Sony Alpha SLT-A35

This Article Features Photo Zoom

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: 23.5×15.6mm (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: 4.9×3.8×3.3 inches (body)
Weight: 14.6 ounces
Estimated Street Price: $899 (with 18-55mm VR zoom)
Contact: Sony, www.sonystyle.com

This Article Features Photo Zoom

Telezoom High-Speed Shooting
The new Telezoom High-Speed Shooting mode enables a burst rate of up to 7 fps by only capturing a central portion of the image area (an effective 1.4x crop). This produces images with a resolution of 8.4 megapixels compared to the normal burst mode of 5.5 fps (for up to 14 JPEGs or 6 RAW images) at the full 16.2-megapixel resolution and image area.

Full HD Video Capability With Phase-Detection AF
The A35 captures video at full HD (1920×1080 pixels) resolution, with 30 fps at the imager converted to 60 fps prior to storage. At the highest resolution, video clips are stored using the AVCHD format and H.264 compression. You also can store videos using the more computer-friendly MP4 format (with H.264 compression). The camera boasts fast AF and AF tracking during video recording, and has a built-in mono microphone and a 1⁄4-inch jack for external stereo microphones.

3-Inch LCD Monitor And High-Res EVF
The A35 sports a fixed, 3-inch, Xtra Fine LCD monitor on its back instead of a swiveling LCD found on the NEX-C3 or SLT-A55. It features TruBlack screen technology for increased contrast and improved viewing in bright light. Internally, the electronic viewfinder features a display with 100% coverage.

Essential Accesories

Telephoto Zoom
The AF performance of the fixed-mirror SLT-A35 makes it a good choice for action. A telephoto zoom like this Tamron AF70-300mm F/4-5.6 Di LD MACRO gives you an effective 105-450mm on the camera.

Accessory Flash
You can use the SLT-A35’s pop-up flash to trigger an accessory flash like this Sunpak PZ42X for more control over the lighting.

Sensor Cleaner
Keep the fixed mirror free of dust and other image-degrading material with a Giottos blower. Hold the camera upside down and you can safely clean most of the dust off in a few seconds—beats retouching in the computer!

Originally Published June 21, 2011