Sony Alpha SLT-A65

Tilting LCD ; Relatively lightweight ; Excellent video capture

Pricey

The likes of Canon may have more lenses at its disposal to give its conventional DSLRs the edge, especially with its range bolstered with the likes of the EOS-7D and newer EOS-5D Mark III plus C30 and C500 ‘cine cameras’, but otherwise for those...

High resolution, detailed images. Fast continuous shooting rate. Full-time AF for live view/video

Lacks the build quality of the Sony A77

Many of the A77’s features for less cash, decent image quality from ISO 100-1600, super-fast 10fps burst mode, OLED viewfinder is the best currently available

High ISO image quality won’t match up to similar-priced DSLR cameras, the electronic viewfinder won’t suit all and suffers from lag compared to an optical equivalent

The A65 is very much the A77 with some features trimmed back. This also means the price takes a desirable tumble too as, for the £799 asking price, the A65 has bags on offer. The OLED viewfinder is fantastic (though not perfect), the 10fps burst mode...

Class-leading Full HD movie modeResponsive full-time phase detection AF system ; Built-in GPS ; Built-in Image Stabilization system (SteadyShot INSIDE) ; Highly impressive OLED EVF

Noise isn't as well controlled compared to rivals ; Inclusion of only one control dial hampers manual shooting ; Slight delay in registering button presses can be frustrating ; Loss of live view feed when shooting in high-speed modes ; Two-way LCD...

ISO 12,800 (see full image) Next Page: Verdict

Class-leading Full HD movie mode Resonsive full-time hase detection AF system ; Built-in GPS ; Built-in Image Stabilization system (SteadyShot INSIDE) ; Highly imressive OLED EVF

Noise isn't as well controlled comared to rivals ; Inclusion of only one control dial hamers manual shooting ; Slight delay in registering button resses can be frustrating ; Loss of live view feed when shooting in high-seed modes ; Two-way LCD design...

The Alpha 65 is very well-specified in comparison to its rivals, matching or exceeding the competition's feature-sets in many respects. It's pricier, but we feel the impressive stack of high-end features that this camera has to offer more than outweigh...

Excellent electronic viewfinder (EVF) ; Good high ISO performance ; Fast focusing

Auto modes not great ; Slightly soft image quality

It's not a true digital SLR and it's not as small as a mirrorless camera. Instead, the Alpha SLT-A65VK is an in-between model that still has plenty to like about it, including a large and vibrant EVF and fast focusing. Its huge sensor gives you...

Feature set way above its price, Sony has a go at innovating

OLED finder isn't for everyone

If you use Sony lenses, are an amateur and considering an upgrade, try the A65

Excellent 2.4 million-dot OLED EVF ; Versatile full-time live view system ; Very high-resolution 24MP CMOS APS-Csensor ; Strong feature set including Auto HDR and Sweep Panorama ; Class-leading video resolution ; Intuitive and well thought-out...

In-camera JPEGs don't show off the 24MP sensor to its best extent ; Comparatively strong noise reduction at medium and high ISO settings ; Very noisy raw files at high ISO settings ; Little control over high ISO noise reduction in JPEG mode ('auto' or...

The Sony SLT-A65 is an exceptionally well specified camera for its class. The 24MP CMOS sensor, the OLED EVF and the 10fps continuous mode are real stand-out features in the mid-level bracket of the market. Add the well thought-out ergonomics to that...

Huge range of features including auto HDR and GPS ; Excellent quality EVF ; Very fast continuous shooting speed

Images at 100 per cent magnification aren't particularly crisp or detailed ; Camera can lag and freeze on occasion

The A65 is available for AU$1299 as body only, AU$1399 for a single lens kit with the 18-55mm, or AU$1599 with the 18-55mm and 55-200mm lens.

Sharp 24MP images, excellent image stabilization, lens profiles in camera firmware

Plasticky for a $1000 camera, 1/3 of the light lost to the SLT mirror