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Creativity Motivation – What is motivation – Corey K Katir
Advertising From http://www.creativitymotivation.com Describes motivation process for creativity with emphasis on intrinsic motivation by Corey K Katir Just Posted: Sony NEX-F3 hands-on preview
From dpreview.com
Click here to read our Sony NEX-F3 hands-on preview
Just Posted: Sony SLT-A37 16MP entry-level fixed-mirror DSLR preview
From dpreview.com
Click here to read our Sony SLT-A37 preview
Click here to read our Sony SLT-A37 preview
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Press Release: New Model Features High-Quality 16.1MP APS-C Image Sensor, up to 7 fps Shooting, High- Resolution Electronic Viewfinder and more
SAN DIEGO, May 16, 2012 – Lightweight, easy to use and packed with a variety of useful features, the new Sony SLT-A37 camera is an ideal choice for consumers eager to explore the world of interchangeable lens DSLR photography.
The new α37 camera is the latest to feature Sony’s acclaimed Translucent Mirror Technology, which delivers a potent combination of fast shooting, non-stop phase detection autofocus and continuous live image preview during still and full HD video (60i/24p) shooting. This innovative technology also allows the new α37 camera to grab split-second action with a burst of sharply focused images. Shots can be captured at up to seven frames per second in Tele-Zoom High Speed Shooting Mode, where the central portion of the sensor’s image is magnified by approximately 1.4x.
The camera has a precision 3-cross 15-point AF system with tracking autofocus that keeps faces and fast-moving subjects in sharp focus. From action-packed sports to spontaneous family portraits, it will ensure that all the drama and beauty of that special moment is captured.
“Delivering lightning-fast shooting speeds and autofocus plus advanced full HD video capture, our innovative Translucent Mirror Technology continues to serve as the backbone of our A-mount line of cameras,” said Mike Kahn, director of the Alpha business at Sony. “Featuring this unique technology plus a host of exciting new features and an attractive price tag, our new α37 camera brings a whole new meaning to the term ‘entry level DSLR’.” Additionally, the Sony α37 camera helps inexperienced photographers create top-quality portraits with ease. The new Auto Portrait Framing mode identifies the subject’s position in a composed image and follows the “rule of thirds” to trim the scene and create a beautifully framed portrait. The cropped photo is then boosted to full resolution using Sony’s unique By Pixel Super Resolution technology, which uses pattern matching to maintain superb image detail, tones and textures in the photo. Both the original and cropped image files are saved for review.
By Pixel Super Resolution Technology is also used for the “Clear Image Zoom” feature, which digitally doubles the effective magnification of any lens attached to the camera. Ideal for travel and everyday shooting, it’s a great way to boost maximum focal length without carrying extra hardware.
The 16.1 effective megapixel Exmor® APS HD CMOS sensor inside the α37 camera captures finely detailed, low noise stills and Full HD video. It’s teamed with the latest BIONZ® image processor that extends sensitivity to an ISO 100-16000 range, broadening options for low-light shooting without flash. Shared with all α A-mount cameras, SteadyShot INSIDE™ stabilization cuts the effects of camera shake by up to 4.0 stops for clearer handheld images with any A-mount lens.
The new α37 camera also features Superior Auto Mode, which intelligently recognizes a wide range of scenes and subjects and adjusts settings automatically.
New A-Mount 18-135mm Telephoto Zoom Lens and Accessories A versatile match for the α37 and other Sony A-mount camera bodies, the new SAL18135 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 telephoto zoom offers a generous 8x (approx.) zoom range in a compact, go-anywhere lens that’s great for travel, street photography and everyday shooting. The lens features a SAM design that assures smooth, rapid, whisper-quiet autofocus operation and Direct Manual Focus for accurate fine-tuning of focus. This sharp telephoto zoom lens will also be offered as a kit lens with the α37 and other Sony A-mount camera bodies.
Compatible accessories include the new PCK-LM11 semi-hard screen protector sheet, exclusively designed for a perfect fit with the LCD screen on the α37 camera, as well as the HVL-F43AM flash, LCS-BP2 backpack and a variety of other exciting products that complete the Alpha ecosystem.
Pricing and Availability
The new α37 digital camera will be available this June with an 18-55mm kit zoom lens (model SEL1855) for about $600. The new SAL18135 telephoto zoom lens will be available as a stand-alone product this July for about $500, and will be offered as a kit lens with Sony A-mount cameras beginning this August at the below approximate prices:
The camera kits, new lens and variety of accessories will be available at Sony retail stores (www.store.sony.com) and other authorized dealers nationwide.
With its 62mm filter thread, minimum focusing distance of 0.5m and 17 element/13 group design, the SEL18200LE does look a lot like the lens Tamron announced in December 2011.
Click here for our hands-on preview of the NEX-F3, including real-world samples
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Press Release: Lightweight Model Features 16.1 Megapixel APS-C Sensor, 180° Tiltable LCD, Built-in Flash, Auto Portrait Framing and more
SAN DIEGO, May 16, 2012 – Sony’s α NEX-F3 digital camera delivers professional quality photos with a compact, pocket-sized body, allowing consumers to explore the creative world of high-quality, interchangeable lens photography in a refreshingly fun and entertaining way.
The new NEX-F3 camera features the same space-saving mirrorless design as other models in Sony’s E-mount family as well as an advanced, 16.1 effective megapixel Exmor™ APS HD CMOS sensor, identical in size to sensors found in traditional DSLR cameras. The large sensor takes in more light during image capture, resulting in flawless, low-noise photographs and crisply detailed Full HD videos (60i/24p). Photographers can also easily create images with beautiful defocus effects, where the subject is focused sharply against a smoothly blurred background.
“Sony continues to redefine digital photography with our E-mount series, packing a large APS-C size sensor into a small, lightweight camera body to produce professional-quality images with ease,” said Mike Kahn, director of the Alpha business at Sony.
“Featuring a diverse set of imaging technologies and offered at a great price, the new NEX-F3 model reinforces our commitment to this rapidly growing compact system camera market.”
The NEX-F3 camera adds a whole new perspective to self-portraits with a 180° Tiltable LCD screen, a first for Sony’s E-mount camera line. By simply holding the camera at arm’s length and flipping the LCD screen vertically, users can adjust the on-screen preview image and properly frame photos.
Additionally, the new model features a useful built-in flash to broaden shooting options indoors or in low light situations. Already introduced on Sony’s acclaimed NEX-7 camera, this pop-up flash handily brightens portraits and other shots without the need to carry an additional flash accessory.
The new NEX-F3 camera also includes the new Auto Portrait Framing feature for creating top-quality portraits quickly and easily. This innovative feature identifies a subject’s position in a composed image, and follows the “rule of thirds” to trim the scene appropriately around the subject’s face, creating a beautifully composed portrait. The cropped portrait is then boosted to full resolution using Sony’s unique By Pixel Super Resolution technology, which uses pattern matching to maintain superb image detail, tones and textures in the photo. Both the original and cropped image files are saved for review.
By Pixel Super Resolution Technology is also used for the “Clear Image Zoom” feature, which digitally doubles the effective magnification of any lens attached to the camera. Ideal for travel and everyday shooting, it’s a great way to boost maximum focal length without carrying extra hardware.
Other convenient essentials added to the new NEX-F3 camera include the Superior Auto mode, which intelligently recognizes a wide range of scenes and subjects and adjusts settings automatically. Battery stamina has been boosted to an industry-leading 470 shots (approx.) on a single charge – an approximate 18% improvement over its predecessor, the NEX-C3 model.
The camera is compatible with the FDA-EV1S viewfinder accessory (sold separately), which offers a high-contrast, high-resolution OLED viewfinder display and a wide viewing angle. The NEX-F3 model also features a high-quality, premium-feel grip for more comfortable handling and can be charged via either USB or a standard AC outlet.
New Lightweight 18-200mm Telephoto Zoom Lens for Sony α NEX An ideal travel partner for the NEX-F3 camera, the new SEL18200LE E18-200mm F3.5-6.3 OSS LE telezoom lens offers a powerful 11x zoom range and superb resolution in an easy-to-carry package. Smaller and 12% lighter than the SEL18200 lens, the new E-mount model features Optical SteadyShot to compensate for the effects of hand-shake. It also features Direct Manual Focus to give users precise control over focus settings, resulting in crisp, beautiful images.
Pricing and Availability
The new NEX-F3 compact digital camera will be available this June in silver, black and white with an 18-55mm kit zoom lens (model SEL1855) for about $600. The new SEL18200LE telezoom lens will be available this July in black for about $850.
The camera kit, new lens and a variety of compatible accessories including the LCS-EJC3 carrying case, STP-XSG1 shoulder strap and STP-WS2 wrist strap will be available at Sony retail stores (www.store.sony.com) and other authorized dealers nationwide.
The main awards, established in 1984, are selected by a 57-member panel made up from the Camera Journal Press Club (CJPS), along with a selection of editors and experts from around the world. The Editors Awards, meanwhile, are decided between the council members of the CJPS. The Editors Awards have a history or recognising significant products, including Sony’s back-illuminated CMOS technology and the Panasonic G1 (the first mirrorless interchangable lens camera), rather than just the high-end heavyweights.
Click here to read more about the Camera Grand Prix 2012 awards (Google Translated)
Just Posted: Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX200V review
From dpreview.com
Just posted: Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX200V in-depth review. The second review expanded from Jeff Keller’s work at the Digital Camera Resource Page looks at Sony’s latest full-size superzoom camera. The Sony HX200V combines the company’s latest 18MP back-lit CMOS sensor with a 30x zoom lens giving a 27-810mm equivalent range. There’s image stabilization, as you’d expect for such a long zoom range and, as indicated by the ‘V’ in the model name, it also has built-in GPS. So does this add up to a perfect vacation camera or an unwieldy confection?
Click here to read the Sony Cyber-shot HX200V review
This review is based on one originally published at the Digital Camera Resource Page, enhanced with a full set of our own product images, our usual studio comparisons and an expanded samples gallery, plus the addition of a standard dpreview score.
Sony announces NEX-FS700 ’4k-ready’ E-mount camcorder
From dpreview.com
Sony has announced the NEX_FS700 pro-grade 4k-capable E-mount camcorder. The camera will initially offer 1080p video, switchable between 50Hz and 60Hz frame rates (including 60p, 50p, 60i and 24p). A later upgrade will enable 4k capture and Raw output from its built-in 3G-SDI connector. The camera is also able to capture slow-motion footage, shooting at up to 960 fps at reduced resolution (240fps in Full HD). It also offers built-in 2- and 4-stop ND filters (which can be combined), to allow lenses to be used at wide apertures in bright light.
The camera is based around a 11.6MP ‘Super-35mm’ sensor. The Super 35mm format is 13.3mm x 23.6mm – essentially the same as a 16:9 crop taken from an APS-C sensor. EOS HD is reporting a price of around $8k.
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Press Release: PARK RIDGE, N.J., April 2nd, 2012 – Sony is pushing the creative boundaries once more with the new NEX-FS700 Full-HD Super Slow Motion camcorder, the latest in Sony’s line-up of NXCAM interchangeable E-mount camcorders. The new Super 35mm model is designed for high-speed shooting and is capable of capturing footage at up to 960 frames per second. The camcorder also features a range of capabilities such as 3G HD-SDI output and built-in ND filters. Additionally, it also offers several creative options, shooting styles and enhanced ergonomics – all based on customer feedback – to deliver a flexible production tool that fits seamlessly into a variety of shooting applications.
“The NEX-FS700 opens the door to a new world of creative shooting,” said Bill Drummond, Strategic Marketing Manager, Sony Europe. “You can record beautiful high speed Full-HD movies with the freedom of choosing interchangeable lenses. The NEX-FS700, with its super slow motion mode, is ideal for pop promos, commercials and documentaries as well as sports and a variety of events productions.”
The camcorder delivers Full-HD quality images at 120 and 240 frames per second in an 8 or 16 seconds burst mode respectively. The NEX-FS700’s high sensitivity and low noise shooting capability makes super slow motion shooting more convenient without additional equipment. 480 fps and 960 fps rates at reduced resolution are available for faster frame rate recording.
The NEX-FS700 camcorder uses a new 4K “Exmor” Super 35 CMOS sensor (total 11.6 million pixels). This high-speed readout chip is optimised for motion picture shooting, giving high sensitivity, low noise and minimal aliasing.
The NXCAM’s E-Mount flexibility is designed to accept virtually all SLR and DSLR 35mm lenses, with the use of simple, inexpensive adapters without optical degradation. FS series owners can make use of their existing lenses and add more lenses without being forced on a brand or mount.
Users can capture high-quality still images with the NEX-FS700. The camcorder also includes face detection and auto focus to help ensure the subject is always kept in focus.
NEX-FS700 operators can take advantage of the camcorder’s built-in ND filters, with a newly designed wheel that rotates across the sensor like a turret. The wheel includes positions for Clear, 1/4 (2 Stop), 1/16 (4 Stop), and 1/64 (6 Stop).
The camcorder is 60/50Hz switchable to give people the freedom of working in any geographic region without being restricted to only PAL or NTSC recording.
The NEX-FS700’s 3GHD-SDI and HDMI connectors can output Full-HD 50p and 60p, in addition to standard HD 60i, 24p, 25p or 30p frame rates with embedded time code and audio. 3G HD-SDI can output native 23.98, 25, 29.97 progressive signals; users can choose to output PsF over the 3G HD-SDI. Thanks to flexibility of the digital ports virtually any external recorder can be connected.
Users can save up to 99 camcorder profile settings on a memory card and can copy the same setting to multiple units. Compatible media includes MS and SD memory cards and Sony’s HXR-FMU128 flash memory unit that attaches to the camcorder.
The NEX-FS700 features include a robust detachable top handle, secured by a pair of screws (a cold shoe, plus two sets of 1/4 and 3/8 inch holes) that allow heavy accessories to be mounted. The handle is attached with a rosette mount.
A key element of the handle is an “active grip” that features four buttons for commonly used functions – expanded focus, auto iris, still capture and Recording Start/Stop – so users can easily operate the camcorder while holding it. Function buttons are also enlarged to make operating easy, even while wearing gloves.
The camcorder’s enhanced durable design also includes anchor points for compatibility with third party accessories.
Sony is planning a future firmware upgrade that will enable the NEX-FS700 to output 4K bit-stream data over 3G HD-SDI when used with an optional Sony 4K recorder.
The NEX-FS700 is planned to be available in June 2012.
Sony starts to release faster firmware v1.05 for SLT-A77 and A65
From dpreview.com
Click here to find out more (links on page currently point to f/w 1.04)
Click here for the SLT-a65V model page, Drivers & Software tab: Click here for the SLT-a77V model page, Drivers & Software tab:
We’ve been able to borrow a pre-production Sony A57 and have prepared a preview that includes both real-world and studio sample images. Many of the camera’s features – 16MP sensor, 1.44m dot LCD viewfinder are familiar but they all come wrapped in a larger, more comfortable body, powered by a larger battery. We’ve shot samples in a series of the A57′s modes, including its Auto Portrait Selection Framing mode – in which the camera crops an image with a face in, in-accordance with the rule-of-thirds.
Although the A57 we borrowed is a pre-production unit, Sony has told us the image quality is final standard, so has allowed us to publish its output. Our preview includes a selection of real-world images, shot in a variety of situations, using a selection of settings and shooting modes, and under a range of lighting conditions.
Click here to read our hands-on Sony SLT-A57 preview
Sony announces SLT-A57 and HVL-LE1 LED panel for movie lighting
From dpreview.com
Sony has announced the SLT-A57, a replacement for the original A55 fixed-mirror, electronic viewfinder DSLR. The A57 still features a 16MP sensor and LCD viewfinder but incorporates them into essentially the same body as the more expensive A65. Use of the latest Bionz processor means the A57 offers a wider-than-ever selection of photographic features and image processing modes. There’s also an optional HVL-LE1 video-lighting LED panel.
The A57 will have an MSRP of $799/€849, bundled with an 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 lens.
The HVL-LE1 has an output of 1800lux/0.5m with a color temperture of 5500K. It can be adjusted down to 10% of this output if needed. It comes supplied with both a Sony Alpha and ISO standard flash shoe connector, allowing its use with non-Sony cameras. Its MSRP will be $249. The LE1 comes with a warming filter (taking the output to around 3200K, and is compatible with AA batteries or Sony M or V series rechargeable battery packs.
Click here to read our hands-on Sony SLT-A57 preview
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Press Release: Advanced Feature Set Includes 12 fps Shooting, Full HD (60p) Video Capture, New Auto Portrait Framing and more
SAN DIEGO, March 12, 2012 — A wider palette of creative options is now accessible to more shooters with the α57 camera, the newest addition to Sony’s popular line of A-mount cameras employing Translucent Mirror Technology.
The innovative Translucent Mirror design directs incoming light to the CMOS image sensor and the AF sensor at the same time, allowing full-time continuous AF during both still and video shooting. Users can also frame, focus and preview shots in real-time on the high-resolution Tru-Finder™ electronic viewfinder, which offers a wide viewing angle and 100% field of view. This allows photographers to capture exactly what they see on the screen.
A natural successor to Sony’s acclaimed α55 camera, the α57 is positioned for a wide audience of DSLR users. It can shoot still images at up to 12 frames per second, capture full HD video at 60p, 60i or 24p frame rates and has a variety of creative modes including Auto Portrait Framing, a world’s first technology
“Today’s DSLR consumer is looking for a higher level of control and flexibility in their camera,” said Mike Kahn, director of the Alpha camera business group for Sony Electronics. “With the introduction of the new α57, we’re bringing blazing fast response rates, enhanced artistic capabilities and other advanced features to the mainstream DSLR marketplace, offering professional-grade performance at affordable prices.”
With the α57 camera, shooting speeds of up to 12 frames per second are achieved in new Tele-zoom Continuous Advance Priority AE mode, maintaining continuous auto focus and auto exposure with fixed aperture. Magnifying the central portion of the sensor’s image by 1.4x, it’s perfect for capturing split-second action close-ups with a burst of sharply focused images, even when the subject is moving. In this shooting mode, aperture is fixed at either f/3.5 or the maximum aperture of lens in use (whichever is smaller) and image size of photos is about 8.4 megapixels.
Additionally, the α57 camera lets people create powerfully expressive Full HD movies. Responsive full-time continuous phase detection AF ensures that moving subjects stay sharply focused, just like with still shooting. Support for the AVCHD™ Ver. 2.0 (Progressive) format means that Full HD resolution movies can be captured with 60p frame rate: ideal for capturing smooth, blur-free action. Shooting in 24p is also available to give footage a rich, cinematic look. Movie-making options are enhanced further with full control over P/A/S/M shooting modes for virtually limitless creative expression.
The α57 model shares the α65’s 15-point AF system with three cross sensors delivering fast, accurate TTL phase detection autofocus. Newly enhanced Object Tracking AF keeps faces or other selected objects in sharp focus – even if a target is obscured momentarily by another passing object.
Even the novice photographers can now easily create pro-style portraits with the α57 thanks to new Auto Portrait Framing, a world’s first technology. Using face detection and the compositional ‘rule of thirds,’ the camera identifies a subject’s position, trimming the scene to create tightly framed, professional-looking pictures in portrait or landscape orientation while maintaining a copy of the original image. Saving both the original photo plus the adjusted version allows for easy comparison between the two images, offering photographers inspiration to refine their portrait skills.
To get closer to the subject, 2x Clear Image Zoom digital zoom technology doubles the effective magnification of your lens and is a highly practical alternative to travelling with a bigger, bulkier telephoto lens. The camera uses Sony’s “By Pixel Super Resolution Technology” to ensure that cropped and zoomed images retain full pixel resolution.
Additionally, the model’s range of popular in-camera Picture Effect modes includes 11 different effects and 15 total variations – offering a generous palette of ‘PC-free’ artistic treatments, including Pop Color, HDR Painting, Miniature Mode and much more. Results can be previewed directly in live view mode on the LCD screen or in the new Tru-Finder™ electronic viewfinder while shooting either Full HD video or stills.
Still and video shooting, framing, focusing and real-time preview of exposure adjustments are a pleasure with the new Tru-Finder™ electronic viewfinder. With ultra-detailed 1440k dot resolution and a 100% field of view, it rivals quality optical viewfinders. There’s a choice of selectable high-resolution information displays with a wide viewing-angle to help consumers shoot with confidence, including a digital level gauge and framing grid. Information can be displayed either directly in the viewfinder or on the angle-adjustable 7.5 cm (3.0-type) Xtra Fine LCD™ display.
Ensuring detail-packed images, the 16.1 effective megapixel Exmor® APS HD CMOS sensor is teamed with a latest-generation BIONZ® engine. Refined by Sony during the development of its flagship α77 and high-end α65 cameras, this powerful processor effortlessly handles large amounts of image data for flawless, low-noise images and Full HD video.
Thanks to the BIONZ processor, creative shooting opportunities are boosted by an outstanding sensitivity range of ISO 100-16,000. Users will experience consistently natural, low-noise images – whether shooting at fast shutter speeds to freeze dynamic action or handheld without flash in low light. The new α57 interchangeable lens camera will be available this April with an 18-55mm kit zoom lens for $800 (model SLT-A57K). It will also be offered as body-only for about $700 (model SLT-A57).
Sony will also be introducing a new battery-powered LED video light, model HVL-LE1, which broadens options for recording video indoors or in low light. This new accessory will be available this month for about $250.
The camera, camera kit and a wide variety of Alpha accessories are sold at Sony retail stores (www.store.sony.com) and other authorized dealers nationwide.
The four CMOS cameras feature the company’s latest fast AF which interprets the depth of the scene before you take a shot, to ensure it moves its lens in the right direction when you try to take an image. This combines with fast processing and a fast read-out sensor to offer the short focus times promised. The DSC-HX20V, 30V and 200V also offer the latest image stabilization that corrections for camera rotations around the lens axis.
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Press Release: New Cyber-shot “H Series” Feature Newly Designed, Ultra-thin Zoom lenses, Wi-Fi® Capabilities
SAN DIEGO, Feb. 27, 2012 – Sony’s new “H-Series” high-zoom Cyber-shot cameras make it easy to capture crisp, beautiful photos and HD videos from a variety of distances. Ideal for travel photography or simply capturing everyday content, the five new models include the DSC-HX200V, DSC-HX30V, DSC-HX20V, DSC-HX10V and DSC-H90 cameras. The HX30V and HX20V models will each feature a new, ultra-thin 20x optical lens, which enhances zoom capabilities while still maintaining a small, compact body. Additionally, the HX30V will feature Wi-Fi® capabilities, allowing for seamless transfer of photos to compatible smartphones, tablets or televisions and sharing via popular social networking services.
“Consumers want versatility in a compact camera,” said Yosuke Tomoda, director of the Cyber-shot business at Sony Electronics. “By focusing on slim, stylish designs while adding advanced image sensors, strong zoom capabilities and new opportunities to share content socially, we continue to push the boundaries of the category.”
The new 20x zoom “AA” (advanced aspherical) lens element in the HX30V and HX20V models produces outstanding results with a design drastically smaller than comparable 20x lenses in previous models. The thinly-designed lens, which requires highly sophisticated glass molding to create, allows the camera chasses to remain as compact as possible. In addition to its strong zoom capabilities, the new “AA” lens can focus at a minimum distance of approximately 1 cm for stunning, clear macro shots.
The new DSC-HX30V model features Wi-Fi® capabilities, allowing it to link directly and transfer content to a variety of compatible devices including smartphones, tablets and televisions. Using the new PlayMemories™ Mobile application from Sony, images can then be shared easily from the host device on Facebook®, YouTube® and other popular sharing sites. The Play Memories app is currently available for free download on both the iTunes® app store and Android Market™. The new HX200V, HX30V, HX20V and HX10V cameras all have a new Sony 18.2 MP “Exmor R” CMOS sensor, the highest resolution sensor currently offered in the mainstream “point and shoot” market. The new sensor teams with an advanced BIONZ® processor to deliver blazing fast AutoFocus speeds of approximately 0.13 seconds in daylight and 0.21 seconds in low-light shooting situations (in case of fastest model, measured at 3 EV). Additionally, the new cameras feature “Clear Image Zoom” digital zoom technology, which boosts optical zoom to 2x virtual capabilities (i.e. 20x optical to 40x “Clear Image Zoom”) while maintaining full resolution.
The high-end HX200V features a 30x optical zoom (60x “Clear Image Zoom”), with the HX30V and HX20V cameras each offering 20x optical zoom (40x “Clear Image Zoom”) and the HX10V model offering 16x optical zoom (32x “Clear Image Zoom”). Each of these new models has “Optical Steady Shot” to reduce any blurring caused by camera shake during shooting – even with the zoom extended – as well as some creative photographic settings.
The entry-level H90 zoom camera has a 16.1 MP CCD sensor, 16x optical zoom lens, 720p HD video capabilities, enhanced image stabilization for both stills and movie shooting (Optical Steady Shot Active Mode) and a variety of other useful features. The new assortment of high-zoom “H Series” cameras will be available at Sony retail stores and online (www.store.sony.com) as well as other authorized retailers throughout the Sony dealer network. Detailed specifications are below:
• The DSC-HX200V camera will be available in black this March for approximately $480. Features include:
• >The DSC-HX30V camera will be available in black this May for approximately $420. Features include:
• The DSC-HX20V camera will be available in black this May for approximately $400. Features include:
• The DSC-HX10V camera will be available in white, silver, black and red this March for approximately $330. Features include:
• The DSC-H90 camera will be available in silver, black and red this March for approximately $250. Features include:
Sony adds to slim T-series and launches WX150 flagship style compact
From dpreview.com
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Press Release: New Cameras Feature Ultra-thin Body and Lens Designs, Rugged Capabilities
SAN DIEGO, Feb. 27, 2012 – With the ability to deliver impressive, high-resolution images while underwater, outside or inside, during both day and night, Sony’s slim new line of Cyber-shots represent the ultimate in versatility for the compact camera space. Four new models announced today include the DSC-WX150, DSC-W690, DSC-TX66 and DSC-TX20 models.
The DSC-WX150 and DSC-W690 models are the world’s thinnest 10x optical zoom cameras – slimmer than any other 10x compact cameras currently offered in market (measured at slimmest part excluding lens). This exceptionally thin design is largely attributed to the new “Advanced Aspherical” lens element, which allows the lens unit to be drastically smaller than those in previous 10x zoom Cyber-shots while still producing very highly detailed, accurate images.
The new TX66 camera features an ultra-slim, front-sliding design and measures about 12.2 mm (excluding lens cover), which is about the thickness of a standard AA size battery. The similarly thin TX20 camera is Sony’s most “rugged” compact camera offering — waterproof (up to 5m or 16ft), dustproof, shockproof (up to 1.5m or 5 ft) and freezeproof (up to 14oF).
Each of the new WX150 ,TX66 and TX20 cameras features a high-resolution “Exmor R” CMOS sensor and advanced BIONZ® image processor, enhancing low-light performance, Auto Focus speeds, image stabilization and opening up various multi-shot capabilities including 10 fps burst mode, “Background Defocus” mode, 3D still image shooting and more. These models also have “Dual Record” functionality for capturing high-resolution still images while shooting video, and “Clear Image Zoom” digital zoom technology, which boosts optical zoom to 2x virtual capability (i.e. 5x optical zoom to 10x virtual zoom) at full camera resolution.
Each of the new models can shoot full HD video (at various resolutions) and offer “Picture Effect” options for creative photography. Product Specs, Pricing and Availability The four new Cyber-shot cameras will be available at Sony retail stores and online (www.store.sony.com) as well as other authorized retailers throughout the Sony dealer network. Availability and detailed specs are below:
•The DSC-WX150 camera will be available in silver, black, red and blue this May for approximately $250. Features include:
•The DSC-W690 camera will be available in silver, black, red and blue this May for approximately $180. Features include:
•The DSC-TX66 camera will be available in silver, gold, red, white, purple and pink this March for about $350
•The DSC-TX20 camera will be available in orange, green, black, blue and pink this May for about $330. Features include:
DxO Labs has updated its Optics Pro raw processing and lens correction software, including support for the Canon G1 X, Sony NEX-7, Nikon 1 system and the Olympus E-P2. The latest versions takes the software to version Pro 7.2.1 and is available free for existing users of Optics Pro 7 and anyone who bought Pro 6 after September 1 2011. Support for all five cameras is included in both Standard and Elite versions of the package. Press Release: More than 300 new DxO Optics Modules added since the beginning of February!
February 22, 2012 – DxO Labs announces the immediate availability of DxO Optics Pro v7.2.1for Mac and Windows. Both the Standard and Elite editions support the following additional cameras:
DxO Optics Pro is now able to provide support for brand-new camera models more rapidly, as evidenced by the addition of the Canon G1X, all while continuing to add support for cameras already on the market. DxO Optics Pro v7.2.1 includes more than 300 modules that have been added to the Optics Modules library since the beginning of February, thus providing support for a larger number of lenses used with Canon, Fuji, Nikon, Olympus, Pentax and Sony cameras. The Standard and Elite editions of DxO Optics Pro 7 for Windows and Mac are available in the DxO Labs online boutique (www.dxo.com) and at photo resellers, at the following prices:
EUR: (Suggested retail prices, including VAT)
GBP: (Suggested retail prices, including VAT)
This upgrade is free for all owners of DxO Optics Pro 7 as well as for photographers who acquired a license for DxO Optics Pro 6 on or after September 1, 2011. A fully-functional trial version of DxO Optics Pro, good for one month, is available on the DxO Labs website (http://www.dxo.com/intl/photo/free_trial_version).
Sony full-frame camera coming, 500mm F4 lens finally announced
From dpreview.com
Sony has confirmed it will be making a full-frame replacement for its flagship A900 DSLR. No further details were given during a round-table discussion at the CP+ show in Japan, but we find it hard to believe the result will step away from the SLT technology the company has invested so heavily in. The company has also finally announced the A-mount 500mm F4 lens that it has been showing in various states of preparedness since PMA 2007 will be available from late March.
No details of price are given but the premium ‘G’ branding and the fact it’s a 500mm F4 are likely to make as substantial a dent in your wallet as the lens would make if you dropped it onto a particularly malleable surface. Press Release: Rugged, pro-focused SAL500F40G lens from Sony for A-mount SLT and DSLR cameras
Serious photographers can pull distant subjects closer with a powerful new 500mm (equivalent to 750mm with APS-C camera) super-telephoto lens from Sony.
The SAL500F40G is ideal for sports, wildlife and demanding imaging applications that require extreme magnification with uncompromised optical performance.
The SAL500F40G is the longest fixed focal length G Lens from Sony to date. Whether you’re shooting detail-packed stills or Full HD video, you’ll enjoy frame-filling close-ups with flawless resolution. With a bright F4.0 maximum aperture, its excellent light gathering power allows the use of faster shutter speeds to broaden shooting opportunities.
The ruggedly-engineered SAL500F40G copes effortlessly with tough photo assignments. Focusing ring and front/rear joints are protected by interlocking seals that shrug off dust and moisture, even when you’re shooting outdoors in driving rain or arid desert conditions. This weather-resistant design makes the SAL500F40G a perfect partner for the SLT-A77 (α77) Translucent Mirror camera that offers serious photographers similarly ruggedized performance.
Like all other A-mount lenses, the SAL500F40G is compatible with the SteadyShot INSIDE image stabilisation system that’s featured in every α Translucent Mirror and DSLR camera from Sony. Depending on shooting conditions, camera model and settings, you’ll enjoy camera-shake blur compensation that’s equivalent to approximately 4.5 stops (max.) in shutter speed.
Inside, the advanced optical design of the SAL500F40G includes 11 elements in 10 groups, including three ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass elements. It’s also the first G Lens from Sony to feature advanced new coating process that ensures crisper, clearer images. Exclusive to Sony, the ground-breaking Nano AR Coating process cuts internal reflections drastically. Resulting images are brilliantly crisp and clear, with dramatically reduced lens flare and ghosting. Flare is reduced still further by the carbon fibre lens hood that’s lined with black velvet fibres to absorb incident light.
Razor-sharp autofocus performance makes the SAL500F40G ideal for capturing an athlete’s explosive movements or the unpredictable flutter of wild birds. The high-torque SSM (Super Sonic wave Motor) features a new drive circuit, ensures rapid, responsive AF with significantly faster object tracking than conventional Sony lenses.
Serious enthusiasts will also welcome a strong emphasis on enhanced handling and ergonomics. Four focus hold buttons are spaced around the lens barrel for easy operation in any position. They’re complemented by a two-way DMF (Direct Manual Focus) mode button and focus range switch for positive, fumble-free operation when you’re shooting under pressure.
Built to order, the SAL500F40G super-telephoto lens from Sony is available from late March 2012.
Sony promises more NEX lenses in updated E-mount lens roadmap
From dpreview.com
Sony has said it will have 15 lenses ready for the NEX system by the end of 2013. It made the annoucement of an expanded E-mount roadmap at the start of the CP+ trade show in Yokohama, Japan. The roadmap includes a variety of zooms and prime lenses, including a high-end standard zoom with Sony’s premium ‘G’ branding. There will also be a pancake prime and a mid-telephoto prime lens some time during 2013.
The roadmap is understandably hazy about exactly when each lens will arrive but with the huge biennial Photokina trade show coming later in 2012, it seems reasonable to assume some will arrive then.
Sony announces three CMOS-based compacts including 18MP DSC-TX200V
From dpreview.com
The WX70 is essentially a WX50 with a 3.0″ 920k dot touch-screen, rather than the WX50′s 2.7″ 230k dot unit. Both can record 1080i60 video and can capture 13MP stills while doing so. All three cameras feature Sony’s ‘Clear Zoom’ up-resing technology and the combined pixel-binning and up-resing low-light mode.
In its description of the TX200V’s fast AF, Sony suggests that the camera compares out-of-focus images to determine which direction to move the lens to achieve focus, avoiding the camera scanning for focus in the wrong direction. This sounds a lot like phase-detection to us but we’re still chasing for more information.
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Press Release: New Lineup Features High-Resolution Sensors, Enhanced Low-light Performance and Fast Auto-Focus
SAN DIEGO, Jan. 29, 2012 – Sony’s newest Cyber-shot® digital still cameras make it easy to capture beautiful memories anytime and anywhere.
Three new models include the DSC-TX200V model from the ultra-thin Cyber-shot T series and the DSC-WX70 and DSC-WX50 models from the stylish, traditionally designed W series, each featuring a high-resolution “Exmor R” CMOS sensor and an improved BIONZ™ image processor that together boost low light performance and enhance auto-focus speeds, among other benefits.
“We continue to innovate in the compact camera space, finding new ways to help consumers produce high-quality photos and videos as easily as possible, regardless of lighting conditions” said Yosuke Tomoda, director of the Cyber-shot business at Sony Electronics. “With new technologies designed to improve the overall imaging experience – including extended creativity, control and more – this new lineup of Cyber-shot cameras delivers impressive results with stylish, pocket-sized bodies.” High-Resolution, High-Speed, High-Quality
The new TX200V camera features a newly developed 18.2 MP “Exmor R” CMOS sensor, the highest-resolution currently offered in the “point and shoot” market, and a new BIONZ™ processor, which work together to create images and video files with extremely low noise. The advanced model also offers lightning-fast AutoFocus speeds of approximately 0.13 seconds in daytime and 0.25 seconds in low-light situations (speeds may vary based on shooting conditions), helping to ensure you never miss the moment.
Additionally, the TX200V Cyber-shot showcases a new beautiful, reinforced glass design with a large, 3.3-inch (8.3cm) Xtra Fine™ TruBlack OLED wide touch-screen. It is also water-proof (up to 5m or approx.16 feet), dust-proof and freeze-proof (up to 14oF), and features a “Photo Creativity” interface that lets users easily adjust creative settings to produce unique, custom-styled photos.
The new WX70 and WX50 models each are equipped with a high-resolution 16.2 MP “Exmor R” CMOS sensor, with the WX70 featuring a 3.0-inch 921k dot LCD touch-screen and the WX50 featuring a slightly smaller 2.7-inch LCD screen. Each of the new Cyber-shot cameras features a new “Extra High Sensitivity” technology, which minimizes unwanted noise in low-light shooting conditions. For consumers who want to get closer to their subjects without losing quality, these new models have “Clear Image Zoom” technology, which boosts optical zoom to 2x virtual capability (i.e. 5x optical zoom to 10x virtual zoom) at full camera resolution.
The TX200V, WX70 and WX50 cameras also offer image stabilization during video and still shooting. Using technology borrowed from the Sony Handycam® lineup, the “Optical Steady Shot Active Mode” drastically reduces blurring caused by camera shake while on the move. All models can shoot video in Full HD resolution.
Additional notable features of the new lineup include nine “Picture Effect” options for expanded creativity, “Dual Record” capabilities, 3D shooting modes (3D Still Image, 3D Sweep Panorama and Sweep Multi Angle), fast shooting speeds (10 fps burst mode) and more. The new assortment of cameras and an expanded range of stylish accessories, including the new LCS-WM and LCS-THT soft carrying cases, will be available this March at Sony retail stores and online (www.store.sony.com) as well as other authorized retailers throughout the Sony dealer network. Detailed specs are below:
Click here to read the Google-translated Sony Japan announcement
Sony redesigns back-lit CMOS for improved smartphone cameras
From dpreview.com
Sony has developed CMOS designs to offer improved performance on small sensors and is planning three such sensors for smartphones and similar devices. The ‘Stacked CMOS’ design builds on the backlit CMOS idea by building the light-sensitive photo element on top of the processing circuitry, rather than combining them in a single layer. This creates a greater light-sensitive area while also making more space for processing circuitry. The company has also demonstrated two feaures that use the extra circuitry space of the design.
The first of these features is what Sony is calling RGBW Coding, which appears to be another attempt at including clear (white) pixels in the sensor’s color filter array. Sony has already used the idea to create brighter LCD panels and Kodak had previously promoted it for use in sensors (though we don’t remember seeing it used).
The concept is to have some photosites featuring no color filter in front of them, so that they are exposed to more light (and therefore are less prone to noise), but lose the ability to distinguish between colors. This promises to improve low light performance but at the theoretical cost of some color resolution.
The HDR Video feature, meanwhile, attempts to boost dynamic range during video capture. Details from Sony are limited, beyond saying that the sensor works by ‘setting two different exposure conditions within a single screen shooting’ and then processing the different regions accordingly. We have requested more information.
Examples of an 8MP, 1/4″ type sensor without either RGBW Coding or HDR video will become available from March 2012 with a larger, 13MP 1/3.06″ type sensor following in June and a 8MP 1/4″ sensor with both features arriving in August.
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CMOS Technology Press release Expanding Shooting Enjoyment and Advanced Functionality of Smartphones and Other Devices
Tokyo, Japan – January 23, 2012 – Sony Corporation (“Sony”) today announced that it has developed a new next-generation back-illuminated CMOS image sensor which embodies the continuous evolution of the camera. This image sensor layers the pixel section containing formations of back-illuminated structure pixels onto chips containing the circuit section for signal processing, which is in place of supporting substrates for conventional back-illuminated CMOS image sensors. This structure achieves further enhancement in image quality, superior functionalities and a more compact size that will lead to enhanced camera evolution.
Hereafter, Sony will position it as the next generation back-illuminated CMOS image sensors, and unwaveringly strive to further develop this image sensor and expand its product lineup, thereby contributing to the further development of user-friendly cameras and to shooting enjoyment. The popularization of smartphones and other devices in recent years has been accompanied by an increasingly diverse use of camera functionality. This has brought heightened demand for more sophisticated cameras, to ensure adaptability to a wider range of scenes and Sony developed this stacked CMOS image sensor to meet such demand. In addition to the higher pixel numbers, superior image quality and faster speeds which conventional image sensors pursued, the newly-developed image sensors further achieve more highly-advanced functionalities and a more compact size, thus paving the way for enhanced camera evolution.
As the first step towards the commercialization of its new CMOS image sensors, Sony has developed a model with built-in signal processing functionality, an element that usually requires external embedment. Samples will be shipped from March, 2012. Accordingly, models have been developed with Sony’s unique “RGBW Coding” function, which facilitates low noise, high quality image capture even in low light condition, and the proprietary “HDR (High Dynamic Range) Movie” function, which achieves brilliant color even when taking pictures against bright light. Conventional CMOS image sensors mount the pixel section and analog logic circuit on top of the same chip, which require numerous constraints when wishing to mount the large-scale circuits such as measures to counter the circuit scale and chip size, measures to suppress noise caused by the layout of the pixel and circuit sections, and optimizing the characteristics of pixels and circuit transistors.
Sony has succeeded in establishing a structure that layers the pixel section containing formations of back-illuminated structure pixels over the chip affixed with mounted circuits for signal processing, which is in place of supporting substrates used for conventional back-illuminated CMOS image sensors. By this stacked structure, large-scale circuits can now be mounted keeping small chip size. Furthermore, as the pixel section and circuit section are formed as independent chips, a manufacturing process can be adopted, enabling the pixel section to be specialized for higher image quality while the circuit section can be specialized for higher functionality, thus simultaneously achieving higher image quality, superior functionality and a more compact size. In addition, faster signal processing and lower power consumption can also be achieved through the use of leading process for the chip containing the circuits. Feature press release: To be Equipped in First Release of New Stacked CMOS Image Sensors, To Begin Sample Shipment
Tokyo, Japan – January 23, 2012 – Sony Corporation (“Sony”) today announced the development of two CMOS image sensor models designed for use in smartphones and other devices. They are equipped with Sony’s unique “RGBW Coding” function which allows images to be captured with low noise and high picture quality even in low-light conditions. They also contain Sony’s “HDR (High Dynamic Range) Movie” function which allows brilliant color to be captured even in bright settings. Sony has also developed a model with built-in signal processing functionality, an element that usually requires external embedment.
Sony has successfully developed new stacked CMOS image sensor technology that realizes higher image quality and superior functionality in a more compact size. The three newly developed next-generation back-illuminated CMOS image sensor models will be the first to utilize this technology. Samples will begin to successively ship starting March 2012. The recent proliferation of smartphones and other devices has increased casual shooting opportunities and there is demand for the evolution of cameras to be able to shoot in a diverse range of settings. In particular, consumers want to easily take pictures in low light conditions or those with both low and bright lights. Sony has incorporated its two newly developed models with its unique “RGBW Coding” function which enables high-sensitivity shooting even in low-light conditions and its “HDR Movie” function which can capture images or video across a broad dynamic range of low-light to bright-light conditions. 1. Sony’s unique “RGBW Coding” function enabling clear shooting in dark rooms or at night
The built-in “RGBW Coding” function which adds W (White) pixels to the conventional range of RGB (Red-Green-Blue) pixels has realized higher sensitivity, enabling high-quality shooting with low noise even in dark indoor or night settings.
While the addition of W (White) pixels improves sensitivity, it has the problem of degrading image quality. However, Sony’s own device technology and signal processing realizes superior sensitivity without hurting image quality. Furthermore, while the individual pixels of the newly developed models are extremely minute at 1.12μm, the incorporation of the “RBGW Coding” function has realized a SN ratio (signal-to-noise ratio) equivalent to that of a unit pixel size of 1.4μm under conventional methods, which in turn has enables the image sensors to achieve a higher resolution at a more compact size.
The new models are also able to output signals through the conventional RGB method, thus there is no need to change the signal processing adopted in existing devices.
2. “HDR (High Dynamic Range) Movie” function which enables brilliant colors to be captured even in bright settings
The built-in “HDR Movie” function enables brilliant colors to be captured even in settings with a wide range of light including bright light.
Typically, when shooting with differing light levels, such as an indoor setting against a bright outdoor background, there can easily be blocked up shadows for dark areas or blown out highlights for bright areas. Such phenomena are a result of the combination of low-light and bright-light which have different optimal exposure conditions in the same shot. This function reduces this by setting two different exposure conditions within a single screen shooting and conducts the appropriate signal processing for the captured image information under each optimal exposure condition. This process generates an image with a broad dynamic range and enables shooting of both the background and subject matter with brilliant colors even in a bright environment. *1 Not equipped with “RGBW Coding” or “HDR Movie” functions
Press Release: Vancouver, Canada, January 18, 2012 – Metabones forms a strategic partnership with Conurus of Vancouver, Canada to jointly develop, manufacture and market a new Smart Adapter(TM) series of products featuring electronic interfacing with the lens.
The partnership is shipping its first fruition of collaboration today, a Smart Adapter that integrates a Canon EF mount lens to a Sony NEX camera body. Electronic aperture is directly controlled by the camera body and all exposure modes are available. Image stabilization (if the Canon EF lens supports it) and EXIF are supported, but there is no autofocus. This new smart adapter is marketed under the Metabones brand name and may be ordered directly from conurus.com or from a Metabones distributor in Japan, the United Kingdom, Hong Kong or China for US$399.
Metabones is known for mechanical design that is already significantly ahead of the competition, as can be seen with the Contax G lens adapters for Micro 4/3 and Sony NEX with ultra-wide focusing rings and smooth manual focus action, and the ALPA lens to Leica M adapter with rangefinder coupling. Now, incorporating leading-edge electronic technology from Canada brings forth a new breed of adapters that not only truly integrates the lens with the camera body but offers the best workmanship, accuracy and reliability as well.
Sony announces DSC-W650, DSC-W620 and DSC-W610 budget compacts
From dpreview.com
Pre-CES: Sony has announced the DSC-W650, DSC-W620 and DSC-W610 entry-level company cameras. The DSC-W650 features a 16MP CCD sensor and 5x stabilized zoom lens that covers the 25-125mm equivalent range, it also features a 3.0″ LCD. The W620 has a 14MP sensor, unstabilized 5x, 28-140mm equiv. lens and 2.7″ LCD. The W610 has the same 14MP sensor and 2.7″ screen but with a 4x, 26-104mm lens. All three offer the company’s 360° Sweep Panorama mode, while the W650 and W620 also get 4 ‘Picture Effect’ creative filters.
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Press Release: Three New Entry-Level Compact Cameras Offer Enhanced Point and Shoot Flexibility
LAS VEGAS (CES Booth #14200), Jan. 9, 2012 – The newest additions to Sony’s Cyber-shot® line of point-and-shoot cameras deliver powerful new features for consumers, ranging from 360 Sweep Panorama™ and image stabilization technologies to creative picture effects. These new entry-level cameras pack high performance into a compact body, allowing users to take high-quality, creative photos with ease.
The stylish and compact new lineup include the DSC-W610, DSC-W620 and DSC-W650 models. The compact DSC-W610, DSC-W620 and DSC-W650 cameras feature Sony’s new 360 Sweep Panorama™ mode. Users can now capture beautiful, seamless 360 degree panoramic images of the entire surrounding landscape with one easy “press and sweep” motion. Multiple images are automatically stitched together to create one stunning, detailed panoramic photo.
Additionally, the “Intelligent Auto” mode allows the cameras to automatically optimize camera settings based on the external environment. They analyze focus, lighting, subjects and more, selecting the appropriate scene mode to realize a clear, high-quality image output with ease. Further, in order to reduce image blur often caused by camera shake and subject motion, the DSC-W610 and DSC-W620 cameras feature SteadyShot® image stabilization. The DSC-W650 model offers enhanced Optical SteadyShot™ functionality and also boasts a 16.1 mega pixel Super HAD™ CCD image sensor.
The new DSC-W620 and W650 cameras also feature HD Movie mode (720p) as well as four “Picture Effect” options which can be used to create customized, artistic images. The full list of effects includes Toy Camera, Partial Color, Pop Color and Soft High-key. The cameras and an expanded range of stylish accessories, including the new LCS-CS1, LCS-CS2, LCS-TWM and LCM-CSVH carrying cases, will be sold at Sony retail stores (www.store.sony.com) as well as other authorized retailers throughout the Sony dealer network. New camera specs are below:
The DSC-W610 camera will be available in silver, black, pink, green and blue later this month for approximately $110. Features include:
The DSC-W620 camera will be available in silver, black and red this February for approximately $120. Features include:
The DSC-W650 camera will be available in silver, black and red this February for approximately $150. Features include:
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Just Posted: our hands-on preview of the Sony NEX-F3. The F3 is Sony’s latest entry-level model, replacing the NEX-C3. It’s built around the company’s second-generation 16MP CMOS sensor, as featured in the NEX-5N and gains a built-in flash. It’s also the first NEX to feature a screen that flips all the way into a vertical position, to make it easier to shoot self-portraits. We’ve been using an F3 for a couple of days – read our hands-on preview to find out what we thought and to see the images we shot.
Just Posted: Our Sony SLT-A37 hands-on preview. The A37 is Sony’s latest entry-level SLT camera – offering DSLR capability in a full-time live view camera. The A37 retains the small body of the original SLT cameras and helps create an easy-to-understand four-model lineup. It gains 1080p24 HD video shooting and features such as lens correction and focus peaking from the more recent SLT models, offering a strong feature set. And, with a recommeded price of $599 with 18-55mm zoom, it’s $150 cheaper than the A33 was. Read our hands-on preview to discover more.
Sony has launched the SLT-A37 entry-level 16MP SLT camera and the enthusiast-grade 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 SAM standard zoom. The A37 is a refreshed replacement for the A35, bringing the entry-level model into line with the rest of the SLT lineup. Meanwhile the 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 SAM lens offers Alpha mount users a more flexible upgrade option over the entry-level 18-55mm without having to stretch to the 16-50mm F2.8. The A37 will be available from June at a cost of $600 with 18-55mm kit zoom. The 18-135mm lens will follow in July for $500 or as a $200 premium over the basic zoom kit cost with any of the company’s SLT cameras.
Sony has announced the NEX-F3 entry-level 16MP mirrorless camera and lightweight 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 OSS stabilized superzoom lens with for the E-mount. The NEX-F3 gains a built-in flash, along with the updated 16MP sensor from its NEX-5N big brother. Its big party trick is undoubtedly its LCD, whose image automatically mirrors when it’s flipped up for taking self-portraits. Meanwhile, the E18-200mm F3.5-5.6 LE OSS is a more compact, lighter 11x superzoom lens for the NEX system. Starting in June, the NEX-F3 will have an MSRP of around $600, while the SEL18200LE will sell for around $850 from July.
Nikon’s D800 has been awarded the prestigious Camera Grand Prix 2012 title and also won the public vote for best camera. The awards, organized by the Japanese ‘Camera Journal Press Club’ also recognized the Canon EF8-15mm F4L USM as lens of the year. Meanwhile, the Editors Awards were given to Sony’s NEX-7 and the Olympus m.Zuiko 45mm F1.8.
Sony Japan has released firmware v1.05 for the SLT-A77 and A65 high-end fixed-mirror DSLRs. The latest changes promise a series of improvements, including more responsive control dials, faster post-shot review images and shorter lag when turning the camera off. The A77′s AF accuracy in bright light is also improved. The updates also include correction profiles for more lenses. The firmware has not yet been posted by Sony’s European or North American websites but should be available soon.
Sony has launched four GPS-enabled 18MP CMOS zoom compacts, ranging from the 16x DSC-HX10V all the way up to the 30x DSC-HX200V. The DSS-HX20V adds a 20x zoom to the 10V’s specs and the HX30V gains WiFi on top of that. All four CMOS cameras offer nine creative processing filters and latest fast AF which the company says will focus in as little as 0.1sec and 0.2sec in low light, they also have high-res 920,000 dot LCDs. There’s also a less-expensive 16MP CCD 16X zoom model, the DSC-H90. All of the cameras feature at least 27mm equivalent wide-angle lenses.
Sony has added depth to its T-series range of slim cameras with the skinny DSC-T66 and svelte-yet-rugged DSC-TX20. It has also added the 10x zoom DSC-WX150 to the top of its conventionally-shaped compact camera lineup – claiming it to be the slimmest 10x camera currently available. The 5x zoom T66 and the WX150 are both based around the company’s latest 18MP CMOS sensor, helping them offer high-speed autofocus. The T66 has an OLED touch-screen while the waterproof, 16MP T20 instead uses a LCD touch-panel. Finally there’s a DSC-W690, a 16MP CCD camera based around the same 10x, 25-250mm equivalent lens as the WX150.
Sony has announced three CMOS-based compact cameras – the Cyber-Shots DSC-TX200V, DSC-WX50 and DSC-WX70. The TX200V is a GPS-equipped card-style touch-screen waterproof camera with Sony’s latest 18MP back-lit CMOS sensor. It also includes the company’s fast AF system that aims to reduce focus times down as low as 0.1 sec and 0.2 sec in low light. It can also grab 13.5MP stills while shooting 1080p60 video. It also has an WVGA-equivalent OLED touch screen and glass front panel, spoiling the whole thing only slightly by using Micro SD cards. The WX50 meanwhile offers the older 16MP and 5x, 25-125mm zoom.
Sony Japan has launched a more capable variant of the TX200V announced today in the US, offering contactless charging and data transfer, and Wi-Fi. The Cyber-shot DSC-TX300V comes with a TransferJet-compliant inductive charging and data transfer station, allowing images and video downloading, as well as charging, just by placing the camera on the pad. It also features DNLA-compliant WiFi that allows direction connection to iOS and Android smartphones, for transferring 2MP images. No announcement of either model has yet been made for Europe. (From DCWatch)
Canadian lens interface experts Conurus and Sino-Japanese adapter maker Metabones have created an electronic ‘Smart adapter’ for using Canon EF lenses on the Sony NEX’s E-mount. The adapter is manual focus-only but allows control of aperture and the use of the image stabilization on Canon IS lenses. Full lens information, including focal length, aperture and lens IS is reported back to the camera for EXIF, allowing the use of all P,A,S and M modes. The adapter also features a ‘Wide Open’ button that opens the aperture up for fine focusing, with the lens otherwise stopped-down to the chosen aperture, giving accurate depth-of-field in live view. It will cost $399.
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