Fastest continuous shooting camera from Sony debuts in India at Rs.69,990

Building on their Alpha series, Sony recently launched their Alpha 77 in India, which they claim features the fastest 12fps burst shooting for interchangeable lens camera with APS-C size sensor not only in its class, but in the world. The newly launched camera comes with a new A-mount model appealing to advanced amateurs and serious photo enthusiasts. 

Alpha 77 launched in India

The Alpha 77 features an entirely redeveloped 19-point autofocus system (AF) with 11 cross sensors and full-time continuous AF that delivers blazing speed. Working in tandem with Sony’s enhanced Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor (24.3 effective megapixel resolution) and newly developed BIONZ image processor, the Translucent Mirror Technology allows users to take sharp, ultra-low noise photos at a blistering 12fps, making this model the fastest interchangeable lens camera in the world. The camera also comes equipped with a broad sensitivity range of ISO 100 – 16,000 (expandable up to 50) and shutter speeds up to 1/8000, enabling amazingly sharp and noise-free photos to be taken in any lighting conditions. Additionally, the electronic front shutter curtain achieves a class-leading minimum lag time of approximately 0.050 seconds, nearly matching that of way more expensive professional cameras.

Sony have also added the world’s first XGA OLED Tru-Finder, providing the best resolution, contrast and responsiveness of any electronic view finder (EVF) on the market. The 2,359k dots XGA resolution and 100 percent field of view gives users sharp, bright images without cutting off the edges of the picture, rivaling the performance of optical viewfinders found in much costlier pro-grade cameras. What one sees through the viewfinder is exactly what you get in the final shot, giving users greater confidence in composing their shots.

This camera is also the world's first interchangeable lens camera to offer a fully articulated 3-way adjustable 3-inch Xtra Fine LCD screen, which offers high resolution (921k dots) and TruBlack technology for superb detail and contrast, making it possible to frame a shot from any angle for amazing versatility. The gap between the protective outer glass and underlying LCD (which features an anti-reflective coating and multi-coating) is filled with resin to significantly reduce surface reflections, improve visibility from wide-ranging viewing angles, maintain high contrast, and more accurately reproduce deep blacks.

Due to the faster speed of the new BIONZ processor, users can now film in both interlace and progressive scans, including cinematic mode - 24p, 60i and 60p (NTSC), or 25p, 50i, and 50p (PAL) which is another world’s first for an interchangeable lens camera with APS-C sensor. P/A/S/M modes are all selectable during video recording, giving users as much control as they need, whether they’re making a simple home video or a cinematic masterpiece.

Here is a quick look at the highlighted features of the Sony Alpha 77:

• 24.3 effective megapixel Exmor APS HD CMOS Sensor and newly developed BIONZ image processor
• Newly developed 19-point AF system with 11 cross sensors
• World’s first XGA OLED Tru-Finder with versatile information display
• Quick AF Full HD Movie with AVCHD Progressive compatibility, and flexible P/A/S/M exposure control in manual focus mode
• New design and ergonomics with world’s first 3-way tilt Xtra Fine LCD and ruggedised, reliable handling

This model is built to be rugged, with system-wide dust and moisture resistance and a robust magnesium body that can endure long hours spent shooting a range of environments. And, with 150,000-shot shutter release durability, the Alpha 77 is guaranteed to provide years of use. The camera is also built to withstand the tough usage habits of advanced amateurs. Both the front and back covers comprise lightweight and high-intensity magnesium alloy. Moreover the grip and front cover were cast to achieve extremely high body rigidity.

Dust and moisture countermeasures have been applied to the outer body, alongwith various controls to achieve a durable structure that withstands the tough usage of advanced amateurs. The measure includes sealing around the main buttons and dials and a double-layered structure that enhances sealing effectiveness at all camera body openings including the media compartment and terminal area. The same resistance to dust and moisture is maintained even when the camera is mounted with the new SAL1650 standard zooming lens, HVL-F43AM flash unit, VG-C77AM vertical shooting grip or other optional accessories.

Along with the Alpha 77, Sony has also announced two more cameras in the market which are the Alpha 65 and Alpha 57. The brand prices the Alpha 77 in India at Rs.69,990 and along with a 16 – 105mm lens, the camera is priced at Rs.99,990. The other models the Alpha 65 and Alpha 57 are priced in India at Rs. 59,990 and 45,990 respectively. For more information on Sony’s Alpha series, click here.