Joshua Waller reviews the new Sony Alpha A65. Is this the bargain Digital SLR of the year?
| Sony Alpha SLT-A65 in Digital SLRs
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Features
Handling
Performance
Verdict
Specification
The new Sony Alpha A65 is the "little brother" to the Sony Alpha A77. The cameras feature built-in GPS and as per usual with the Sony Alpha range of Digital SLR / SLTs all feature built in "anti-shake" / Super steady shot sensors, as a continuation of the Konica Minolta DSLR heritage.
The Sony Alpha A65 features a 24.3 megapixel APS-C sized sensor that is shared with the Sony Alpha A77 and Sony NEX-7. Full HD video with continuous auto focus is also available. 10fps shooting is possible at the full 24.3 megapixel resolution with continuous auto focus, while 12fps shooting is possible with the A77.
The A65 sits under the top of the Alpha SLT range A77, with the A65 above the A55, and the recently new A35 the entry level model.
Both the A65 and A77 share a lot of features such as the high resolution 24.3 megapixel sensor, high speed shooting, high resolution OLED viewfinder, and lens shading and aberration compensation but they also differ in a number of ways. Here's a table showing the main differences between the two new models:
Sony Alpha SLT-A65 Mirror
Build Quality: With a rubber hand grip that is contoured to the shape of your hand and a large thumb grip on the back, the A65 feels good to hold and it's possible to get a firm one or two handed grip of the camera. The A65 feels solidly built but without the magnesium alloy body isn't as reassuringly solid as the A77.
The new OLED EVF: The A77, A65, NEX-7 and NEX-5N EVF all use a new OLED electronic viewfinder developed by Sony, with a 2.359 million DOT resolution. The new OLED technology, compared to traditional LCD EVFs, does not show chromatic aberrations at the pixel level, as the pixel level does not have to show RGB at each level, while traditional EVF do (for example, the Sony OLED can leave red and green off, if it only needs to show blue). The camera has an eye-sensor that will automatically switch to the EVF when your eye is near it, however it is quite sensitive and switches quite often.
Sony Alpha SLT-A65
Menu System: The menu system is well laid out with the menus starting with photo options and then spread over a number of pages are the playback, setup and more advanced options. As the camera has a number of external controls you rarely needed to access the menus, but when you do it is easy to find the settings you want.
Controls: The A65 provides good access to the majority of controls, making it easy to set ISO, exposure and other settings, with the Fn button providing access to a large number of controls on the back live view screen.
Sony Alpha SLT-A65 Battery
Battery Life: With 510 shots per battery charge (CIPA rating, viewfinder, 560, LCD), we were able to take over 500 shots before the battery went flat.
Speed - We tested each camera's performance at focusing, shutter response, shot to shot time, continuous shooting etc and have posted the results below. To test this we took 6 or more shots and calculated the average, so that consistent results were produced, we also made sure to test all the cameras at the same time to ensure the cameras were being tested under the same conditions.
*10fps mode dial. The camera has extremely fast focusing and shutter response and combined with the extremely quick continuous shooting mode this camera is extremely rapid in operation, only slowing down when you want to use the flash.
Despite using a standard kit lens, the telephoto end of the lens lets you get close to the subject and can produce good macro results. In combination with the 24.3 megapixel sensor the camera resolves a lot of detail in the photo of the wasp above. This can then be cropped showing impressive levels of detail.
There is some purple fringing visible in the photo of the trees. The lens gives good wide-angle performance, with slight softening in the far corners and noticeable barrel distortion (distortion correction can be switched on in the camera). The lens performs well at the telephoto end and is free from pincushion distortion. The lens gives good macro performance for a kit lens.
ISO Noise Performance - ISO100 to ISO400 show low noise from JPEG images. At ISO800 noise starts to become more apparent. At ISO1600 noise grain appears to be very similar, but chroma noise increases. ISO3200 noise grain increases, but still produces usable images. ISO6400, shows a strong increase in noise with noticeable degradation in detail. ISO12800 and ISO16000 show stronger noise again with areas of colour becoming blurred and losing edge detail, particularly in darker colours and these two last ISO settings would be best used resized. Long exposure NR can be switched off, and there are three settings for High ISO NR: High, Normal, Low.
White Balance Performance - Warm under tungsten / incandescent lighting, better results using the preset. The auto white balance does a better job under fluorescent lighting, although the image is still warm. The fluorescent preset gives a better image, but is a little too cool.
Panoramic - 1/200 sec | f/9.0 | 18.0 mm | ISO 100 - The camera will automatically stitch together panoramic photos and has a 3D panoramic mode for viewing on a compatible 3DTV.
Digital Filters - The camera offers a wide range of picture effects and creative styles, a number of the picture effects are shown above. The creative styles let you setup and customise contrast, saturation, sharpness.
Video Sample - The camera records Full HD video, with continuous auto focus available while recording. Wind noise reduction and optical steady shot is available as well as a number of compression options, including AVCHD, MP4, 50i, 50p, 25p. ISO can be set to a maximum of ISO1600 for video recording.
Value For Money: The Sony Alpha A65 is available for £775 with 18-55mm kit lens, while the A77 is £1650 with 16-50mm lens (or £1099 body only), alternatives available include the 21.1 megapixel Canon EOS 5D Mk II, £1500 body only, 21.9 megapixel Canon EOS 1DS Mark III, 24.5 megapixel Nikon D3x, other alternatives from the compact system camera family with high resolution include the 20.3 megapixel Samsung NX200 £499 and 24.3 megapixel Sony NEX-7 £1200.
I started this review by asking whether this camera could be the bargain Digital SLR of the year, and in many ways the camera out performs every other SLR available at this price, and for this reason I think it is in fact the case that this camera is the Digital SLR bargain of the year. It will be difficult for other companies to offer this level of features and performance at a similar price point.
The camera has good battery life, and although there is no optical viewfinder with SLT cameras, the new OLED EVF is simply stunning and makes the view through the camera look excellent. Although it is difficult to show on the web, it would be well worth viewing for yourself if you still have doubts about switching from an optical viewfinder to an electronic viewfinder. Highly Recommended.
Built in GPS
Extremely fast performance
Stunning OLED EVF (has to be seen to be believed)
Excellent image quality
Excellent colour
Info-lithium battery lets you know exactly how much battery life is left
Continuous focus during videos
Electronic level
Some JPEG artefacts visible when shooting JPEG
Can not upgrade to a battery grip with the A65
Handling
Performance
Verdict
Specification
The new Sony Alpha A65 is the "little brother" to the Sony Alpha A77. The cameras feature built-in GPS and as per usual with the Sony Alpha range of Digital SLR / SLTs all feature built in "anti-shake" / Super steady shot sensors, as a continuation of the Konica Minolta DSLR heritage.
The Sony Alpha A65 features a 24.3 megapixel APS-C sized sensor that is shared with the Sony Alpha A77 and Sony NEX-7. Full HD video with continuous auto focus is also available. 10fps shooting is possible at the full 24.3 megapixel resolution with continuous auto focus, while 12fps shooting is possible with the A77.
Sony Alpha A65 Features
The A65 sits under the top of the Alpha SLT range A77, with the A65 above the A55, and the recently new A35 the entry level model.
Both the A65 and A77 share a lot of features such as the high resolution 24.3 megapixel sensor, high speed shooting, high resolution OLED viewfinder, and lens shading and aberration compensation but they also differ in a number of ways. Here's a table showing the main differences between the two new models:
| Sony Alpha A65 | Sony Alpha A77 |
| 24.3mp | 24.3mp |
| 10fps | 12fps |
| Durable Polycarbonate body | Magnesium Alloys Body |
| No Dust and Moisture protection | Dust and Moisture Protection |
| ISO100 - ISO16000 | ISO50 (Lo) - ISO16000 |
| 15 AF Points, 3 cross (same as A55) | 19 AF points, 11 Cross |
| 1/4000 Max shutter speed | 1/8000 Max shutter speed |
| 100,000 shutter actuations | 150,000 shutter actuations |
| +/- 3 Exposure Compensation | +/- 5 Exposure Compensation |
| 1/3 EV / 2/3 EV increments, 3 frames | 1/3EV, 1/2EV, 2/3EV, 2.0EV, 3.0EV increments, 3 / 5frames (2.0EV, 3.0EV : only 3frames) selectable |
| 1/160 flash sync speed | 1/250 flash sync speed, wireless (IR transmitter), |
| Front Dial | Front / Rear dials / AF dial, rear joypad, and other buttons |
| Not vertical grip compatible | Vertical grip compatible |
| No top LCD | Top LCD (illuminated) |
| Tilting / rotating rear screen | Tilting / Rotating / Floating rear screen |
| 510 Battery Rating | 470 Battery Rating |
| 18-55 SAM Kit lens | 16-50mm SSM Kit lens |
| Size 132.1 x 97.5 x 80.7mm | Size 142.6 x 104 x 80.9mm |
| Weight 543g | Weight 653g |
| Price: £799 Body Only | Price: £1149 Body Only |
Sony Alpha SLT-A65 Mirror
Sony Alpha A65 Handling
Build Quality: With a rubber hand grip that is contoured to the shape of your hand and a large thumb grip on the back, the A65 feels good to hold and it's possible to get a firm one or two handed grip of the camera. The A65 feels solidly built but without the magnesium alloy body isn't as reassuringly solid as the A77.
 |
 |
| Electronic viewfinder (electronic level) | Menu system |
The new OLED EVF: The A77, A65, NEX-7 and NEX-5N EVF all use a new OLED electronic viewfinder developed by Sony, with a 2.359 million DOT resolution. The new OLED technology, compared to traditional LCD EVFs, does not show chromatic aberrations at the pixel level, as the pixel level does not have to show RGB at each level, while traditional EVF do (for example, the Sony OLED can leave red and green off, if it only needs to show blue). The camera has an eye-sensor that will automatically switch to the EVF when your eye is near it, however it is quite sensitive and switches quite often.
Sony Alpha SLT-A65
Menu System: The menu system is well laid out with the menus starting with photo options and then spread over a number of pages are the playback, setup and more advanced options. As the camera has a number of external controls you rarely needed to access the menus, but when you do it is easy to find the settings you want.
Controls: The A65 provides good access to the majority of controls, making it easy to set ISO, exposure and other settings, with the Fn button providing access to a large number of controls on the back live view screen.
Sony Alpha SLT-A65 Battery
Battery Life: With 510 shots per battery charge (CIPA rating, viewfinder, 560, LCD), we were able to take over 500 shots before the battery went flat.
Speed - We tested each camera's performance at focusing, shutter response, shot to shot time, continuous shooting etc and have posted the results below. To test this we took 6 or more shots and calculated the average, so that consistent results were produced, we also made sure to test all the cameras at the same time to ensure the cameras were being tested under the same conditions.
| Samsung NX200 | Sony A65 |
Sony NEX-5N |
|
| Shutter Reponse | <0.05 | <0.05 |
<0.05 |
| Wide - Focus / Shutter Response |
0.3 | 0.1 | 0.2 |
| Full zoom - Focus / Shutter Response | 0.3 | 0.15 | 0.2 |
| Switch on Time to Taking a Photo | 1.2 | 1.3 | 0.9 |
| Shot to Shot (without flash) | 1.0 | 0.5 | 0.6 |
| Shot to Shot with Flash | 1.2 | 0.8 | 0.7 |
| Continuous Shooting (JPEG) | 7fps (11 shots) | 7.5fps (17 shots) 10fps* (17 shots) |
10fps (10 shots) |
| Continuous Shooting (with Flash) | 2fps (11 shots) | 0.7 | 2fps |
| Continuous Shooting (RAW) | 7fps (8 shots) | 7.5fps (14 shots) 10fps* (14 shots) |
10fps (7 shots) |
*10fps mode dial. The camera has extremely fast focusing and shutter response and combined with the extremely quick continuous shooting mode this camera is extremely rapid in operation, only slowing down when you want to use the flash.
Sony Alpha A65 Performance
Click to view larger or click "Hi-Res" to view full size sample photos. Additional photos and product shots can be found in the Equipment Database for the Sony Alpha A65 - where you can add your own review and photos.Sony Alpha SLT-A65 Sample Photos
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Despite using a standard kit lens, the telephoto end of the lens lets you get close to the subject and can produce good macro results. In combination with the 24.3 megapixel sensor the camera resolves a lot of detail in the photo of the wasp above. This can then be cropped showing impressive levels of detail.
Sony Alpha SLT-A65 Lens test images
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There is some purple fringing visible in the photo of the trees. The lens gives good wide-angle performance, with slight softening in the far corners and noticeable barrel distortion (distortion correction can be switched on in the camera). The lens performs well at the telephoto end and is free from pincushion distortion. The lens gives good macro performance for a kit lens.
Sony Alpha SLT-A65 ISO test images
Previous
Next
ISO Noise Performance - ISO100 to ISO400 show low noise from JPEG images. At ISO800 noise starts to become more apparent. At ISO1600 noise grain appears to be very similar, but chroma noise increases. ISO3200 noise grain increases, but still produces usable images. ISO6400, shows a strong increase in noise with noticeable degradation in detail. ISO12800 and ISO16000 show stronger noise again with areas of colour becoming blurred and losing edge detail, particularly in darker colours and these two last ISO settings would be best used resized. Long exposure NR can be switched off, and there are three settings for High ISO NR: High, Normal, Low.
Sony Alpha SLT-A65 White-balance test images
Previous
Next
White Balance Performance - Warm under tungsten / incandescent lighting, better results using the preset. The auto white balance does a better job under fluorescent lighting, although the image is still warm. The fluorescent preset gives a better image, but is a little too cool.
Panoramic - 1/200 sec | f/9.0 | 18.0 mm | ISO 100 - The camera will automatically stitch together panoramic photos and has a 3D panoramic mode for viewing on a compatible 3DTV.
Sony Alpha SLT-A65 Digital filters
Previous
Next
Digital Filters - The camera offers a wide range of picture effects and creative styles, a number of the picture effects are shown above. The creative styles let you setup and customise contrast, saturation, sharpness.
Video Sample - The camera records Full HD video, with continuous auto focus available while recording. Wind noise reduction and optical steady shot is available as well as a number of compression options, including AVCHD, MP4, 50i, 50p, 25p. ISO can be set to a maximum of ISO1600 for video recording.
Value For Money: The Sony Alpha A65 is available for £775 with 18-55mm kit lens, while the A77 is £1650 with 16-50mm lens (or £1099 body only), alternatives available include the 21.1 megapixel Canon EOS 5D Mk II, £1500 body only, 21.9 megapixel Canon EOS 1DS Mark III, 24.5 megapixel Nikon D3x, other alternatives from the compact system camera family with high resolution include the 20.3 megapixel Samsung NX200 £499 and 24.3 megapixel Sony NEX-7 £1200.
Sony Alpha A65 Verdict
For a similar price to mid-entry level cameras from Nikon, Canon, Pentax, instead of a 16-18 megapixel camera and 7fps shooting, you can get a 24.3 megapixel camera with 10fps shooting, built in anti-shake sensor, GPS and electronic level. What you also get with the Sony Alpha A65 with the translucent mirror is extremely quick live view and focusing.I started this review by asking whether this camera could be the bargain Digital SLR of the year, and in many ways the camera out performs every other SLR available at this price, and for this reason I think it is in fact the case that this camera is the Digital SLR bargain of the year. It will be difficult for other companies to offer this level of features and performance at a similar price point.
The camera has good battery life, and although there is no optical viewfinder with SLT cameras, the new OLED EVF is simply stunning and makes the view through the camera look excellent. Although it is difficult to show on the web, it would be well worth viewing for yourself if you still have doubts about switching from an optical viewfinder to an electronic viewfinder. Highly Recommended.
 |
| The Sony Alpha A65 is an excellent camera with impressive speed and image quality at a great price. |
Sony Alpha A65 Pros:
Built in GPSExtremely fast performanceStunning OLED EVF (has to be seen to be believed)Excellent image qualityExcellent colourInfo-lithium battery lets you know exactly how much battery life is leftContinuous focus during videosElectronic levelSony Alpha A65 Cons:
Some JPEG artefacts visible when shooting JPEGCan not upgrade to a battery grip with the A65| FEATURES |  |
| HANDLING |  |
| PERFORMANCE | |
| VALUE FOR MONEY | |
| OVERALL |  |
Sony Alpha SLT-A65 Specifications
| Manufacturer | Sony | |
| Lens | ||
| Effective Magnification | 1.5x | |
| Image Sensor | ||
| Pixels | 24.7Mp (Megapixels) | |
| Pixels (W) | 6000 | |
| Pixels (H) | 4000 | |
| Sensor Type | CMOS | |
| Sensor Size | APS-C | |
| Sensor Size (width) | 23.5mm | |
| Sensor Size (height) | 15.6mm | |
| Aspect Ratio |
| |
| LCD Monitor | ||
| LCD Monitor | 3in | |
| Screen resolution | 921,600 dots | |
| Touch Screen | No | |
| Focusing | ||
| Focusing modes |
| |
| Exposure Control | ||
| Shutter speeds shortest | 1/4000sec | |
| Shutter speeds longest | 30sec | |
| Bulb mode | Yes | |
| Exp modes |
| |
| Metering |
| |
| ISO sensitivity | 100 - 16000 | |
| White balance |
| |
| Exposure Comp | +/-3 | |
| Viewfinder | ||
| Magnification | No Data | |
| Shooting Options | ||
| Continuous shooting | 10fps | |
| Video | ||
| Movie mode | Yes | |
| Video Resolution |
| |
| Video FPS | 50p, 50i, 25p | |
| Stereo Sound | Yes | |
| Optical Zoom with Video | Yes | |
| Other Features | ||
| Image Stabilisation | Yes | |
| Interface | ||
| HDMI | Yes | |
| USB | USB 2 | |
| Wi-Fi | No Data | |
| Storage | ||
| Card Type |
| |
| File Type |
| |
| Power Source | ||
| Battery Type | NP-FM500H | |
| Battery Life (CIPA rating) | 510shots | |
| Box Contents | ||
| Box Contents | Battery charger, rechargeable battery pack, USB cable, CD-ROM, shoulder strap, standard zoom lens. 94 page printed manual. | |
| Dimensions | ||
| Weight | 543g | |
| Width | 132.1mm | |
| Height | 97.5mm | |
| Depth | 80.7mm | |
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Photographs taken using the Sony Alpha SLT-A65
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23 Nov 2011 12:40PMI had a Fuji bridge camera years ago with an EVF that zoomed in the centre portion. It popped forward in a most disconcerting way, & zoomed out just as quickly as soon as you stopped turning the focus ring, not really giving you chance to check focus. Essentially it was useless.
I just wondered how Sony had tackled the problem.
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23 Nov 2011 1:32PM-
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23 Nov 2011 4:39PMquality.....& at a more sensible price compared to the A77 !
The only thing that puts me off both these cameras, is the problem of dust....not just
on the sensor, but on the mirror too !!!!!....so dust on that would degrade the image,
particularly in 'contre-jour' or high contrast images....so keeping the mirror clean is both
essential & fraught with problems....the surface coating could so easily be scratched, so
with the image having to pass through it, I foresee long term problems ??
If Sony ever produce this camera as a 'mirror-less' version, as per the NEX 7 !!!!, then I
would be seriously tempted.............I think the 'in' phrase is..."Bring it on " !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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23 Nov 2011 8:30PM-
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23 Nov 2011 8:36PMNope, Alpha A55V has GPS & was the first
& re. manual focusing not sure about A65 but A77 also has peaking as well as being able to zoom in.
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24 Nov 2011 8:54AMQuote:"The new Sony Alpha A65 is the "little brother" to the Sony Alpha A77. Both cameras are the first Digital SLRs to feature built-in GPS "
Nope, Alpha A55V has GPS & was the first
& re. manual focusing not sure about A65 but A77 also has peaking as well as being able to zoom in.
Yes, the A65 has peaking as well. Corrected the error about GPS. Thanks
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24 Nov 2011 12:42PMIncidentally, I'd have been disappointed if it hadn't had a manual focus ring. How else are you going to manually focus?
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25 Nov 2011 9:11AM-
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26 Nov 2011 4:55PM-
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28 Nov 2011 6:14PMQuote:... because of the lack of lens cover ....
???? what do you mean? Fyi
Sony has the same F2.8 coverage as Nikon: 16-50mm F2.8, 28-75mm F2.8 (and the CZ 24-70mm) and the 70-200mm F2.8. thereafter there is the excellent 70-400mm (although not f2.8)
Nikon actually does not have a lens similar to the 16-50mm, just the 17-35mm.
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26 Aug 2012 3:37PMFor me, now that I am used to the A55 having GPS, the A57 is really not an option, because it doesn't have GPS for some reason. I can't even guess why. Oh, and some people say the A57 cures the problem of the camera not focusing while shooting in high-speed mode. This is wrong. The A65 was focusing fine, while shooting in high-speed mode for me yesterday. I was testing both cameras in their high-speed shooting modes, specifically because I had heard there was a problem. There is no problem. The A65 was focusing from far and as I quickly walked toward something, it was changing focus, while I was shooting at 10 fps. The A57 may do it a little better or something, but the A65 does indeed do it, unlike what some people have stated.
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26 Aug 2012 3:41PMSign In
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