02-04-2021, 03:56 PM
pdq wrote:
Bumping this topic one last time (hopefully).
So, to recap, I have a old 1st gen Sony Alpha DSLR whose mirror is funky, but a couple of Sony lenses in good shape. I’m thinking about buying a newer (but still used) Sony body that can use the same lenses (which I’ve semi-confirmed is true). Would like to spend under $200. Not professional by any means, not planning on upgrading further in the future.
I’ve been looking at the bottom of this wikipedia page. I was originally thinking versions of the same line that my A100 started (like the A55, 57, or 58), but then started looking (on eBay) at the next step up (like an A65) which can be found for similar if not lower prices on eBay.
Anyway, my main question for you knowledgable sorts: apparently the A6x series is an “SLT” which has a non-moving mirror (a translucent or “pellicle” mirror) which (it seems to me) is one less moving part to go bad. But you lose a slight amount of light (they say 1/3rd of a stop) and they say these mirrors are thin and delicate, making cleaning precarious.
What say you? Bonus question: yes, tech always marches on, but my sense is that sensor improvement in the last few years has been more evolutionary rather than revolutionary, unless you’re talking about full-frame sensors (which I don’t want). True?
Sony being Sony was looking for a way to be different because Nikon and Canon ruled the DSLR world. Their 2 pronged approach was SLT and mirrorless. SLT is an interesting concept and one that might have seen more light of day had Sony's mirrorless line didn't take off. SLT is is in all likelihood a discontinued concept as the last SLT was the A99 in 2016. The last app-c SLT were the A77 II and A 68.
You do lose some light hotting the sensor but you gain no blackout when a DSLR mirror flips up to expose. Does the momentary plot second blackout bother you for most shots. For sports/action it could make a slight difference in framing.
For slower shots you can observe during the exposure process like a 10 second exposure for a streaming waterfall shot using a tripod. Probably not necessary to stare though it as the camera would be on a tripod and you don't want your face to bump the camera.
Video, no this is where things get interesting, the focus using DSLR AF sensors makes the AF accurate unlike mirrorless video cameras of the same era. The A77 II can AF during video mode. Downside is the resolution is 1080p, not 4K. https://www.dpreview.com/reviews/sony-al...t-a77ii/12
Bottom line? Image quality will be fine but will the non flip up mirror be worth the extra money for what advantage it brings? For the extra money, would you be better served buying a M-ILC and an adapter for your existing lenses?