HI-SPEED AUTO FOCUS & 12FPS PHOTOS INCLUDED! Actual Review - The SONY a77 MkII


Dream Merchant

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Jan 11, 2007
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INTRODUCING the SONY α77 II

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Sony Electronics’ new α77 II camera delivers an impressive combination of speed, versatility and efficiency in a tough, weather-resistant design, making it a perfect choice for fast-action photography and videography.

Building on the heritage of Sony’s much-loved original α77 and α700 cameras, the α77 II gives advanced amateurs a string of exciting enhancements including the world’s highest number of AF points in a new phase detect autofocus system1 with 79 focal points and 15 cross points. Utilizing Sony’s unique Translucent Mirror Technology, the α77 II also has the ability to shoot at up to 12 fps for 60 total frames with continuous AF.

The speedy new camera is equipped with a high-resolution 24.3 MP image sensor and powerful BIONZ® X processor, ensuring that still images and full HD videos are captured in sharp focus and incredible detail. Image quality compared to the original α77 has been boosted, and sensitivity has increased by approximately 20% as well. There is also a variety of new pro-friendly video functions for movie makers.

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Here is SONY's official α77 II introductory video:

[video=youtube;K2pqgDSm6XY]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K2pqgDSm6XY[/video]​




Let's get into some detail of the highlights of the new SONY α77 II. Much can be gleaned from this info.


Freeze Fast Moving Subjects In Their Tracks
- New-generation 79 point phase detection AF system

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The Short: Discover the breakthrough autofocusing and tracking reliability of Sony’s revolutionary AF system with the world's highest number of phase-detection AF points*1 (79*2 including 15 cross points), which stays locked on moving subjects even in conditions that professional cameras find a challenge. Enjoy the many advantages of the Translucent Mirror Technology which enables phase-detection AF during live-view and movie shooting.

*1 Among interchangeable-lens digital cameras equipped with a dedicated phase-detection AF sensor (as of May 1, 2014) according to Sony research
*2 The number of AF points used depends on the lens

The Long: The advanced AF system on the new α77 II camera features 79 phase detection AF points – the most of any dedicated AF sensor in market today – and includes 15 cross points within the central area of the sensor. Additionally, metering data from all 79 focus points is processed by a brand new AF algorithm that predicts the subject’s movement. These impressive new features combined with Sony’s powerful Translucent Mirror Technology ensure that fast-moving people, animals or any other relevant object can be tracked quickly and accurately in all types of shooting conditions.

The α77 II camera also has a centrally mounted dedicated phase detect AF sensor that supports apertures up to F2.8, ensuring maximum AF precision when using large-aperture lenses. In low light, the AF system of the camera performs admirably, accurately locking on to subjects in scenes with illumination levels as low as EV-2 (ISO100), where even the human eye has trouble discerning details.

There’s a suite of sophisticated new AF functions on the α77 II model that make the most of the unique 79-point system. Expanded Flexible Spot mode maintains focus even if the selected AF point loses track of the subject, activating eight surrounding AF points that recognize the subject. Lock-on AF mode lets users select one of four AF area modes (Wide, Zone, Flexible Spot or Expanded Flexible Spot), and can recognize and track a subject’s form based on its color and its position within the frame, automatically selecting the appropriate AF point from the 79 available

For even greater control, the degree of subject-tracking duration can be fine-tuned in five steps (when shooting still images in AF-C mode). A low setting is ideal for slow-moving subjects with predictable movements, while high settings deliver more responsive focusing for shooting different subjects at different distances, such as wildlife or sports photography. AF Tracking Duration can also be selected between High, Medium and Low during Full HD movie shooting.

Other new features include an Eye AF function that precisely detects and focuses on the subject’s eyes when photographing people. There is also AF Range Control, which allows AF to be limited to a specified range, and a Balanced Emphasis mode that provides the ideal balance between focus and release timing. Users can manually select any of the various focus modes to match the shooting situation and their creative objectives.
 

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12fps Up To 60 Frames For The Perfect Moment

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The Short: Capture the decisive moment with stunning clarity with continuous shooting at up to 12fps*1 burst of up to 60 full-resolution frames

The Long: Continuous shooting stamina on the α77 II camera outpaces nearly all cameras in its class as well as many professional cameras. The new model can capture a non-stop burst of up to 60 full-resolution JPEG images at a maximum continuous shooting speed of approximately 12 frames per second with continuous AF (in Continuous Advance Priority AE mode). .*2 Highly responsive to changes in fast-moving scenes, the ultra-fast and intelligent AF tracking predicts the subject’s next move for precise focusing, striking the perfect balance of speed and stability.

*1 Approximate maximum speed in Continuous Advance Priority AE mode
*2 In Fine quality mode, L size.




Breathtaking Clarity With Natural Details
- 24.3 megapixel Exmor® CMOS image sensor with enhanced sensitivity

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The Short: Breathtaking image quality is yours thanks to the 24.3-megapixel* Exmor™ CMOS sensor that delivers an extra-wide sensitivity range of ISO 100 to ISO 25600. Together with the BIONZ X™ image processing engine that faithfully reproduces textures and details in real time at extra high-speed processing capabilities, your photos and footage will be filled with realistic details, rich tonal graduations and low noise.
* Approximate effective megapixels.



The Long: A showcase of Sony’s leading image sensor technologies, the new 24.3 megapixel Exmor® CMOS image sensor in the α77 II camera features the same gapless on-chip lens structure as used in the acclaimed α7R and α6000 models. Thanks to an array of latest-generation imaging innovations, the sensor now offers 20% greater sensitivity than its predecessor (α77), and ensures flawless image detail and low-noises performance across the wide sensitivity range of ISO 100 to 25600.

The high-resolution sensor is partnered by the same evolved BIONZ X image processor introduced in the α7 and α7R models. Around three times faster than Sony’s previous BIONZ engine and optimized for the α77 II camera, it employs detail reproduction, diffraction-reducing and area-specific noise reduction technologies that contribute to amazing image definition and rich colors for still images and Full HD videos.




High-Contrast, High-Resolution Viewing

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View every scene clearly in the bright and accurate XGA OLED Tru-Finder, which faithfully displays what will appear in your final recording. High-end features include 100% field coverage, a wide viewing angle (approx. 33°) and a high eyepoint (27mm).




Seamless Operation For Viewing Comfort

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The bright 1,228k-dot 3.0-type, 3-way tiltable LCD monitor brings out every detail of your scene at high-resolution. It also smoothly tilts to enhance your viewing comfort and accommodate shooting from various angles.




Connect To Your Devices With A Single Touch

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With seamless built-in Wi-Fi and NFC capabilities, simply touch your α77 II to instantly transfer a photo or movie to your Android™ smartphone or tablet. Alternatively, activate Smart Remote Embedded to enable remote control of the camera from a mobile device.*

* Requires NFC-compatible Android device and free downloadable PlayMemories Mobile app (www.sony.net/pmm/). Remote control of movie recording not supported.
 

SPECIFICATION

Body type Mid-size SLR
Body material Magnesium alloy
Sensor Max resolution 6000 x 4000
Other resolutions6000 x 3376, 4240 x 2832, 4440 x 2400, 3008 x 2000, x 3008 x 1688
Image Ratio w:h 3:2, 16:9
Effective pixels 24 megapixels
Sensor photo detectors 25 megapixels
Sensor size APS-C (23.5 x 15.6 mm)
Sensor type CMOS
Processor Bionz X
Color space sRGB, AdobeRGB
Color filter array Primary color filter
Image ISO Auto (ISO 100-51200), Manual (ISO 100-25600)
White balance presets 9
Custom white balance Yes (3 slots)
Image stabilization Sensor-shift
Uncompressed format RAW
JPEG quality levels Super fine, fine, normal
File format JPEG (DCF v2.0, EXIF v2.3) Raw (ARW 2.3)

Image parameters
Contrast
Saturation
Sharpness

Optics & Focus
Autofocus
Contrast Detect (sensor)
Phase Detect
Multi-area
Center
Selective single-point
Tracking
Single
Continuous
Face Detection
Live View
Autofocus assist lamp Yes (flash type)
Digital zoom Yes (2X)
Manual focus Yes
Number of focus points 79
Lens mount Sony/Minolta Alpha
Focal length multiplier 1.5×
Screen / viewfinder Articulated LCD Fully articulated
Screen size 3″
Screen dots 1,229,000
Touch screen No
Screen type WhiteMagic TFT
Live view Yes
Viewfinder type Electronic
Viewfinder coverage 100%
Viewfinder magnification 1.09×
Viewfinder resolution 2,359,000
Photography features
Minimum shutter speed 30 sec
Maximum shutter speed 1/8000 sec
Exposure modes iAuto Program Aperture priority Shutter priority Manual

Scene modes Portrait Sports Action Macro Landscape Sunset Night Scene Hand-held Twilight Night Portrait
Built-in flash Yes
Flash range 12.00 m (at ISO 100)
External flash Yes (via hot shoe or flash sync port)
Flash modse Auto, fill, rear sync, slow sync
Flash X sync speed 1/250 sec
Drive modes Single-frame Continuous high/low Continuous advance priority AE Self-timer
Continuous drive 12 fps
Self-timer Yes (Yes (2 or 12 sec))
Metering modes Multi Center-weighted Spot
Exposure compensation ±5 (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV steps)
AE Bracketing ±3 (3, 5 frames at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV, 2/3 EV, 1 EV, 2 EV steps)
WB Bracketing Yes (3 shots, low/high selectable)
Videography features
Resolutions 1920 x 1080 (60p, 60i, 30p), 1440 x 1080 (30p), 640 x 480 (30p)
Format MPEG-4, AVCHD
Microphone Stereo
Speaker Mono
Storage types SD/ SDHC/SDXC, Memory Stick Pro Duo/ Pro-HG Duo
Connectivity USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) HDMI Yes (mini HDMI)
Microphone port Yes
Headphone port No
Wireless Built-In
Wireless notes 802.11b/g/n with NFC
Remote control Yes (wired, wireless, or smartphone)

Environmentally sealed Yes
Battery description NP-FM500H lithium-ion battery and charger
Battery Life (CIPA) 480
Weight (inc. batteries) 647 g (1.43 lb / 22.82 oz)
Dimensions 143 x 104 x 81 mm (5.63 x 4.09 x 3.19″)
Other features
Orientation sensor Yes




NOTES
Sophisticated AF Functions

The α77 II is loaded with the latest AF functions to ensure every photo turns out with exact focus. From features such as Expanded Flexible Spot mode that ensures highly accurate tracking of moving subjects without interruption, Eye AF which focuses sharply on a person's face even when the subject is partially turned away from the camera, to functions such as Lock-on AF mode and subject-tracking duration, you'll enjoy phenomenal clarity.

Pro-Style Movie Shooting With Continuous AF

The α77 II can record Full HD 60p and 24p movies using the AVCHD 2.0 format. Translucent Mirror Technology enables full-time phase-detection AF, ensuring accurate focus tracking with fast-moving subjects while you’re capturing video.

Serious moviemakers can benefit from a number of advanced features such as three-level AF tracking sensitivity adjustment, Zebra function and audio level metering. The addition of a clean HDMI output allows viewing on an external monitor and recording without compression to an external storage device.


Button Customisation

Button customisation empowers you to shoot just the way you like, with frequently used functions assigned to the customisable buttons of your choice. You can easily reassign 11 buttons to activate any of 53 functions* to enjoy speedier, more intuitive operation. Assignable functions include Exposure Compensation, Flash Mode, Focus Area, Zoom, ISO Sensitivity and more.

* Some functions can only be assigned to certain buttons


Dust And Moisture Protection

Shoot with confidence in challenging environments with quality dust and moisture protection in the α77 II. Resistance measures include sealing around the main buttons and dials to prevent water and dust from entering the body during tough usage. They also include a protective double-layered structure around openings such as the battery compartment that tightly interlocks panels and components. This same high-level resistance to dust and moisture extends to optional lenses, flash units and the vertical grip.*

*Dust and moisture resistance do not guarantee perfect dust- and drip-proof performance


Durable Camera Body

The α77 II’s body is solidly built to withstand the rigours of shooting in the field. Its rear cover is comprised of lightweight, high-intensity magnesium alloy, while the aluminum grip and front cover are cast to achieve high body rigidity and a solid balance of lightness, reliability and steady handling.


Close To 150,000 Shutter Release Durability

Enjoy the extended photographic pleasure of a robust shutter unit that endures approximately 150,000 shutter releases. While rugged enough to withstand the demands of 12fps continuous shooting, it also offers the high precision to support everything from bulb shooting to ultra-fast 1/8000 sec. shutter speeds.


In addition, you can:

Accessorise Your Camera

Make your photo adventures more enjoyable with an array of accessories - from tripods, microphone, flash, cases, straps, and more.



A Wide Selection Of Interchangeable Lens

Enhance your photographic enjoyment with our growing assortment of A-mount lenses. Discover high-quality lenses to suit any shooting situation.



High-Speed Memory Cards

Sony’s range of memory cards offers a wealth of entertainment possibilities and serves as a perfect companion for photographers. Transfer and share information or use it with Sony cameras, VAIO laptops, PSP, Xperia™ smartphones or tablets.

http://www.sony.com.sg/product/ilca-77m2?hpid=ilca-77m2:model:hub:mktgpanel2#exmor
 

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Sample photos and comments can only be made later.

Cheers!
 

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Finally here are the first impressions of the New SONY a77 MkII (a77ii)!

As you can see above, the new SONY a77ii has some pretty impressive specs, especially the new 79 point AF and the Bionz X processor, among others.

But let’s get to the handling first. The camera felt impressive. Solid, and thankfully, with that superb deep grip which made the camera so much more comfortable. The rear cover is comprised of lightweight, high-intensity magnesium alloy, while the aluminum grip and front cover are cast to achieve high body rigidity and a solid balance of lightness, reliability and steady handling.

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While the camera body itself is not heavy at 647 grams with the battery, some of the lenses can be quite heavy. For example, even with the hefty 70/200/2.8 lens attached, I could carry it with just one finger and it felt very secure. While walking around with this lens attached, it was easy to just use several fingers to hold the camera without a death-grip it for most of the day. I still hold on to the strap in my other hand, btw. However, I don't suggest you do that!

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The overall layout of the cockpit with all the buttons and controls, of which there were many, would be very familiar to most alpha users. I did not use any alpha cameras since the a99 I reviewed some time ago, but the control became familiar to me quite quickly! However, the niggly feeling that the front dial, and the power switch remained, though it seemed ever so slightly better than with the a99. I did have two mishaps switching the camera off when I wanted to adjust the front dial in a great hurry, but that happened only in the first few days. I'm glad to report no other incidences since then.

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Besides the usual SONY Menu layout and controls, I’ll dive right into some convenient controls, which should already be familiar with alpha users, but this is for the benefit of non-alpha users.

Other than the auto-switching between the really comfortable XGA OLED Tru-Finder and the LCD screen, hitting the DISP button at the back gives you easy access to some of the most commonly adjusted parameters.

The difference would be between full information, including all the parameters set (some people might find that this is too much info, and distracts from the composition), to no info, to just a histogram, and finally a different display panel that includes an electronic level and inclinometer.

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I’ll show you photos of some of the other adjustments you might want to make, then we’ll go into the photos this camera produces.

Instead of going into the full menus to make adjustments, hit the Fn button on the right of the LCD screen and you get he usual FPS/Self-timer, in-built flash, EV, ISO, metering parameters, White Balance, Dynamic Range, Creative Style, Picture Effect and the Focus Area settings. Since one of the leading features of the a77ii is the 79 point AF, let’s show you what controls you have at hand.

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When you select the focus area button, it gives you several choices of Wide, Zone, Center, Flexible Spot, Expand Flexible Spot and the control that let's you do dedicated tracking using the new AF system for movement, sports and so on, the Lock-On AF: Expand Flexible Spot! Quite a mouthful, but that's the control many would be looking at to shoot sports, running children, pets and so on.


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With the Zone AF selected, you can move, in one step, left, right, top and bottom.​
 

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Center Spot is locked. You can't move it around. Great for Focus-Shift-Recompose on Single AF (S position on the front of the camera)
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With the Flexible Spot selected, you can move the AF area 5 steps to the left or right, and four steps top and bottom.​
 

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Again, you can shift the entire cluster anywhere on the AF sensors you like.

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And probably one of the most exciting AF setting for a Mid-Sized APS-C camera body, the Lock-On AF: Expand Flexible Spot setting!

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While inactive, the screen looks restrained, but I'll show you a video later with the Lock-On AF: Expand Spot tracking a live feed.​
 

One last thing for now about the AF. Though not directly connected to the AF, when you choose Spot Metering, do note that a small little circle denotes that actual area that's going to be metered, regardless of what AF settings you have set. If you've selected Wide, Zone, Flexible Spot, it's probably best to keep the AF point (cluster) in the middle of your screen.

If you're doing a scene where you want to do spot metering, but also want to do Focus-Shift-Recompose, you would probably want to do an AE lock aa well.

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OK, let's dive right into the images this a77ii produces.

I did do some streets (blind) when I first got the cam, but was coming to grips with the way the AF worked and how it behaved, but I'll post the shots I took around Clark Quay first.

"The Singapore River has been the centre of trade since modern Singapore was founded in 1819. During the colonial era, Boat Quay was the commercial centre where barge lighters would transport goods upstream to warehouses at Clarke Quay.

At the height of its prosperity, dozens of bumboats jostled for mooring space beside Clarke Quay. This continued well into the later half of the 20th century. By this time, the Singapore River had also become very polluted. The government decided to relocate cargo services to a new modern facility in Pasir Panjang. The bumboats and lorries departed to their new home and Clarke Quay fell silent.

The government then cleaned up the Singapore River and its environment from 1977 to 1987. Plans were made to revamp the area and turn it into a flourishing commercial, residential and entertainment precinct. These plans took into serious consideration the historical value of Clarke Quay, making it mandatory that new buildings complement the historical character of the area and that certain old buildings be restored.

Clarke Quay Festival Village, the biggest conservation project for the Singapore River, was developed and officially opened on 10 December 1993. In later years, Clarke Quay was managed and owned by CapitaLand." ~ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clarke_Quay

Clark Quay nightscape.

The a77ii performed quite admirably for me. While perched in between the railings and very short glass 'wall' overlooking the ledge, the 3-way articulated screen was a god-send since I did not have to stand up with very little in front of me to prevent a 5 story plunge! One of the nice things about the alphas I handled - the +/- EV had much finer control than most other cameras. That afforded much more control over the exposure of the scene.


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Earlier in the day, very overcast, I took a few shots at Central. Nothing much, just to show the camera's rendition. The metallic chrome shot probably attests to the way the camera and lens handles CA, or the lack thereof.


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A very quick grab shot. I probably didn't give the camera enough time to focus properly. I just wanted the shot, and had my release priority set in 'Balanced Priority'. That meant the shutter will fire, even if the focus is not exactly spot-on sometimes. The alternative is to set the camera to 'AF Priority' where the shutter will fire only if AF is spot on. It also means you might miss the shot entirely.

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Moving over to the fountain at the center of Clark Quay, you're sure to find children (and sometimes adults) paying with the water sprouts. Great way to test the new AF system with 79 phase detection AF points – the most of any dedicated AF sensor in market today – and includes 15 cross points within the central area of the sensor.

I'm impressed at the way the a77ii locks on so quickly on the girl's face. While I took many different shots, sometimes in almost complete darkness (to my eye), the AF system seems like a real treat with very few shots OOF!

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Moving on to a more tranquil scene, I miss the old wrought iron chairs and tables this place used to have.

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This was at a pub's outdoor seating area just in front of the river taxi. Very heavy monochromatic lighting. No problem for the a77ii's AF system. BTW, this looks a little OOF, but if you look at the original, it's sharp enough.

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On the whole, my initial reactions to the SONY a77ii is quite positive, bearing in mind the category it fits into.

I'll post up more photos along the way - hopefully very soon, and later on, but not so much during the week days as I'm busy with work.

CHEERS! :)
 

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Hey thanks for the review. I am a Alpha user interested in the 77II. Just wondering how the noise level fair in high ISO? Could you comment on that or show some non-edited photos shot at say ISO 1600 and above? Thanks.
 

Little India was one of the first places I shot with the a77ii - PRIOR to receiving the instruction manual. Especially the AF system, it's controls and how it behaves.

In essence, I shot 'BLIND' - literally, most of the time. AF tracking was a hit and miss affair, mostly because I had probably set the wrong parameters and settings (new AF system to me), but once I knew how to set it up after getting the manual, it was really quite easy! How the AF behaves for tracking functions are also hinted at in the about intro.

As for shooting at night - what I found was that for Hi-ISO settings, you basically have three noise reduction levels - Off, Low and Normal. Low appeared to be around 30% - 40% NR in a post program like Neat Image, so I often left the Hi-ISO NR switched OFF mainly because I like the versatility that a post NR offers. That, is of course entirely personal. I would, also, leave the Hi-ISO NR switched ON purely for convenience.

Nonetheless, I did an ISO test for members to gauge the Hi-ISO performance themselves.

Little India

"History
Little India is distinct from the Chulia Kampong area, which, under the Raffles Plan of Singapore, was originally a division of colonial Singapore where Tamil immigrants would reside under the British policy of ethnic segregation. However, as Chulia Kampong became more crowded and competition for land escalated, many ethnic Tamils moved into what is now known as Little India. (The Chulia Kampong district no longer exists as a distinct area.)

The Little India area is reported to have developed around a former settlement for Tamil convicts. Its location along the Serangoon River originally made it attractive for raising cattle, and trade in livestock was once prominent in the area. Eventually, other economic activity developed, and by the turn of the 20th century, the area began to look like a Tamil ethnic neighbourhood.

Little India was the site of a two-hour long riot that occurred on 8 December 2013, after a man was killed in a traffic accident. 27 people were injured, and 40 people were arrested." ~ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Little_India,_Singapore


Walking around with some other photo-enthusiasts, Little India on a Saturday was gearing up for a weekend of roaring trade (specially on Sunday) with families and Indian tourists taking photos, workers and an entire melange of sights and sounds!

One of my friends actually skipped lunch to sample the food that Tekka FC had to offer! He was a happy camper!

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Images while walking around:

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Personally, while I shoot in colour and convert files to B&W in post, I tried the in-camera B&W function. Not bad I must say!

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Already hinted at in the above B&W shot, let's get down and do a flare test. This was with SONY's 16-50 2.8 kit lens (equivalent to 24 - 75mm), a fairly solidly built lens (to me) that appears to be quite capable overall, and one which I would use quite a lot. For those who are interested, you can look up the specs, but the mount is metal with a very high quality plastic barrel which also houses ED and aspherical elements.

Quite nice flare pattern.

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Since we're doing shots at street level there, here are a few more...

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Moving on ... Little India's famous Norris Road Chapati. As nice as ever, but inflated prices now. You don't even get any kind of curry if you buy Chapatis. They even charge for plain curry!

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Moving on to the night shots at Little India, do remember that this was before I had come to grasp the AF system.

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Next would be more tests. Non-technical of course.
 

Hey thanks for the review. I am a Alpha user interested in the 77II. Just wondering how the noise level fair in high ISO? Could you comment on that or show some non-edited photos shot at say ISO 1600 and above? Thanks.

No problem Eternit. Noise tests would be coming up soon but it would have to be edited to fit in the forum.
 

ISO NOISE TESTS

Basically, where Hi-ISO NR settings are concerned, you have the option of OFF, LOW and NORMAL, with Low being to my eye, moderate, and Normal being heavy.

Since everyone had very wide tolerances of acceptable noise, and also considering how the end result are going to be used, I'll just post up the initial photos of these tests. Do note that the DRO and HDR settings were switched OFF, as that may increase noise levels higher up. I tested with OFF and LOW. Photo processed as per normal with crop, auto tone and HP, resized. Note that there may be some slight colour imbalance as the light source I was using was fluorescent.


With Hi-ISO set at LOW

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