Sony Alpha SLT-A77 and Sony Alpha SLT-A65 DSLRs Unveiled

By Mike Perlman on August 23, 2011 in Camera, News

Sony a77

Sony is revitalizing its Translucent Mirror DSLR lineup today with the announcement of the Sony SLT-A77 (α77) and SLT-A65 (α65). Both DSLR models are equipped with some killer upgrades in the realm of speed and image quality, beginning with the Sony α77’s 24.3-megapixel APS HD CMOS sensor, which is also handed down to Sony’s new mirrorless king, the Sony α NEX-7. BIONZ processing helps the α77’s sensor attain a max ISO sensitivity of 16,000. The α77 also receives a more precise 19-point Autofocus system with 11 cross sensors while the α65 recieves a 15-point system with 3 cross sensors.

Both cameras feature improved full-time phase-detection AF during burst shooting. In fact, the α77 can capture a reported 12 frames per second at full resolution while the α65 is capable of 10fps. The α77 and α65 DSLRs will flaunt Sony’s fancy OLED Tru-Finder viewfinder with a whopping 2,359-pixel (XGA) resolution and 100% frame coverage. This advanced viewfinder can preview effects of adjusting exposure, white balance and other settings in real time.

Sony a65

Both the Sony α77 and α65 will be able to capture 1080 60p Full HD AVCHD video in addition to 24p. Like Sony’s top mirrorless camera, the α NEX-7, both new DSLRs will have manual focus and full adjustability of manual controls, including P/A/S/M in Video mode. The α77 and α65 boast an adjustable-angle 3-inch Xtra Fine LCD screen with a 921,000-pixel resolution. The α77′s LCD will be adjustable three ways via a pivot while the α65′s will be adjustable two ways.

Both DSLRs will be able to take a minor pounding with magnesium alloy bodies and sealed external controls. However, the α77 gets a new shutter unit that has been tested up to 150,000 cycles with a minimum speed of 1/8000, in addition to onboard GPS.

The Sony α77 is set to ship for $2,000 with new SAL1650 f/2.8 kits lens, or $1400 for the body only. The SAL1650 lens will be available for about $700 while the new VG-C77AM vertical grip will retail for around $300. Meanwhile, the Sony α65 will be available in a kit with standard 18-55mm lens for around $1,000 or body only for $900. All of the above is expected to ship this October.