α77 and α65 cameras from Sony with 24.3 megapixels and world’s fastest* 12 fps AF-enabled continuous shooting

24 August 2011

Translucent Mirror Technology line-up broadens appeal to photo enthusiasts

World’s fastest*12 fps full-resolution continuous burst shooting with phase-detection AF (α65: 10fps)
Newly developed 19-point AF system with 11 cross sensors (α77)
24.3 effective megapixel Exmor APS HD CMOS Sensor and enhanced BIONZ processor
World’s first** XGA OLED Tru-Finder™ with versatile information display
Quick AF Full HD Movie with AVCHD Progressive compatibility, and flexible P/A/S/M exposure control in manual focus mode
New design and ergonomics with world’s first* 3-way tilt Xtra Fine LCD and ruggedized, reliable handling (α77)

Sony extends the appeal of its Translucent Mirror camera range with two new A-mount models appealing to advanced amateurs and serious photo enthusiasts.

Latest refinements in Translucent Mirror Technology by Sony make the SLT-A77 (α77) and SLT-A65 (α65) the quickest, most responsive interchangeable lens cameras in their class. Revised ergonomics on both cameras include a comfortably contoured new grip design and tactile new button layout for ‘eyes off’ operation while viewing via the high-resolution XGA OLED Tru-Finder™.

A long-awaited successor to the acclaimed α700 DSLR, the α77 adds further refinements in performance and ruggedized construction to handle gruelling photo assignments with ease.

Ultra-responsive shooting
The α77 boasts the world’s fastest continuous AF shooting performance*, capturing a burst of full-resolution images at 12 frames per second with full-time phase-detection autofocus. The α65 achieves a similarly impressive 10fps shooting speed, outpacing virtually all semi-professional cameras.

Precision AF tracking of moving subjects is crisper and more responsive than ever, thanks to a newly-developed 19-point autofocus system with 11 cross sensors. (α65: 15-point AF with 3 cross sensors). Tracking Focus maintains accurate focus lock on a designated moving subject – even if the target’s momentarily obscured by the motion of another object.

Razor-sharp responses are reinforced further by a new electronic front shutter curtain that achieves a pro-class minimum release time lag of approx. 0.050 seconds.

Unprecedented image quality and creative options
The α77 and α65 both feature a newly-developed Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor by Sony with 24.3 effective megapixel resolution.

The sensor is teamed with the latest revision of Sony’s BIONZ image processing engine that handles huge amounts of high speed data from the camera sensor. This unique combination of sensor and BIONZ processor delivers unprecedented shooting responses, plus flawless image quality with ultra-low noise when shooting still images or Full HD video.

A broad sensitivity range of ISO 100-16000 is expandable (α77 only) down to ISO 50. At highest sensitivities, both digital cameras can freeze rapid sporting action with very quick shutter speeds, or capture atmospheric low-noise shots without flash. Low ISO settings are ideal when teamed with a long exposure for creating expressive shots of moving water.

Both cameras showcase the world’s first XGA OLED Tru-Finder™. With an unprecedented 2359k dot (XGA) resolution, this precision electronic viewfinder offers a bright, detail-packed, high contrast image with 100% frame coverage that is 10 times higher than conventional electronic viewfinders and provides a wide field of view to rival pro-grade optical viewfinders.

Detailed shooting information is displayed with a choice of five display modes. The effects of adjusting exposure, white balance and other settings are previewed in the Tru-Finder™ in real time. Fine focus tweaks can also be confirmed via a zoomed-in portion of the image.

At the touch of a button, the Smart Teleconverter displays an enlarged central portion of the image sensor. This allows compositions to be displayed clearly on the high-resolution XGA OLED Tru-Finder™ and captured as 12 megapixel images with a digital zoom factor of 1.4x or 2x. There’s no need to remove your eye from the Tru-Finder™ from composition to checking final results – allowing photographers to concentrate on their creative flow.

Stills and video can also be composed and reviewed on the adjustable-angle 7.5 cm (3.0") Xtra Fine LCD that offers high resolution (921k dot) and TruBlack technology for superb detail and contrast. As an extra refinement, the α77 introduces the world’s first 3-way adjustable screen that tilts and pivots freely for effortless framing at any angle (α65: 2-way adjust LCD).

Full HD video
The α77 and α65 bring further refinements to the acclaimed Quick AF Full HD Movie shooting as already featured on previous Translucent Mirror Technology from Sony. Phase Detection maintains accurate focus during video shooting of portrait subjects, even when they’re moving.

In another first for consumer-oriented APS-C cameras, Full HD video is now supported at 50p (progressive) frame rates – reflecting recent enhancements to the AVCHD (Ver. 2.0) format. 25p shooting is also available for beautifully ‘filmic’ video footage. Creative video options are extended further by the addition of manual focusing and P/A/S/M exposure modes familiar to still photographers.

α77: Translucent Mirror Technology refined for photo enthusiasts
A natural successor to the enthusiast-oriented α700 DSLR, the α77 adds double control dials for intuitive fingertip operation and a separate top-mounted LCD data display. The durable body features magnesium alloy panels for strength and lightness. Key controls are sealed against the effects of dust and moisture, complementing similar levels of protection offered by the new SAL1650 lens, VG-C77AM Vertical Grip for α77 and HVL-F43AM flash unit.

Underlining the camera’s rugged credentials, a new shutter unit is tested to 150,000 cycles and supports an ultra-fast minimum 1/8000 sec shutter speed (1/250 sec flash sync). On-board GPS allows automatic geotagging of photos and video clips with location data.

New DT 16-50mm F2.8 SSM zoom lens and accessories
The growing range of compatible A-mount lenses for both cameras now includes the quiet, bright DT 16-50mm F2.8 SSM standard zoom with 16mm wide angle coverage that’s ideal for portrait and everyday shooting.

The high performance lens features a dust- and moisture-resistant design, and offers a zoom range of approximately 3x range at constant maximum aperture F2.8. Optical performance is assured by two aspherical elements and three ED glass elements to minimize aberration at all focal lengths. An internal SSM (Super Sonic wave Motor) drive assures fast, quiet autofocus.

Available as an option, the dust- and moisture-resistant VG-C77AM Vertical Grip assures comfortable handling in vertical shooting positions. It can house up to two NP-FM500H InfoLITHIUM batteries, doubling shooting stamina to approx. 1060 shots (via LCD monitor)/940 shots (via Tru-Finder™) when using Memory Stick PRO Duo™ media.

The compact yet versatile HVL-F43AM external flash is optimised for superb results with all A-mount cameras with a powerful output of GN43, Quick Shift Bounce adjustment, wireless ratio control and dust/moisture resistant design. This is complemented by other new A-mount system accessories that include a back pack, soft carrying cases, LCD protectors and eyepiece cups.

The α77 and α65 Translucent Mirror interchangeable lens digital cameras by Sony are available from October 2011.

Notes to editors

* Among interchangeable-lens digital cameras with APS-C size sensor as of 24th August 2011 (α77 only).
** Among interchangeable-lens digital cameras with APS-C size sensor as of 24th August 2011.

Key technical specifications

Key Features

SLT-A77

SLT-A65

Type

Interchangeable lens digital camera with built-in flash

Lens Compatibility

Sony A-mount lenses. Operation also confirmed with Minolta and Konica Minolta AF lenses

Image Sensor

APS-C type (23.5 x15.6 mm), Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor with RGB primary colour filters

Processor

BIONZ™ image processor

ISO Sensitivity Range

AUTO (ISO 100 – 1600, ISO 100-12800 selectable with upper or lower limit), ISO 100 – 16000 selectable (expandable to ISO 50), Multi Frame NR (extendable up to ISO 25600)

AUTO (ISO 100 – 1600), ISO 100 – 16000 selectable, Multi Frame NR (extendable up to ISO 25600)

Image Quality Modes

RAW, RAW&JPEG, JPEG Fine, JPEG Standard, JPEG Extra Fine

RAW, RAW&JPEG, JPEG Fine, JPEG Standard

HDMI Connector and BRAVIA Sync

HDMI mini connector (Type-C), BRAVIA Sync (link menu), PhotoTV HD, DVDirect compatible

Image Size: 3:2 (pixels)

L size: 6000 x 4000 (24M)

M size: 4240 x 2843 (12M)

S size: 3008 x 2000 (6M)

L size: 6000 x 4000 (24M)

M size: 4240 x 2843 (12M)

S size: 3008 x 2000 (6M)

HD movie record

Recording format: AVCHD 2.0 / MP4

Video compression: MPEG-4 AVC (H.264)

Image size (pixels) (PAL): AVCHD: 1980x1080 (50p / 28M / PS, 50i / 24M / FX, 50i / 17M/FH, 25p / 24M / FX, 25p / 17M / FH), MP4: 1440x1080 (25fps / 12M), VGA: 640x480 (25fps / 3M)

Recording format: AVCHD 2.0 / MP4

Video compression: MPEG-4 AVC (H.264)

Image size (pixels) (PAL): AVCHD: 1980x1080 (50p / 28M / PS, 50i / 24M / FX, 50i / 17M/FH, 25p / 24M / FX, 25p / 17M / FH), MP4: 1440x1080 (25fps / 12M), VGA: 640x480 (25fps / 3M)

Electronic Viewfinder

XGA OLED, 1.3 cm (0.5 type) electronic viewfinder (2,359,296 dots effective resolution), with 100% frame coverage, five display modes and grid line display modes.

LCD

7.5 cm (3.0-type) wide type TFT, Xtra Fine LCD with TruBlack technology: with 921k dot resolution

SteadyShot™ INSIDE

YES

Anti-dust System

Charge protection coating on low-pass filter and image-sensor shift mechanism

Focus Modes

AF/MF selectable.

AF modes: Single-shot AF, Automatic AF, Continuous AF

AF/MF selectable.

AF modes: Single-shot AF, Automatic AF, Continuous AF

Autofocus System

TTL 19-point phase detection AF system with 11 cross sensors

TTL 15-point phase detection AF system with 3 cross sensors

Exposure Modes

AUTO, AUTO Advanced (AUTO+), Scene Selection, Sweep Panorama, 3D Sweep Panorama, Continuous Advance Priority AE, Movie, Programmed AE (P), Aperture priority (A), Shutter-speed priority (S), Manual (M)

Exposure Metering System

1200-zone evaluative metering

Exposure Metering Modes

Multi-segment, Centre-weighted, Spot

Scene Selection

Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Sports Action, Sunset, Night Portrait, Night View, Hand-held Twilight

Picture Effect

11 modes (15 effects): Posterization (Colour, B/W), Pop Colour, Retro Photo, Partial Colour (R,G,B,Y), High Contrast Monochrome, Toy Camera, Soft High-key, Soft Focus, HDR Painting, Rich-tone Monochrome, Miniature

Creative Style Settings

Standard, Vivid, Neutral, Clear, Deep, Light, Portrait , Landscape, Sunset, Night Scene, Autumn leaves, Black & White, Sepia

[Contrast (-3 to +3steps), Saturation(-3 to +3steps), Sharpness(-3 to +3steps)]

Standard, Vivid, Portrait , Landscape, Sunset, Black & White

[Contrast (-3 to +3steps), Saturation(-3 to +3steps), Sharpness(-3 to +3steps)]

Sweep Panorama

YES (2D and 3D)

Auto HDR

YES (available in P/A/S/M modes)

Shutter Speed

1/8000-30sec, Bulb

1/4000-30sec, Bulb

Exposure Bracketing

1/3 EV, 1/2 EV, 2/3 EV, 2.0 EV, 3.0 EV increments, 3 or 5 frames (2.0 EV, 3.0 EV: only 3 frames)

1/3EV, 2/3EV increments, 3frames

White Balance Settings

Auto WB, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Incandescent, Fluorescent(Warm white/Cool White/Day white/Daylight), Flash, C. Temp 2500 to 9900K, C Filter G7 to M7, 15-step, Custom, AWB micro adjustment

Continuous Advance Shooting

Continuous Advance Priority AE: Maximum 12 images per second

Continuous shooting: Hi: Maximum 8 frames per second / Lo: Maximum 3 frames per second

Max. continuous shots:

Continuous Advance Priority AE mode: Extra fine: 13　images, Fine: 17 images, Standard: 17 images, RAW & JPEG: 11images, RAW: 13images

Continuous shooting: Extra fine: 13 images, Fine: 18 images, Standard: 18 images, RAW & JPEG: 11 images, RAW: 13 images

Continuous Advance Priority AE: Maximum 10 images per second

Continuous shooting: Hi: Maximum 8 frames per second / Lo: Maximum 3 frames per second

Continuous Advance Priority AE mode: Fine: 17 images, Standard: 18 images, RAW & JPEG: 11 images, RAW: 13 images

Continuous shooting: Fine: 17 images, Standard: 18 images, RAW & JPEG: 11 images, RAW: 13 images

Approx. no. of Shots

Approx. 470 shots with Tru-Finder, approx. 530 shots with LCD monitor (CIPA standard)

Approx. 510 shots with Tru-Finder, approx. 560 shots with LCD monitor (CIPA standard)

Built-in Flash

Auto pop-up, GN12 (in metres at ISO 100), FOV coverage up to 16mm

Auto pop-up, GN10 (in metres at ISO 100), FOV coverage up to 18mm

Flash Modes

Flash off, Autoflash, Fill-flash, Slow Sync., Rear Sync., Red-eye reduction (on/off selectable for Autoflash and Fill-flash mode), Wireless*, Hi-Speed Sync.*

* With external Flash HVL-F58AM, HVL-F56AM, HVL-F43AM, HVL-F42AM, HVL-F36AM

Flash control (ADI flash/ Pre-flash TTL / Manual flash)

Flash off, Autoflash, Fill-flash, Slow Sync., Rear Sync., Red-eye reduction (on/off selectable for Autoflash and Fill-flash mode), Wireless*, Hi-Speed Sync.*

* With external Flash HVL-F58AM, HVL-F56AM, HVL-F43AM, HVL-F42AM, HVL-F36AM

Flash control (ADI flash/ Pre-flash TTL)

Media

Memory Stick PRO Duo / Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo; SD / SDHC (UHS-1 Compliant) / SDXC (UHS-1 Compliant) memory card

Memory Stick PRO Duo / Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo; SD / SDHC / SDXC memory card

Dimensions (WxHxD)

Approx. 142.6 mm × 104.0 mm × 80.9 mm

Approx. 132.1 mm × 97.5 mm × 80.7 mm

Weight

Approx. 653g (body only)

Approx. 732g (with battery and Memory Stick PRO Duo)

Approx. 543g (body only)

Approx. 622g (with battery and Memory Stick PRO Duo)

For more information please contact

Sony Europe Press Centre

e: presscentre@sony.eu

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