Sony Alpha SLT-A35

The next in Sony’s growing line of translucent-mirror DSLRs gives you true continuous AF and full HD video

By Michael J. McNamara

The new Alpha SLT-A35 is a great option for photographers who want image quality and full HD video capabilities, but don't want to lug around a large HDSLR. It joins the popular SLT-A55 and SLT-A33 as the third interchangeable-lens model to feature Sony's Translucent mirror technology, a feature that enables fast phase-detection autofocus and tracking even when shooting HD videos.

			Compact Body The A35 body weighs in at less than a pound. The size and weight advantages can be attributed to the lack of an internal mirror mechanism or optical viewfinder. A-Mount Lens Arsenal The SLT-A35 is fully compatible with 32 Sony A-mount lenses, as well as many older Konica-Minolta A-mount lenses. Several of these, including the 18-55mm kit lens, are optimized for the APS-C-sized sensor, which creates a 1.5x 35mm magnification factor.
16.2 MP APS-C CMO Sensor And Sensor-Shift IS The SLT-A35 features a newly designed 16.2-megapixel Exmor HD APS-C-sized sensor. In combination with the camera's BIONZ image processor, the A35 offers a normal ISO range up to 12,800—and an extended ISO of up to 25,600 when using the Multi-Frame NR mode. The A35 also features a sensor-shift mechanism that powers Sony's Super SteadyShot image stabilization when using any lens, which Sony claims gives an advantage of 2.5 to 4 EV. When combined with the high ISO settings, you can shoot sharp images at extremely low-light levels. Auto+ Mode When selected, the camera tracks scene motion, light levels, vibration, focal length and several other factors, then decides which settings to apply. For example, if you were shooting a still portrait in low light, the camera might automatically switch to Auto HDR and create an HDR JPEG, but if the person was moving, it would shoot a burst of three images to make sure you captured at least one sharp photo. Auto+ is accessed on the main dial.

Specifications

Image Sensor: 16.2-megapixel (effective) Exmor APS HD CMOS
Sensor Size: 23.5x15.6mm (APS-C)
Lens Mount: Sony A-mount
Image Stabilization: Sensor-shift, Super SteadyShot
LCD Monitor: 3.0-inch, 921,600-dot TFT
Video: AVCHD format—full HD 1080i/60 fps, 17 Mb/s; MP4 format—full HD 1080p/30 fps, 12 Mb/s; SD format—480p/30 fps, 3 Mb/s
AF System: 15-point TTL, three cross-type
Shutter Speeds: 1/4000 to 30 sec., X-sync up to 1⁄160 sec.
Flash: Built-in auto pop-up, GN 10 (in meters, ISO 100); wireless control
ISO Settings: 100-12,800 (1/3 increments), 25,600 ISO in Multi-Frame NR mode
Continuous Firing Mode: 5.5 fps, 7 fps in 8.4 MP zoom
Recording Format: JPEG, RAW, RAW+JPEG
Metering: 49-zone; multisegment, CW and spot
Storage Medium: SD, SDHC, SDXC, MS PRO Duo, MS PRO-HG Duo
Power Source: Rechargeable InfoLithium NP-FW50 battery
Dimensions: 4.9x3.8x3.3 inches (body)
Weight: 14.6 ounces
Estimated Street Price: $899 (with 18-55mm VR zoom)
Contact: Sony, www.sonystyle.com