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Sony confirms keeping A-mount systems

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deafbuzz said:
tqlla said:
deafbuzz said:
tqlla said:
deafbuzz said:
why bother to reuse few 79 af points on a77ii? why not use more 399 af points on a7rii? is there something i don't know about a77ii that you want to change?
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cuong aka buzz
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carl zeiss lenses do matter to me.
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Quality over quantity. The A7Rii's AF is good.... for a mirrorless camera, but is slower in low light.
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you mean quality to be speed of af or accuracy of af to nail focusing sharply? does a77ii still has the af micro adjustment function like a900 that a7rii doesn't have?If you already knew your answers, then why post questions.
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just wanted to clarify if i've understood you correctly. first question that i assume to know the answer. second question about af micro adjustment function that i don't know the answer.

i double check on a77ii and could not find information about af micro adjustment function and wonder if there is difference between slt/af vs old dslr. i've wondered if "yes" answer to af micro adjustment on a77ii then i would begin to understand better why a77ii would benefit than a7rii (no af micro adjustment).
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Yes, I am talking about speed. Especially in low light situations. AF accuracy hasnt been an issue with me, but low light autofocus has been an issue.

Here is an example image. The A77ii image took a fraction of a second to AF... it doesnt even have an assist lamp. The A6000 which has great AF in good lighting took 1-3 seconds to AF. The worst was when it would try to AF without the lamp, then give up and use the lamp.

While I picked up my 70-300G to take this picture, I could have used my Tamron 70-300SP, which is just as good and I bought mine for $150, less than the cost of the Emount 55-210mm.

Click view original to see the best quality of the image.

A77m2 F5.6, iso1600, 1/5 second. Sony 70-300G
A77m2 F5.6, iso1600, 1/5 second. Sony 70-300G

A6000 F5.6, iso1600, 1/6 second Sony 55-210mm
A6000 F5.6, iso1600, 1/6 second Sony 55-210mm
 
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deafbuzz said:
tqlla said:
deafbuzz said:
tqlla said:
deafbuzz said:
tqlla said:
"A promise to our customers" = pretty strong words.

Hopefully an A99ii is on its way. I would be happy if they kept everything the same... except change the sensor to the 42MP BSI sensor, change the SLT/AF to the A77ii and add on wifi.
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why bother to reuse few 79 af points on a77ii? why not use more 399 af points on a7rii? is there something i don't know about a77ii that you want to change?
------------------
cuong aka buzz
------------------
carl zeiss lenses do matter to me.
Click to expand...
Quality over quantity. The A7Rii's AF is good.... for a mirrorless camera, but is slower in low light.
Click to expand...
you mean quality to be speed of af or accuracy of af to nail focusing sharply? does a77ii still has the af micro adjustment function like a900 that a7rii doesn't have?
------------------
cuong aka buzz
------------------
carl zeiss lenses do matter to me.
Click to expand...
If you already knew your answers, then why post questions.
Click to expand...
just wanted to clarify if i've understood you correctly. first question that i assume to know the answer. second question about af micro adjustment function that i don't know the answer.

i double check on a77ii and could not find information about af micro adjustment function and wonder if there is difference between slt/af vs old dslr. i've wondered if "yes" answer to af micro adjustment on a77ii then i would begin to understand better why a77ii would benefit than a7rii (no af micro adjustment).
------------------
cuong aka buzz
------------------
carl zeiss lenses do matter to me.
Click to expand...
MFA is not needed with OSPDAF systems like the A7Rii, but is essential with separate dedicated off-sensor PDAF arrays, given the potential for slightly different distances in light path to the sensor on the one hand and the PDAF array on the other hand.
 
The A6000 (which we have and which my son uses) has well documented issues in low light AF that have been mostly eliminated by the revisions in the OSPDAF tech in the A7Rii. Its low light AF is significantly better than the A6000.

All this is a bit off the main post of the OP post though, which is the encouraging statements about A mount have advantages (bigger size opens up several doors beyond just battery size and ergonomics?).

I've heard noises from other Sony execs to this effect. Let's hope they produce something in 2016 that really back this up!!

DW
 
Douglas F Watt said:
The A6000 (which we have and which my son uses) has well documented issues in low light AF that have been mostly eliminated by the revisions in the OSPDAF tech in the A7Rii. Its low light AF is significantly better than the A6000.

All this is a bit off the main post of the OP post though, which is the encouraging statements about A mount have advantages (bigger size opens up several doors beyond just battery size and ergonomics?).

I've heard noises from other Sony execs to this effect. Let's hope they produce something in 2016 that really back this up!!

DW
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I am sure it gets better in each iteration. But just reading through the forums, people still seem to complain about the low light A7Rii autofocus.
 
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Douglas F Watt said:
The A6000 (which we have and which my son uses) has well documented issues in low light AF that have been mostly eliminated by the revisions in the OSPDAF tech in the A7Rii. Its low light AF is significantly better than the A6000.
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Here have some test about the A7Rii by Mathieu Gasquet,

(start at 9mins)


And the AF-C on moving object definitely far worst then any A-mount camera.
 
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I certainly don't think A mount stuff is going to be wildly popular, but I do think it can be profitable and also fill a nice gap in the lineup. I see two primary buyers: 1) Existing A mount users and 2) E mount users who want to have a full size DSLR in their arsenal. Based on what I read and see, there are a fair number of E mount users who keep Nikon or Canon DSLRs in their kit for certain circumstances. If Sony releases a highly capable A mount camera, I believe it is very possible to get some of those who are dual system to add an A mount to take care of the times when they want a DSLR. This is especially true if Sony will release a really highly competent adapter which brings full functionality to A mount glass on E mount cameras.
 
Ltgk20 said:
I certainly don't think A mount stuff is going to be wildly popular, but I do think it can be profitable and also fill a nice gap in the lineup. I see two primary buyers: 1) Existing A mount users and 2) E mount users who want to have a full size DSLR in their arsenal. Based on what I read and see, there are a fair number of E mount users who keep Nikon or Canon DSLRs in their kit for certain circumstances. If Sony releases a highly capable A mount camera, I believe it is very possible to get some of those who are dual system to add an A mount to take care of the times when they want a DSLR. This is especially true if Sony will release a really highly competent adapter which brings full functionality to A mount glass on E mount cameras.
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I am hoping my FF SSM A-Mount lenses w/LA-EA3 will have full functionality on the A6300 (maybe not but from what I have read it looks that way to me).

I plan to retain my A99 and A-Mount lenses.
 
Although I'm not certain exactly what he means, it sounds encouraging, so that is great. I do hope the A99ii (I'm being wishful here):

* retains the fully articulating screen and keeps the option to park the screen face in. I really find the limited tilt screen on the a6000 to be inadequate.

* I would like to see a nice BSI sensor along with better tracking capabilities--adding at least a stop in low light performance would be great.

* Would be nice to have a built in radio flash system, but so long as it continues to work with the Pixel Kings, I'm fine.

* A fully electronic shutter option would be great too when you want to take some pics at a play or the like. If you go for the fully electronic shutter, adding a built-in intervalometer would be convenient.

* An EVF upgrade with more resolution and better shadow rendering would be most welcome.

* The only real interest in video I have is for very high frame rates--that would rock.

I guess I'm saying I'm completely fine with an evolution rather than a revolution. If they wanted to go 'whole hog', they could release the G master lenses in Amount, but I probably would never be able to afford them after paying for a new camera.
 
tqlla said:
Douglas F Watt said:
The A6000 (which we have and which my son uses) has well documented issues in low light AF that have been mostly eliminated by the revisions in the OSPDAF tech in the A7Rii. Its low light AF is significantly better than the A6000.

All this is a bit off the main post of the OP post though, which is the encouraging statements about A mount have advantages (bigger size opens up several doors beyond just battery size and ergonomics?).

I've heard noises from other Sony execs to this effect. Let's hope they produce something in 2016 that really back this up!!

DW
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I am sure it gets better in each iteration. But just reading through the forums, people still seem to complain about the low light A7Rii autofocus.
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Yes I've heard the same thing, but DPR's review of this specific issue (lowlight AF) on that camera body gave it very high marks. If it gets better with each iteration, it suggests that the days of off sensor PDAF are very short.
 
I really only want to use my a-mount Tamron 150-600 on an a-mount camera with good high ISO capabilities so I can use it for birding. The LA-EA4 works but is still not an ideal solution since the AF points are so clustered in the centre and really I prefer using such a big lens with a proper camera.

a99ii!!!!!
 
richiemccaw said:
I really only want to use my a-mount Tamron 150-600 on an a-mount camera with good high ISO capabilities so I can use it for birding. The LA-EA4 works but is still not an ideal solution since the AF points are so clustered in the centre and really I prefer using such a big lens with a proper camera.

a99ii!!!!!
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I've been using the T150-600 with the a99 and cannot fault it's performance. AF is fast, FPS and IQ are all very good.
 
Esstee said:
richiemccaw said:
I really only want to use my a-mount Tamron 150-600 on an a-mount camera with good high ISO capabilities so I can use it for birding. The LA-EA4 works but is still not an ideal solution since the AF points are so clustered in the centre and really I prefer using such a big lens with a proper camera.

a99ii!!!!!
Click to expand...
I've been using the T150-600 with the a99 and cannot fault it's performance. AF is fast, FPS and IQ are all very good.
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A lil OT here - I havent pulled the trigger on an a99 because it seems its high ISO performance isnt that great. This is an issue since the T150-600 is really more of a good light lens. You seem to have a positively different experience pairing the T150-600 on an a99.
 
"And so my take on this is that Sony will release one more aps-c SLT system and offer support for a99 users in way of adapters for their mirrorless line-up until the technology is mature enough to either match or supersede a-mount systems."

This reasoning does not make sense to me. There are way more FF Alpha mount lenses when including 3rd party as well as Minolta options than FE mount lenses. If I were an a99 owner I certainly wouldn't be rubbing my hands gleefully at that option ;)

I tend to think that all this angst over whether the a-mount is to be or not to be, an interesting phenomena. Not exclusive to this forum, it comes up in the other camera brand forums that I frequent as well.

How long has it been between high end full frame cameras for the other 2 camera companies? The D5 was how long in the making from the D4? I don't think these kinds of cameras are to be rushed out.

As you were.
 
beespeckled said:
How long has it been between high end full frame cameras for the other 2 camera companies? The D5 was how long in the making from the D4? I don't think these kinds of cameras are to be rushed out.
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If they were rushed out, the improvements over the previous model would likely be incremental rather than substantial. If you are forking out the kind of money that these cameras cost, then most people would like substantial improvements and that does take time. That's the way it is.
 
tqlla said:
Dave Oddie said:
tqlla said:
"A promise to our customers" = pretty strong words.

Hopefully an A99ii is on its way. I would be happy if they kept everything the same... except change the sensor to the 42MP BSI sensor, change the SLT/AF to the A77ii and add on wifi.
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They would probably remove GPS. It is Sony after all and that is what they do! ;-)
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Well, I had just assumed that would be the case.

1 thing I would really need them to keep is the focus assist lamp.
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Yes, that'd be nice but as a cost saving measure, will probably be gone as well.
 
tqlla said:
"A promise to our customers" = pretty strong words.

Hopefully an A99ii is on its way. I would be happy if they kept everything the same... except change the sensor to the 42MP BSI sensor, change the SLT/AF to the A77ii and add on wifi.
Click to expand...
Unfortunately, the AF of the A77ii is already outdated, in a sense. Also, I sort of like the spread of the original A77 cross-point sensors vs the A77ii's cross-point sensors only being concentrated in the center third. If an A99ii ever comes to fruition, I hope they increase the number of cross-point sensors (take a lesson from Canon's recent offerings) as well as improve their focus tracking algorithms to attempt to keep up with Nikon's outstanding tracking. I hope it's not mostly name change, e.g. 6-D Focus, but actually a better AF system...

I, too, am extremely curious to see how the A-mount works on the A6300 since allegedly this is yet the latest and greatest AF focus system by Sony and is not supposed to be crippled by using the adapter. I can hardly wait for everyone on this forum who's preordered the A6300 and has their adapter ready and waiting.

P.S. Maybe their "promise" is the A68...?
 
Hank Hill said:
tqlla said:
"A promise to our customers" = pretty strong words.

Hopefully an A99ii is on its way. I would be happy if they kept everything the same... except change the sensor to the 42MP BSI sensor, change the SLT/AF to the A77ii and add on wifi.
Click to expand...
Unfortunately, the AF of the A77ii is already outdated, in a sense. Also, I sort of like the spread of the original A77 cross-point sensors vs the A77ii's cross-point sensors only being concentrated in the center third. If an A99ii ever comes to fruition, I hope they increase the number of cross-point sensors (take a lesson from Canon's recent offerings) as well as improve their focus tracking algorithms to attempt to keep up with Nikon's outstanding tracking. I hope it's not mostly name change, e.g. 6-D Focus, but actually a better AF system...

I, too, am extremely curious to see how the A-mount works on the A6300 since allegedly this is yet the latest and greatest AF focus system by Sony and is not supposed to be crippled by using the adapter. I can hardly wait for everyone on this forum who's preordered the A6300 and has their adapter ready and waiting.

P.S. Maybe his "promise" is in reference to the A68...?
Click to expand...
 
Hank Hill said:
Hank Hill said:
tqlla said:
"A promise to our customers" = pretty strong words.

Hopefully an A99ii is on its way. I would be happy if they kept everything the same... except change the sensor to the 42MP BSI sensor, change the SLT/AF to the A77ii and add on wifi.
Click to expand...
Unfortunately, the AF of the A77ii is already outdated, in a sense. Also, I sort of like the spread of the original A77 cross-point sensors vs the A77ii's cross-point sensors only being concentrated in the center third. If an A99ii ever comes to fruition, I hope they increase the number of cross-point sensors (take a lesson from Canon's recent offerings) as well as improve their focus tracking algorithms to attempt to keep up with Nikon's outstanding tracking. I hope it's not mostly name change, e.g. 6-D Focus, but actually a better AF system...

I, too, am extremely curious to see how the A-mount works on the A6300 since allegedly this is yet the latest and greatest AF focus system by Sony and is not supposed to be crippled by using the adapter. I can hardly wait for everyone on this forum who's preordered the A6300 and has their adapter ready and waiting.

P.S. Maybe his "promise" is in reference to the A68...?
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So excited to post, that you had to post 3 in a row and quote yourself at the same time?

I mean seriously, Sony has done everything necessary to prove that the A-mount lives on. They have made new lenses, new camera's, and on multiple occasions they have flat out told people that the A-mount will continue.

At this point, its time for the Naysayers to crawl back in their holes... and return next ground hogs day.
 
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Dave Oddie said:
tqlla said:
"A promise to our customers" = pretty strong words.

Hopefully an A99ii is on its way. I would be happy if they kept everything the same... except change the sensor to the 42MP BSI sensor, change the SLT/AF to the A77ii and add on wifi.
Click to expand...
They would probably remove GPS. It is Sony after all and that is what they do! ;-)
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NOOOOOOOOOOOOO, its the one thing they did on the A77II which I hate. Wifi is useless to me but GPS is great for location info when out in the field.

Mike
 
Keeping both A-mount and E-mount is not a big effort for Sony. Both camera lines share a lot of stuff. The only real difference is the mount (and the mount control software), the autofocus and the screw drive for A-mount. The rest (development, image processors, a lot of the software, LCD, EVF, flashes, etc.) can be shared between both lines.

Basically, if Sony would pack all the A7RII stuff in an A99 body (with the screw drive motor) and adapt the software to the A-mount, you have your A99II.

Sony is pouring a lot of effort into FE now, because they can become market leader for a long time in that section of the market.
 
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