Sony announces new HVL-F43AM flash and more accessories

 

Today, Sony announced a new mid-level flash for Alpha users, the HVL-F43AM. It succeeds the previous model HVL-F42AM unit and offers the innovative 'Quick Shift Bounce' that was only reserved for the higher end HVL-F58AM model. It has a slightly stronger flash output with a guide number of 43 and has a new menu and layout design, similar to the higher end flash. In addition to this, the flash also offers wireless ratio control which makes it easier to control other flash units (3 maximum). It also features a dust and moisture resistant design which makes it suitable for shooting outdoors and indoors.

 

In addition to the new flash, Sony also announced the following products for the Alpha system.

Bracket (VCT-55LH)

 Soft Carry Case (LCS-AMB)

Lens Hood for 35mm 1.8 and 85mm 2.8 LCS-AMB 

Thanks for reading!

A Taste of Things to Come from Sony

Hello everyone!

Its been a while since I got to blog about Sony camera gear and the much awaited a700 replacement that is long overdue. The 'rumored' details from the camera sites that I follow reveal the following:

- Translucent Mirror Technology (same tech as in the a33 and a55)
- New Sony APS Exmor HD CMOS sensor over 20 megapixels
- ISO in the hundreds of thousands
- Significantly improved EVF
- The body will be made of magnesium alloy
- 1080p/30fps, 720p/60fps and 720p/30fps HD video
- Support for CF, SD and memory stick
- Price will be targeted around the price of the Canon 60d 
- Supports a vertical grip
- New mid-level flash (HVL-F43am) with quick-shift bounce

The camera is currently only shown in prototype form but it will be expected to be released in the middle of the year as well as a whole of new lenses. I will definitely get this once its released in Australia since my a350 is slowly dying (cracked camera body which is my fault, front wheel drive malfunction at times).

 Transparent Sony a700 replacement prototype

 Sony a700 replacement with vertical grip and new lens

Sony 500mm f4 G series Lens

(definitely a lens on my wish list!)

HVL-F43am flash with quick-shift bounce

Replaces HVL-F42am flash

In addition to these new products that will be announced later in the year, sony alpha rumors have confirmed the Sony a33 will be replaced with the a35 and the NEX 3 will be replaced with the NEX-C3 sometime next month with a bunch of other new products.

CLM-V55

Sony clip-on 5" LCD monitor

Sony released this monitor not too long ago for people who require a bigger monitor to view for video recording and still images instead of using the screens on their DSLRs (doesn't need to be Sony but has to have a HDMI output) or the NEX-VG10. You can check out the specs of it here.

CLM-V55 mounted on Sony NEX VG-10

Thanks for reading!

Updated: Sony at Photokina

Hello everyone!

Photokina is here and so far there have been new camera announcements from nearly every manufacturer leading up to the event. Sony have issued a press release for the trade show detailing future releases for the Alpha line and NEX cameras as well as a firmware update for the NEX-3 and NEX-5 due to be released in mid October. The firmware update enables auto-focus on SAM/SSM alpha lenses and new functionality on the user interface. You can view the press release by clicking here.

As for the a700 replacement, it appears that there is only a mockup on display at the show with the vertical grip and a new flash. Looks like the AA (Advanced Amateur) market have to wait a little longer for the announcement. Alongside the camera is the 500mm f/4 super-telephoto lens which is also a mockup that is due to be released soon. From what I've read from the forums and other sites, the a700 replacement will not be announced this year which is disappointing because that would be the camera body that I would want to upgrade to. After seeing the new Canon 60D, Nikon D7000, Pentax k-5, Olympus E-5, I would have expected Sony to release an advanced model for photographers. Well I'm thinking, the longer the wait, the better the camera should be compared to the new releases from the other camera manufacturers since the a700 has been discontinued for nearly a year.

UPDATE: Unfortunately, looks like there is no a7xx replacement for Sony users. I'm contemplating whether or not I should just jump to full frame but I only have two full frame lenses and I'd need another to cover my main range, so it would actually end up costing me more but we'll see what happens. I think I'll be patient and wait. After all, my a350 is still alive and well after numerous drops on rocks, concrete and wood (all in the last 3 months). I'm actually surprised it still works. Back to the a7xx, I now have high expectations for this camera since the wait has been so long. 

Here are a few shots from dpreview of  the Sony stand at Photokina and the press release from Sony Europe.

500mm f/4 G series lens, a7xx replacement DSLR/DSLT? with vertical grip and new flash

Mockup of the a7xx with vertical grip and new flash

a7xx rear view

 Recently announced a580 with vertical grip

Sony's DSLT camera, the a55 that uses Sony's new innovative Translucent Mirror Techonology

 The recently announced Carl Zeiss 24mm f/2 lens (I would love this lens for my landscape photos)

 500mm f/4 Super telephoto G series lens

New colored NEX Cameras

NEX 5 with new flash

New NEX lenses including a Carl Zeiss and G series lens with current NEX lenses.

Thanks for reading!

Sony Announces 4 New Cameras

Hello everyone!

I am pleased to announce that Sony has released 4 new cameras last week, showcasing some innovative features as well as developing their new translucent mirror cameras. Firstly, I'll start off with the traditional DSLRs which replace the a500 and the a550. The newly developed a560 and a580 DSLRs both have new sensors and are one of the first DSLR cameras from Sony that can now record HD video up to 1080i, shoot up to 7 frames per second, have a new 15-point autofocus system, 3D sweep panorama, 3 frame HDR and has an extended ISO 25600 (Multi-Frame NR mode). These are great cameras for the enthusiast photographer, that produce great images even in low-light. The only thing that I can think of that Sony should have put in is a dedicated AF assist lamp but I guess they'll reserve that for their higher up models.

 Sony a580

As usual, here are the specs for the cameras taken from Sony Europe:

Key Features	DSLR-Α580 / DSLR-A560
Type	Interchangeable Lens Digital Camera with built-in flash
Lens Compatibility	Sony α lens, Minolta and Konica Minolta AF lens
Image Sensor	A580 Exmor™ APS HD CMOS 16.2 effective megapixels (approx.)	A560 Exmor™ APS HD CMOS 14.2 effective megapixels (approx.)
Processor	BIONZ™ image processor
ISO Sensitivity Range	ISO 100 - 12800 (Extended: ISO 25600 in Multi-Frame NR Mode)
Image Quality Modes	JPEG (fine, standard), RAW, RAW + JPEG
HDMI Connector and BRAVIA Sync	HDMI mini connector (Type C), BRAVIA Sync (Sync menu), PhotoTV HD
Image Size: 3:2 (pixels)	A580 L size:  4912x3264 (16M) M size:  3568x2368 (8.4M) S size:  2448x1624 (4M)	A560 L size:  4592x3056 (14M) M size:  3344x2224 (7.4M) S size:  2288x1520 (3.5M)
HD movie record	AVCHD: 1920 x 1080i (16:9) (59.94i recording, 29.97 fps image sensor output / Average bit rate 17 Mbps) MP4: 1440 x 1080 (16:9) (29.97 fps / Average bit rate 12 Mbps) / 640 x 480 (4:3) (29.97 fps / Average bit rate 3 Mbps) Max record time: Without SteadyShot Inside 29 minutes, with SteadyShot Inside 14minutes on the α580 and 24 minutes on the α560 at a room temperature
Viewfinder	Fixed eye-level, penta-Dach-mirror type Optical Viewfinder Approx. 95% coverage, 0.8x magnification (with 50mm lens at infinity)
LCD	7.5cm (3”) TFT (Xtra Fine LCD) with 921k dot resolution; 2-way tilting mechanism
Live View System	Quick AF Live View　(pentamirror tilt system)
Focus Check Live View	Focus system TTL phase detection system / Contrast AF selectable Display Real-time image adjustment display (reflects exposure compensation, white balance, Sunset / B&W of Creative Style )* * Available only during AE lock
SteadyShot INSIDE	YES
Anti-dust System	Coating on low pass filter, plus image-sensor shift
Focus Modes	AF/MF selectable AF modes: Single-shot AF, Automatic AF, Continuous AF
Autofocus System	TTL 15-point phase detection AF system with 3 cross sensors (11-point with optical viewfinder)
Exposure Modes	Programmed AE (AUTO, AUTO - Flash Off, P), Aperture priority, Shutter priority, Manual, Scene selection
Exposure Metering System	(Live View): 1200-zone evaluative (Viewfinder): 40-segment honeycomb pattern
Exposure Metering Modes	Multi-segment, Centre-weighted, Spot
Scene Selection	Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Sports, Sunset, Night portrait/Night view, Hand-held Twilight
Creative Style Settings	Standard, Vivid, Portrait, Landscape, Sunset, B/W
Sweep Panorama	YES (2D and 3D)
Auto HDR	YES (available in P/A/S/M modes)
Shutter Speed	1/4000-30sec, Bulb
Exposure Bracketing	3 continuous exposures, in 0.3 or 0.7 EV steps
White Balance Settings	Auto / 6 presets / Colour Temperature/Colour Filter /  Custom WB
Continuous Advance Shooting	Up to 7 fps in Speed Priority mode (AF/AE fixed at first frame) Up to 5 fps with optical viewfinder Up to 3 fps in Quick AF Live View mode
Approx. no. of Shots	Approx. 1050 images with optical viewfinder, approx. 560 images in live view mode (CIPA standard)
Built-in Flash	Auto pop-up, GN 12 at ISO 100, FOV coverage up to 18mm
Flash Modes	Flash-off, Auto, Fill-flash, Slow sync, Rear Sync., Wireless*, Hi-speed sync.*,
	*With compatible external flash
Media	MemoryStick PRO Duo / PRO-HG Duo / SD memory card / SDHC memory card / SDXC memory card
Dimensions (WxHxD)	Approx. 137 x 104 x 84mm (W/H/D, excluding protrusions)
Weight	Approx. 599g (excluding battery, media and accessories)

Now these cameras that I am about to talk about are not DSLRs but are called Digital Single Lens Translucent (DSLT) cameras because the mirror doesn't flip up in a reflex motion, instead they are fixed semi-transparent mirrors. The advantages of this new technology means that the cameras can shoot at a blazing fast rate. On the a55 it can shoot up to 10fps with continuous phase-detection autofocus, even when recording movies. Also there is no mirror blackout when taking a photo, no mirror movement compared to traditional DSLRs, shorter shutter lag and it allows the user to have a more compact body. The following a33 and a55 is a great innovative step for Sony in the camera market and I'm even considering buying the a55 for its performance and quality. Here's a video showcasing its headlining its main features:



Camera Specs:

Key Features	SLT-Α55V / SLT-A33
Type	Interchangeable lens digital camera with built-in flash
Lens Compatibility	Sony α lens, Minolta and Konica Minolta AF lens
Image Sensor	A55: Exmor™ APS HD CMOS 16.2 effective megapixels (approx.)	A33: Exmor™ APS HD CMOS 14.2 effective megapixels (approx.)
Processor	BIONZ™ image processor
ISO Sensitivity Range	ISO 100 - 12800 (Extended: ISO 25600 in Multi Frame NR Mode)
Image Quality Modes	JPEG (fine, standard), RAW, RAW + JPEG
HDMI Connector and BRAVIA Sync	HDMI mini connector (Type C), BRAVIA Sync (Sync menu), PhotoTV HD
Image Size: 3:2 (pixels)	A55: L size:  4912x3264 (16M) M size:  3568x2368 (8.4M) S size:  2448x1624 (4M)	A33: L size:  4592x3056 (14M) M size:  3344x2224 (7.4M) S size:  2288x1520 (3.5M)
HD movie record	Quick AF Full HD movie with phase-detection autofocus AVCHD: 1920 x 1080i (16:9) MP4: 1440 x 1080 (16:9) / 640 x 480 (4:3) Max record time: 29 mins
Electronic Viewfinder	Electronic Viewfinder “Tru-Finder” (Xtra Fine) (1.15 million dots effective resolution), with 100% frame coverage Digital level gauge, shooting information and grid line display modes
LCD	7.5cm (3”) TFT (Xtra Fine LCD) with 921k dot resolution; variable-angle tilt/swivel mechanism
Live View System	Quick AF Live View
SteadyShot INSIDE	YES
Anti-dust System	Coating on low pass filter, plus image-sensor shift
Focus Modes	AF/MF selectable AF modes: Single-shot AF, Automatic AF, Continuous AF
Autofocus System	TTL 15-point phase detection AF system with 3 cross sensors
Exposure Modes	Programmed AE (AUTO, AUTO - Flash Off, P), Aperture priority, Shutter priority, Manual, Scene selection
Exposure Metering System	1200-zone evaluative metering
Exposure Metering Modes	Multi-segment, Centre-weighted, Spot
Scene Selection	Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Sports, Sunset, Night portrait/Night view, Hand-held Twilight
Creative Style Settings	Standard, Vivid, Portrait, Landscape, Sunset, B/W
Sweep Panorama	YES (2D and 3D)
Auto HDR	YES (available in P/A/S/M modes)
Shutter Speed	1/4000-30sec, Bulb
Exposure Bracketing	3 continuous exposures, in 0.3 or 0.7 EV steps
White Balance Settings	Auto / 6 presets / Colour Temperature/Colour Filter /  Custom WB
Continuous Advance Shooting	A55: Continuous Priority AE mode: up to 10fps with tracking AF Continuous mode: Up to 6fps *varies according to shooting conditions and memory card used		A33: Continuous Priority AE mode: up to 7fps with tracking AF Continuous mode: Up to 6fps *varies according to shooting conditions and memory card used
Approx. no. of Shots	A55: Approx. 330 images with viewfinder, approx. 380 images in live view mode (CIPA standard)		A33: Approx. 270 images with viewfinder, approx. 340 images in live view mode (CIPA standard)
Built-in Flash	Auto pop-up, GN 12 at ISO 100, FOV coverage up to 18mm
Flash Modes	Flash-off, Auto, Fill-flash, Slow sync, Rear Sync., Wireless*, Hi-speed sync.*,
	*With external flash HVL-F58AM, HVL-F56AM, HVL-F42AM, HVL-F36AM
Media	MemoryStick PRO Duo / PRO-HG Duo / SD memory card / SDHC memory card
Dimensions (WxHxD)	Approx. 124.4 x 92 x 84.7mm (W/H/D, excluding protrusions)
Weight	A55: Approx. 441g (excluding battery, media and accessories)		A33: Approx. 433g (excluding battery, media and accessories)

Sony Announces Three New Lenses

Hello everyone!

Been a while since I last blogged and there has been a couple of announcements from Sony which I haven't mentioned. The first I will talk about is the three new lenses that were announced last month.

New lenses from Sony

The three lenses are the Carl Zeiss Distagon T* 24mm F2 ZA SSM (SAL24F20Z), DT 35mm F1.8 SAM (SAL35F18) and the 85mm F2.8 SAM (SAL85F28). Two lenses are for full frame and the DT lens designed for APSC sized sensors. The following is an extract from the press release about the specs of  these lenses.

Model	Distagon T* 24mm F2 SSM (SAL24F20Z)	DT 35mm F1.8 SAM (SAL35F18)	85mm F2.8 SAM (SAL85F28)
Focal-length	24mm	35mm	85mm
Lens (groups/elements)	7-9	5-6	4-5
Aspherical elements	2	0	0
ED glass	2	0	0
Min. focus distance	0.19m	0.23m	0.6m
Max. magnification	0.29	0.25	0.2
Built-in Auto focus motor	SSM	SAM	SAM
Image stabilization	Yes (body integrated)	Yes (body integrated)	Yes (Body integrated)
Filter dia.	72mm	55mm	55mm
Dimension	Φ78×76mm	φ70×52mm	φ70x52
Weight	555g	170g	175g
Accessory	Hood, case, front & rear caps	Hood, front & rear caps	Hood, front & rear caps

These newly announced lenses are good news for Sony shooters, plus there are new DSLRs that will be announced in the next few weeks. The following info about the new cameras were provided by Sony Alpha Rumors

1) A55 (translucent) 16MP 10FPS EVF-1.44M 1.1X magnification 95% AVCHD full hd
2) A33 (translucent) 14MP 7FPS EVF-1.44M 1.1X magnification 95% AVCHD full hd
3) A560 14MP 7FPS MF recording AVCHD full hd
4) A580 16MP 7FPS MF recording AVCHD full hd

New Sony DSLRs that will be announced very soon

With Photokina coming up there is going to be ton of new announcements from all the camera manufacturers with new cameras, lenses and other photographic equipment. I'm hoping Sony will announce the new a7xx so I can hopefully buy it before my trip. 

Sony also announced their new consumer camcorder, the NEX-VG10E. Headline features for this new video camera include: 

• 14.2 effective megapixel ExmorTM  APS HD CMOS sensor (19.5 times larger than conventional camcorder) for stunning images with beautiful background defocus
• Accepts E-mount interchangeable lenses plus A-mount α DSLR lenses (via optional adaptor)
• High quality audio with Quad Capsule Spatial Array Stereo Microphone and external mic input
• 7.5cm (3 inch-type) Xtra Fine LCD and electronic viewfinder

Seems like Sony are announcing something new every month and I can't wait to see what they introduce this month and next month. Thats all for my tech news. 

I am currently writing up the captions and organizing my photos for my 319 project. Its actually takes up a lot of time and that will be up very soon. Hopefully I'll have it finished by tonight.

Thats all for now. 

Thanks for reading!

Sony Announces New Cyber-Shot Cameras

Hello everyone!

Today Sony announced three new cyber-shot cameras that are able to shoot 3D images. Sony are really pushing the 3D trend and with these new cameras, it certainly opens up doors to consumers who want to try out 3D imaging but don't want to buy a Sony NEX camera. Following the images, will be the press release with the specs of these cameras.

Sony Cyber-Shot TX9

Sony Cyber-Shot T99

Sony Cyber-Shot WX5

Press Release:

 

• 12.2 megapixel Exmor R™ CMOS Sensor and new Superior Auto mode for superb images with DSLR-style low noise performance
• 1080i Full HD movie recording for playback on your HD TV
• World’s first compact still cameras with 3D Sweep Panorama
• Sweep Multi Angle for exciting 3D-style viewing effects
• Background defocus mode for stunning professional effects

Experience a new dimension of photo excitement with this summer’s colourful additions to the Cyber-shot™ family of digital cameras from Sony.

Beautifully slim, light and easy to use, the Cyber-shot™ WX5 and TX9 boast exciting new features for outstanding still picture quality compared with conventional compact cameras. Capable of shooting detail-packed Full HD (1920 x 1080, 50i) AVCHD movie clips, they’re also the first Cyber-shot™ cameras from Sony that can capture amazing 3D images to enjoy on any 3D-compatible TV.

Superior Auto mode: incredible low-noise imagesThe WX5 and TX9 are the first Cyber-shot™ cameras that can capture extremely low-noise images, evoking the expressive power of a digital SLR camera.

Powered by the 12.2 megapixel Exmor R™ CMOS Sensor, Superior Auto mode captures a high-speed burst of up to six frames when you press the shutter button. Camera settings are automatically optimised according to shooting conditions. Cyber-shot™ then combines information from each frame to create an exquisite, low-noise picture with wide dynamic range, as enjoyed by DSLR photo enthusiasts.

As an extra refinement, new Background Defocus makes it easy to achieve pro-style images, similar to the results achieved with a DSLR camera and wide-aperture lens. Cyber-shot™ rapidly shoots two frames when the shutter button is pressed. Position information between the foreground and background is analysed automatically, creating a single picture with your subject in sharp focus and a beautifully blurred background. New Soft Skin mode flatters portrait subjects even further, automatically removing small wrinkles and skin blemishes for effortlessly beautiful results.

First-ever 3D Cyber-shot™ camerasFor the first time ever, 3D Sweep Panorama lets you shoot incredible 3D images without needing a bulky, complex double-lens camera system.

Just press the shutter button: the advanced Exmor R™ CMOS Sensor inside the Cyber-shot™ WX5 and TX9 captures a high-speed burst of frames as you sweep the camera from side to side. Information from up to 100 images is automatically combined to create a stereoscopic pair of frames. You can enjoy the incredible results by connecting the camera by HDMI to your 3D-compatible TV.

Cyber-shot™ offers even more exciting 3D image possibilities.  Also new this year, Sweep Multi Angle shoots a high-speed burst of fifteen frames, creating a ‘3D-style’ image of your subject that can be viewed from different angles. After shooting, just tilt the Cyber-shot™ from side to side: sensors inside the camera detect your movements, scrolling through the sequence of multi-angle frames as you tilt and view the camera’s LCD screen. Multi-angle views can also be viewed simultaneously on an ordinary 2D television as you tilt the camera.

You can also enjoy breath-taking panoramic shots with the Cyber-shot™ TX9 while you’re snorkelling or diving. Add an optional marine housing and select Underwater Sweep Panorama mode that optimises white balance for clear, natural results with underwater subjects.

Cyber-shot™ T99 – more style, more colourAlso available this summer, the beautifully sculpted Cyber-shot™ T99 is guaranteed to turn heads with a choice of gorgeous new colour options. Inside its slim, curvaceously sculpted lines there’s plenty of smart technology – from Sweep Panorama and 720p HD movie recording to new Soft Skin mode. Like the Cyber-shot™ TX9, the T99 also features new Underwater Sweep Panorama mode for extra-wide sub-aqua scenes.

The beautiful, easy to use Cyber-shot™ WX5, TX9 and T99 digital cameras by Sony are available from mid-September 2010.

Cyber-shot™ WX5, TX9, T99 Specification table

Features	DSC-WX5	DSC-TX9	DSC-T99
Effective Pixels	12.2 megapixels	12.2 megapixels	14.1 megapixels
Image Sensor	7.81mm (1/2.3 type) Exmor R™ CMOS	7.81mm (1/2.3 type) Exmor R™ CMOS	7.76mm (1/2.3 type) Super HAD CCD
Processor	BIONZ	BIONZ	BIONZ
Lens	Sony G	Carl Zeiss	Carl Zeiss
Zoom	5x (optical)	4x (optical)	4x (optical)
ISO	Auto/125/200/400/800/ 1600/3200	Auto/125/200/400/800/ 1600/3200	Auto/80/100/200/400/ 800/1600/3200
Sweep Panorama	Yes (including 3D, Intelligent)	Yes (including 3D; Intelligent; Underwater)	Yes  (including Underwater)
Sweep Multi Angle	Yes	Yes	-
LCD screen size	7.0cm (2.8”)	8.8cm (3.5”)	7.5cm (3.0”)
Battery Life	115mins (230 shots) – CIPA standard with LCD on	115mins (230 shots) – CIPA standard with LCD on	115mins (230 shots) – CIPA standard with LCD on
Image stabiliser	Optical SteadyShot	Optical SteadyShot	Optical SteadyShot
Video recording	Full HD movie (1920x1080/50i MPEG-4 AVC(H.264))	Full HD movie (1920x1080/50i MPEG-4 AVC(H.264))	720p HD movie (1280x720 progressive 30 fps MPEG-4)
Internal memory	Approx. 32MB	Approx. 32MB	Approx. 32MB
Approx. dimensions WxHxD (mm)	91.7 x 51.9 x 21.5mm	97.8 x 59.5 x 17.5mm	93.0 x 55.6 x 16.8mm
Weight*	Approx. 130g	Approx. 133g	Approx. 105g
Colours	Black, silver, brown, gold and violet	Dark grey, gold, red	Black, silver, pink, green and violet

Sony a290 and a390 Announced

 Sony a290 and a390

Hello everyone!

On June 9 2010, Sony announced a replacement for the a2xx and a3xx entry level line of Sony Alpha DSLRs, the a290 and a390. Typically, the entry level cameras share the same basic features. In this case Sony opted to have two models instead of three eliminating any confusion between model numbers. The main difference between the two cameras is the 'Quick AF Live View' and a tilt LCD on the a390 and the a290 has a fixed LCD and has no live view. Its also worth mentioning that Sony has done away with the grip that they were criticized for and instead went with a more conventional stylish grip enabling a more comfortable hands on experience. Not much has changed internally from their predecessors except for the a290, which has had increase in megapixels from 10.2 to 14.2 megapixels.

A lot of Sony shooters are still waiting for the a7xx replacement. 

Thanks for reading!