Sony Alpha A65 review
Performance
Sony Alpha A65 review - Performance
Because the EVF used in the A65 is the same as that found in the A77, there were no nasty surprises in use. The 2.4 million dot resolution of the EVF is the best in the business and is streets ahead of most other EVFs used. Coverage is at 100% too, so you'll be able to frame up with confidence, while the 1.09x magnification makes it feel a lot less tunnel like than even some optical rivals.
EVFs can be susceptible to both tearing and ghosting - something you don't experience with an optical viewfinder. When panning with a typical EVF that uses interlaced signals, a ‘tearing' effect can be a problem, but because the EVF in the Alpha 65 uses a progressive refresh, this is no longer and issue. When shooting fast moving subjects, ghosting can still be a problem however, but overall the EVF used by the A65 is a success. It still can't quite surpass an optical viewfinder for clarity and responsiveness, but its very close and in day-to-day use, you'll hardly notice you're using an EVF. It's only in high-contrast and dimly light scenes that you'll really miss an optical viewfinder. Before you make any predetermined judgements, it's worth testing out the EVF yourself to see how you get on with it as it won't be to everyone's taste. 
The 15-point AF system may not be quite as advanced at the 19-point system in the Alpha 77, but compared to its rivals, it more than sticks up for itself. As we've already mentioned, three of these AF points are cross-type variants in the A65, that compares favourably with the single central cross-type point used by both the Canon EOS 600D (9 AF points overall) and Nikon D5100 (11 AF points overall). There are four AF area modes to choose from - wide, zone, spot and local. To select your desired AF point when in the Local AF mode, you have to hit the AF button in the centre of the D-Pad first, which can be a bit of a pain. In general use, the AF performs very well. AF acquirement is fast and precise, only rarely hunting in tricky lighting conditions. When shooting faster moving subjects, it copes pretty well, though the tracking is not faultless however. That said; it performs better than its rivals.
For manual focus, the Smart Teleconverter button on the rear of the camera can be assigned as a Focus Magnifier - hit that, and the display zooms in on the focus area at approx 5.9x magnification, and further should you wish at 11.7x.
One of the really clever things with the SLT technology is that the phase-detect AF system can be used in Live View and video recording, mirroring the experience from the EVF. This system is much quicker and easier to use than the contrast-detect AF system that DSLRs have to reply on when shooting in Live View or video modes. The 3.0in screen at the rear is clear and crisp, while it can be angled for a variety of shooting positions, though its not quite as flexible as the one found on the A77.
The A65 is capable of shooting at up to 10fps (in Continuous Priority mode) that's good for either 14 Raw files or 18 JPEGs before the buffer needs to be cleared. Very impressive stuff for a camera of this class. In the standard continuous shooting mode, 8fps is possible (19 JPEGs and 12 Raws).
Shooting with the A65 is pretty straightforward and easy to get to grips with. Controls are easy to get to and once you become accustomed to where they are, you can access them without the need to lower the camera from your eye. The Function button is pretty handy should you need to quickly alter a setting without the need to pop into the main menu.
Just like the A77, it's worth noting that the battery life is not quite as impressive as some of its rivals as the battery is also running the EVF as well as the rear display.
Have your say!
Latest comments
February 22 17:07
Tom
I own this camera an an A55. I previously owned an A100. The A55 was better than the A100 and the A65 is better than the A55. I am very happy with the A65.
February 23 08:57
David Murgatroyd
Having read the review, Canon 60D v Sony a65 it was very obvious that the reviewer was heavily biased towards Canon, most probably owns a Canon DSLR himself. What about Sonys ability to cope with high contrast subjects by taking a 3 exposure burst at different exposures and stitching them together to produce 1 well exposed shot also the Sony can take Hand Held shots in very poorly lit and almost after dark situations by taking a burst of 6 exposures and stitching them together to form one good photo. Does the Canon D60 have either of these facilities? I own a Sony a65 and I consider it to be a superb piece of kit, the best camera that I have ever owned. The reviewer also refers to build quality saying that he doesn't consider the Sony to be as well built I don't think that he knows one end of a screw from another. In my opinion it is every bit as well built and robust as any other camera in the same price bracket. What qualifications have I to make judgments? I was a camera engineer for 45 years having started in the workshops of the long forgotten Wallace Heatons in Bond Street, London W1 and many 10's of years with a well known International Photographic Company. It must be remembered that Sony like all the large Corporations have large R&D depts. where parts are tested to destruction. Also they have the capability to view each other companies products
February 25 18:54
Bigdaveg40
Although I strongly disagree with wdc when it comes to review consistency the mag isn't as biased as some out there, sadly the Sony platform is still young, we both know that there is nothing in Canon & nikon's arsenal that can match the A65 or A55 price, spec & performance wise. My brand new A55 cost £480 (with kit lens), one day someone at WDC and every other mag will tell me what £500 dslr betters it from Canon & Nikon ;-) I would love to be able to stand next to a 60d's owner, not only are the A55/A65 faster but they have better video,an excellent panorama mode etc,etc,etc The A55 is A LOT better than the A100 (slow, clunky & noisey etc). But is the A65 alot better than the A55?, 10fps, same af module, shall we compare iso 6400 shots ;-)
April 03 08:48
VICE
I just bought this camera and it's great on natural light or in well lit places but I'm disappointed at the camera's performance under low light. Even my now growing obsolete Nikon D5000 takes better pictures in low light at 3200 ISO. The Alpha 65 is noisy even at 1600. The camera is really great in every other respect but Sony will have to work in better low light performance.