I have been shooting with Minolta equipment for years. Moving to Sony Alpha and finding a platform that allowed me to keep using my old lenses felt like a dream come true.
The move to the A99 was a major step for me. It is a magnificent camera with a long list of features: full-time live-view phase-detection autofocus, focus range control, focus peaking, focus magnification, sweep panorama and much more. It was clearly positioned as a high-end camera, and I expected the support around it to match that ambition.
And that is where the problems start…
My experience with Sony support has often been disappointing. Local repair options in Denmark were limited, communication around firmware updates was not always clear, and I sometimes felt that new features were reserved for newer products rather than being considered for existing high-end cameras.
Some additions, such as Zebra display and a more convenient MF Assist workflow, seemed like features that could have made the A99V even more capable. I understand that not every feature can be added to older hardware, but I would have liked to see a clearer commitment to supporting the professional platform.
The autofocus-point layout also felt restrictive. The additional 102 assist points in AF-D mode sounded promising, but compatibility was limited to certain lenses. For photographers using older Minolta glass, the practical benefit was not always there. I would have liked Sony to provide broader compatibility or clearer guidance on the future of the A-mount system.
The support issue was not limited to cameras. The HVL-F60M flash received criticism for overheating with early firmware. Sony addressed the behaviour in firmware version 1.10, but the communication around the update felt quieter than it should have been. Customers deserve clear information when a product has a problem and a fix becomes available.
A statement of affection…
I really do love my A99V. It remains a camera I enjoy using, not least because it allows me to work with the Minolta lenses I have collected over the years.
But Sony, if you want to be taken seriously as a supplier of professional photographic equipment, product support matters just as much as the specifications. A high-end camera deserves a high-end ownership experience. Please wake up. The opportunity is there.
Fellow Sony users: I would genuinely like to hear your views. Have you had similar experiences, or has Sony support treated you differently? Share your thoughts and, if you agree, share the article so that the discussion reaches the people who need to hear it.
Historical note: This article reflects my experience with Sony A-mount products and support in 2015.
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