Off Brand: Sony announce Sony Alpha A68 with new Auto-Focus technology, 4D Focus

Sony announced the Alpha A68 camera, and introduces a new, innovative auto-focus technology, 4D Focus. The A68 has a 24MP APS-C sensor, and the same hybrid electronic OLED viewfinder (100% coverage) as on the Sony Alpha A77 II and Alpha A99 models. The key feature of the Alpha A68 is 4D Focus , a 79 points AF system based on phase-detection. 4D Focus is made possible by Sony’s translucent mirror tech. Canon filed some patents for translucent mirror technology.

Sony press release (via Sony Alpha Rumors):

Uncompromising features and performance for demanding amateur photographers

• 4D FOCUS for fast, accurate tracking autofocus with world’s highest number of 79 AF points
• Translucent Mirror Technology™ delivers constant AF tracking at up to 8fps continuous shooting
• 24MP APS-C Exmor™ CMOS image sensor delivers wide ISO 100-25600 sensitivity range 
• BIONZ X™ image processing engine enables the capture of high-quality images
• Precise OLED Tru-Finder™, tiltable LCD monitor, top display panel and custom controls
• SteadyShot™ INSIDE works with all 34 A-mount lenses
• Full HD video with high bit-rate 50Mbps XAVC S format 

The new α68 (ILCA-68)camera from Sony lets enthusiastic photographers discover even more creative opportunities with their precious collection of A-mount lenses.

Inheriting many pro-style features from the acclaimed α77 II, the α68 features Sony’s unique 4D FOCUS system that delivers extraordinary AF performance under any shooting conditions – even in lighting as low as EV-2 where other cameras struggle.

This phase detection system uses no less than 79 autofocus detection points including 15 cross points, plus a dedicated F2.8 AF sensor point for dimly-lit scenes. It all adds up to fast, wide area AF with predictive tracking that locks faithfully onto fast-moving subjects.And thanks to Sony’s uniqueTranslucent Mirror Technology, the α68 delivers constant AF tracking at up to 8fpsii continuous shooting.

Whether you’re shooting stills or movies, peerless image quality is assured by the 24MPiii APS-C Exmor CMOS image sensor with wide ISO 100-25600iv sensitivity range. It’s teamed with Sony’s speedy BIONZ X image processor that uses Detail Reproduction and Diffraction-reducing Technologies plus Area-specific Noise Reduction for pristine, finely detailed shots every time.

Full HD movies use the efficient XAVC Sv format for high bit rate recordings at up to 50 Mbps with outstanding detail and low noise. And thanks to Sony’s unique Translucent Mirror Technology, you can enjoy non-stop continuous autofocus that effortlessly tracks moving subjects for crisp, professional looking footage, whichever format you choose to record in.

With a powerful array of creative features to explore, theα68 has plenty to offer experienced amateurs as well as step-up photographers and newcomers to interchangeable lens cameras.

Framing stills and movies is a pleasure through the clear, bright OLED Tru-Finder. 100% frame coverage ensures you see exactly what you’re shooting, with high contrast and faithful colour reproduction helping you focus manually with absolute confidence.

Complementing the Tru-Finder, the 2.7-type LCD monitor tilts up to 135 degrees upwards or 55 degrees downwardsfor comfortable composition from a wide variety of shooting angles. Serious photo enthusiasts will also value the backlit top display that allows quick confirmation of camera settings, whether you’re shooting handheld or on a tripod.

As found on the critically praised α7 series, there’s a control wheel on the camera’s rear that allows quick fingertip adjustment of camera settings. In addition, 10 customisable buttons[vi] can be assigned for instant access to frequently-used functions. There is a front control dial for quick adjustments of settings and a sturdy grip to ensure that you are balanced, even when using heavyweight prime or telephoto lenses.

SteadyShot INSIDE reduces the effects of camera shake for blur-free handheld shooting – at all focal lengths and with any compatible lens.

The inclusion of a Multi Interface Shoe and Multi Terminal lets you expand creative options further with a wide range of optional accessories, including flashes, lights, microphones and remote commanders.

The new α68 A-mount interchangeable lens camera from Sony will be from March 2016 for approximately €600 body only or €700 with DT18-55mm F3.5-5.6 SAM II lens.

– Ends –

α68 (ILCA-68) technical specifications

Lens mount	A-mount
Image sensor	APS-C （23.5 x15.6 mm)Exmor CMOS image sensor
Number of pixels (effective)	Approx. 24 megapixels
Recording format	Still	JPEG（DCF Ver.2.0, Exif Ver.2.3, MPF Baseline compliant), RAW（Sony ARW 2.3 format）
Movies	XAVC S format /AVCHD format Ver.2.0 compliant/MP4
Media	Memory Stick PRO Duo, Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo, Memory Stick Micro (M2), SD memory card, SDHC memory card（UHS-I compliant), SDXC memory card（UHS-I compliant, microSD memory card, microSDHC memory card, microSDXC memory card
Focus system	Type	Phase detection AF
Focus point	79 points (including 15 cross points), F2.8 AF sensor point
Sensitivity range	EV-2 – 18（at ISO 100 equivalent）
Exposure control	Metering type	1200 zone-equivalent metering
Sensitivity Range	Still Images: ISO 100 – 25600 (1/3 EV steps) Movies: ISO100 – 12800 equivalent (1/3 EV steps)
Shutter	Shutter Speed	Still images：1/4000 to 30sec, Bulb, Movies：1/4000-1/4sec
Electronic front curtain shutter	Yes（On/Off）
SteadyShot INSIDE (image stabilisation)	Type	Still: Image Sensor-Shift mechanism Movie: Electronic
Drive	Continuous shooting speed	Continuous Advance Priority AE: Max. 8fps, Continuous shooting Hi: Max. 5fps, Continuous shooting Lo: Max. 2.5fps
Movie Mode (Resolution/ Frame Rate/ Bit Rate)	XAVC S HD	1920 x 1080 50Mbps (30p/25p[vii], 24p)
AVCHD	1920 x 1080 24Mbps(FX), 17Mbps(FH) (60i/50ivii) 1920 x 1080 24Mbps(FX), 17Mbps(FH) (24p/25pvii)
MP4	1440 x 108012Mbps , VGA3Mbps
Viewfinder	Type	Electronic viewfinder (OLED Tru-Finder）
Total number of dots	1,440,000 dots
Field coverage	100%
Magnification	Approx. 0.88x (35mm camera equivalent: Approx. 0.57x) with 50mm lens at infinity, -1m-1
LCD screen	Type	2.7″ type TFT LCD
Total number of dots	460,800 dots
Adjustable angle	Up approx. 135 degrees, down approx. 55 degrees
Audio	Microphone	Built-in stereo microphone
Speaker	Built-in, monaural
Interface	Multi Interface Shoe, HDMImicro connector (Type-D),Microphone terminal (3.5mmStereo minijack), Multi/Micro USB Terminal, DC-IN Terminal
Built-in Flash	GN12 (ISO100, m, Flash angle 16mm)
Battery	Rechargeable battery pack NP-FM500H
Weight	Approx.610g (Body Only) / Approx.690g (With battery and media)
Dimensions(W x H x D, CIPA compliant)	Approx. 142.6 × 104.2 × 80.9 mm
Operating temperature	0-40°C