Sony Kill Their Last SLR

Frogfish · 10-07-2011, 08:28 AM

Sony have discontinued their last DSLR (now only having the A77 & A65 which are DSLT cameras) - see their website.

Pity. Hope Pentax - Ricoh don't see this as a bad omen for FF Pentax (fingers still crossed for this).

kenafein · 10-07-2011, 08:48 AM

Is their next full frame going to be SLT also?

jsherman999 · 10-07-2011, 09:06 AM

Originally posted by kenafein

Is their next full frame going to be SLT also?

They are reportedly going to have between one and three FF bodies introduced next year, unknown if they will be SLR, SLT, or mirrorless, or some combination.

(not sure how the OP thinks the Sony SLT vs SLR decision affects Pentax sensor choices - same sensors are used whether it's SLR or SLT )

Frogfish · 10-07-2011, 11:28 AM

Originally posted by jsherman999

They are reportedly going to have between one and three FF bodies introduced next year, unknown if they will be SLR, SLT, or mirrorless, or some combination.

(not sure how the OP thinks the Sony SLT vs SLR decision affects Pentax sensor choices - same sensors are used whether it's SLR or SLT )

Ah Jay I didn't say anything at all about SLT/SLR affecting sensor choice. I didn't know Sony were planning to introduce new FF bodies, I thought the discontinuance of the 900 was because the FF format wasn't that successful for them - and that might influence Ricoh's reasoning re. the introduction of a FF body - hence the thread. However 1 or 3 is a large difference - where did you find that information ?

jsherman999 · 10-07-2011, 03:05 PM

Originally posted by Frogfish

Ah Jay I didn't say anything at all about SLT/SLR affecting sensor choice. I didn't know Sony were planning to introduce new FF bodies, I thought the discontinuance of the 900 was because the FF format wasn't that successful for them - and that might influence Ricoh's reasoning re. the introduction of a FF body - hence the thread. However 1 or 3 is a large difference - where did you find that information ?

Well, we officially don't know anything about anything until someone makes an announcement, but we can go on rumours if the source has been (mostly) right in the past, and if there seem to be multiple sources for the rumour. In Sony's case, sonyalpharumours has a 'SR5' level rumour summary here. ("SR5" is their 'most likely' rating, and these almost always turn out to me at least partially true.)

Quote:

(SR5) A Fullframe rumors summary.

Paul Genge from Sony UK said at British Journal of Photography that the firm has still to make a decision on whether it will use its Translucent Mirror Technology in the upcoming models. And he said that a new Alpha full-frame camera would replace the A850 and A900 released in 2008.

That is more or less all what Sony had to say about their future Fullframe plans. What do I know more in terms of fullframe rumors?

1) The roadmap for FF lenses and camers has been shifted forward for a couple of months. Like it was for the A77 everything has been delayed. I will give you more info about the new Fulflrame lenses soon.
2) There will be more than one (probably three!) new fullframe cameras in 2012
3) Not a single one of those will have a classic DSLR design (no classic mirror, no prisma)
4) The A99 (one of the three cameras) should be unveiled before the Photokina 2012 show in September (I am not sure yet when Sony will announced about other one-two fullframe cameras)
5) Sony developed a new 36Megapixel fullframe sensor which will probably fit inside the A99.

Of course I received more details, but I need to double and triple check them with other sources. I ask my sources if they cans hare me some bits about the future Sony FF roadmap. As you know you can use the anonymous contact form on the right sidebar or write me at sonyalpharumors@gmail.com. Thanks!

What I can also say is that my trusted sources are sure the new FF cameras will shake the world. And I am sure they mean it very honestly!

We have to wait and see for sure, of course.

.

Ratmagiclady · 10-07-2011, 05:29 PM

Sony never had a chance in the SLR market, not since they insisted on putting 'Sony' on the prism. Even if the a900 looked like a camera, they just never put it all together. They're an electronics company, not a camera company.

Business people may try to make equations, but there's a big difference. Pentax may be a little behind on electronics, but they're a *camera company.* Not an electronics company trying to brute-force a loss-leader.

Urkeldaedalus · 10-07-2011, 07:22 PM

I thought when SLT was first introduced that it really made the most sense when paired with full frame, because full frame high ISO performance will soon be so absurd that you can afford to lose some light for the semi-transparent mirror system.

I'm crossing my fingers that Sony will come out with a FF with a mount I can put Pentax lenses on, so I don't have to even worry if Pentax ever comes out with a FF of their own. (Plus Zeiss and Alpha FF lenses aren't half bad to boot.)

Urkeldaedalus · 10-07-2011, 07:23 PM

Originally posted by Ratmagiclady

Sony never had a chance in the SLR market, not since they insisted on putting 'Sony' on the prism. Even if the a900 looked like a camera, they just never put it all together. They're an electronics company, not a camera company.

Business people may try to make equations, but there's a big difference. Pentax may be a little behind on electronics, but they're a *camera company.* Not an electronics company trying to brute-force a loss-leader.

I would agree with this. My worry is that cameras are becoming increasingly (every year) a gadget more than a camera. I think Sony understands this and is driving this market.

RioRico · 10-07-2011, 08:23 PM

Originally posted by Ratmagiclady

Sony never had a chance in the SLR market, not since they insisted on putting 'Sony' on the prism. Even if the a900 looked like a camera, they just never put it all together. They're an electronics company, not a camera company.

Sony has been making cameras (video) since about 1970, longer than some other current players, and cameras (still) since about 1990, longer than any other digicam maker AFAIK. Sony didn't have the option to brand their dSLRs anything but SONY since their buyout of SLR ops from Konica-Minolta didn't include the Minolta name in the deal.

IMHO Sony's weakness in the dSLR market is more due to corporate fragmentation, with just not enough focus on this market segment. With the right management, Sony could be kick-ass in modern photo technologies. Sony is certainly much better positioned than rival Samsung, which is a much larger company. Don't underestimate Sony. They can bite.

Ratmagiclady · 10-07-2011, 08:28 PM

Originally posted by RioRico

Sony has been making cameras (video) since about 1970, longer than some other current players, and cameras (still) since about 1990, longer than any other digicam maker AFAIK. Sony didn't have the option to brand their dSLRs anything but SONY since their buyout of SLR ops from Konica-Minolta didn't include the Minolta name in the deal.

IMHO Sony's weakness in the dSLR market is more due to corporate fragmentation, with just not enough focus on this market segment. With the right management, Sony could be kick-ass in modern photo technologies. Sony is certainly much better positioned than rival Samsung, which is a much larger company. Don't underestimate Sony. They can bite.

I think they do 'bite.' That's their problem and why they're out. 'Positioned?' They can't make a camera photogs want. What kind of 'position;is that? Who cares how they compare to Samsung or anyone? They have clever ideas once in a while, but never make a camera.

Frogfish · 10-07-2011, 09:38 PM

Originally posted by jsherman999

What I can also say is that my trusted sources are sure the new FF cameras will shake the world. And I am sure they mean it very honestly!

To an extent that phrase seems to me an indication that Sony are indeed planning to extend their SLT line (with additional further innovations) however there is always the worry (for Sony users) that they may actually diverge too far from traditional SLR camera design and we end up with a larger FF version of the NEX 7 ! Not literally of course but Sony do seem to push the envelope and in the very traditional world of SLR cameras that is not always a good thing.

Christine Tham · 10-07-2011, 11:27 PM

Originally posted by Frogfish

however there is always the worry (for Sony users) that they may actually diverge too far from traditional SLR camera design and we end up with a larger FF version of the NEX 7 !

What's wrong with that? I would buy that if Sony made it. I'm currently having great fun using my K mount and M42 screw mount lenses on my NEX-5N - it's a great body for legacy glass with the peak focus and MF assist features.

Frogfish · 10-08-2011, 02:07 AM

Originally posted by Christine Tham

What's wrong with that? I would buy that if Sony made it. I'm currently having great fun using my K mount and M42 screw mount lenses on my NEX-5N - it's a great body for legacy glass with the peak focus and MF assist features.

If you have read any of my posts/threads on the NEX then you'll know I love it for all the reasons you have just stated. However ask any FF user if they want a FF camera that looks like a 5N or 7 and I think you'll get your answer. Now if Sony were to introduce 3 FF cameras, two being improved versions of the a900 and one NEX 7/ Leica-like option then you may find a market for all three. That said if they continue with their current trend of digital rather than optical viewfinders their FF market may disappear.

I still don't understand though why any company would discontinue the only FF camera in their tiny SLR/SLT line-up with more than a year to go to it's replacement, way to go to alienate your support who may now decide to jump ship.

Christine Tham · 10-08-2011, 02:53 AM

Originally posted by Frogfish

If you have read any of my posts/threads on the NEX then you'll know I love it for all the reasons you have just stated. However ask any FF user if they want a FF camera that looks like a 5N or 7 and I think you'll get your answer.

:-)

I'm a FF user (film) and I would love a "NEX9" (FF) - I'm not sure I ever want a bulky DSLR again (having said that, I am currently thinking of buying the next Canon FF - whether it's called 5D Mark III or 6F)

I must admit, I've never really liked the NEX look (small body, huge lenses) but now that I own a 5N I'm used to it.

nickthetasmaniac · 10-08-2011, 04:17 AM

Originally posted by Ratmagiclady

Sony never had a chance in the SLR market, not since they insisted on putting 'Sony' on the prism. Even if the a900 looked like a camera, they just never put it all together. They're an electronics company, not a camera company.

That is a rather odd comment, considering that the A900/850 have frequently been described by very experienced photographers as the most 'purist' of the modern full-frame dSLRs...

10-07-2011, 08:28 AM	#1
Frogfish Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Shanghai Posts: 4,490	Sony Kill Their Last SLR Sony have discontinued their last DSLR (now only having the A77 & A65 which are DSLT cameras) - see their website. Pity. Hope Pentax - Ricoh don't see this as a bad omen for FF Pentax (fingers still crossed for this).

10-07-2011, 05:29 PM	#6
Ratmagiclady Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: GA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 13,563	Sony never had a chance in the SLR market, not since they insisted on putting 'Sony' on the prism. Even if the a900 looked like a camera, they just never put it all together. They're an electronics company, not a camera company. Business people may try to make equations, but there's a big difference. Pentax may be a little behind on electronics, but they're a camera company. Not an electronics company trying to brute-force a loss-leader. Last edited by Ratmagiclady; 10-07-2011 at 05:35 PM.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
For Sale - Sold: Blue K-x, 18-55mm kit lens, lowepro bag, 4 eneloop, 4 sony CycleEnergy, Sony c	beamme84	Sold Items	4	04-04-2011 08:05 PM
Nature Road Kill	daacon	Post Your Photos!	6	02-23-2011 07:18 AM
SLR - Pentax/Canon/Nikon/Sony (HELP!)	conradcjc	Pentax DSLR Discussion	26	05-03-2010 05:00 PM
Nature Preping A Kill	LeDave	Photo Critique	4	01-03-2010 11:16 PM
For Sale - Sold: Sony DSLR-A100, Sony 18-70, Tamron XR 28-200, Crumpler 3MDH	inneyeseakay	Sold Items	12	01-30-2009 05:47 AM

10-07-2011, 08:48 AM	#2
kenafein Veteran Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: Southern California Photos: Albums Posts: 4,082	Is their next full frame going to be SLT also?

10-07-2011, 09:06 AM	#3
jsherman999 Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,237	Originally posted by kenafein Is their next full frame going to be SLT also? They are reportedly going to have between one and three FF bodies introduced next year, unknown if they will be SLR, SLT, or mirrorless, or some combination. (not sure how the OP thinks the Sony SLT vs SLR decision affects Pentax sensor choices - same sensors are used whether it's SLR or SLT )

10-07-2011, 11:28 AM	#4
Frogfish Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Shanghai Posts: 4,490 Original Poster	Originally posted by jsherman999 They are reportedly going to have between one and three FF bodies introduced next year, unknown if they will be SLR, SLT, or mirrorless, or some combination. (not sure how the OP thinks the Sony SLT vs SLR decision affects Pentax sensor choices - same sensors are used whether it's SLR or SLT ) Ah Jay I didn't say anything at all about SLT/SLR affecting sensor choice. I didn't know Sony were planning to introduce new FF bodies, I thought the discontinuance of the 900 was because the FF format wasn't that successful for them - and that might influence Ricoh's reasoning re. the introduction of a FF body - hence the thread. However 1 or 3 is a large difference - where did you find that information ?

10-07-2011, 03:05 PM	#5
jsherman999 Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,237	Originally posted by Frogfish Ah Jay I didn't say anything at all about SLT/SLR affecting sensor choice. I didn't know Sony were planning to introduce new FF bodies, I thought the discontinuance of the 900 was because the FF format wasn't that successful for them - and that might influence Ricoh's reasoning re. the introduction of a FF body - hence the thread. However 1 or 3 is a large difference - where did you find that information ? Well, we officially don't know anything about anything until someone makes an announcement, but we can go on rumours if the source has been (mostly) right in the past, and if there seem to be multiple sources for the rumour. In Sony's case, sonyalpharumours has a 'SR5' level rumour summary here. ("SR5" is their 'most likely' rating, and these almost always turn out to me at least partially true.) Quote: (SR5) A Fullframe rumors summary. Paul Genge from Sony UK said at British Journal of Photography that the firm has still to make a decision on whether it will use its Translucent Mirror Technology in the upcoming models. And he said that a new Alpha full-frame camera would replace the A850 and A900 released in 2008. That is more or less all what Sony had to say about their future Fullframe plans. What do I know more in terms of fullframe rumors? 1) The roadmap for FF lenses and camers has been shifted forward for a couple of months. Like it was for the A77 everything has been delayed. I will give you more info about the new Fulflrame lenses soon. 2) There will be more than one (probably three!) new fullframe cameras in 2012 3) Not a single one of those will have a classic DSLR design (no classic mirror, no prisma) 4) The A99 (one of the three cameras) should be unveiled before the Photokina 2012 show in September (I am not sure yet when Sony will announced about other one-two fullframe cameras) 5) Sony developed a new 36Megapixel fullframe sensor which will probably fit inside the A99. Of course I received more details, but I need to double and triple check them with other sources. I ask my sources if they cans hare me some bits about the future Sony FF roadmap. As you know you can use the anonymous contact form on the right sidebar or write me at sonyalpharumors@gmail.com. Thanks! What I can also say is that my trusted sources are sure the new FF cameras will shake the world. And I am sure they mean it very honestly! We have to wait and see for sure, of course. .

10-07-2011, 07:22 PM	#7
Urkeldaedalus Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Iowa Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,369	I thought when SLT was first introduced that it really made the most sense when paired with full frame, because full frame high ISO performance will soon be so absurd that you can afford to lose some light for the semi-transparent mirror system. I'm crossing my fingers that Sony will come out with a FF with a mount I can put Pentax lenses on, so I don't have to even worry if Pentax ever comes out with a FF of their own. (Plus Zeiss and Alpha FF lenses aren't half bad to boot.)

10-07-2011, 07:23 PM	#8
Urkeldaedalus Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Iowa Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,369	Originally posted by Ratmagiclady Sony never had a chance in the SLR market, not since they insisted on putting 'Sony' on the prism. Even if the a900 looked like a camera, they just never put it all together. They're an electronics company, not a camera company. Business people may try to make equations, but there's a big difference. Pentax may be a little behind on electronics, but they're a camera company. Not an electronics company trying to brute-force a loss-leader. I would agree with this. My worry is that cameras are becoming increasingly (every year) a gadget more than a camera. I think Sony understands this and is driving this market.

10-07-2011, 08:23 PM	#9
RioRico Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Limbo, California Posts: 11,263	Originally posted by Ratmagiclady Sony never had a chance in the SLR market, not since they insisted on putting 'Sony' on the prism. Even if the a900 looked like a camera, they just never put it all together. They're an electronics company, not a camera company. Sony has been making cameras (video) since about 1970, longer than some other current players, and cameras (still) since about 1990, longer than any other digicam maker AFAIK. Sony didn't have the option to brand their dSLRs anything but SONY since their buyout of SLR ops from Konica-Minolta didn't include the Minolta name in the deal. IMHO Sony's weakness in the dSLR market is more due to corporate fragmentation, with just not enough focus on this market segment. With the right management, Sony could be kick-ass in modern photo technologies. Sony is certainly much better positioned than rival Samsung, which is a much larger company. Don't underestimate Sony. They can bite.

10-07-2011, 08:28 PM	#10
Ratmagiclady Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: GA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 13,563	Originally posted by RioRico Sony has been making cameras (video) since about 1970, longer than some other current players, and cameras (still) since about 1990, longer than any other digicam maker AFAIK. Sony didn't have the option to brand their dSLRs anything but SONY since their buyout of SLR ops from Konica-Minolta didn't include the Minolta name in the deal. IMHO Sony's weakness in the dSLR market is more due to corporate fragmentation, with just not enough focus on this market segment. With the right management, Sony could be kick-ass in modern photo technologies. Sony is certainly much better positioned than rival Samsung, which is a much larger company. Don't underestimate Sony. They can bite. I think they do 'bite.' That's their problem and why they're out. 'Positioned?' They can't make a camera photogs want. What kind of 'position;is that? Who cares how they compare to Samsung or anyone? They have clever ideas once in a while, but never make a camera.

10-07-2011, 09:38 PM	#11
Frogfish Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Shanghai Posts: 4,490 Original Poster	Originally posted by jsherman999 What I can also say is that my trusted sources are sure the *new FF cameras will shake the world.* And I am sure they mean it very honestly! To an extent that phrase seems to me an indication that Sony are indeed planning to extend their SLT line (with additional further innovations) however there is always the worry (for Sony users) that they may actually diverge too far from traditional SLR camera design and we end up with a larger FF version of the NEX 7 ! Not literally of course but Sony do seem to push the envelope and in the very traditional world of SLR cameras that is not always a good thing.

10-07-2011, 11:27 PM	#12
Christine Tham Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Sydney, Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,269	Originally posted by Frogfish however there is always the worry (for Sony users) that they may actually diverge too far from traditional SLR camera design and we end up with a larger FF version of the NEX 7 ! What's wrong with that? I would buy that if Sony made it. I'm currently having great fun using my K mount and M42 screw mount lenses on my NEX-5N - it's a great body for legacy glass with the peak focus and MF assist features.

10-08-2011, 02:07 AM	#13
Frogfish Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Shanghai Posts: 4,490 Original Poster	Originally posted by Christine Tham What's wrong with that? I would buy that if Sony made it. I'm currently having great fun using my K mount and M42 screw mount lenses on my NEX-5N - it's a great body for legacy glass with the peak focus and MF assist features. If you have read any of my posts/threads on the NEX then you'll know I love it for all the reasons you have just stated. However ask any FF user if they want a FF camera that looks like a 5N or 7 and I think you'll get your answer. Now if Sony were to introduce 3 FF cameras, two being improved versions of the a900 and one NEX 7/ Leica-like option then you may find a market for all three. That said if they continue with their current trend of digital rather than optical viewfinders their FF market may disappear. I still don't understand though why any company would discontinue the only FF camera in their tiny SLR/SLT line-up with more than a year to go to it's replacement, way to go to alienate your support who may now decide to jump ship.

10-08-2011, 02:53 AM	#14
Christine Tham Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Sydney, Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,269	Originally posted by Frogfish If you have read any of my posts/threads on the NEX then you'll know I love it for all the reasons you have just stated. However ask any FF user if they want a FF camera that looks like a 5N or 7 and I think you'll get your answer. :-) I'm a FF user (film) and I would love a "NEX9" (FF) - I'm not sure I ever want a bulky DSLR again (having said that, I am currently thinking of buying the next Canon FF - whether it's called 5D Mark III or 6F) I must admit, I've never really liked the NEX look (small body, huge lenses) but now that I own a 5N I'm used to it.

10-08-2011, 04:17 AM	#15
nickthetasmaniac Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 2,361	Originally posted by Ratmagiclady Sony never had a chance in the SLR market, not since they insisted on putting 'Sony' on the prism. Even if the a900 looked like a camera, they just never put it all together. They're an electronics company, not a camera company. That is a rather odd comment, considering that the A900/850 have frequently been described by very experienced photographers as the most 'purist' of the modern full-frame dSLRs...