Digital Cameras

Sony NEX-5N Firmware to Resolve Clicking Noise Issue

by Sohrab Osati | Oct 3, 2011 | 3 comments

Just under a month ago, Sony released the Alpha NEX-5N to much fanfare. The highly-praised and much-anticipated camera gave users some of the best features from a DSLR and camcorder while keeping the design different and not as hard to handle. In the weeks to follow, reports quickly surfaced of an odd clicking noise when in video mode. The NEX-5N clicking noise seemed to originate from the camera’s image stabilization though Sony would never confirm. They did, however, state a free fix for all NEX-5N owners and that the problem would be addressed in future shipments from the factory. Now a simpler fix is in the pipes for all those who don’t want to send in their camera to Sony. Sony UK had the following to say:

“I understand you are thinking or purchasing a Sony NEX-5N camera. This is not an inherent fault with every single NEX-5N. I can confirm that a firmware fix will be released in October to resolve any issue with the affected models. I can confirm that the firmware update will totally eliminate any issue with the affected Sony NEX-5N cameras. Should you require further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me.”

Though still not confirming the problem, it’s nice to know that the issue is software and not hardware, which means that a recall doesn’t need to take place. No word yet on the exact release window of the Sony NEX-5N firmware but we will let you know more as we learn anything new.

Sony Responds to NEX-5N Clicking Noise Issue

by Sohrab Osati | Sep 27, 2011 | 2 comments

After week or so on the market, news began to spread about a clicking noise that would emit from the NEX-5N when in video mode. Once flipped over to this mode, as soon as the user began to pan with the camera in any direction, the clicking noise would initiate, thus ruining your video if the audio was actually important to you. The likely culprit in all this seemed to be the image stabilization from the camera body, though we have no concrete evidence of that being the flaw. This unfortunate glitch has now casted a cloud over an otherwise amazing camera while halting many would-be owners from purchasing one.

Luckily, Sony seems to have found a reason behind the NEX-5N clicking noise issue and will be fixing the problem under warranty for current owners while addressing the issue at the root of the cause: the factories which they ship from.

We have received reports of a “clicking” sound which may be heard in the audio playback of movies recorded by the NEX-5N camera. This phenomenon occurs if the camera undergoes sudden motion while recording; motion generally inconsistent with smooth video recording.

The video is unaffected by this sound. In accordance with Sony’s policy of continuous product improvement, an adjustment has been developed to reduce the clicking sound resulting from sudden motion during movie recording.

Sony will offer this performance improvement to NEX-5N end users during the period of its limited warranty accompanying the product. Please call 888-868-7392 to arrange for this improvement.

Sony still wouldn’t confirm exactly what the problem was, though at this point, as long as the models shipped in the future work properly, we couldn’t care less.

[Via Popphotos]

Sony NEX-5N Emits Clicking Noise While in Motion (video)

by Sohrab Osati | Sep 16, 2011 | 19 comments

We’ll chalk this one under disappointing news to start the day off with. I’ve long been looking for a camera that can handle both my photography and video needs. Taking one piece of camera to events like CES and E3 sure beats lugging around two different devices. While the NEX-VG10 or the upcoming NEX-VG20 would be the device of my choice, it’s frankly out of my budget, seeing how this entire site is run from my personal wallet. Step in the NEX-5N with it’s more than capable photography and full 1080p 60fps recording. The perfect camera that is light weight, compact and powerful. With my birthday fast-approaching, I strategized that between my own savings and help from family members who are never sure how to attain gifts for a techie and a geek, the NEX-5N would fit the bill perfectly. While attending Sony’s “Catch The Tablet” event at their new flagship store on Wednesday, I even had a nice long amount of hands-on time with the camera and almost pulled the trigger on a purchase though I pushed off the idea to today or this weekend.

Now comes news from multiple sites that the camera, when in motion like panning or simply walking, emits a clicking noise. The issue itself isn’t a big deal (though it shouldn’t be making it in the first place) if you are taking stills. However, if video is something you tend to do with the camera, the noise becomes very apparent, very fast. Endgadget, who has conducted a video test (that you can find after the jump) and was able to contact Sony on the matter, had this to say:

“Sony reps on hand to acknowledge and confirm the issue, which seems to plague every NEX-5N that we’ve tried. This is still very fresh, so Sony doesn’t have a fix or even a statement to issue, but because 1080/60p video is one of this camera’s headline features, we’re going to recommend holding off on your purchase until the company can confirm what’s causing the issue.”

Our site tends to stay away from the doom and gloom side of tech where we scream betrayal when a certain glitch shows up in a product. However, in this case, we do have to side with Engadget and say that unless you are planning on shooting stills only, we’d recommend holding off on purchasing the NEX-5N until some form of explanation and remedy is in order. After the jump, a video from Engadget showcasing the “clicking” noise of the NEX-5N.

The Sony NEX-5N Vs the NEX-5. We Do a Specs Comparison

by Sohrab Osati | Sep 9, 2011 | 38 comments

When companies launch newer models of an existing product, it can be hard at times to tell exactly what changed verses the previous model. Sure, you can dig up the old specs and compare them to the new specs, but that on its own can be time consuming and a hassle. That’s why, after the jump, you can find a simple chart that pits the Sony Alpha NEX-5N against the predecessor Alpha NEX-5 and gives you a side-by-side comparison of the key features and differences between the new mirrorless cameras.

Sony Puts the Alpha NEX-5N On Sale and NEX-7 for Pre-order

by Sohrab Osati | Sep 7, 2011 | 7 comments

If the only thing that’s been stopping you from purchasing the Sony Alpha NEX-5N has been the lack of availability, you now have no more roadblocks to pass. Sony has officially put the Alpha NEX-5N on sale in a bare body configuration for $599 while the body + 18-55mm lens will set you at $699. For those looking for something even beefier, the Sony Alpha NEX-7 is now available for pre-order with an early-November release date. This time, the body will cost you $1,199 while the body + 18-55mm lens will give you a $1,349 price tag.

[Via Sony]

Meet the NEX-5N. We Have Specs, Pictures and Pricing for You

by Sohrab Osati | Aug 26, 2011 | 4 comments

The successor of the popular NEX-5 is finally here and as expected, is called the NEX-5N. This midrange and mirrorless camera from Sony might seem identical to the NEX-5, but is capable of offering a heck of a lot more and will probably be more than enough of a camera for those who are not willing to venture into the NEX-7 territory. First, let’s get the specs out of the way.

Touch-screen display
Electronic First Curtain shutter
Revised 16.1MP CMOS sensor
1080p 60p HD movies in AVCHD format (MP4 format supported as well though in a lower resolution)
10fps continuous shooting mode (at full resolution)
ISO 100-25600
Auto ISO limit of 3200
In-camera CA, vignetting and distortion correction
Creative Control results-orientated user interface
Picture Effects processing options
New accessory attachment

After the jump, further details, including the price and pictures.

Sony Alpha A77 Preview (video)

by Sohrab Osati | Aug 25, 2011 | 22 comments

Can’t wait to get your hands on the Sony’s new flagship DSLR, the Alpha A77? Or maybe you’re like us and you simply can’t afford one but would like to learn all that you can from it. If you answered yes to either of those or you just like techy videos, then this video should help tide you over. Sony’s own SGNL channel put together an Alpha A77 preview during which they give you a video overview, demo out some of the features, and explain some of the new technology in the Alpha A77.

Discuss:

From what you’ve seen of the Alpha A77, is this the right camera for you or do you prefer something else from the Alpha lineup? Let us know in the comments section.

Sony Unwraps the NEX-7. We Have Specs, Images, and Pricing

by Sohrab Osati | Aug 25, 2011 | 42 comments

Earlier today, Sony unveiled the NEX-7, the long rumored and now flagship NEX camera. This ground breaking and mirrorless camera will be joining the newly announced NEX-5N and recently released NEX-3C with a handful of firsts for both Sony and the camera industry. This one of a kind camera will be the first of its kind to offer a 24.3 megapixel APS-C sensor which should help the camera deliver photo quality that will be unmatched. Keeping to the NEX tradition, the NEX-7 follows a similar design that is slightly larger than the NEX-5 but offers a ton more features. First, a 2.4 million dot OLED screen with XGA (1024 x 768-pixel) resolution will unfold your images for you with an EVF (electronic view finder) for the pro users. As Engadget puts it, the new EVF lets “Sony frame the image with a variety of indicators, without allowing them to overpower your subject.” Another long requested feature also makes its way into the NEX-7, a pop-up flash and Alpha hot shoe which is just incredible, considering the footprint of the entire camera.

Sony also knows that a big draw of the NEX series has always been their capability to record video without compromise, unlike traditional DSLR’s. Powered by the same 24MP APS-C CMOS sensor, the NEX-7 can also shoot in 1080p/60fps AVCHD and a stereo mic. MP4 recording will also be supported, though not at the same resolution. With a hot shoe on top, owners will also be able to provide their own microphone or flash of choice to further enhance their video recording experience.

Speed will be another draw of the NEX-7 which can optionally use the new electronic first curtain. This allows Sony’s flagship camera to decreases shutter lag from 100ms to just 20ms. That’s not all; Sony is also introducing a new Tri-Navi interface which should be championed by both casual and pro users. The Tri-Navi interface allows you to use the dual top-mount control wheels and real mount control wheel to adjust various settings without the need of jumping in sub menus. An example would be where one wheel controls aperture, one controls shutter speed, and the third lets you adjust the ISO. With this optional interface enabled, you can quickly make the needed changes without the added time that it would require to adjust each individually. Users will also be able to create their own unique button layouts.

Sony NEX-7 Specs:

All-new 24MP APS-C CMOS sensor (shared with the SLT-A7 and A657)
ISO 100-16000
Built-in 2.4M dot OLED EVF with eye sensor
Electronic first-curtain shutter (cuts response time from 100ms to 20ms)
‘AVCHD Progressive’ 1080p60 HD movie recording with built-in stereo mic
Tilting rear screen
Three-dial user interface
Built in flash and Alpha hotshoe
Infra-red remote control receiver

Sony has also been aware of their user base wanting more lenses without having to use adaptors to use competitor offerings. To counter this, Sony also unveiled three new E-mount lenses and one new A-mount lens. The NEX-7 will be available this November in a kit with an exclusive black 18-55mm zoom lens for about $1350, or as a body-only for about $1200. We’ll bring you more updates and information on the NEX-7 as they develop.

Sony Announces Three New NEX E-mount Lenses, One Alpha Lens, Confirms LA-EA2 Mount Adaptor. We Have Specs and Prices

by Sohrab Osati | Aug 24, 2011 | 14 comments

Like clock work and as expected, Sony opened the flood gates this morning by announcing a bevy of new cameras which will continue to build and strengthen the companies Alpha and NEX line of cameras. Sony knows that in order to further gain market share in the DSLR market and to bring in users from the Nikon and Canon crowd, they need more then just dazzling camera bodies. That’s why, along side of their new camera’s Sony also announced three new NEX E-mount lenses, one new Alpha lens and confirmed the rumored LA-EA2 mount adaptor which we had previously reported on that will allow NEX cameras to use Alpha A lenses without losing any functionality. More details, including specs, images and pricing after the jump.

More Pictures Leaked From the Upcoming Sony Alpha A77

by Sohrab Osati | Aug 24, 2011 | 70 comments

There is so many leaks from Sony’s camera department right now that it’s hard to keep track of them, let alone make a unique opening paragraph or photo pun, that it makes me shutter (see what I did there?). After giving you the Sony Alpha A77 specs and even telling you the differences to expect between the A65 and A77, the only thing that is left (besides an official confirmation of their existence) is to show you more pictures. You will find more official pictures after the jump which show you the flagship A77 from some different angles. Sony is expected to launch a series of new Alpha cameras on August 24th, including the NEX-5N, NEX-7, Alpha A65 and Alpha A77. Stay tuned as we bring you more leaks and coverage as they happen!

Sony Alpha A65 and A77 Spec Differences

by Sohrab Osati | Aug 22, 2011 | 68 comments

Over the week, we revealed to you the full Sony Alpha A77 spec sheet, which detailed the nitty gritty of the upcoming flagship model from Sony. With the A77 now charted for its release date, our eyes turn towards the Sony Alpha A65, which we previously revealed to you as nearly identical to the A77, minus the magnesium alloy body that the A77 comes housed in. Now, with a little more digging, we can reveal further differences between the Alpha A65 and the A77. For some, these can make or break the deal while others might find solace that they can spend less while getting all the features that they want. After the jump, find the differences between Sony’s Alpha A65 and A77.

Sony Alpha A77 Specs Revealed

by Sohrab Osati | Aug 20, 2011 | 23 comments

Over the last several weeks, we’ve revealed quite a bit about Sony’s upcoming Alpha A77—like the incorporation of an ‘electronic shutter curtain,’ which is designed to shorten the release lag between shots while creating zero vibration. Now, we have a lot more of the nitty gritty details and specs of the Sony Alpha A77 to reveal to you. We’ve already discussed some of these before, but plenty of it will be knew to those who are keeping up with the weekly updates.

24.3 MP Exmor HD CMOS sensor
19 points AF sensor with 11 cross sensors
ISO 100-16000, with expandeable ISO 50 option
1920 x 1080 60p/24p AVCHD 2.0
P/A/S/M manual controls while recording video
1200 zone metering
Completely new developed Bionz processor
12 fps
1/8000 shutter speed

After the jump, you can find even more A77 specs.

Sony Announces the DEV-3 and DEV-5, a Digital Recording Binocular. We Wonder Why (video)

by Sohrab Osati | Aug 19, 2011 | 11 comments

Today, Sony unveileved a new and interesting product, a pair of digital recording binoculars called the DEV-3 and DEV-5. However, unlike your traditional binoculars which are only good for viewing, the Sony DEV-3 and DEV-5 have one big trick of their sleeve; to record as well. Both units are capable of recording 1080p HD video while capturing stills with a 7.1 megapixel camera. It also wouldn’t be Sony without them incorporating their Exmor R CMOS sensors which are designed to provide noise free images, even in low light situations. But once again, this digital recording binocular has a trick up its sleeve—or maybe two tricks. Sony opted to include not one, but two Exmor R CMOS sensors in both the DEV-3 and DEV-5, allowing for native 3D 1080p video recording with dual f/1.8-3.4, 0.5-10x optical zoom lenses, and a pair of 1,227-dot viewfinders. Other features include manual focus, SteadyShot, and Image Stabilization. All this puts you at a $1,399 price point for the DEV-3 while those who are looking for some more features can look towards the DEV-5 for $1,999. The extra $600 in this case will get you 10x digital zoom, GPS, a carrying case, and neck strap. Both models will come equipped with Memory Stick Pro Duo and SDXC support for capturing your content, a stereo microphone with an audio input jack, and HDMI-out for playback on other devices.

While all of this sounds fine and I’m sure the device will be more than capable with traditional build quality that Sony provides, I have to wonder why Sony has decided to make such a device in the first place. As I noted, the concept is pretty cool and it seems like a great device to use but I doubt too many family members will opt for a binocular to record their next kid’s birthday party or vacation, and forget business, unless they are in the espionage market. This automatically greatly reduces the market share to a very small niche community who enjoys the great outdoors and has disposable income. The great question in this case than becomes, can Sony, who is notorious for creating great devices but is always been poor at marketing them, really sell enough of these to be worthwhile? Outside of the cost of building one of these, boxing them, shipping them to retailers which will of course be only a limited few providing some form of support, there is still the R&D to take into consideration. When we add all these costs and consider the limited market that will take interest in this device, unless Sony had a 50% profit margin on these (which they don’t), I cannot imagine them ever making a profit on such a device. In a time where many of Sony’s core businesses are hurting, unless I’m missing something about this device and the targeted market, it seems that Sony needs to kill off all niche market products and strengthen their core business. After which, I would be more than happy to see them work on side projects like this which are catered to the small crowds out there. However, till then, Sony has an obligation if not to itself, then to its shareholders, to increase profitability and market share and I don’t believe such devices are the answer to that.

After the jump, a press release, video overview and additional pictures await you.

Sony’s LA-EA2 Lens Adapter Leaked. Allows NEX Camera’s to Use Alpha Lenses

by Sohrab Osati | Aug 18, 2011 | 19 comments

Remember that massive leak of Sony cameras that are heading towards us like the NEX-7 and Alpha A77? Well, add one more hole to Sony’s ship (which is good for us!) with this latest leak that reveals Sony’s new LA-EA2 lens adapter. This new adapter allows you to use lenses which were originally created for Sony’s mirror-less Alpha lineup. As Wired puts it:

Sony’s smart take is to put a translucent mirror in there to skim a little bit of light from the image traveling to the camera. This is then sent to a phase-detection autofocus sensor in the base.

With the ability to use different Sony camera lines with different Sony lenses, Sony is bringing the family full circle with this latest adapter and giving buyers another reason to invest solely in the Sony camera world. Just as a reminder, NEX lenses can also be used on Sony NEX camcorders which again further strengthens Sony’s position.

[Via Wired]

Sony Alpha A35 Sensor Tests Put It Neck in Neck with Alpha A55

by Sohrab Osati | Aug 17, 2011 | 13 comments

If you’re all about sensor result tests and side by side charts, will this post put a smile on your face. A recent sensor test from the folks at DxOmark pitted the Sony Alpha A35, A55 and A580 against each other and revealed that the new A35 is capable of performing at the levels of the A55 though both models trail the older A580. If you thought that this was interesting, you can find additional results between the three models like ISO sensitivity and their exact specifications.

[Via DxOmark]