With three successful translucent mirror-equipped cameras already on the market, Sony has infused this new technology to two of its higher-end alpha models — the SLT-A77 (α77) and SLT-A65 (α65).
Both units, which are capable of 24.3-megapixel resolution, house an inaugural XGA OLED Tru-Finder viewfinder that, unlike optical viewfinders, allows users to preview the effects of adjusting exposure, white balance and other settings in real time. Photographers can also make fine focus adjustments via a zoomed-in portion of the image.
The α77, successor of the α700, hit the market in August with the fastest continuous autofocus (AF) shooting performance: 24-megapixel images at 12 frames per second. The α65 achieves slightly fewer frames with 10-fps shooting speed.
Precision AF tracking of moving subjects is more precise with the α77 due to a new 19-point autofocus system with 11 cross sensors, while the α65 uses 15-point AF with three cross sensors. Improved translucent mirror technology also helps these models achieve a minimum focus release time lag of approximately 50 milliseconds.
Striving for professional-model ISO sensitivity, these new alphas range from ISO 100 to 16000 and expand (α77 only) down to ISO 50.
In a first for Sony SLRs, video can be shot in full HD at 60p (progressive) frame rates.
Alongside these two new cameras, Sony has also released the DT 16-50mm F2.8 SSM zoom lens, the latest in the A-mount lens line.
The α77 camera is available in a kit with the SAL1650 f/2.8 lens for $2,000, and offered as body-only for $1,400. The SAL1650 lens is sold separately for about $700.
About half the price, the α65 Translucent Mirror interchangeable lens camera is available in a kit with a standard 18-55mm lens (SAL1855) for $1,000, and offered as body-only for about $900.