Sony 24.3 Megapixels Alpha SLT-A65 Camera Review by WDC With Rating 91/100

"The Alpha 65 uses a 1200-zone evaluative metering system, providing you with a choice of either Multi segment, Centre-weighted or spot metering modes depending on the subject matter. The Multi segment metering performed very well, producing well-exposed shots in most conditions. There will be times when you will need to dial in a touch of exposure compensation to lift slightly under-exposed images. Images display a smooth tonal range, while there's the D-Range Optimiser to rescue detail in the highlights and shadows of high-contrast, backlit scenes. There are five levels to choose from, as well an Auto mode. It's worth mentioning though that this is a JPEG only option. The 24.3MP APS-C type CMOS sensor in the Alpha 65 delivers excellent detail and sharpness. Files are 68MB once opened in Photoshop, while Raw files take up 25MB in memory, and Extra Fine JPEGs about 5MB. The large resolution offered will allow you to print images at A2 at 240dpi without the need to upscale the image should you wish, so A3+ prints are easily achievable at 300dpi. This also allows you more flexibility when it comes to cropping should you need to do so. The Alpha 65 has a native ISO range from ISO 100-16,000. While this is just a little behind the extended 25,600 ISO equivalent of the competition, it's still very good - especially with this pixel count. From the base ISO to 3200, results display very minimal levels of image noise. As you'd expect, above that, and image noise creeps in and becomes more prominent. At this level, it's not quite a match for the D5100 or EOS 600D, but this is negligible. ISO 12,800 and 16,000 should only really be used as a last resort.

With an asking price of £789 with an 18-55mm kit lens, it's quite a bit more affordable than the A77 with a similar, but not identical headline specification. There's no doubt that the A77 has more to offer the enthusiast photographer, but those looking for a well-spec'd camera at a reasonable price will feel far from short changed. Looking at the competition, and both the Canon EOS 600D and Nikon D5100 are the A65's closest rivals. They are the more affordable, but the A65 has only just hit the streets, so you can expect to see the price fall more into line with the competition over the coming months.  and of the three, it's the A65 that has the highest specification and goodies on offer. The Alpha 65 is a great mid-price DSLR that provides high levels of performance, particularly when it comes to AF and frame advance that hasn't really been seen in a camera of this class before. The image quality is excellent, delivering excellent detail, though it can't quite compete at the higher regions of the ISO range with the competition. As we've said before, the EVF is not for everyone, but it's the best example we've seen to date and it does have it's own advantages over an optical equivalent. Our advice is to try it out yourself before you make up your mind. There's no doubt that the A65 faces some stiff, established competition, but it's the A65 that delivers the best all-round blend of features, performance and image quality. It's a great camera that deserves real consideration."