Sony’s NEX-7, its first compact ILC designed for advanced photographers.
Credit: Sony Electronics)
We joke about the worst-kept product secrets on the Web, but Sony’s late-summer camera and camcorder announcements have to be some sort of record. Finally made public today, specs and photos of its higher-end updates to the Alpha line have been floating around for a while–the semi-pro SLT-A77V was even prematurely nominated for an award. So while chances are you’re already familiar with the new models–the SLT-A77V, SLT-A65V, NEX-7, NEX-5N and NEX-VG20 camcorder–read on for my take and more details.
To be fair, there really is a boatload of interesting, potentially game-changing, stuff here, with lenses and accessories in addition to the cameras.
Starting at the top, the SLT-A77V is the long-awaited successor to the DSLR-A700, though the former uses Sony’s fixed translucent-mirror technology and the latter is a conventional dSLR. The A77V incorporates Sony’s newest sensor, a 24-megapixel version of its Exmor HD series, along with a new 19-point autofocus system, OLED electronic viewfinder, and 1080/60p video recording in a weather-sealed magnesium-alloy body. Priced at $1400 for the body only or $2000 with the new 16-50mm f2.8 SSM Zeiss lens, the A77V comes in a at an odd price relative to potential competitors from Canon, Nikon and Panasonic. Sony will offer a new vertical grip for it, the VG-C77AM (October, $299.99).
Into the unenviable slot that competes directly against the Canon EOS Rebel T3i, Nikon D5100 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2, Sony launches the SLT-A65V. The A65V sits in the SLT product line between the older A55V and the A77V, and incorporates aspects of both: the newer 24-megapixel sensor, EVF, drive mode and video codec from the higher-end model with the older 15-point AF system, and similar body design from the A55V. Both of the new models have built-in GPS for geotagging as well.
Read more: Sony redefines its Alpha lines
