klausboedker
on - last edited on by
ElizabethS
Continued from part 1.
Image Quality
No need to dwell on the A33's image quality. It is good. Very good. It is just that the new mirror technology, video and viewfinder are much more interesting. And I mean that in the best possible way.
↑ Comparatively, I would put the A33 on par with the new Nikon D3100. A sensor I drooled all over in my review.
↓ In terms of high ISO quality, the Sony A33 and Nikon D3100 are also neck-at-neck. ISO 12800 with Nikon D3100 on the left and Sony A33 on the right.
↑ Very good image quality @ ISO 3200
Video
Truth be told, I am no videographer. Still images are my thing, and video has never really caught on. Especially DSLR video. Blame it on a combination of under-developed skills and not very user-friendly video implementation in DSLRs so far. That'a about to change with the A33.
↓ Demonstrating the A33's great video implementation. with a smack of jellyfish. Seriously, that is the technical term for a group of jellyfish.
From my novice point of view, what makes the A33 shine is its autofocus:
One, autofocus just works. Plain and simple. I dare you to try out video autofocus on any other DSLR, like the Nikon D3100 or Canon T2i, and then compare that to the A33. The Sony comes out on top. Hands down.
Two, autofocus even allows you to change focus point while recording. Pretty cool.
Three, despite shooting in very limited light at the Vancouver Aquarium, the video AF still worked flawlessly. Great job, Sony!
↑ Oh yeah, and the camera shoots full 1080p HD encoded in AVCHD. Plus, you get a simple red record button. Press and you are recording.
Summa summarum
The Sony A33 is a great camera. Groundbreaking new technology, great ergonomics, superb image quality, and best-in-class video implementation in terms of user friendliness. What more can you ask for?
Is it the way of the future? Maybe. Replacing the traditional mirror with a translucent one certainly is a refreshing take on how to manufacture DSLRs. What's more, it shows Sony's ability to think outside the box. Something the mastodons of the camera world (read Canon and Nikon) are failing at. If Sony sells enough (whatever that number is) of the A33, we could easily see the translucent technology migrate to the manufacturers coming entry and mid level DLSR models over the next couple of years.
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