My thinking is that Sony’s push into the mirrorless niche has obviously been successful…so successful I’m betting current camera development is now completely mirrorless centric. Other projects revolve around how the technology can benefit, or the hardware can compliment, the mirrorless initiative. Viewed from that perspective I can’t believe that Sony wants to kill the a-mount but rather they want to evolve the a-mount.With the introduction of the new 'inexpensive' Sony a68 camera, I can't help but wonder if one of the reasons this has been introduced is to create an updated focusing system for a new LA-EA adapter. I’m assuming this new focusing system has significantly increased real-world performance with modest impact on cost compared to the older a65 focusing system that is used in the LA-EA4.  I've been waiting for a sign that such a new adaptor might be in the works and this could be it.Anyone have any thoughts?Bruce

The A68 is some old A58 parts in the A77 body.  Same size but lacking features E-mount cameras have had for years such as 1080/60p video.It is not coming out until March next year with a price only $200 less than today's A77ii on Amazon.    Anyone interested in A mount would be better served with an open box A77ii, or maybe an old A65, or possibly A57.I guess if Sony makes an LA_EA6 with the same focus system, it would drive more A mount owners to e-mount.I am happy Sony is supporting A mount still, but they need to do a better job.

I don't think an updated EA adapter would do much for speed since it's limited by the small motor in it driving the lens.

A new focusing system for the LA-EA adapter is not the right approach. If they can put a motor in LA-EA3, the A-mount folks with older lenses will be more motivated to move to the E-mount system. Pretty soon, all the V2 versions of A7 cameras will be able to drive the adapter with PDAF. With the new adapter, it will make the migration much easier.If Sony does not do that, these A-mount users may feel betrayed and move on to a different brand. With A7II's new focusing capabilities in 2 weeks, it seems to be the right time to announce a new adapter to enable the migration.

Bruce Oudekerk wrote:My thinking is that Sony’s push into the mirrorless niche has obviously been successful…so successful I’m betting current camera development is now completely mirrorless centric. Other projects revolve around how the technology can benefit, or the hardware can compliment, the mirrorless initiative. Viewed from that perspective I can’t believe that Sony wants to kill the a-mount but rather they want to evolve the a-mount.With the introduction of the new 'inexpensive' Sony a68 camera, I can't help but wonder if one of the reasons this has been introduced is to create an updated focusing system for a new LA-EA adapter. I’m assuming this new focusing system has significantly increased real-world performance with modest impact on cost compared to the older a65 focusing system that is used in the LA-EA4. I've been waiting for a sign that such a new adaptor might be in the works and this could be it.Anyone have any thoughts?BruceThe A7rII is able to use the non-pellicle (LA-EA3/metabones/...) adapter and drive the A-mount/adapted lens directly.If anything, the direction is to move away from an adapter (pellicle) based AF system.An updated LA-EA2/EA4 may benefit older cameras, that lack the A7rII focusing system and communication layer.I don't think that the LA-EA2 adapter is in production any longer, it has been superseded by the LA-EA4 adapter. Perhaps an update is warranted, based on your observations?But I expect all -iii type A7 cameras, and possible A6000 successors, to share the A7rII approach.

blue_skies wrote:The A7rII is able to use the non-pellicle (LA-EA3/metabones/...) adapter and drive the A-mount/adapted lens directly.Not for "A" mount screw drive lenses, hence, the request for a LA-EA3/EA4 hybrid. The hybrid design wouldn't use the pellicile mirror or separate focusing system of the LA-EA4, but would include it's screw-drive motor.

blue_skies wrote:Bruce Oudekerk wrote:My thinking is that Sony’s push into the mirrorless niche has obviously been successful…so successful I’m betting current camera development is now completely mirrorless centric. Other projects revolve around how the technology can benefit, or the hardware can compliment, the mirrorless initiative. Viewed from that perspective I can’t believe that Sony wants to kill the a-mount but rather they want to evolve the a-mount.With the introduction of the new 'inexpensive' Sony a68 camera, I can't help but wonder if one of the reasons this has been introduced is to create an updated focusing system for a new LA-EA adapter. I’m assuming this new focusing system has significantly increased real-world performance with modest impact on cost compared to the older a65 focusing system that is used in the LA-EA4. I've been waiting for a sign that such a new adaptor might be in the works and this could be it.Anyone have any thoughts?BruceThe A7rII is able to use the non-pellicle (LA-EA3/metabones/...) adapter and drive the A-mount/adapted lens directly.But none of the special Sony/Minolta screw drive lenses or lenses without built-in motors such as this one:http://www.dyxum.com/reviews/lenses/Minolta-AF-200mm-F2.8-G-APO-HS_review78.htmlOr this one:http://www.dyxum.com/reviews/lenses/Minolta-AF-300mm-F2.8-APO_review19.htmlSony doesn't offer similar E mount high speed zooms or primes in these focal lengths and the A7Rii can't focus/shoot these at 10 frame per second like so many other Sony cameras can.

Graham Best wrote:blue_skies wrote:The A7rII is able to use the non-pellicle (LA-EA3/metabones/...) adapter and drive the A-mount/adapted lens directly.Not for "A" mount screw drive lenses, hence, the request for a LA-EA3/EA4 hybrid. The hybrid design wouldn't use the pellicile mirror or separate focusing system of the LA-EA4, but would include it's screw-drive motor.Let's hope Sony listen to the customers once more and produce this new hybrid adapter!

RC Photography wrote:The A68 is some old A58 parts in the A77 body.link?Same size but lacking features E-mount cameras have had for years such as 1080/60p video.the a68 has 50Mbps video support, which is a very recent addition to e-mount still cameras, it's not something that's been around for years.It is not coming out until March next year with a price only $200 less than today's A77ii on Amazon.and what will the price of an a77ii be next march? what's your point.Anyone interested in A mount would be better served with an open box A77ii, or maybe an old A65, or possibly A57.unsubstantiated speculation.this new camera hasn't even hit the street yet, you don't know anything about it.I guess if Sony makes an LA_EA6 with the same focus system, it would drive more A mount owners to e-mount.yes, that is a no-brainer, and it fits right in with what their public strategy has been all along.I am happy Sony is supporting A mount still, but they need to do a better job.the only thing that sony needs to do is to keep producing the a-mount glass that they already have, so that e-mount users can use it.

osv wrote:RC Photography wrote:The A68 is some old A58 parts in the A77 body.link?Same size but lacking features E-mount cameras have had for years such as 1080/60p video.the a68 has 50Mbps video support, which is a very recent addition to e-mount still cameras, it's not something that's been around for years.It is not coming out until March next year with a price only $200 less than today's A77ii on Amazon.and what will the price of an a77ii be next march? what's your point.Do you think the A77II will go up in price in five months? What'syourpoint?Anyone interested in A mount would be better served with an open box A77ii, or maybe an old A65, or possibly A57.unsubstantiated speculation.this new camera hasn't even hit the street yet, you don't know anything about it.We actually know a lot about it from Sony'spress release.I guess if Sony makes an LA_EA6 with the same focus system, it would drive more A mount owners to e-mount.yes, that is a no-brainer, and it fits right in with what their public strategy has been all along.I am happy Sony is supporting A mount still, but they need to do a better job.the only thing that sony needs to do is to keep producing the a-mount glass that they already have, so that e-mount users can use it.Apparently it's vitally important to know what each person thinks Sony needs to do.

sybersitizen wrote:osv wrote:RC Photography wrote:The A68 is some old A58 parts in the A77 body.link?Same size but lacking features E-mount cameras have had for years such as 1080/60p video.the a68 has 50Mbps video support, which is a very recent addition to e-mount still cameras, it's not something that's been around for years.It is not coming out until March next year with a price only $200 less than today's A77ii on Amazon.and what will the price of an a77ii be next march? what's your point.Do you think the A77II will go up in price in five months? What'syourpoint?so arguing about what a77ii pricing will be in five months is the point? MY point is that it doesn't matter, lolAnyone interested in A mount would be better served with an open box A77ii, or maybe an old A65, or possibly A57.unsubstantiated speculation.this new camera hasn't even hit the street yet, you don't know anything about it.We actually know a lot about it from Sony'spress release.thanks, that was helpful, but i don't see the press release saying anything about the a68 using old a58 parts?where did he come up with that rubbish?I guess if Sony makes an LA_EA6 with the same focus system, it would drive more A mount owners to e-mount.yes, that is a no-brainer, and it fits right in with what their public strategy has been all along.I am happy Sony is supporting A mount still, but they need to do a better job.the only thing that sony needs to do is to keep producing the a-mount glass that they already have, so that e-mount users can use it.Apparently it's vitally important to know what each person thinks Sony needs to do.

osv wrote:sybersitizen wrote:osv wrote:......this new camera hasn't even hit the street yet, you don't know anything about it.We actually know a lot about it from Sony'spress release.thanks, that was helpful, but i don't see the press release saying anything about the a68 using old a58 parts?where did he come up with that rubbish?Many of the specs are in fact like A58 specs, and photos apparently show a composite (non-metal) mount face like the A58, which bothers some people. Me, I'm neither impressed nor disappointed with the package and have not really paid that much attention so far.

sybersitizen wrote:osv wrote:sybersitizen wrote:osv wrote:......this new camera hasn't even hit the street yet, you don't know anything about it.We actually know a lot about it from Sony'spress release.thanks, that was helpful, but i don't see the press release saying anything about the a68 using old a58 parts?where did he come up with that rubbish?Many of the specs are in fact like A58 specs, and photos apparently show a composite (non-metal) mount face like the A58, which bothers some people. Me, I'm neither impressed nor disappointed with the package and have not really paid that much attention so far.The kook said about the A77ii pricing next March, "MY point is that it doesn't matter, lol"Yet, today the A77ii is already $850 new and $690 used on Amazon. My A77ii with the 16-50mm F/2.8 zoom was under $1000.Who is going to be interested in a same sized mostly plastic camera with a cheap plastic lens mount when an A77ii is very similar in price?In March of 2016 for maybe $100-200 less you getAccording to the official specs:And from the A mounts owners who are pretty sure base on how Sony works:Implying these cameras do not compete for buyers despite their similar price and identical size is kind of kooky.

his a58 shared parts comment must have been referencing the composite mount like it's defective or something, i failed to understand what he meant.composites can be stronger than metal.i like that these cameras have efcs, and mic inputs.

RC Photography wrote:The kook said about the A77ii pricing next March, "MY point is that it doesn't matter, lol"correct, it doesn't matter to those of us who shoot only e-mount.only a kook would fail to see something so obvious, and then troll it so hard on an e-mount forum anyway... perhaps crying about it on the nikon forum would generate some sympathy?Yet, today the A77ii is already $850 new and $690 used on Amazon. My A77ii with the 16-50mm F/2.8 zoom was under $1000.seriously, your sob story might get some traction on the a-mount forum.Who is going to be interested in a same sized mostly plastic camera with a cheap plastic lens mount when an A77ii is very similar in price?"cheap plastic lens mount"is there a history of problems with a58 composites?would a glock blow up in your hand?

osv wrote:RC Photography wrote:The kook said about the A77ii pricing next March, "MY point is that it doesn't matter, lol"correct, it doesn't matter to those of us who shoot only e-mount.only a kook would fail to see something so obvious, and then troll it so hard on an e-mount forum anyway... perhaps crying about it on the nikon forum would generate some sympathy?Yet, today the A77ii is already $850 new and $690 used on Amazon. My A77ii with the 16-50mm F/2.8 zoom was under $1000.seriously, your sob story might get some traction on the a-mount forum.Who is going to be interested in a same sized mostly plastic camera with a cheap plastic lens mount when an A77ii is very similar in price?"cheap plastic lens mount"is there a history of problems with a58 composites?would a glock blow up in your hand?LOL. Combat tupperware!

osv wrote:RC Photography wrote:The kook said about the A77ii pricing next March, "MY point is that it doesn't matter, lol"correct, it doesn't matter to those of us who shoot only e-mount.But I does to all of us who shoot E mount and A mount and possibly the OP asking about the A68 and A mount cameras.only a kook would fail to see something so obvious, and then troll it so hard on an e-mount forum anyway... perhaps crying about it on the nikon forum would generate some sympathy?An A7s owner and LA-EA4 owner explaining the A77ii is a better deal than the A68 and listing the specs to show why in a thread about the A68 is trolling?Yet, today the A77ii is already $850 new and $690 used on Amazon. My A77ii with the 16-50mm F/2.8 zoom was under $1000.seriously, your sob story might get some traction on the a-mount forum.I am very happy with my A77ii because it can do things current E-mount cameras cannot.  I am happy with my A7s because it can do things A mount cameras cannot.Who is going to be interested in a same sized mostly plastic camera with a cheap plastic lens mount when an A77ii is very similar in price?"cheap plastic lens mount"is there a history of problems with a58 composites?would a glock blow up in your hand?Different kind of plastic, and yes, there were complaints about it with longer focal length lenses.

osv wrote:would a glock blow up in your hand?If it had a polymer barrel (of the same thickness), perhaps (I have no idea). In any case, the point is moot. Glock's feature polymer frames, but the barrel and it's firing chamber are metal.The plastic mount on the a68 is another matter. I doubt Sony would have used plastic, if it resulted in additional warranty repairs. I've used my a7r daily, with multiple lens changes, for the past 2 years. The plastic mount lugs are as tight as the day I got the camera.

Bruce Oudekerk wrote:My thinking is that Sony’s push into the mirrorless niche has obviously been successful…so successful I’m betting current camera development is now completely mirrorless centric. Other projects revolve around how the technology can benefit, or the hardware can compliment, the mirrorless initiative. Viewed from that perspective I can’t believe that Sony wants to kill the a-mount but rather they want to evolve the a-mount.With the introduction of the new 'inexpensive' Sony a68 camera, I can't help but wonder if one of the reasons this has been introduced is to create an updated focusing system for a new LA-EA adapter. I’m assuming this new focusing system has significantly increased real-world performance with modest impact on cost compared to the older a65 focusing system that is used in the LA-EA4. I've been waiting for a sign that such a new adaptor might be in the works and this could be it.Anyone have any thoughts?BruceI do not think Sony is still working anything more than simple reassurance by launching an A68 instead of A99II. If you read carefully the article here in DPReview of bringing out using A7rII for sport shooting and as I found after extensive use of my own A7rII, DSLRs are still the best for outdoor, sport, wedding(fast moving) shooting than mirrorless.