Making entry-level more appealing is definitely Sony’s Alpha a68 Camera which offers many features found in bigger, pricier options, but in a compact and well-designed format. Crucial improvements to image quality come from the implementation of a 24.2MP APS-C Exmor CMOS sensor and the BIONZ X processor, which combine their energies to produce highly detailed images at sensitivities up to ISO 25600 and at continuous rates up to 8 fps.
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Sony Alpha a68: Price
Also, thanks to the use of Sony’s Translucent Mirror Technology, continuous AF can be maintained during shooting and now with the 4D FOCUS system integrated into this model. This system is definitely speedy and accurate, employing a wide array of 79 phase-detect AF points with 15 cross-type factors that work at down to -2 EV.
Benefitting image quality is definitely SteadyShot INSIDE, that provides a sensor-shift type picture stabilization to limit the effects of camera shake. This in-body system also has the advantage of being compatible with all A-mount lenses as it doesn’t have to rely on lens designs providing the IS.
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In addition to stills, the a68 offers Full HD 1080p video at 30 fps using the efficient XAVC S format at 50 Mbps for high-quality filmmaking demands. Additionally, the video offers accurate and fast constant tracking AF through the use of the Translucent Mirror Technology.
The body design provides received a major upgrade by adding a top display panel and a rear control wheel that make viewing and changing settings a much more intuitive process. Composing images has multiple options, including a 0.39″ 1,440k-dot OLED Tru-Finder for real-time imaging with rich color and contrast. For a larger viewing area, the 2.7″ 460.8k-dot rear LCD is offered and will tilt up or down for working in unusual shooting positions.
Sony Alpha a68: Specifications
| Body type | Mid-size SLR |
| Max resolution | 6000 x 4000 |
| Effective pixels | 24 megapixels |
| Sensor size | APS-C (23.5 x 15.6 mm) |
| Sensor type | CMOS |
| ISO | Auto, 100-25600 |
| Lens mount | Sony/Minolta Alpha |
| Focal length mult. | 1.5× |
| Articulated LCD | Tilting |
| Screen size | 2.7″ |
| Screen dots | 460,800 |
| Max shutter speed | 1/4000 sec |
| Format | MPEG-4, AVCHD, XAVC S |
| Storage types | SD/ SDHC/SDXC, Memory Stick Pro Duo |
| USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
| Weight (inc. batteries) | 610 g (1.34 lb / 21.52 oz) |
| Dimensions | 143 x 104 x 81 mm (5.63 x 4.09 x 3.19″) |
| GPS | None |
Sony Alpha a68: Conclusion
Inheriting many pro-style features from the lauded A77 II, the A68 features Sony’s exclusive ‘4D FOCUS system’ that offers excellent AF output under any shooting conditions, even though other cameras struggle with lighting as low as EV-2. No fewer than 79 autofocus detection points, including 15 cross points, plus a dedicated F2.8 AF sensor point for dimly-lit scenes, are used in this phase-detection system. With predictive tracking that locks faithfully on quick-moving objects, it all adds up to fast, wide-area AF. And thanks to Sony’s unique Transparent Mirror Technology, the A68 offers continuous AF tracking at up to 8 fps of continuous shooting.
For high bit-rate recordings at up to 50Mbps with excellent detail and low noise, Full HD movies use the efficient XAVC S format. And you can enjoy non-stop continuous autofocus thanks to Sony’s unique Transparent Mirror Technology, which easily monitors moving objects for clean, professional-looking video, whichever format you want to film in.
