Except small Polish guys following "market rules" and selling for how much it can sell.
Tho I shouldnt complain that much, cause compared to poor guys in UK which are literally ripped off by Sony, we are doing just fine..
Oct 22, 2012 at 02:27 PM
p.16 #8Sony A99
UK is part of EU so any brit could get it from any other EU country with all guarantees in place. Sony UK cannot uphold very different prices from the rest of EU.
Also, your prices dont rhyme with what's here. 5D3 is still more expensive than the A99, and the A99 is not yet even out on the market. The Canon has dropped 10-20% from start, depending if you count the ridiculous introduction price.
Also, your prices dont rhyme with what's here. 5D3 is still more expensive than the A99, and the A99 is not yet even out on the market. The Canon has dropped 10-20% from start, depending if you count the ridiculous introduction price.
Oct 23, 2012 at 01:47 PM
p.16 #9Sony A99
Lucky you.. 
Wont happen here.. Sony never lowers price here.
Wont happen here.. Sony never lowers price here.Oct 23, 2012 at 02:50 PM
p.16 #10Sony A99
Yeah, lucky me when Canon releases something with a sensor like that and a tilt screen, no EVF will enter my house just yet
IBIS wouldn't hurt either, so there are multiple things piling up against Canon now. Almost anything except registry distance really, a pure historical coincident..
IBIS wouldn't hurt either, so there are multiple things piling up against Canon now. Almost anything except registry distance really, a pure historical coincident..
Oct 23, 2012 at 03:00 PM
p.16 #11Sony A99
More A99 vids with some decent BTS in the third...
cheers,
chris
cheers,
chris
Oct 23, 2012 at 08:46 PM
p.16 #12Sony A99
Amazon has it in stock.
I'm thinking I'm probably not going to see it in NYC next week. I'll be surprised if it's there, anyway, but that won't stop me from trying.
I'm thinking I'm probably not going to see it in NYC next week. I'll be surprised if it's there, anyway, but that won't stop me from trying.
Nov 02, 2012 at 11:41 PM
p.16 #13Sony A99
Apparently this thread (in German, and one has to be a member to access the images):
http://www.sonyuserforum.de/forum/showthread.php?t=123035
Contains some comparison photos showing marked A99 EVF improvement in lower light situations over the A77.
http://www.sonyuserforum.de/forum/showthread.php?t=123035
Contains some comparison photos showing marked A99 EVF improvement in lower light situations over the A77.
Nov 03, 2012 at 09:22 AM
p.16 #14Sony A99
freaklikeme wrote:
Amazon has it in stock.
What happened with the $200 price reduction that was rumored? Anyone know?
Amazon has it in stock.
What happened with the $200 price reduction that was rumored? Anyone know?
Nov 03, 2012 at 09:56 AM
p.16 #15Sony A99
I'm very happy with the images from, and the opinions and experiences as well, now available over the Net. Great! Now all I wait for is the new ZA 50/1.4. If it meets my expectations I'll be back in the FF camp some time coming spring.
OK, this is of very little interest to anyone but me but I'm excited about having a FF option with an EVF.
Jacob; If you don't feel any need of becoming an extra virgin early adopter I'm sure a $200 (or 300, or...) price drop will be reality not too far from now.
OK, this is of very little interest to anyone but me but I'm excited about having a FF option with an EVF.
Jacob; If you don't feel any need of becoming an extra virgin early adopter I'm sure a $200 (or 300, or...) price drop will be reality not too far from now.
Nov 03, 2012 at 12:14 PM
p.16 #16Sony A99
Jacob D wrote:
What happened with the $200 price reduction that was rumored? Anyone know?
Actually before it was widely available, you can get a $280 off from the MSRP from Sonystyle.
freaklikeme wrote
Amazon has it in stock.Actually before it was widely available, you can get a $280 off from the MSRP from Sonystyle.
Nov 03, 2012 at 02:26 PM
p.16 #17Sony A99
The $200 off may have been my comment, incorrect as it turns out for general release, but here in Oz we get access to many grey import deals that come with Aust warranties, and I saw one $200 less than the other sellers. sorry.
I have mine now, and Jonas, your wallet may not like the news, but the EVF is a clear step up from the already good a77. In fact, much better, and the greater DR helps greatly.
In good light the image looks *much like an OVF*, but with loads of information available and clearly designed to permit the photographer to tailor the final image inside the VF - exposure (very good histo), WB and crucially - focus. Focus can actually be often judged well without using any assistance. Colour in the EVF is very good indeed. For handheld shooting, the LCD/LV is now redundant, as the review is exceptional to view through the EVF. Hit mag to check focus/blur, scan around with the selector, see comp, move on. I figure twice as fast for my particular needs, no doubt faster also even on a tripod.
Much nicer/lighter in the hand than the a900, almost every control has been improved, even the card(s) door. Softer shutter, no mirror movement. Design is very close to the a77 yet almost every button feels different/better. I get the impression they have put a lot of time into this body. It is very close in size to the a77.
As hoped it is a real speed demon for manual focus work...even the notoriously hard to focus 35-70/3.4 CY is a breeze now. Also, the peaking actually teaches you how the lens dof works, as it provided feedback as you stop down - you get a broader band of edge colour. In low contrast shots, like a white wall, the peaking does not work but the magnification does very well.
Some users are moaning about the AF points being clustered around the middle, so maybe they will see the error their ways and move forward to manual focus lenses, as the peaking shows anything in focus out to the frame extremities. So it is really a state of the art camera that permits a minimalist approach, since you need neither meter accuracy nor autofocus, thanks to the EVF 'tools'.
Should also be very handy for telephoto lenses, I often overestimate DOF for the sharper ones I have - now I can easily check in review. The a900 LCD was close to useless. More a scalpel than a hammer. And a big thanks to thrice.
I have mine now, and Jonas, your wallet may not like the news, but the EVF is a clear step up from the already good a77. In fact, much better, and the greater DR helps greatly.
In good light the image looks *much like an OVF*, but with loads of information available and clearly designed to permit the photographer to tailor the final image inside the VF - exposure (very good histo), WB and crucially - focus. Focus can actually be often judged well without using any assistance. Colour in the EVF is very good indeed. For handheld shooting, the LCD/LV is now redundant, as the review is exceptional to view through the EVF. Hit mag to check focus/blur, scan around with the selector, see comp, move on. I figure twice as fast for my particular needs, no doubt faster also even on a tripod.
Much nicer/lighter in the hand than the a900, almost every control has been improved, even the card(s) door. Softer shutter, no mirror movement. Design is very close to the a77 yet almost every button feels different/better. I get the impression they have put a lot of time into this body. It is very close in size to the a77.
As hoped it is a real speed demon for manual focus work...even the notoriously hard to focus 35-70/3.4 CY is a breeze now. Also, the peaking actually teaches you how the lens dof works, as it provided feedback as you stop down - you get a broader band of edge colour. In low contrast shots, like a white wall, the peaking does not work but the magnification does very well.
Some users are moaning about the AF points being clustered around the middle, so maybe they will see the error their ways and move forward to manual focus lenses, as the peaking shows anything in focus out to the frame extremities. So it is really a state of the art camera that permits a minimalist approach, since you need neither meter accuracy nor autofocus, thanks to the EVF 'tools'.
Should also be very handy for telephoto lenses, I often overestimate DOF for the sharper ones I have - now I can easily check in review. The a900 LCD was close to useless. More a scalpel than a hammer. And a big thanks to thrice.
Nov 03, 2012 at 04:24 PM
p.16 #18Sony A99
No big deal on the $200, was just wondering about it.
I won't be buying one anytime soon, we're in the process of purchasing a home, but maybe sometime after that. Probably next spring I'd like to take a look at making the move from my 5D to the A99.
Can't wait to see some photos from you guys.
I won't be buying one anytime soon, we're in the process of purchasing a home, but maybe sometime after that. Probably next spring I'd like to take a look at making the move from my 5D to the A99.
Can't wait to see some photos from you guys.
Nov 03, 2012 at 05:43 PM
p.16 #19Sony A99
Jacob D wrote:
Can't wait to see some photos from you guys.
Indeed. This is probably the most exciting camera for me atm (with no FF mirrorless on the horizon yet).
Can't wait to see some photos from you guys.
Indeed. This is probably the most exciting camera for me atm (with no FF mirrorless on the horizon yet).
Nov 04, 2012 at 01:56 AM
p.16 #20Sony A99
philip_pj wrote:
grey import deals that come with Aust warranties.
Hate to burst anyone's bubble, but if there is an Australian Warranty on a grey import it certainly isn't offered by Sony.
grey import deals that come with Aust warranties.
Hate to burst anyone's bubble, but if there is an Australian Warranty on a grey import it certainly isn't offered by Sony.
Nov 04, 2012 at 02:54 AM