Sony SLT A-77

shift image stabilisation system. The A-77 features TTL phasedetection autofocus system with a sensitivity range of -1 to +18 EV ( ISO 100 equivalent). Focus modes available are Single shot AF, Auto AF, Continuous AF, and Manual Focus. Focus area options are wide-area, 19-point local frame, fixed centre spot, predictive focus, auto-tracking focus point, and focus lock. The 19 focus points include 11 cross type sensors for faster focus with fast lenses. The camera uses 1200-zone evaluative metering and the metering modes are Multi-segment, Centre-weighted, and Spot. Exposure can be compensated up to +/-5 EV with increment options of 1/3 and 1/2EV. Exposure bracketing provides the option of 3 or 5 bracketed frames in 0.3, 0.5, 0.7, 2.0, or 3.0-stop increment. Sensitivity ranges from ISO 100 to 16,000, which can be expanded to ISO 50 if required. Shutter speeds range from 30 to 1/8000 sec, with the option of Bulb setting. The maximum flash sync speed is 1/250 sec. The built-in flash has a Guide Number of 12m at ISO100 and covers up to 16mm (24mm equivalent). It offers flash exposure compensation of +/-3 EV with options of 1/2 and 1/3 EV increments and has a recycling time of approximately 3 sec. The flash modes available are Auto ( Flash off), Auto, Fill flash, Red-eye reduction, Rear-curtain sync, Slow sync, High-speed sync, and Wireless. For using the wireless mode, you have to

couple the camera with a compatible flashgun. White Balance options are Auto, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Incandescent, Fluorescent ( Warm White, Cool White, Day White), Flash, Custom Temp 2500 to 9900k with 15 steps, Custom Filter, Custom, and AWB Micro Adjustment. White Balance bracketing is available for three frames. The SLT A-77 offers still image formats of JPEG, Raw, Raw+JPEG, and 3D still image in MPO, while the movies are recorded in AVCHD and MP4 formats. The maximum image size for still images is 6000 x 4000 pixels, whereas the best movie quality is 1920 x 1080 (50p/28Mbps or 50i/24Mbps). JPEG quality options are Standard, Fine, and Extra Fine. Creative styles available are Standard, Vivid, Neutral, Clear, Deep, Light, Portrait, Landscape, Sunset, Night Scene, Autumn Leaves, B/W, Sepia, Saturation, and Sharpness. Shooting modes are AUTO, AUTO Advanced (AUTO+), Scene Selection, Sweep Panorama (2D/3D), Tele-zoom Continuous Advance Priority AE, Movie, Program AE, Aperture priority, Shutter-speed priority, and Manual. Scene selection further provides options of Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Sports, Sunset, Night view / Night portrait, and Handheld Twilight. The camera can shoot continuously at up to 12 frames per second for a maximum of 13 JPEG images in Extra Fine quality, and 18 images in Fine quality. This, according to Sony, makes this the world’s fastest continuous shooting speed in comparison to conventional D-SLRs. Self-timer can be set to either 10 or 2 sec. It uses a Memory Stick Pro Duo/ Pro-HG Duo or an SD/SDHC/SDXC memory card for storage. The A-77 features an electronic viewfinder along with a 3.0-inch, 921,600-dot TFT Xtra Fine LCD. The camera is powered by a rechargeable NP-FM500H battery pack. It measures approximately 142.6 x 104.0 x 80.9mm and weighs approximately 653g without battery, memory card and accessories.

Ergonomics

The Sony A-77 is designed well, adopting the better design elements of most D-SLRs in the market, and hence most users will find it comfortable to adjust the settings. When you get the camera in your hands, the first thing you are likely to notice would be the beautifully designed multi-aspect articulated LCD. This is an excellent component, allowing you to view the scene from practically any angle. The images appeared crisp on the LCD, though we observed some ‘pixel jitter’ in shadow areas, which seems to be common with most electronic displays. The placement of the command dials, and the shortcut buttons on top are all welcome measures. However, the camera has its share of problems. The small joystick on the back panel is troublesome to operate. Adding to the problem is the difficulty to navigate through the disorderly multitude of buttons. Also, the camera is on the bulky side, and the thickness of the hand grip could be a major problem for people with small and medium-sized hands.

Performance

The Sony A-77 was tested with the supplied Sony DT 16-105mm f/3.5-5.6 lens. Autofocus was fast and precise, though not silent with the supplied lens. All metering modes performed as expected. The camera controlled noise brilliantly. Native print size was 13.33 x 20 inches at 300 ppi. At 25 percent screen size, images appeared noise-free up to ISO 3200. We would consider even ISO 6400 to be usable. Viewed at 50 percent, the images up to ISO 1600 appeared free of noise. At 100 percent screen size, we