Sony SLT-A65 Preview

Preview based on a pre-production SLT-A65 with firmware 0.58

Note that because of the similarities between the two models, for a full picture of the technology inside the Alpha SLT-A65 you should also take a look at our hands-on preview of its higher-end sister model the A77.

Alongside the long-awaited A700 replacement, Sony has launched a more mass-market model - the SLT-A65. In all the excitement about the range-topping enthusiast model, there's a risk that ths less expensive model will be overlooked, but dig a little deeper and we believe theres every chance it's the A65 that will make the long-term impact.

There can be no doubt on picking up the plastic-bodied A65 that it is a camera intended to compete in a slightly lower class than the A77.The A65 lacks the A77's magnesium alloy construction and new AF sensor (it uses the same 15-point AF sensor that we saw in the original SLT-A55). It also does without the A77's top-plate LCD, rear control dial and uses a simpler hinge mechanism for the rear display, but importantly, it is built around the same 24MP APS-C CMOS sensor and the same 2.4M dot OLED viewfinder.

There are two reasons we believe the A65 might end up being the more significant camera in the SLT line-up: firstly because it is aimed at a much more popular segment of the market - many more people buy consumer-level DSLRs than buy enthusiast ones. And secondly, because despite a few missing specifications, the A65 includes many of the A77's core second-generation SLT features but at a lower price point. Unless the current market leaders bring something revolutionary to the party fairly soon, the A65 could just be the stand-out product Sony needs to get a proper foot-hold in the consumer DSLR/ILC market - something that despite impressive ambitions, it has thus far failed to do.

Sony's SLT design, with its ability to offer DSLR-style autofocus in live view and video, impressed us when the company launched the A33 and A55. However, the A65 takes the technology considerably further, most crucially with the introduction of the high-resolution OLED viewfinder. The 'TruFinder' design offers a 64% increase in resolution and, more importantly, offers progressive screen updates, rather than refreshing one color after another, giving a much smoother, more life-like shooting experience. The viewfinders in the A33, 35 and 55 are excellent, but the new unit in the A65 and A77 is significantly better. Quite an achievement.

SLT-A65 and A77 key specifications compared  

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