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Sony's new cameras: A99, NEX6, RX1.

Cattykit

Senior member
How come I don't see a single word regarding those cameras?
I don't know why but since no [hoot] was given, I thought I'd chime in. Below are my thoughts:

A99.
Considering their previous failure (A900) in the FF market and that both Canon and Nikon released their new FF cameras, I thought they'd come up with something good.
Look at Canon, their sensor hasn't improved over the previous one they put in top of the line AF module and 6fps burst. It's also got a kick-ass video system; no line-skip - no moire, false color, aliasing problems, excellent noise performance, professional codec(bitrate-wise.)
For Nikon, it's got 36MP sensor that tops the evaluation mark, AF system which is worse than Canon's but far more than good enough, functional video system with good detail, 8bit 4:2:2 clean HDMI output.
Both parties got something excellent of their own.

Where does A99 fit in? Its AF points are very clustered in the center; only 19 points are user selectable and the rest of 102 on-sensor points are only there to 'assist.' 6fps burst that chokes up after initial 1 sec. 1080p60 could've been nice if it wasn't for the bitrate. It's also got a heavy moire, false color, aliasing problem.
Don't get me wrong. I'm not saying it's unusable POS; It's got some sweet things going on like sensor-IS and normal hot-shoe. It is just that it doesn't really stand over the other competitors; just like A900 which failed miserably. Even worse, Canikons are coming up with budget FF cameras.

NEX-6.
Sweet. It's a great combination of Nex 5 and 7 series. It's got the new sensor which must be identical to the one in Nex 5n plus on-sensor phase-detect AF module. I really like this part since the shortcoming of 7 was its noisy 24mp sensor, I think. It's got the design and fantastic EVF of 7 which I much prefer over 5n. Though it's wholly made out of plastic, lacks mic in, and dual dial on top compared to 7, it's only freaking $1000 with the newly announced 16-50 lens. Oh and it also comes with built-in WI-FI and apps support.
This is the mirrorless camera I've been waiting for. I'm sure getting it.

RX1.
It's expensive but it's so damn small and it's FF! I'm sold though I can't afford one.

No profanity in the tech forums, guys
-ViRGE
 
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RX1 would have been a real force if they'd made it an interchangable lens camera. I'd be all over it if that was the case, but i'm not willing to pay that much for a fixed-lens camera. 80% of my shooting is with the 35L on a 5DII, but I still appreciate having a choice.
 
Have you had your hands on an A99? They don't get them in stock here until December. Tentatively.

That's really the problem for me right now. A99 and 6D are both scheduled, tentatively, for December. I can get a D600 now. It might seal the deal for me.

I talked to Sony today though since I wanted to see how the A99 felt but none of them at my local Sony dealer had seen it yet.
 
I guess Amazon and Best Buy have a decent deal on the nex 5N because of the new models coming out...

Now $499 (reg price was $699) and if you also buy the 55-210mm lens, it is $249 (reg price $349). The Nex 3 was also on sale for $499 (reg price was $599) so I am not sure why anyone would get the Nex 3 if both were the same price...

I bought the cheap alpha to nex adapter from Amazon and hope I can get some decent pics at the airshow here in Fort Worth next week...
 
originally i was going to try and get that new 16-50 pancake and stick it on my 5N. but now i might just save up for the 6 because of that sweet phase AF and EVF...
 
I'm gonna wait and see, and let others pay the early adopter tax. We have no idea how good or bad the autofocus is, tracking or speed; and the 16-50 pancake is intriguing but I am skeptical that it is high quality; it's likely worse than the kit lens which was already a little soft.
 
I'm gonna wait and see, and let others pay the early adopter tax. We have no idea how good or bad the autofocus is, tracking or speed; and the 16-50 pancake is intriguing but I am skeptical that it is high quality; it's likely worse than the kit lens which was already a little soft.

it can't be any softer than that crap 16mm f/2.8 pancake :blech:
 
it can't be any softer than that crap 16mm f/2.8 pancake :blech:

Yeah exactly... so I'm gonna wait. If any double-image blurring (typical of first-try power zooms, ask Oly and Panasonic) or other problems crop up, it won't be on my dime. Same with AF speed, accuracy, tracking problems. I have a Nikon d5100 so it's not like I'm hurting for a good camera right now. 😀
 
Currently Sony = great sensors, meh lenses for the most part, and I am not counting third-party lenses like the Zeiss.

Until the E-M5 Oly was meh sensors, great lenses for the most part, including the awesome 45/1.8.

This is good for both companies.
 
Oly needs the sensors. The E-M5's is still meh IMO.

I'm probably paying the early adopter tax on the RX1. An ideal replacement for my Leica X.
 
E-M5's sensor is on par with the Nikon D90/D300's sensor which is still pretty good even by today's standards. The E-M5's sensor matches or beats every Canon APS-C DSLR out there.
 
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