Is this the new A77?

[Simmondsphotography]

http://www.photographybay.com/2010/10/2 ... rnbu4962xu

[David Kilpatrick]

It's the same photo of the cabinet with the mirrored back which displayed this model in March. As for 24MP on APS-C 1.5X format, it's not impossible as the density is a moderate step from Canon's 18 megapixels on 1.6X format. The model name is anyone's guess, but a reasonable one.

David

[Dusty]

I have to think that Sony wouldn't put out a 24 MP APS-C model when their FF models are at that same level, unless they fist put out some 28-32 MP FF Alphas.

Bump it up to 20, and you're still the APS-C leader, without killing interest in you FF models.

Dusty

[alphaomega]

I doubt Sony will release an APS-C camera with 24Mp sensor. Why? There will be few (and expensive) lenses that can do justice to such pixel dense images. When the A900 came out Sony said its FF 24 Mp sensor was ideally matched to the CZ lenses. Whaaat would they say to 24Mp APS-C? I would subscribe to an earlier rumour that the A77 would have 18Mp or maybe even 20 to outdo 7D but I doubt 24Mp. That should mean Sony FF models with maybe 40Mp to eliminate most MF cameras other than those around 60Mp for ultra critical work or large posters. Certainllly for my type of work the 16Mp of A580 will do fine and I doubt my lenses can produce better images at above this threshold. I am not about to invest thousands of £ in new lenses to justify buying 24Mp APS-C. Give us more DR at 16 Mp.

[KevinBarrett]

When the A900 came out Sony said its FF 24 Mp sensor was ideally matched to the CZ lenses. Whaaat would they say to 24Mp APS-C?

Considering APS-C is be the best crop of a full-frame lens's image circle, it might just work out that the same megapixel figure would work as well for APS-C as FF. Now if you want to talk about diffraction limiting, it's a different story, but I agree with what you're saying. I'd rather the race be about A/D conversion bit depth, signal-to-noise ratio, and dynamic range...oh wait, I think I'm describing Medium Format.

[Dusty]

Speaking of MF - Did any of you have a look at the new Pentax 645? Only 10K for 40 MP, and lenses that can resolve it!

Dusty

[Lonnie Utah]

Speaking of MF - Did any of you have a look at the new Pentax 645? Only 10K for 40 MP, and lenses that can resolve it!

Only $10K? Well, then, I'll take 2!

[Dusty]

I say "only" because if you compare it to any other MF digital, you quickly see how "cheap" it is!

Dusty

[alphaomega]

I already predicted above that the next Sony FF DSLR (or SLT) will have a 40Mp sensor and "kill" MF cameras such as the Pentax 645. I predict further that it will cost round about £2500 so effectively in USA you will be able to get four for the price of one 645.

[Dusty]

The problem I have with too much Pixel Packing (to coin a phrase) is that you have to have such exceptional lenses to resolve such fine density that you end up with an enormous cost in lenses.

Med format lenses, resolving 40 MP in a much larger circle, can do it at a much cheaper cost. Also, any speck of dust, lens smudge, etc will be greatly magnified by smaller sensors.

Then there is the inherent sensor heating, dynamic range and other issues that are harder to control on smaller sensors.

While Pixel Packed FF sensors may make a lot of people think they have an effectual Medium Format DSLR, I think the pros will stick with what they have.

Dusty

[alphaomega]

Dusty, I have no doubt that some professionals will stay with MF for certain critical jobs where there is time to set-up etc. But think about the improvements in APS-C sensors since release of A900. The A55/580 16Mp sensor could easily be scaled up to 32Mp FF and provide up to ISO12,800 and certainly good quality at ISO3200. The Pentax 645 has standard 200-1000 ISO(expandable to 100 and 1600 at the other end). I am sure that with additional development 40Mp is on with good ISO performance and adequate dynamic range. I am amazed at the quality of RAW and Jpeg images from my LX2/3 and their small sensors. The Leica lenses appear to cope well. The LX5 and Canon G12 etc. are better. The LX2/3/5 type cameras can now compete with DSLRs a few years old. The new FF DSLRs (or SLT) will inevitably eat into the MF market. Lenses will improve to match the new sensors. I note that here in UK a 645 body costs £9000 and with 55mm lens £10,000. Qualilty FF lenses are no more expensive. I can imagine if the A77 (if that is the beast's name and configuration) could outdo 1D type cameras if with 18/20 Mp APS-C and improved AF over the A55. I will probably have almost PRO standard video as well. Pana is on the heals of Sony. Rumoured release of NEX competitor. Possibly Canon and Nikon have lost it and now behind in development of cameras for the upcoming users reared on electronics. I want an A580 with OVF but I am yesterday's man as this could be my last purchase.