Sony A65 Review and Thoughts compared to the Canon T4i

[@photorectoby]

Sounds like it might be perfect for you. If you plan to buy from Amazon I'd love for you to click through the link above- and always feel free to ask more questions.

[@tinslatee]

i own the a65 and have done night shooting over the city. The viewfinder worked well.

[@photorectoby]

Under the video is a link to MY facebook :) You are welcome to leave me a message there. I will respond.

[@photorectoby]

Hi - I think you should consider the D7000 or the 60D or the T4i - All of the cameras I just listed are able to control external, off-camera flashes. The D5100 and the Sony a65 are not able - this is a pretty big deal and allows you to set up off camera flashes in a studio setting. This is one of the reasons I keep coming back to the T4i - at it's price point it offers loads of features. 60D is certainly fine too. Happy to answer more questions.

[@photorectoby]

Hi Mark - Here are my thoughts after a few more months of pondering this question - the Sony is very nice, it is easy to make nice photos with it and Sony seems fairly committed to this line of cameras, since I released this video they have announced the a99. That said as someone that wants full control over the camera I was at times frustrated and you are buying into a much smaller ecosystem - fewer flashes and other accessories ultimately keeps me feeling limited with Sony.

[@photorectoby]

I think you should keep on leaning that way - "numerous amounts of action photography" really is the key term there - The T4i isn't a slouch but the serious burst rate on the A65 and fast focusing make it excellent for higher speed sports. I have a link above to the A65 with 18-135 for $100 off. Happy to answer followup questions.

[@skystudiohawaii]

My Sony a65 is great for video - 1080p at 60fps continuous auto focus and mirrorless means faster focus. So, very happy with shooting the pro surfing competitions in Hawaii.

[@photorectoby]

I found the opposite with the EVF as it got dark it got REALLY dark and noisy enough that I couldn't see anything but I agree with you that the focus peaking is VERY useful. For those that don't know focus peaking is a feature that helps you manually focus by outlining your subjects in the EVF or viewfinder with bright lines letting you know when it is actually in focus.

[@photorectoby]

Depends - NEX provides portability and a host of fun features. T4i is bigger and a bit more boring on the feature side but provides best quality in low light and loads of lenses to choose from with more room to grow as a serious photographer.

[@photorectoby]

I have used the Canon t4i with both STM lenses, they are very nice. The 18-135 STM is silent, the 40mm STM makes a little bit of noise. Downside is they are still slow to focus on moving objects. The Sony may be a little faster but in my testing I didn't really see that.

[@photorectoby]

No I asked because you can do DSLR controller app on android devices which lets you remotely control the cameras. It is very slick! Doesn't make the camera work better but it is nice for focusing on yourself out and about, I use it for 85% of my videos.

[@photorectoby]

Great points - I disagree that the setting fixes low light conditions, still seems very noisy and dark to me. I do agree that the lens quality can be excellent but the choices are confusing to determine which will work with the camera for beginners.

[@photorectoby]

I hear you on finding time - keep at it! Thanks for the comment and the subscribe.

[@photorectoby]

Sounds sweet. Ultimately I was frustrated with the Sony as it didn't let me have as much freedom as I wanted but it was very easy to make shots that I found to be gorgeous. Because stabilization is in body the lenses are often lighter and more portable, plus the GPS feature might be nice for you?

[@photorectoby]

Live view is as fast as through the viewfinder on an SLT camera - you are right, that is a benefit but I find it just a tiny bit slow compared to viewfinder on a traditional SLR.

[@photorectoby]

John, It depends on what kind of video - if you want a camera that makes it pretty easy to capture video of your kids running around in the backyard or on the soccer field (or other sports) I think the Sony is a slightly better choice. But if you want a camera that is better all around and the camera and the ecosystem provides more room for growth as a photographer - the Canon is a better option.

[@photorectoby]

The video functions where good - Some weird sony quirks like manual exposure forces you to manually focus. I don't undertstand why they connected those two. Focus speed with the 35mm lens I used was also good but not significantly better than your Canon and Sony and the lens isn't silent. Very quiet but not silent. Video quality was very good.

[@photorectoby]

Good points but the lack of true manual mode killed my interest in the a65 - but as I said and my review and writeup - if you are looking for easy video the Sony really nails it. Focus peaking is sweet. I haven't spent enough time lens shopping for Sonys but I think for the beginner consumer the lens options are more confusing about mounts, but that might just be my own familiarity with Canon and Nikon.

[@photorectoby]

I no longer have the camera so I am not sure. I glanced through the manual. You should be able to change settings under "Movie settings" section. If not Google "Sony A65 NTSC and PAL Problem"

[@photorectoby]

You have watched this video? You know I prefer the T4i. I also prefer the t4i over the 60D, A77 is nice camera but I don't see anything in your needs that suggests you need it. Link under video goes to best T4i with 18-135 STM price on Amazon - best value right now.

[@photorectoby]

Video quality looked similar to me except for the color - the Sony tended to run much warmer and I was also frustrated by the limitations of manual settings with the Sony, you could only set shutter speed and aperture if you manually focused - which to me defeats the purpose of having great AF if you can only use it when you let the camera have complete control. Also - T4i ecosystem of video accessories is much larger than Sony. Hope that helps.

[@photorectoby]

7D is built like a tank. a77 is tough too and offers a host of features that I think I would prefer over the 7D if my main goal was video work.

[@photorectoby]

In camera HDR on the Sony is quite good- MUCH better than the Canon's HDR feature. Sony also offers the Multi-shot feature where it takes several shots and combines for one sharp image - it works very well. If you don't mind giving up some freedom and flexibility the Sony is a nice option.

[@geoffphuketInPhuket]

This has to be the best reviews I've watched! I was going to buy the Sony, but apart from all the niggling 'faults' you mention, I've also just read a comment about the video zooming as soon as the rec' button is pressed. Apparently it zooms and crops the sensor to give 1920X1080p - the Canon uses alternate lines of pixels, thus avoiding the problem.

[@photorectoby]

you are welcome - let me know if you have any questions, I am happy to answer!

[@photorectoby]

Those are all valid reasons. It has sweep panorama. Built in IS is not as good as in Canon lenses but yes it is nice to always have it with all lenses.

[@photorectoby]

In video the Sony really starts to fall apart at the higher ISOs, that translucent mirror cuts some light and as a result it just isn't as good as the Canon or the Nikon options at same price. On the still side using NR and best shot selector the Sony is capable of producing some really nice images in lower light. The 10FPS is good but it only lasts for 2 seconds or so before the buffer chokes up. In this price range my hands down pick for low light video work would be the Nikon D5200.

[@photorectoby]

No -The T4i with the 18-135 is a better value in my opinion. It does depend on how and what you plan to shoot but in general the Canon is a better value. I will have a complete side by side comparison of the D5200 and the T4i in a few weeks.

[@photorectoby]

You deleted your other comment. The touchscreen and the ability to flip the screen around to the side so you can see yourself in the beauty videos is a very nice feature of the 650D. get it with a prime lens like the 40mm f/2.8 and you will have a beautiful setup.

[@photorectoby]

Hey There PhancyPants, thanks! It is true that you can add on the cowboy triggers to fire external flashes and that is more reliable than the optical wireless on the Canon but my point is that is built in, no extra bits needed, well besides the external flash. True if you have a collection of Minolta lenses Sony would be the way to go- the new a99 and a77 look like lovely cameras so I do think Sony has a nice future.

[@photorectoby]

That is the truth, the auto focus is very slow and I don't use it. I personally found that the Sony isn't much faster if at all. All my videos that I shoot are manual focus.

[@photorectoby]

The Sony is capable of so much but I felt like I was fighting it when I wanted control, it just got in my way. I really like how little the t4i feels in my way, and part of that is just my comfort with the camera but it is selling very well now and I am not the only one - which brings me to another point - if you want to expand - accessories, flashes video rigs are all hard to come by with the Sony. Why are you leaning a65?

[@photorectoby]

No to the a65, Electronic viewfinder is not great after dark. D5100 vs D7000 - basically the same camera on the inside - D5100 is a great value currently and the flip out screen is useful. I don't see a compelling reason for D7000 except maybe the 100% viewfinder that is pentaprism and as a result brighter than the D5100. But we are talking a pretty slight difference. I am happy to answer more question. If you buy from Amazon please click through my link above. That keeps this service free.

[@photorectoby]

I am not sure about the IS - the in body IS is not quite as good as the IS that is in most lenses but it is good. I think you would run into issues if you were using a lens with IS and you had the in camera IS on.

[@photorectoby]

T4i with that touchscreen is very nice. Can you swing the 18-135 STM instead, it is a better lens. Sony is more like an advanced point and shoot with some limitations I found annoying - otherwise it produces very nice images. T4i most user friendly with that touchscreen.

[@photorectoby]

I have not - certainly looks like a feature rich camera. I know it has a blazing fast FPS but I wonder if it is like the a65 I tested and that 12 FPS lasts for just a second before slow down. Then again that happens in the D7100 too.

[@photorectoby]

There have been reports of exactly that - low light photos not being as good as they could be. . but I didn't really see that and it is quite possible that the sensor in the a65 is better than the T4i sensor and that counteracts any light loss. Also the sony has this multishot noise reduction mode that is stunningly good. T4i has one too and it is total crap. When you say low light - how low? Darkened street or dance club or?

[@photorectoby]

The 40mm f/2.8 is great - you get the STM plus the focal length is just a bit wider and more appropriate for the crop sensor of the T4i. Cheaper is the 50mm f/1.8 but between the two I would go for the 40mm. I am giving away one on my FB Page - click on over :)

[@ChengHooSew]

I've had my a65 for almost a year now and I love it to the max! 24 megapixels with good lens produce great details images but unlike the a99 it made the noise more pronounce. But NR during post production by shooting in RAW reduces the problem. Won't shot it above 1600 thought. While in jpeg I usually set it to 12megapixels when I have to go above 1200. The only complain i have with it so far is the buffer. But for the price, I can live with that :)

[@photorectoby]

I would likely buy the T5i and my latest T4i(t5i) vs D5200 review shares my reasons.

[@photorectoby]

Camera store dudes push the Son's very hard, they get a bit more markup- that's not to say they are bad cameras, just not as good as they make them out in comparison with others. 7D is a sweet tank-like camera! Canon video is very good, not quite as many output options as Sony but all the important resolutions and FPS are there.

[@photorectoby]

Personally I found some of the Sony designed limitations to be frustrating and felt limiting more like a point and shoot but I also meant it as a compliment - out of all the cameras I have shot with the a65 produces the nicest images on auto setting- like a P&S :)

[@photorectoby]

Not on par. Not bad but the 70D AF is excellent and the A65 is just good - plus i wasn't that impressed with low light capabilities of a65. If you are in front of camera- close enough to flip screen around and touch it? what about an android device - have one accessible to you?

[@photorectoby]

T4i/T5i is more video friendly with dedicated controls and complete manual control when desired. Sony forces manual focus when you want manual control and I find that weird and annoying.

[@ralphddc]

Just purchased the Sony A65 and love it. I've been playing around with my daughter's T3i and wife's Pentax for a few months. I use a Canon 60D at work and still prefer the Sony. The quality of the images is right up there with the 60D, but the I got the Sony for far less. Mine has the 28-135 lens and is great. It works well with the Minolta Maxxum lenses as well. The Macro shots I took with the Minolta 1:2.8 lens I purchased on Ebay for $40.00 are amazing!!

[@izmar]

Man, I really appreciate your videos. Just googling, your videos come up, and they're exactly what I need. Thank you.

[@photorectoby]

In manual video mode you cannot use the auto focus with the Sony- which I found annoying - in defense the T4i video focus mode is not as good but I can use it in and out of any mode I want on the dial, independent of the mode in camera. Also if serious about video you want external mic and you have fewer options with hot shoe on Sony. Feel free to shoot me a message on my facebook page, it is linked under video above - no comment limit so we can have longer conversation.

[@photorectoby]

Not sure it is the best, especially now that the Nikon D5200 is out - that sensor is capable of some gorgeous lowlight images/video. And it outputs to HDMI. Though not everyone cares about that. There is also the Panasonic GH2 which is excellent.

[@photorectoby]

too harsh - sony offers an excellent choice and an easy way to get great photos but I do agree that I too would choose Canon.

[@joseCalderon1976]

I honestly think that the Achilles Heel of all these mirror-less cameras is the low light performance when using the EVF when you want to take a picture handheld and want to use the viewfinder.

[@photorectoby]

The A65 has the potential to be crisper but I don't like the default look of the sony images, much to warm for my taste and in lower light the Canon does a better job.

[@photorectoby]

This is NTSC vs PAL. If you are outside the North America your camera is probably set to PAL, switching it to NTSC will give you 60FPS.

[@Rockthespaceship]

Excellent review! I personally think that the Canon has an edge because it takes pictures that are natural looking as opposed to the Sony which seems to take pictures that are over-saturated with color. Keep up the good work, Sir!

[@codigo4444]

Thanks for input. I think I will give the Sony a try. Majority of the time I just use the auto settings, but when I have some extra time I like to play around with some of the manual settings, mostly the shutter speed. So I might not get annoyed by some of the limitations.

[@ililin1223]

I believe the lens you have is a Sony "E-mount" lens. A65 uses Sony "A-mount" lenses. You can get an adopter and use A-mount lenses on NEX-5N. On the other hand, there is no adopter for the DSLT line cameras, such as A65; and therefore, you can't use E-mount lenses on DSLT cameras. If you are considering getting an A65, I would suggest that you get A77 (if it's within your limit/budget). [I have an A77 :-)]

[@skatertwig26]

Just got the a65,glad I did instead of the t4i or 60d! Anyone who is not sure WON'T be disappointed with this camera!

[@photorectoby]

Personally I like the 700D but without knowing anythiing about you as a photographer/video I can;t make a good recommendation. Thanks!

[@SoccerLadyHawks]

Great very detailed reviews, we have seen your T4i review and we hope to evolve in Canon's line and will go with the T4i/650D based on this.

[@TheViewTube99]

As somewhat of a rookie when it comes to photography, thanks for the easy to understand and well thought out review, will definitely tune in for more!

[@photorectoby]

best quality? D5200 if you use a nice prime lens. Easiest to work with T5i. best most like a point and shoot - Sony.

[@photorectoby]

Watch the video and decide what features are best for you. Then pick.

[@keithspillett]

I own a Canon 7D and the 'entry level' A37, which I use seemlessly alongside one another. I PREFER the EVF in low light. Last night I had to shoot an award ceremony where there was next to no frontal light. However noisy the EVF might have been, I could still see enough of what I was shooting. All I could see through the 7D was black, making the OVF totally useless under these conditions. Lack of auto focus in manual video is not a problem for me either, as the focus peaking is so easy to use.

[@photorectoby]

Nice, I was very impressed with image quality - have you tried the multishot/best image mode? that is when I got some stunning results.

[@anthonybarajas252]

I do numerous amounts of action photography, still lighting, lanscape shots. Which do you think I should go with? Ive been researching these two cameras for a while now and am leaning towards the sony

[@photorectoby]

A 5D Mark III with a nice lens. Thank you! The Sony and the Canon T4i will record similar looking video in good light, it is all about the light :)

[@photorectoby]

send me a msg on facebook - I have two videos you should watch. My FB page is linked under video above.

[@photorectoby]

I am using a 5D Mark III camera with a nice lens. It should look good, it is a very expensive setup :) Thanks!

[@photorectoby]

Sure.

[@ChengHooSew]

If you're interested in video then you should go for a65. Someone that is serious about video doesn't care about autofocus and the peaking mode in a65 is just perfect! But you have to spend the first few weeks getting used to it as Sony is really good in confusing people with their UI

[@photorectoby]

Thanks Steven, this is great feedback.

[@srobart]

Yeah, I have the HTC One (phone) and Motorola Xoom (tablet), but I would likely run into the same issue as with the J1, not great quality video. I think I need to go ahead and just spring for the 70D. The way it tracked you when you walked toward it was unlike anything else I'd seen in a DSLR. When they get magic lantern working on it, it will essentially be the perfect all-around video camera in a DSLR body.

[@mauler77]

i guess in low light you could always use the LCD screen as the focusing is as fast as the viewfinder? isnt that a great benefit of SLT cameras? perhaps that makes up for the low light performance.

[@maryahlopez3507]

What do you use to record your videos? The video quality is amazing, TV quality....maybe even better.

[@photorectoby]

yes.

[@vonnieglen]

I am a big fan of your excellent reviews and videos! I purchased the A65 largely for the continuous autofocus while taking video. Despite a sensor that is over a 12x larger than my Sony HD Camcorder and 28x larger than my Canon HD Camcorder and a much narrower depth of field through every lens that I own... the A65 is able to keep focus on moving subjects incredibly well. I tried to use the continuous autofocus in video with other cameras and the results were terribly disappointing.

[@photorectoby]

Thanks. Glad I could help.

[@dloyalss]

Thank you for that info. So for my other questions.1.If I'm just going for photos should i go with the T3i "save some money and shoot for another lens' or T4i? Like i mentioned before. Low/light,portrait, studio eventually. 2.Also with the T4i having 9af and more cross types will i benefit with this for what I'm using my camera for

[@mark88test]

The importang things to me are: overall pic. quality in "normal conditions", auto and manual video recording, i think both of them have enough shutter speed to take photos of running people or moveing cars, low light doesn't matter that much as long as I got the same qulity pics. So overall picture and video quality is the point so price and next gen cameras, bult, grip don't matter. Features are important too as long as they are connected to capturing and not comfort or sg.

[@MrKarakura]

I am trying to decide which dslr I should get, I am completely new to dslrs. Right now I am trying to decide between these 3: The Canon T4i, The Nikon D5200, and the Sony A65. I am also planning on using the kit lenses, the 18-55. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[@codigo4444]

I do a lot of outdoor shooting and run into a lot of low light situations when I am canyoneering in dark narrow slot canyons where sunlight never hits the canyon floor.

[@codigo4444]

Great review! I like a lot of the things about the Sony camera but my one big concern is I do a lot of shooting in lowlight but don't have time to setup a tripod and just have to hold the camera as steady as possible. Did you notice if the pictures taken with the Sony typically had longer shutter speeds then the canon? My fear is that the transulcent mirror might be robbing the photo sensor of significant light and make it more difficult to shoot crisp photos in low light. Any opinions?

[@dloyalss]

Hello. I really did like your video comparing the a65 to the t4i. I am just starting out in photography and want to make it a serious hobby leading to professional in the furture. I didnt want to start out with a beginner slr because this investment should last me 2yrs max. I'm interested in low/light, portrait, studio eventually. My top 3 so far is Nikon 7000 "might as well go for d5100", canon 60d, and sony a65. Really dont care for video. Thanks for helping me

[@Mr67bandit67]

Toby? Which camera to buy? Nikon D5200 or Rebel T5i. Please pick one. I'm stuck on a decision. Which would you buy? Thanks

[@photorectoby]

T4i is better than the sony. That Sony is driving two high resolution displays and has in body IS happening all the time, it drains the battery. I wouldn't say battery life is terrible, just not as good as the T4i.

[@bonamin]

I think this video showed me EXACTLY what I needed to see. Amazing Review. THANK YOU. I am looking forward to purchase my first DSLR in the next few days. But I need something that I will like. I was aiming at Nikon / Canon and my choice was the 650D until I saw the a65, and people saying that's its better. I was impressed by the Technologies used in the Sony, but! Just for the name, and because I think I will love it I will go for the Canon. ( Not to mention the 200 less Euros in my Country )

[@MrAsle97]

Thanks for answering! I am mainly going to use it for video, but also a little bit photography :)

[@FreebroTube]

Hi there, I'm not really sure how to start off a comment with a fancy introduction... so I'll just start :) At 6:39 you said there were times when the camera would say "no," and that some features are not allowed in manual mode. What did you mean by that? Which features were not available?

[@photorectoby]

Agree!

[@photorectoby]

It isn't a total WTF, more of a WTH. it does work but when you stick it on a tripod you are screwed. So many aspects of the Sony point towards it marketing directly at people that have just moved up from P&S and want better quality but won't be using their camera like a DSLR.

[@canoai]

Thank you sir for the great review! I'm studying cinema What do you think the best choice would be for video pruduction?

[@ChristianArreguin]

which one would you recommend for a beginner im mostly interested in the video capabilities and i have some experience with a t4i, im leaning towards the a65 but i want to know what you think

[@equinoxJess]

Hi Toby, Excellent review! I currently own a Sony Alpha 3000 and am looking to upgrade it keeping the budget at around the a65 price range. I'm a photo enthusiast and want to take my photography to a higher level in terms of quality and creativity. I was wondering if a65 would be a good switch for me from a3000 or should I go for any DSLR form Nikon/Canon DSLR within the aforesaid price range. Appreciate if you suggest a/couple of camera(s) for me to uplift my photography. Thank you..Sayan (India)

[@mssissyphancypants]

1st off- great review! :)) 2nd, I am currently saving to upgrade to the a65 from an a33. Sony alphas 'can' control off camera-flashes. I use "Cowboy" remotes and trigger. Easy set up and pop! there goes your flash guns. I'm kind of tied to Sony as a former Minolta kid w/lots of lenses. Sony does disappoint in low light, but it's the only bummer I've encountered.

[@mark88test]

So what are your overall thaughts? Which one do you recommend? I now the video was about this, but I need more like ovreall thaughts plz. Sorry for the long comment(s) and thanks for your help.

[@MrAsle97]

hey Mate, I have a minor problem choosing which camera I should by between the Sony A65 and the Canon 700D. What do you recommend? :)

[@MrKarakura]

So which would you recommend to someone who is upgrading from a point and shoot, a entry level dslr like the t4i or something like the sony nex 6?

[@MasticinaAkicta]

Sony A65 is a pretty nice one isn't it. Different from DSLR yes.. but so close and it has a few things it does very well as you said. I own one because well I already had Sony cameras and lenses. So for me it well it is a huge improvement over the one I owned. I am used to the Sony Idiosyncrasy. And like any camera it stays the person behind the camera that really makes the picture.

[@Golasthe1]

Thank for the advice! I also think its a better value the touch screen really easy to use I think ill get a Nikon d5200 when it drops half price on a sale day for a noob like me this canon really does the job

[@skatertwig26]

Well I like the warm look besides you can always change that in post editing , and I will mostly use it for filming skateboarding during the day, and night sometimes but even when I do I'm still going to have lights set up so it wont be too dark. I will also be using it sometimes for recording bands or doing landscape, and portrait photos for collage. So do you think the sony will be the better choice in that case?

[@srobart]

Toby, would you say the A65's phase detection is on par with the Canon 70D for live view? I am looking for a camera for some basic video, but it will be with me in front of the camera, so I won't be able to autofocus unless I train my dog to run a camera...which seems like more trouble than it's worth...and training a woman to do it would be even MORE difficult! :D I got the Nikon 1 J1 today, but I'm really not happy w/the camera. It's quick to focus, but the quality of the video kinda stinks.