Designed for experienced photo enthusiasts as well as first-time interchangeable-lens camera users, the new Sony ILCA-68 (also referred to as the Sony a68) is the first new model to be added to Sony’s a-mount camera lineup in about a year, and sits just below the prosumer-oriented a77 Mark II, inheriting several features key from its more advanced sibling while keeping the price lower. The big news here is that it has the most phase detection AF points in a DSLR to date, giving it a large area of the frame in the focus range—something Sony has dubbed “4D autofocus.”
Fitted with a 24MP APS-C sensor and a wide ISO range of 100-25,600, the Sony a68 can also capture full HD video. As with previous A-series cameras, the a68 is a similar size and shape as a DSLR, but it has an electronic, rather than optical, viewfinder housed in the space that would have been used for a pentaprism viewfinder. It accepts Sony’s full line of A-mount interchangeable lenses and has built-in image stabilization. The a68 replaces the Sony SLT a65 in its lineup as the “mid-range” APS model.
The Sony ILC-A68 will be available in April, and can be pre-ordered in March for $599.99 body only, or in a kit with the Sony 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6DT SAM Zoom lens for $699 at Adorama. Sign up to be notified when pre-order is available.
Orders will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis; credit cards will not be charged until orders are shipped.
Let’s take a closer look at the Sony a68.
24.2MP Sensor
Sony is the world’s largest sensor manufacturer, and supplies sensors for Nikon, Pentax and others, so you can expect that the ones it makes for its own cameras will be top-notch. Indeed, independent testers DxO Labs has consistently rated cameras with Sony sensors at the top of their categories. The a68 uses the same highly-rated 24.2MP sensor found on most Sony APS cameras, providing low noise levels and a wide dynamic range, along with an ISO range of 100-25,600, making it a great low-light photography choice.
What is 4D Focus?
Sony describes its 4D Focus system, which debutes here, as the world’s most Phase Detection AF points on a dedicated AF sensor covering a wide area of the frame. It has 79 autofocus points, including 15 cross-type points placed in the central area of the sensor, and deploys a new AF algorithm that can instantly recognize and track the subject even in low light down to EV -2. This can be especially useful for nighttime sports photography. The camera also has AF range control and Eye AF, a helpful tool for portrait photography.
8fps Continuous shooting
Another action photography-friendly feature is 8fps burst rate, albeit at reduced resolution (the top burst rate at 24MP is 5fps), with AF on. The burst rate works with the tracking algorithm to maintain consistent focus on subjects moving through the frame.
Built-in Image Stabilization
As with all Sony DSLRs and ILCs, the a68 has sensor-shift-based image stabilization, so any lens you use becomes effectively image stabilized, whether it has this feature or not. The IS corrects for camera shake, compensating for between 2 and 4.5 additional steps in shutter speed. This is great for low-light photography at longer shutter speed, as well as for hand-held long-lens photography.
Viewing Options
the camera features a sharp 1.440k dot resolution OLED eye-level viewfinder with 100% framing. In addition to displaying various camera functions, it displays focus peaking and MF assist for fine-tuning manual focus. A 2.7-inch tiltable 460k dot LCD monitor tilts up to 135 degrees or down 55 degrees for low- and high-angle shots. Both viewing options preview white balance, focus, and depth-of-field.
HD Video Capture
The a68 captures up to 1920×1080 HD video on 24 or 30p frame rates, in AVCHD or MP4 codecs. Uncompressed 8-bit HD 4:2:2 video output to external recording devices is possible via the HDMI connection. An external microphone can be added via the Multi-Interface Shoe.
Customizable Controls
Camera settings can be easily controlled via the front and rear control dials and wheels and 10 customizable buttons. You can assign from a choice of 49 functions and set up toe camera to do what you want it to do. The camera also has a pop-up flash for fill lighting.
