Digital Cameras

Sony’s Alpha NEX-5N, NEX-7, A65 and A77 Availability Revealed

by Sohrab Osati | Aug 17, 2011 | 2 comments

For those of you who want to start planning your purchase of the NEX-7, Alpha A65 or Alpha A77, the following post should go a long way to help you set things in motion.. We’ve just discovered the shipping for these models and they are right around the corner, depending on what your patience level is.

For those of you in the US and Europe:

Alpha NEX-5N September 5th-10th
Alpha NEX-7 November 7th-10th
Alpha A65 October 17th-20th
Alpha A77 October 17th-20th

Considering the offering of these cameras and the many models that Sony is launching, this time frame isn’t too bad or far and should give you enough time to start saving away. Stay tuned for more news from Sony’s camera division as a handful of lenses are also expected to be announced.

[Via SonyAlphaRumors]

Sony Alpha A77 Uses an “Electronic Shutter Curtain”

by Sohrab Osati | Aug 8, 2011 | 11 comments

We still don’t know everything there is to know about Sony’a upcoming monster, the Alpha A77, but from the occasional leaks over the past sever months, we’ve learned a good amount. Now, we have some more exciting news about some of the new internal components that Sony is using in the A77. In what is a first for Sony’s DSLR cameras, the Alpha A77 will use an electronic shutter curtain to further shorten the release lag between shots while creating zero vibration to help you get as crisp of a picture as possible to the sensor.

“In fact, as I understand it, the “electronic first shutter curtain” is a virtual moving edge just like the real shutter curtain, so you can use it even with short exposures. Columns of the sensor are turned on one by one just as if the real curtain were exposing them. Because a CMOS sensor can’t turn off as quickly as it turns on, the real shutter curtain is used to end the exposure.”

With an August 24th announcement date expected from Sony, tune in as we continue on unravel more information about Sony’s upcoming Alphas.

[Via SonyAlphaRumors]

Sony Gets Titanic-Sized Leak, NEX-5N, NEX-7 and More Revealed

by Sohrab Osati | Aug 2, 2011 | 8 comments

The captain in charge of Sony’s camera division most have fallen asleep while leaving a PDF file of their upcoming products right out in the open at internet cafe with free WiFi where tech bloggers and reporters like to hang out. Today’s leak is an interesting one because it begins to wrap up the last 6 months of Sony and their camera division. For some time now, we’ve been reporting about the NEX-5 successor and the idea of an NEX-7. Both cameras were originally destined to land in retailers by August but due to the devastating earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan, products from the electronic giant were delayed as they worked hard to restore factories to operational status again. Today’s information might not be as nicely detailed as we usually provide but when it comes to these matters, we take the information we can while a nicer press release is then eventually formulated from Sony. So let’s kick things off with a bullet overview as the information is scattered all over.

Camera:

The A77 will be 24 megapixels
The A65 will be 24 megapixels as well but with less fps (frames per second)
NEX-5N will replace the NEX-5 with an updated sensor
NEX-VG-20 is here to replace the NEX-VG10 (video camera)
LA-EA2 with built-in Translucent mirror (a new camera model, based off of the Leica Visoflex?)
XGA external OLED viewfinder will only be NEX-5N (and maybe NEX-7) capable which is an accessory attachment
Vertical Grip VG-C77AM (added grip for the A77 with extended battery capabilities)

Lens breakdowns and more after the jump.

Sony to Announce New Cybershots on July 20th?

by Sohrab Osati | Jul 12, 2011 | 55 comments

If our friends’ sources are to be believed, Sony Electronics is setting July 20th aside in order to launch a few new compact cameras. This should naturally indicate a few new models coming to their Cybershot lineup while it will still be a while longer before we see something new to the Alpha and NEX series. With the recently-announced NEX-C3 just hitting store shelves and the leaked Alpha A65 and A77, it’s not much of a surprise to not see something from those series. However, with Sony’s camera business growing with the likes of the HX9V, which has recently earned rave reviews, we are eager to see what the company brings next to the Cybershot family.

[Via SonyAlphaRumors]

Sony Alpha A65 and A77 Pictures Leaked. We Have Details and Specs

by Sohrab Osati | Jun 23, 2011 | 36 comments

Though we are still expecting an official announcement from Sony in August, the Alpha A65 and Alpha A77 pictures have been leaked and we have some juicy details and specs to share with you. First, let’s kick things off with the bigger of the two, the Alpha A77, which will be Sony’s top APS-C model (as opposed to the higher A800 and A900 series which are full frame). Though things can always change, the current A77 specs include:

24 megapixel sensor
11 point AF
10 frame per second burst
ISO of 100-102,400
Built in GPS
Compact Flash, SD Card, Memory Stick

Hit the jump for additional details including launch date, price and A65 specs.

Sony Announces Alpha A35. We Have Specs and Details

by Sohrab Osati | Jun 20, 2011 | 24 comments

If you’re looking for something a little more professional than the newly-announced NEX-C3, then the just announced Sony Alpha A35 might be just the DSLR camera for you. Here to replace the A33, the Alpha A35 sports a 16.2 MP chip that can shoot at up to 5.5 fps and 7 fps mode at 8.4 megapixels. Adding what the higher end Alphas have had now for nearly a year, the A35 also gains Sony’s Translucent Mirror live-view mode, and an electronic viewfinder, enabling you to see more and adjust more right from the viewfinder. Of course, there will be the 3-inch LCD screen to help you get even more out of your shooting experience. Taking a cue from the NEX-C3, the A35 will also feature a new Help Guide to aid both professionals and newcomers.

“Amateur photographers will appreciate the on-screen Help Guide, which gives a clear explanation of selected functions and how they’re used. More advanced photographers will welcome features such as a top panel-mounted button that is fully customizable, allowing instant recall of any one of 14 frequently-used functions according to their preference.”

Hit the jump for full details, including additional pictures, specs, price and the official press release.

Sony Cybershot DSC-HX9V Receives Rave Reviews

by Sohrab Osati | Jun 16, 2011 | 20 comments

Being a current and happy owner of the Sony Cybershot DSC-HX5V, I was curious as to what the updated version, the HX9V, would bring to the table. Judging from reviews, it seems to be a heck of a whole lot. The respected camera site the “Photography Blog” has now reviewed the HX9V and calls the camera “the best travel-zoom camera that we’ve reviewed to date.” That’s because Sony gives you a ton of features while still making sure that the camera fits in your pocket or purse, like:

16 Megapixels
1080p AVCHD Video Recording
3-inch LCD
16X Optical Zoom
Super Steady shot
2D/3D Panorama Mode
10 FPS Full-res Burst Mode
Full Manual Control
f/3.3 Wide-angle Aperture.
GPS for Geotagging
SD/Memory Stick

Hit the jump for the full story.

Sony Alpha A77 to Receive USB 3.0? We Have Additional Details

by Sohrab Osati | Jun 14, 2011 | 19 comments

Though the Sony Alpha A77 is still a product in deep development, that doesn’t mean that there are not a lucky few out there who’ve had a chance to play with the device or whatever version of it that happens to exist at the time. One of the more interesting tidbits that we have learned is that the A77 will be USB 3.0 compatible. If this is true, this will be the first of any camera or camcorder that I’ve heard of that has a next generation cable option and it really makes sense. Seeing how USB 3.0 is about 10 times faster than USB 2.0 and the A77 is set to be a 24-megapixel camera, it would be nice to be able to transfer the gigabytes upon gigabytes of pictures at a faster pace so we can spend more time editing and less time waiting. Now if they will only offer Thunderbolt as well and I’d be a happy camper.

Now, lets talk Alpha A77 specs and details. In addition to what is being described as an “insanely fast” automatic focus, even in “Tracking Mode,” users will be presented with a gorgeous OLED screen which should make taking and viewing photos that much more enjoyable.

What do you guys and gals think? Do you welcome a transition to USB 3.0 or would you prefer Thunderbolt?

[Via SonyAlphaRumors]

Sony Announces NEX-C3. We Have Pictures, Details and Specs

by Sohrab Osati | Jun 8, 2011 | 3 comments

We’ve known for months now that a new NEX-3 would be coming sometime from Sony. After all, the NEX-3 was discontinued a few months back and Sony wouldn’t let such a hot line to just sizzle away. Also, all the leaked pictures gave us a further indication that we weren’t crazy to expect a new model. And now, Sony as expected as announced a new successor, the NEX-C3.

Using the same APS-C image sensor and 16.2 megapixel offerings that are found in the current NEX-5, the NEX-C3 is able to provide them with a small footprint, giving users a smaller and more light weight camera at 225g (approximately 8 ounces) which makes the camera six percent lighter then the NEX-3. The camera which is able to shoot in 5.5fps (720p) will do it while sporting a 3-inch LCD screen with the same tilt display that we come to expect from the series. Other note worthy details include the support for both Memory Stick Pro Duo and SD card slots. 3D fans will also have a few features dedicated to them like 3D Sweep Panorama which allows you to capture wide images and then play them back on a 3D television or computer.

Hit the jump for full details, official press release and pictures.

Sony Alpha A35 and NEX-C3 to be Announced on June 8th

by Sohrab Osati | Jun 3, 2011 | 16 comments

Just a small little update. Based on previous information, we had originally pegged the Alpha A35 and NEX-C3 from Sony to be announced on June 3rd. Seeing how today is June 3rd and there has been no news, the information was obviously wrong but not by much. Sources now are pointing towards June 8th which puts at mid next week. Seeing the date shuffle is of course no surprise, seeing that Sony and may Japanese companies are still coping with the devastating events that took place in Japan a few months back. We will report back with more news and hopefully announcements on the much anticipated cameras, as soon as we get some more information.

Between the two cameras, is there one that you were looking forward to more then the other? Share your thoughts with us in the comment section below.

[Via SonyAlphaRumors]

Sony Alpha A850 Officially Discontinued

by Sohrab Osati | May 26, 2011 | 33 comments

Fans of the Sony Alpha A850 need to act fast if they want to snatch up the remaining stocks of the now discontinued camera. As Sony removes these models from their online store and begins to prepare for upcoming models, you can bet that you will find some nice prices on the A800 series. Rumors also have it that the Alpha A900 will take a drop in price to $2,000 down $700.

Thom Hogan Praises Sony’s DSLR Strategy, Warns Canon and Nikon

by Sohrab Osati | May 25, 2011 | 76 comments

It’s no secret that Sony has been making strides in the camera world. Expanding their ever growing lineup of pocket sized camera, the Cybershots and their DSLR and Hybrids with the Alpha and NEX series, Sony has gone to hold the worlds second largest camera market share while closing in on Canon for the number one spot. Now respect camera writer and Nikon fan, Thom Hogan is giving his input on the DSLR race and his got some strong words for Canon and Nikon while praising Sony.

Sony: most interesting strategies (yes plural) of the bunch. On the Alpha side went for very different technologies (e.g. pellicle mirror), which took awhile to get settled, but has clear benefits long-term. Also has been shoring up and improving dealer network here in the US, giving them a potentially significant advantage over the other players, above. Has been aggressive on price with the Alphas (some of which is happening with the dealer), and appears to be about to get more aggressive. Meanwhile, they’ve made NEX into a potentially serious mount (it currently extends from a low-end mirrorless model to a highly professional video camera). Too bad they don’t have the lenses to back it up yet. Status: making progress on all fronts, and Canon and Nikon need to be especially wary of this competitor. Forecast: one weakness is still not having all the right lenses. This blunted sales of both the full frame Alphas as well as NEX models. Even the Alpha is missing a few key lenses if it wants to tackle the high-end Canons and Nikons well. Rumors show progress on this front, but it needs to happen faster. Other weakness is in marketing. The dual strategy makes a strong cohesive “why Sony cameras matter” message very necessary.

Thom goes on to point out that Nikon and Canon continue to “pursue their old strategies: entry to pro DSLR lineups, iterated regularly, moved upscale in features and performance with each generation.” When you step back and look at my tech companies and tech sectors, he couldn’t be more right. Not many tech companies are willing or able to break the mold, instead offering an improved model the year after and the year after that. In some ways, you cannot blame them as the strategy is a safe bet for the company and investors but then you look at Sony in this case and see that they are willing to take some risks and bend some rules which is starting to pay off. Still, no one can seem to do it better then Apple.

I hate to keep using Apple as an example, but they’ve been the best available one in high tech for a long time now: strong product definition that creates new categories and quickly dominates them; effective and ubiquitous advertising and marketing; best-in-business customer support (not a very high bar); consistency in design and message; creation of ecosystems around their products. Now take that list and see how many camera companies manage any of those things. No wonder DSLR sales have peaked. No end in sight for the roller coaster ride, though we’re coming up on a big drop.

This is my exact sentiment and one that I’ve pointed out on multiple times on the site. Sony is in the perfect position to offer a cohesive product offering for the consumer, seeing how the company offers a product in almost every category and market. However, due to the size of them, the company seems to be working with multiple agencies which offers a broken down vision of the company and not a straight forward message. Throw into the mix that Sony doesn’t have a large stockpile of cash in their reservers and you can start to get a better picture why the company doesn’t advertise as much as it should. However, if the company can get their act together and start battling the likes of Apple, Nikon, and Microsoft with better advertising, Sony is really poised to gain a considerable market share in both the DSLR segment and others.

[Via Bythom]

Review: Sony Memory Stick Pro Duo vs. Memory Stick Pro-HG Duo HX

by Sohrab Osati | May 18, 2011 | 5 comments

Long time readers will note that this is an article that we ran almost a year and a half ago. Seeing how many hits the story still gets, I felt like I should update the article a little and brush up the links.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, holy shit Memory Stick Pro-HG Duo HX is a long name but we move on. My test was a simple one; to use the Cybershot HX5 (one of the best damn pocket sized cameras I’ve ever used) and I wanted to see, if I used a higher speed Memory Stick, would it impact my shooting experience. There have been plenty of scenarios where I’ve been wanting to take a picture but my camera was still processing the past picture which will of course cause you to miss the shot that you wanted to take. Things only gets worse when it’s a lower light situation and you think your camera is done taking the picture in which you move your hand away and in return, cause a blurry picture, seeing how your camera was still processing the shot.

New NEX-5 to be Revealed? (NEX-C5?)

by Sohrab Osati | May 13, 2011 | 2 comments

I’ve been eyeing the Sony NEX-5 for a long time now and the more I wait, the more weary I got about purchasing. Nothing hurts more then pulling the trigger on a gadget and new piece of tech gets announced a few weeks later. Now the following could be just a typo or really mean nothing but over on Sony’s UK site, the NEX-5 was referred to as the “previous model.” If this is indeed true, this could play directly into the June 3rd announcement where Sony is looking to announce the NEX-C3 and Alpha A35 and mow, maybe they will also have an NEX-5 (NEX-C5?) in store for us as well. You should note that since then typo or leak, whichever word you like, Sony’s UK site has changed their wording and there is no longer any usage of the word “previous.” I’m not sure if I buy into this as Sony is generally horrible at containing any surprises but if it is true, all I ask for is for a built in GPS chip. My current Cybershot HX5 has a built in GPS for geotagging photos like my iPhone 4 and being able to pull up a map and seeing exactly where you took a photo is a feature I would like to keep, once I upgrade to a larger camera like the NEX series.

How about you guys and gals? What kind of features would you like to see to the next NEX-5 model? Also, is geotagging something that you do or something that interests you?

[Via SonyAlpahRumors]

Sony to Announce NEX-C3, A35 and more on June 3rd

by Sohrab Osati | May 12, 2011 | 8 comments

Over the past several weeks, we’ve been reporting and bringing you leaked photos and specs of up coming devices from Sony. For even longer, we’ve been speculating the release date for the NEX-C3 and Alpha A35. Now, we are pleased to be able to report with confident that besides the NEX-C3 and Alpha A35, Sony will also be announcing their new 30mm Macro lens and flash accessories on June 3rd. With it being a mere few weeks away, we do wonder if there are any more unannounced products and surprise. But whether or not that holds, we can finally know the proper specs and launch date for these much anticipated products. What do you guys think about the new NEX-C3 and A35?

Hit the jump for some more leaked pictures.

[Via SonyAlphaRumors]