The Alpha SLT-A77 DSLR Digital Camera with 18-135mm Lens from Sony has many
things going for it, not the least of which is the 24.3MP sensor. Think
of all the possibilities 24.3 megapixels of resolution has: mural sized
prints, incredible detail, rich color, and more! If you've been craving
the pixel power of the medium format back, but in a DSLR rig, your wait
is over.
Sony also gave the SLT-A77 their 2nd generation Translucent Mirror
Technology system. This design allows the camera to focus with the speed
and accuracy of Phase Detection AF and shoot simultaneously. This is an
unheard of capability in the world of digital photography, well until
now, that is. The camera also boasts Sony's upgraded BIONZ image
processor. The processor performs many functions, including efficiently
transferring shot data to the chip in your memory card. It also reduces
visual noise, and ensures that functions such as 6-image layering and
2D/3D Sweep Panorama work smoothly, and with speed.
More than a still camera, the SLT-A77 also captures
high-quality 1920 x 1080p AVCHD video at 60p or 24p. You can also choose
to record at 60i. HD movies can also be captured with full manual
control. That means the entire mode dial is at your disposal: Program,
Shutter Priority, Aperture Priority, and Manual. Live View, Full-Time
Live View (in LCD or EVF) are also available for use as is Full-Time
Phase Detection AF. The latter of course being an intelligent way to
correct focus automatically, while you concentrate on the scene at hand.
What this DSLR also offers, above and beyond most less-sophisticated
cameras, is the world's first OLED electronic viewfinder. The A77's
viewfinder gets your eye off the LCD screen and into the right situation
for capturing successful images. Like all viewfinders, this one keeps
distractions and glare to a minimum. But what the OLED viewfinder does
that's above and beyond the pack includes a reduction of motion blur on
the Tru-Finder screen. The OLED features 2359K dots of resolution and a
high contrast ratio. It also allows you to see the results of camera
adjustments in real time with true-to-life color and detail. See your
shot in the viewfinder exactly as it will be, before you shoot it.
Of course, the SLT-A77 does have an LCD screen too, but not just a basic monitor. This one tilts and
swivels for everything from hard-to-get shots to successful reviewing
of footage in harsh lighting conditions. What else does this type of LCD
allow you to do? How about self-portraits? Just flip it and twist it
and see the monitor as you photograph yourself and your friends. When
it's not in use, the screen folds flat to the camera for safe storage
and traveling.
As far as performance is concerned and in regards to all things
internal in the camera, the A77 backs up those 24.3MP with the kinds of
features and functions one would expect. First, the camera supports
burst shooting up to 12 frames per second at full resolution, that's
great news for sports photographers. The A77 also boasts a super-short
lag time of only 0.05 seconds. Then there's the16,000 ISO sensitivity
and the 1200-zone exposure metering. The metering function reads
directly from the camera's main image sensor and offers the choice of
Multi, Center, and Spot metering.
As for more proprietary shooting features, the camera has a load of
those too! First off, there's the dual control dials that give you
access to two settings at once. All the traditional P/A/S/M exposure
modes can be found there. Getting into the menu functions you'll find
options such as 19-point Auto Focus, Object Tracking AF, and 6-image
layering just to start. Dig a little deeper and Handheld Twilight mode
and Multi-Frame NR are there to help you capture excellent low-light
images by takingthe best of six shots and combining them into one.
You'll also find extras such as built-in GPS. The integrated GPS
receiver records the location and time of every shot you take, allowing
you to view them later on a map with compatible computer and Internet
applications. This feature is also great for those into 'geo-tagging'.
Eleven Picture Effects modes also give you another way to express
yourself with options like Pop Color, Retro Photo, Toy Camera, and more.
Convenient standards like face detection and Sony's Smile Shutter
technology are there for your use as well.
Like any good DSLR, Sony gave the SLT-A77 a built-in flash for
capturing low-light shots with ease. That same flash can also trigger an
optional wireless flash. The camera also has an integrated hot shoe for
attaching various external flashes and flash accessories (sold
separately).
Versatile and compact, the included 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 lens is
the perfect complement to the high quality SLT-A77. With its large
focal range, it will cover almost any shooting need you have and its
smooth autofocus motor is quiet and fluid, which is especially useful
when recording video. Combined, the SLT-A77 and the Sony 18-135mm lens
provide you with high speed, quality images from a state of the art,
multi-function, easy to use camera system. Now go shoot pictures!
