a99 current price thoughts

[Dervast]

Dear all,

I wanted some opinions about the a99 camera. I find it to be a very good camera but I am being a bit sceptical about the price tag. It can be found at around 1.5k similar price with a newer d750 camera.

What are your thoughts regarding the current price tag? Do you think is a fair price or it should be perhaps be lowered a bit to catch up with the current market trends?

Regards

Alex

 

[Bart7D]

Don't think too long. Buy the less expensive A77-II and enjoy it's amazing capabilities. It has a lot of technical improvements over the A99.

Bart

 

[lhkjacky]

Dear all,

I wanted some opinions about the a99 camera. I find it to be a very good camera but I am being a bit sceptical about the price tag. It can be found at around 1.5k similar price with a newer d750 camera.

What are your thoughts regarding the current price tag? Do you think is a fair price or it should be perhaps be lowered a bit to catch up with the current market trends?

Regards

Alex

IMO, the A99 successor will likely come out this year,

If the A99's high ISO & AF does not fit your need, then I suggest you wait for the A99ii.

But it likely that the A99ii will come with the price about US$2800.

or you can wait until 2018, when the A99ii's price drop to US$1500

..

If you have limited budget,

I would recommend the A77ii, it is one of the best APSC Sony ever made.

So you can save some money from the body and get some nice lens.

For example the Sigma 18-35 F1.8, Tamron 70-200 F2.8 lens

With the F1.8 constant zoom lens, you get better ISO & similar DOF than A99 with F2.8 zoom lens at same eqv. focal length

And the 79 points wide AF coverage is a plus

 

[K E Hoffman]

Make sure you are aware that from what I can see the D750s listed at the $1500 price level are Gray Market imports, one site was at least honest and said "No Warranty"

Would not be buying a Nikon with no Warranty..

I hadn't realized until now how much Nikons are being discounted. even a newer camera like the D750... I am thinking the D600 shutter spit issue and the D750 issues are starting to take a toll on them.

No one here can advise you expect to make sure you are not buying a camera you can't service etc.

After that what features do you value?

 

[balancedphoto2]

I have have to say that it's at a good price. After an $800 price drop (usually the amount Canon/Nikon also drops the price of their FF cameras after 2.5 years) it's a great deal especially with the free grip. I bought two a99 since January of this year which replaced my Canon 6D.

1/8000th shutter for my super shallow depth of field during beach portraits (something Canon/Nikon doesn't offer for under $2,500 current price in FF), dual SD card slots, AF-D mode (I love this), real world test of ISO performance at the weddings that I shoot are incredible, built quality and feel. So at $2,000 with a free grip....it's a great deal for a flagship camera. Can't compare prices with cheaper cameras to the a99. The a7 series are less expensive but they're in a different league. I'm not going to go cheap and be required to use an adapter for +$2,000 lenses on a smaller body.

 

[havoc315]

This was beaten to death in another thread. A few weeks ago, Amazon briefly had it through a seller for $1600, a very reasonable price considering the capabilities of the camera and where it is in the life cycle. I bought mine mint-used for $1700 nearly 2 years ago. $2000 for a new unit, if no promotions, is that overpriced? When is the last time someone on this board announced they just bought a brand new a99? I haven't seen a post like that in at least 6 months.

 

[DJohnny]

I think at $2000 it is a little expensive to me, however the price may be about right. If you think of the competition, there is the 5D mkiii ($2500) and D750 ($2000). In my opinion the A99 lacks only in AF coverage and high ISO performance to these two cameras. If not for the D750, I would say that the A99 has no problem at this price, however the D750 appears to be a better camera, at least on paper.

I honestly do not think that price is really an issue. The A99 is a very capable camera and not so much worse than either Canon or Nikon that it is grossly over priced. If you take into consideration that at $2000 it comes with a battery grip from B&H, it is definitely priced right. I think the issue is that Sony is not known as a "pro" camera to many photographers. Most people who are getting into more serious bodies know of Canon and Nikon and would not even consider Sony. Also, the majority of people buying a camera now are doing it online which means their best source of "expert" advice is either a friend who has been a photographer for years (i.e. only using Canon or Nikon) or quick internet searches for "best camera" where you will get a lot of hits about Canon, some about Nikon and then maybe 5% from other brands.

I do not think anything that Sony releases in A-Mount will change their status unless they come across some alien technology to make a camera so much better than anything else out there, that people will be willing to change systems. If Sony makes an A99ii (I hope they do within the next year), it can only improve based on what is out there today. If this were to happen, all it would do is people would upgrade from A99 to A99ii or add an A99ii to their current A-Mount lineup or if someone was already considering an A99 they may join the Sony camp.

If you are looking for a camera now, the A99 is a great camera. Based on what I have read, the A77ii is also a great camera. If you do not think you need the dual SD slots and the GPS, then the A77ii may be a better choice. I would take it over an A99, 5D mkIII or D750 on a price standpoint. Basically A77ii + 18-35/1.8 + 85/1.4 is a complete system for my uses for only $2600 +/-. If I were only doing photos, I would consider the Nikon D7200 with similar setup for roughly the same cost. The FF equivalents would be $5000 +/- and have no advantage other than AF speed on the zoom lens and high ISO performance.

 

[DJohnny]

This was beaten to death in another thread. A few weeks ago, Amazon briefly had it through a seller for $1600, a very reasonable price considering the capabilities of the camera and where it is in the life cycle. I bought mine mint-used for $1700 nearly 2 years ago. $2000 for a new unit, if no promotions, is that overpriced? When is the last time someone on this board announced they just bought a brand new a99? I haven't seen a post like that in at least 6 months.

 

[havoc315]

Make sure you are aware that from what I can see the D750s listed at the $1500 price level are Gray Market imports, one site was at least honest and said "No Warranty"

Would not be buying a Nikon with no Warranty..

I hadn't realized until now how much Nikons are being discounted. even a newer camera like the D750... I am thinking the D600 shutter spit issue and the D750 issues are starting to take a toll on them.

No one here can advise you expect to make sure you are not buying a camera you can't service etc.

After that what features do you value?

 

[havoc315]

This was beaten to death in another thread. A few weeks ago, Amazon briefly had it through a seller for $1600, a very reasonable price considering the capabilities of the camera and where it is in the life cycle. I bought mine mint-used for $1700 nearly 2 years ago. $2000 for a new unit, if no promotions, is that overpriced? When is the last time someone on this board announced they just bought a brand new a99? I haven't seen a post like that in at least 6 months.

 

[K E Hoffman]

Make sure you are aware that from what I can see the D750s listed at the $1500 price level are Gray Market imports, one site was at least honest and said "No Warranty"

Would not be buying a Nikon with no Warranty..

I hadn't realized until now how much Nikons are being discounted. even a newer camera like the D750... I am thinking the D600 shutter spit issue and the D750 issues are starting to take a toll on them.

No one here can advise you expect to make sure you are not buying a camera you can't service etc.

After that what features do you value?

 

[Curtis Khan]

Personally, there is nothing wrong with the current price.

What type of photography do you pursue? If you do event, wedding or corporate photography I would suggest the a99 hands down. It is what I use for those things. I also have the a77ii and it's advantages to me is focusing speed .Having said that I have had no issues with the a99 focus But compared to the a99 files in my opinion (Wait! I am ducking the potential missiles here ) the a99 is much better. Properly exposed I have no issues shooting up to ISO 6400 with adequate results. Also, for me Sony's TTL flash system is very accurate and consistent now.

--
CURTIS R. KHAN
"The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few...or the one!"

 

[Dervast]

Make sure you are aware that from what I can see the D750s listed at the $1500 price level are Gray Market imports, one site was at least honest and said "No Warranty"

Would not be buying a Nikon with no Warranty..

I hadn't realized until now how much Nikons are being discounted. even a newer camera like the D750... I am thinking the D600 shutter spit issue and the D750 issues are starting to take a toll on them.

No one here can advise you expect to make sure you are not buying a camera you can't service etc.

After that what features do you value?

 

[havoc315]

Make sure you are aware that from what I can see the D750s listed at the $1500 price level are Gray Market imports, one site was at least honest and said "No Warranty"

Would not be buying a Nikon with no Warranty..

I hadn't realized until now how much Nikons are being discounted. even a newer camera like the D750... I am thinking the D600 shutter spit issue and the D750 issues are starting to take a toll on them.

No one here can advise you expect to make sure you are not buying a camera you can't service etc.

After that what features do you value?

 

[Neil-H]

IMO it's too high for what you get. The A77 has an updated AF system, is pretty close to it in sensor IQ and even has some newer features like the updated MFNR. The one place the A99 has an advantage is resolving power due to using more surface area on lenses, but to me that's not worth more than twice the cost. I myself picked up an A77II, although I will keep an eye out for the A99II down the road, hopefully it's priced closer to $2k at launch.

 

[Mr Spocko]

IMO it's too high for what you get. The A77 has an updated AF system, is pretty close to it in sensor IQ and even has some newer features like the updated MFNR. The one place the A99 has an advantage is resolving power due to using more surface area on lenses, but to me that's not worth more than twice the cost. I myself picked up an A77II, although I will keep an eye out for the A99II down the road, hopefully it's priced closer to $2k at launch.

I would tend to agree if anything the A99 encourages users to stay with crop sensors cost is too high it should be a lot cheaper than it is considering when it was released

 

[Neil-H]

IMO it's too high for what you get. The A77 has an updated AF system, is pretty close to it in sensor IQ and even has some newer features like the updated MFNR. The one place the A99 has an advantage is resolving power due to using more surface area on lenses, but to me that's not worth more than twice the cost. I myself picked up an A77II, although I will keep an eye out for the A99II down the road, hopefully it's priced closer to $2k at launch.

I would tend to agree if anything the A99 encourages users to stay with crop sensors cost is too high it should be a lot cheaper than it is considering when it was released

 

[En Trance]

Dear all,

I wanted some opinions about the a99 camera. I find it to be a very good camera but I am being a bit sceptical about the price tag. It can be found at around 1.5k similar price with a newer d750 camera.

What are your thoughts regarding the current price tag? Do you think is a fair price or it should be perhaps be lowered a bit to catch up with the current market trends?

Regards

Alex

Camera is worth every bit of the $1500, but I would wait for the a99II. It will likely be twice that amount, but I would not buy the old technology just before the new is released.

 

[sonysniper]

The thing with the a99 is it came in at $2800 with a sub par af system. That I think hurt its sales numbers. Had the a99 come out with the af of the a77ii with larger frame coverage then it would've been a bit. Is it a bad camera? Not at all, but it had shortcomings out of the gate and a higher price point than the camera warranted. The af of the a99 wasn't up to par with the 5diii and the d750 (although this is a newer camera so I don't think it's a fair comparison) but as a flagship camera it should have had better af capabilities. The translucent mirror robs a little light we've know this from the start but with that knowledge the a99 should have compensated with an amazing af system. With the a77ii it closed the gap between mirrored dslr cameras so I assume if the a99ii came with 2 bionz x processors a more robust af system ie. A77ii af system with better frame coverage, then it's possible for the a99ii to close the full frame gap between mirrored and dslt cameras. However in light of recent goings on at Sony if we see an a99ii we should count ourselves lucky. The E mount has taken center stage and A mount is pushed aside for futherinse of the E mount which in my opinion will never replace a dslr/dslt. I can't get on board with the ergonomics of E mount and the newer lenses such as the 35mm f1.4 for E mount is larger than the 35 1.4 g A mount lens. Seems good lenses on E mount are the same size as dslr lenses which is no longer a benefit. I hope A mount flourishes with the amount I am invested with A mount, but if they discontinued the A mount I won't support their move from A to E and I'll take my business elsewhere. Time shall tell I guess.

Jordan

 

[Neil-H]

The thing with the a99 is it came in at $2800 with a sub par af system. That I think hurt its sales numbers. Had the a99 come out with the af of the a77ii with larger frame coverage then it would've been a bit. Is it a bad camera? Not at all, but it had shortcomings out of the gate and a higher price point than the camera warranted. The af of the a99 wasn't up to par with the 5diii and the d750 (although this is a newer camera so I don't think it's a fair comparison) but as a flagship camera it should have had better af capabilities. The translucent mirror robs a little light we've know this from the start but with that knowledge the a99 should have compensated with an amazing af system. With the a77ii it closed the gap between mirrored dslr cameras so I assume if the a99ii came with 2 bionz x processors a more robust af system ie. A77ii af system with better frame coverage, then it's possible for the a99ii to close the full frame gap between mirrored and dslt cameras. However in light of recent goings on at Sony if we see an a99ii we should count ourselves lucky. The E mount has taken center stage and A mount is pushed aside for futherinse of the E mount which in my opinion will never replace a dslr/dslt. I can't get on board with the ergonomics of E mount and the newer lenses such as the 35mm f1.4 for E mount is larger than the 35 1.4 g A mount lens. Seems good lenses on E mount are the same size as dslr lenses which is no longer a benefit. I hope A mount flourishes with the amount I am invested with A mount, but if they discontinued the A mount I won't support their move from A to E and I'll take my business elsewhere. Time shall tell I guess.

Jordan

I agree. Im not sure why the A99 wasn't better than it was with AF. The A77 seems to be well behaved, DPR claims that as long as you are not relying only on the subject tracking (I forget the name of that exact feature), ie as long as you using the standard center point or cluster, it keeps up with the 7DII and D7100 type cameras.

In theory the SLT design could be better as it doesn't have any blackout that a DSLR has while the mirror cycles. So perhaps it's that Sony are still developing the software and tracking algorithms. But it has potential, and it also has the advantage of being a DSLR type camera with traditional dedicated off sensor PDAF while still retaining the EVF so many people like. It's a very unique build.

The design itself has a lot of potential, it will be interesting to see how far they can push it. I know most people assume Sony will eventually do away with the SLT mirror but I wouldn't be so sure. There is no guarantee OSPDAF will ever be able to match standard PDAF, and contrary to what ML users claim, even the traditional DSLR AF is improving (the newest iterations of each brand are indeed the best AF they have had).

IMO that's what the format wars are really about. EVF vs OVF will eventually be indistinguishable, but the AF system might prove to be different. Having a dedicated AF sensor that doesn't have to process all that other data seems like an advantage to me. I guess time will tell.