Review on Sony SLT-A65V 24.3 MP Digital SLR Camera - Body Only: Translucent Mirror Technology Unleashed by Cathy Sharp

Photography has been my hobby for three years and I have tried several Sony Alpha series cameras. I started with an a330, sold it to upgrade to an a550 and then sold it to upgrade to an a65. I also have a 37. More on that later. I mainly use this camera for concert recordings as live music is another hobby of mine. While the a550 excelled at low-light shots, the a65 pretty much knocks it out of the water in terms of high IS0 shots (typically around 1600) and its ultra-fast 10fps capability. Even shots with ISO 3200 deliver usable results. However, the video capability is where this camera really shines. I've gotten more and more into video production over the last year and the film quality this camera produces is on par with Canon's top tier cameras at a much lower price. Seriously, if you're planning on shooting video with a DSLR, this is the smartest and cheapest purchase you'll ever make. I highly recommend shooting in manual mode at 1/50 and 24p if possible. You'll be amazed at how "cinematic" the results will be. This camera paired with my a37 took some pretty amazing shots. The high-resolution swivel screen is also a big plus. You can look at the screen from any angle and it always looks beautiful. I suggest that you leave the screen in the closed position (screen facing the camera) when storing it in your bag. While the screen is scratch resistant, it CAN be scratched, so use caution. Buy a screen protector if you think you'll remember to close it every time you're done using your camera. Some people don't like the electronic viewfinder. It's a matter of taste. I liked the optical viewfinder on my a550 but to be honest the electronic viewfinder is just great. Moving with the times, that's where photography goes. I cannot recommend this camera more highly if you are interested in photography/video but don't want to spend thousands of dollars on professional gear. It really isn't necessary when you can get a camera of this quality for less than $700.