Sony a68: A-Mount, Translucent Mirror, and 4D Focus

The Sony Alpha mount is alive and kicking. Less than a month after Sony UK told photographers that there are “no A-mounts planned,” Sony Europe today announced the new Sony a68, an APS-C A-mount camera that boasts “4D Focus.”

4D Focus uses 79 AF points, the world’s highest among interchangeable cameras with dedicated phase-detection AF sensors, Sony says. The 15 cross points and a dedicated f/2.8 point help provide fast and accurate tracking autofocus that performs well “even in lighting as low as EV-2 where other cameras struggle,” writes Sony.

The a68 continues the use of Sony’s Translucent Mirror Technology that allows for constant AF tracking while the camera is shooting at 8 frames per second.

At the core of the camera is a 24 megapixel APS-C Exmor CMOS sensor with an ISO range of 100 to 25600. There’s also in-body SteadyShot INSIDE image stabilization that will work at all focal lengths with any A-mount lens.

On the back of the a68 is an OLED electronic viewfinder with 100% frame coverage, high contrast, and accurate color representation. Underneath it is a 2.7-inch LCD screen that can tilt upwards 135 degrees or downwards 55 degrees.

Other features of the a68 include Full HD video recording with continuous AF tracking, a rear control wheel that’s similar to the a7 series, 10 customizable buttons, a front control dial, and a Multi Interface Shoe and Multi Terminal for accessories (e.g. flashes, lights, microphones, and remote commanders).

The Sony a68 will be available in Europe starting in March 2016 with a price tag of €600 (~$650) for the body only, or €700 (~$760) when bundled with an 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 kit lens. Pricing and availability in the United States have yet to be announced.