Build & Handling
Like all Sony Alpha SLT cameras, the Alpha 65 sits nicely in the hand, thanks largely to the contours of the rubberised grips. Its body is smaller and lighter than that of the Alpha 77, yet it is larger than the Alpha 55 and virtually the same size as similarly priced cameras, such as the Nikon D5100 and Canon EOS 600D.
While the Alpha 77 is made of a durable magnesium-alloy, the Alpha 65 is constructed from polycarbonate. Low-end enthusiast-level cameras do not usually feature a top LCD, and the omission of one from the Alpha 65 is the most noticeable difference when the Alpha 65 and 77 are placed side by side. Camera settings on the Alpha 65 must therefore be checked via the LCD screen or EVF.
There are fewer buttons on the body of the Alpha 65 than on the Alpha 77, which affects the handling of some controls. For example, with only one dial – which is placed on the front of the camera just below the shutter release – the Av button needs to be depressed to alter aperture rather than the shutter speed in manual-exposure mode.
I find the joystick navigation of the Alpha 77 fiddly, so I am pleased that the Alpha 65 does not have this control. Instead, the menus are navigated via the four-way pad.
Like the Alpha 55, the LCD screen of the Alpha 65 is articulated from the hinge at the bottom and offers a wide degree of viewing angles.
