Sony goes single

Japanese consumer electronics giant Sony recently decided to drop its DSLR (digital single lens reflex) line of cameras because it wanted to give photography enthusiasts around the world something better—single lens translucent, or SLT, cameras.

Sony touts its new SLT camera technology as one of the most revolutionary imaging inventions in the last 10 years.

The technology can be found in the new Sony Alpha 65 and Alpha 77 cameras, which were officially launched in the Philippines last week.

The company said its new camera line would cater “to all levels of serious photography aficionados—from the hobbyist to the budding professional, to the seasoned experts.”

SLT replaces the traditional flipping mirrors of an SLR camera. Instead, a translucent mirror is fixed in front of the camera’s sensors and does not have to move when taking photos.

The result is faster focusing speeds and higher frames-per-second (FPS) rates for both cameras.

The Alpha 65, which is designed for beginners, is the fastest camera of its kind and brings advanced features to budding photographers, Sony’s local office said.

The compact camera is backed by a higher version of Sony’s highly recognized Translucent Mirror Technology with a 15-point AF 3 cross-sensor system and full-time continuous AF, delivering fast shooting of up to 10 frames per second.

It also boasts of Sony’s improved Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor (24.3 effective megapixel resolution). Its newly developed Bionz image processor promises ultra-low noise and excellent image fidelity with every shot, making it easy for new photographers to take professional looking pictures.

The Alpha 77, meanwhile, is the long-awaited follow-up to Sony’s professional SLR, the A900.

The Alpha 77 camera is said to have the fastest 12 fps burst shooting for interchangeable lens camera with APS-C size sensor.

The Alpha 77 features a better version of Sony’s award-winning Translucent Mirror Technology and boasts of an entirely redeveloped 19-point autofocus system (AF) with 11 cross sensors and full-time continuous AF that delivers blazing speed.

Coupled with Sony’s enhanced Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor (24.3 effective megapixel resolution) and newly developed Bionz image processor, the Translucent Mirror Technology allows users to take sharp, ultra-low noise photos at a blistering 12fps, making the Alpha 77 the fastest interchangeable lens camera in the world.