Sony SLT-A77 DSLR Alpha Digital Camera with 18-135mm Lens

The Alpha a77 DSLR Camera with 18-135mm Lens from Sony has many things going for it, not the least of which is the 24.3MP sensor. Think of all the possibilities 24.3 megapixels of resolution has: mural sized prints, incredible detail, rich color, and more! If you've been craving the pixel power of the medium format back, but in a DSLR rig, your wait is over.

Sony also gave the a77 their 2nd generation Translucent Mirror Technology system. This design allows the camera to focus with the speed and accuracy of Phase Detection AF and shoot simultaneously. This is an unheard of capability in the world of digital photography, well until now, that is. The camera also boasts Sony's upgraded BIONZ image processor. The processor performs many functions, including efficiently transferring shot data to the chip in your memory card. It also reduces visual noise, and ensures that functions such as 6-image layering and 2D/3D Sweep Panorama work smoothly, and with speed.

More than a still camera, the a77 also captures high-quality 1920 x 1080p AVCHD video at 60p or 24p. You can also choose to record at 60i. HD movies can also be captured with full manual control. That means the entire mode dial is at your disposal: Program, Shutter Priority, Aperture Priority, and Manual. Live View, Full-Time Live View (in LCD or EVF) are also available for use as is Full-Time Phase Detection AF. The latter of course being an intelligent way to correct focus automatically, while you concentrate on the scene at hand.

What this DSLR also offers, above and beyond most less-sophisticated cameras, is the world's first OLED electronic viewfinder. The a77's viewfinder gets your eye off the LCD screen and into the right situation for capturing successful images. Like all viewfinders, this one keeps distractions and glare to a minimum. But what the OLED viewfinder does that's above and beyond the pack includes a reduction of motion blur on the Tru-Finder screen. The OLED features 2359K dots of resolution and a high contrast ratio. It also allows you to see the results of camera adjustments in real time with true-to-life color and detail. See your shot in the viewfinder exactly as it will be, before you shoot it.

Of course, the a77 does have an LCD screen too, but not just a basic monitor. This one tilts and swivels for everything from hard-to-get shots to successful reviewing of footage in harsh lighting conditions. What else does this type of LCD allow you to do? How about self-portraits? Just flip it and twist it and see the monitor as you photograph yourself and your friends. When it's not in use, the screen folds flat to the camera for safe storage and traveling.

As far as performance is concerned and in regards to all things internal in the camera, the a77 backs up those 24.3MP with the kinds of features and functions one would expect. First, the camera supports burst shooting up to 12 frames per second at full resolution, that's great news for sports photographers. The a77 also boasts a super-short lag time of only 0.05 seconds. Then there's the16,000 ISO sensitivity and the 1200-zone exposure metering. The metering function reads directly from the camera's main image sensor and offers the choice of Multi, Center, and Spot metering.

As for more proprietary shooting features, the camera has a load of those too! First off, there's the dual control dials that give you access to two settings at once. All the traditional P/A/S/M exposure modes can be found there. Getting into the menu functions you'll find options such as 19-point Auto Focus, Object Tracking AF, and 6-image layering just to start. Dig a little deeper and Handheld Twilight mode and Multi-Frame NR are there to help you capture excellent low-light images by takingthe best of six shots and combining them into one.

You'll also find extras such as built-in GPS. The integrated GPS receiver records the location and time of every shot you take, allowing you to view them later on a map with compatible computer and Internet applications. This feature is also great for those into 'geo-tagging'. Eleven Picture Effects modes also give you another way to express yourself with options like Pop Color, Retro Photo, Toy Camera, and more. Convenient standards like face detection and Sony's Smile Shutter technology are there for your use as well.

Like any good DSLR, Sony gave the a77 a built-in flash for capturing low-light shots with ease. That same flash can also trigger an optional wireless flash. The camera also has an integrated hot shoe for attaching various external flashes and flash accessories (sold separately).

Versatile and compact, the included 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 lens is the perfect complement to the high quality a77. With its large focal range, it will cover almost any shooting need you have and its smooth autofocus motor is quiet and fluid, which is especially useful when recording video. Combined, the a77 and the Sony 18-135mm lens provide you with high speed, quality images from a state of the art, multi-function, easy to use camera system. Now go shoot pictures!