Last Updated on January 16, 2019
A new Sony APS-C camera is in the works and speculations surrounding it are brewing like crazy. In fact, people have already christened it the Sony Alpha A7000, based on the naming system used for the existing A6000 range.
Even with the lack of hard evidence that the new mirrorless camera will be named as such, there is logic behind A7000. After all, Sony has already used the double- and triple-digit naming system in previous models. And repeating either of them would create conflict.
Video credit: David Oastler
What the Sony Alpha A7000 Could Be Like
As for the design and body, many believe that it will mimic the style of the full-frame A7 and A9 models. It will have improved ergonomics, with the electronic viewfinder set in line with the lens’ optical axis and on top of the camera. A more concrete example of it is the Fujifilm X-T3.
The sensor would remain at 24 megapixels similar to other APS-C camera resolutions. Sony can push for 26 million pixels similar to the Fujifilm X-T3, but the difference is not that noticeable. Any higher and the image quality and processing speed are sure to suffer as well.
When it comes to the frames per second, many speculate that the new APS-C model will push for 20fps. The current maximum frame rate of 11fps that the A6500 has is pretty lame, so an upgrade is definitely called for. And because no mechanical shutter can achieve this level of speed, the new mirrorless camera will have to use an electronic shutter. With this feature, Sony is a step closer to the Fujifilm X-T3 (30fps), Olympus OM-D E-M1 II (60fps), and the Panasonic G9 (60fps).
What about the viewfinder and LCD?
Considering that the 2,359k EVF of the current A6500 is now pretty average, photographers and enthusiasts want to see an upgrade of 3,686k EVF in the new model. They also like to think that the new APS-C model will be the first in the line of Sony cameras to have a fully-articulating rear screen on the back of a lens.
There are also rumors that, in continuous shooting mode, the EVF of the new mirrorless camera will provide blackout-free viewing.
Another rumor is that Sony will launch new APS-C E-mount lenses which, when proven true, will fill the vacuum in the development of Sony APS-C lenses. But the new model would require a premium lens to boost performance. At least an f/2.8 constant-aperture standard zoom would be awesome. But, as it happens, it is currently nonexistent.
The new model also has the 5 axis in-body stabilization feature. There’s no speculating about it, considering that it is already used across the various full-frame mirrorless camera from Sony. It was also successfully implemented in the APS-C A6500, so it will definitely be carried over to the new APS-C model.
- Ultra-wide 20mm* lens gets it all in the...
- Large 1” sensor and F2 lens, for...
- Stay focused with Eye-AF* and autofocus...
- Side-articulating touchscreen LCD for...
- Sensor: The 20.1 MP sensor delivers...
- Zoom: With a 35x optical zoom, you can...
- Finer Details: More pixels mean you can...
- Sweep Panorama: The camera features...
- 20.1MP stacked back illuminated 1”...
- Fast Hybrid Autofocus and Real Time Eye...
- Side flip-out 3.0” LCD screen that...
- Quickly switch between two modes of...
Sony Alpha A7000 Price and Availability
It is believed that Sony will announce the new APS-C model during the Photo Plus Expo in New York which is just a day away. Time will tell. Otherwise, it will be another round of waiting.
The price, on the other hand, is likely to range from $1,600/£1,600 to $1,800/£1,800.
