Sony SLT-A65: Capturing Stunning Photos with This Advanced Camera

Are you looking for a camera that will take your photography to the next level? Then you should definitely consider the Sony SLT-A65. This feature-packed camera is a great choice for both amateurs and professionals alike, offering unparalleled image quality, an advanced autofocus system, and a range of customizable features. Read on to find out why the Sony SLT-A65 is one of the most sought-after cameras on the market today.

Written by Victor Chan | Updated: Mon May 01 2023

Sony SLT-A65 article cover photo

Key Features

Nov 15 2011

Announced

24 megapixels

Resolution

BrandSony
Sensor TypeAPS-C
SensorCMOS
Weight622g
MSRP$899USD

Other similar cameras

Overview of the SLT-A65

If you're into photography, you know that investing in a high-quality camera can make all the difference in the world. The Sony SLT-A65 is one of the best cameras on the market today, and for good reason. With a 24.3-megapixel sensor, advanced autofocus system, and customizable controls, this camera is designed to help you capture stunning images. Whether you're an amateur or a professional, the Sony SLT-A65 is sure to impress. In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at some of the features that make this camera stand out, and why it's a great investment for anyone looking to take their photography to the next level.

Sony SLT-A65 Pros and Cons

Now, we will look more closely at our review of the Sony SLT-A65 camera. We will see what it can do and compare it to other cameras like it. We will tell you what's good about it and what's not so good. This way, you'll know if it's the camera for you!

Pros

High-resolution sensor for excellent image quality
Fast autofocus system for capturing moving subjects
High-speed continuous shooting for capturing action
Built-in image stabilization for sharper photos
Flip-out LCD screen for flexible shooting angles
DSLR-like controls for advanced users
Weather-sealed body for outdoor shooting
Built-in GPS for geotagging photos

Cons

Relatively high price compared to entry-level cameras
Limited selection of compatible lenses compared to other DSLRs
No built-in flash
Video quality is only average
Battery life is not as good as some competitors
Menu system can be complicated for beginners
No touchscreen functionality.

Build and Construction

Body and dimensions

Sony SLT-A65

Weather sealed
Dimensions132 x 97 x 81mm
Weight622g
Thickness81mm
Weight
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Max
Thickness
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Weather Sealing

The Sony SLT-A65 is not sealed against water and dust, so it's important to be careful when using it in such conditions. If you often shoot in environments with water or dust, it's recommended to check out another camera with weather sealing.

Design and Handling

Main design features

View FinderElectronic
Screen TypeFully Articulated
Screen Resolution921k dots
Body typeCompact SLR

Suitable for:

PhotographyAbove Avg.
VideographyAbove Avg.
TravelAbove Avg.

LCD Screen

This camera has a fully articulated 3.00" screen, with a display resolution of 921k dots. This makes the Sony SLT-A65 very suitable for those looking for a vlogging camera as you can view yourself while shooting selfies. Unfortunately, the camera does not have a touch screen, which may make it less user-friendly.

Viewfinder

SLT-A65 includes a electronic viewfinder with 2,359k dots of resolution with a coverage of 100% and a magnification of 0.73x. This feature enhances the camera's suitability for outdoor photography in bright conditions.

Image Quality

Sony SLT-A65 has a 24MP sized CMOS sensor. You can shoot at maximum resolution of 24 pixels. Sony SLT-A65 has a native ISO range of 100 - 12800 which can be boosted to null - 25600. It can also save files in RAW format which gives you a wider room for post processing.

Key Features

Nov 15 2011

Announced

100 - 12800

ISO Range

SensorAPS-C
Extended ISOnull - 25600
Max resolution6000 x 4000 pixels

DXO Sensor Scores

Overall

74 / 102

Color Depth

23.4 / 26.5

Dynamic Range

12.6 / 14.8

Low Light ISO

717 / 4505

DXO mark sensor scores

The DXOmark rankings indicate that the Sony SLT-A65 camera has above average color depth performance, which refers to the number of colors the sensor can distinguish. Additionally, its dynamic range is also above average, allowing it to retain low amounts of details in both bright and dark areas of a scene. The camera's low light ISO performance is poor, which is an important factor to consider if you plan to use it in dimly lit indoor environments or at night. Overall the image quality of the SLT-A65 is average

Crop Factor

Camera crop factor (or focal length multiplier) refers to how a camera's sensor size affects the apparent field of view of a lens. Crop factor is determined by comparing the size of a camera's sensor to that of a full-frame sensor, which is a standard reference size for camera sensors.

Size comparison

Medium FormatFull FrameAPS-C (Sony, Nikon)

Crop factor calculator

Crop factor

1x

Full frame equivalent

24mm

This camera: APS-C

24mm

850100150200

Connectivity, storage, battery

StorageSD/SDHC/SDXC/Memory Stick Pro Duo/ Pro-HG Duo
Battery Life560 shots
Battery ModelNP-FM500H
HDMI
USD
Wireless Connectivity

Storage

The Sony SLT-A65 supports SD/SDHC/SDXC/Memory Stick Pro Duo/ Pro-HG Duo with 1 slots for storage. This may suffice for everyday use. However, for professional applications such as wedding photography, it is not recommended as a memory card malfunction could lead to the loss of all footage.

Battery

The Sony SLT-A65 uses the NP-FM500H model of battery pack. This is rated for 560 shots shots which is high. If you intend to take photos or record videos for an extended period, it might be a good idea to bring along additional batteries.

Photography Features

Flash

The Sony SLT-A65 has built in flash which is great for event photography and in low light situations. It also offers a flash shoe that allows you to attach external flashes. This provides more versatility in your lighting choices.

Shutter

The Sony SLT-A65 boasts a maximum mechanical shutter speed of 1/4000s, which is ideal for shooting fast-moving subjects in bright environments, such as in sports photography. Faster shutter speeds enable you to freeze the action and capture every detail, making it easier to get the perfect shot.

With a continuous mechanical shutter speed of n/a or an electronic shutter speed of n/a, this camera is not capable of capturing the perfect moment more easily, making it not as suited for wedding, sports, and wildlife photography. Higher shutter speeds make it easier to capture fast-paced action, ensuring that you never miss the perfect shot.

Autofocus

The Sony SLT-A65 includes phase detection autofocus (AF), with 15 number of focus points.

While contrast detection is generally more accurate and precise, phase detection autofocus is faster and more effective in most situations, particularly when photographing moving subjects.

Phase detection autofocus works by dividing the incoming light into pairs and then analyzing how they intersect on the camera's sensor. This method allows the camera to determine not only if a subject is in focus but also the direction and distance needed to adjust the focus to achieve perfect sharpness.

On the other hand, contrast detection autofocus works by analyzing the contrast of an image and adjusting the focus until the highest contrast is detected. While this method is very accurate, it can be slow, especially in low light conditions or when photographing moving subjects.

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FAQ

What is the sensor size of the Sony SLT-A65?

The Sony SLT-A65 features a CMOS sensor

Is the Sony SLT-A65 weather sealed?

No the SLT-A65 does not have weather sealing.

When was the Sony SLT-A65 announced?

The Sony SLT-A65 was announced on Nov 15 2011

Does the Sony SLT-A65 have in-body image stabilization?

Yes the SLT-A65 does have in-body image stabilization that can compensate for camera shake, making it easier to shoot handheld in low light conditions.

What is the ISO range of the Sony SLT-A65?

The SLT-A65 has a native ISO range of 100-12800, which can be expanded to ISO null-25600 for even greater sensitivity in low light conditions.

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