Digital Cameras

Sony DSC-QX10 and DSC-QX100 External Lenses for Smartphones Leak

by Sohrab Osati | Aug 12, 2013 | 2 comments

In mid July, rumors began to circulate that Sony was looking to get into the camera business for smartphones. If you think that Sony already produces a great many sensors for its own fleet of Xperia smartphones and for competitors like the iPhone, you’d be correct. However, this news came with a twist that Sony was looking to make an external camera for smartphones, that would house an image sensor, battery, and memory and attach to the phone via small magnetic mounts. With sales of compact cameras declining ever since the debut of the original iPhone, Sony sees this as a solution for those who might not want a DSLR or even a compact NEX camera but still want something more than their smartphone’s camera. Thanks to leaks, it looks like Sony will indeed be delivering on this vision with the DSC-QX10 and DSC-QX100.

Sony NEX-5T to be Announced Soon?

by Sohrab Osati | Aug 8, 2013 | 0 comments

All the GoogleFu in the world won’t get you much information but if rumors are to be believed, Sony is on the cusp of announcing new NEX cameras. In addition to a refresh, it’s believed that Sony will be announcing the NEX-5T. While there isn’t a lot of information to go off of, there have been talks of a full frame NEX camera which this could be. Beyond that, all we know is that the Taiwan’s NCC Agency registered the Sony NEX-5T camera.

Sony RX1R and RX100MII Press Images Leaked

by Sohrab Osati | Jun 27, 2013 | 0 comments

Just yesterday we reported on some of the changes that would be coming to the Sony RX100MI, the next generation of the high-end Cybershot camera. Now thanks to leaked press images, we’ve learned that the Sony RX1 will also be receiving an update and will be dubbed the Sony RX1R. Starting things off is the above image from the Sony RX100MII. At first glance, nothing seems too different though we know the camera will feature many improvements. Next comes the Sony RX1 which is Sony’s extremely high compact camera that offers a full 1-inch sensor that matches and beats most DSLR out there. With lots of leaks in the past two days, it’s only a matter of time till we learn the full details about the two Cybershot cameras. After the jump, a shot of the Sony RX1R.

Sony RX100MI Leaked, Includes Tilting LCD and Wi-Fi

by Sohrab Osati | Jun 26, 2013 | 0 comments

The Sony RX100 is one amazing compact camera. In fact, we were so impressed by it that we decided to buy one, just so we could review it and in doing so, we called the Sony RX100 “nothing short of a revelation.” So how can Sony followup the 20.2 megapixel camera which features a full 1-inch image sensor with 1.8 f-stop? If you say more megapixels then you’d be wrong. Thanks to a recent leak from the devices Japanese manual, we’ve come to learn some of the tidbits that will be going into the Sony RX100MI, the next generation in the series and so far, we’re quite pleased.

Sony HX50V Photo Gallery and Video Preview

by Sohrab Osati | Apr 26, 2013 | 0 comments

It was just yesterday that we brought you news about the Sony Cyber-shot HX50V that houses a 20.4-megapixel 1/2.3-inch Exmor R CMOS sensor with 30x optical zoom. Like previous HX models, the HX50V provides a large LCD screen, high megapixel count, and a zoom that will make you think twice about shooting with your smartphone and gives you doubts on whether you really need that DSLR. Another feature that makes the HX50V stand out from other Cyber-shot models and competitor compact cameras is the hot shoe it sports on the top, which allows you to connect powerful flashes, OLED view finders, and stereo mic to name a few. While you might look a bit silly carrying around such a small camera with such a big accessory, after you import your pictures, its guaranteed that you’ll have the last laugh. After the jump, we have a gallery of the Cyber-shot HX50V with accompanying accessories and a video preview, straight from Sony to whet your appetite before the camera’s arrival at retailers later next month.

Meet the 20-Megapixel Sony Cyber-shot HX50V with 30x Zoom

by Sohrab Osati | Apr 25, 2013 | 3 comments

While it’s true that compact cameras are fading away as smartphones and tablets continue to offer more powerful and feature rich cameras, there is still a part of the population that requires them. Compact cameras also offer a host of benefits that smartphones still can’t match like higher megapixel count, better low light sensitivity and greater zoom. Cameras like the Cyber-shot also have the benefit of being less personal, allowing you to pass them around without getting tied in lock screens, requiring the owner’s computer to export pictures and allowing for easy swap of battery and memory card. If you find yourself attracted to any of the mentioned benefits, then you need to consider the Sony Cyber-shot HX50v.

So what makes this Cyber-shot a winner over your smartphone or other compact cameras? The Cyber-shot HX50V houses a 20.4-megapixel 1/2.3-inch Exmor R CMOS sensor with 30x optical zoom (note not digital). This allows for rich images with a zoom thats typically found in DSLR cameras. Interested? Lets talk details, after the jump.

Sony HX300, WX300, and TX30 High Resolution Image Gallery

by Sohrab Osati | Mar 20, 2013 | 0 comments

Last week, we reported about the upcoming Spring refresh to Sony’s Cyber-shot family which consists of the HX300, WX300, and TX30. As a recap, the HX300 offers an all new 20.4-megapixels sensor and 50X zoom zoom lens among other goodies. The more pocket friendly WX300 and TX30 opt for a smaller 18.2-megapixel sensor while the former gives you a 20X zoom lens and the latter offers a waterproof up to 33ft, dustproof, shockproof and freezeproof casing. After the jump, we’ve compiled a beautiful high resolution image gallery from these cameras.

Should You Buy the Sony RX100?

by Sohrab Osati | Mar 15, 2013 | 0 comments

Let’s get one thing out of the way; if you’re looking for the most in depth Sony RX100 review, then the following isn’t probably going to fit the bill for you. There are lots of review sites who will break down this and other cameras ISO by ISO and compare them against 10 other models. While that is a wonderful and perfectly acceptable way to approach things, chances are, that’s not how you shop for most things. Comparison is good and understanding a devices feature are smart but the reality of it is, most don’t utilize their cameras full potential. This is especially true when it comes to point-and-shoot cameras which are often just left on automatic. With our review, we set out with that criteria in mind. How good of a camera is the RX100 when all we want it to be able to pull the camera out and start capturing.

I’ve long been the family and friends memory keeper by being the person who’s always has had the camera with him, be it a party, movie night, or vacation. It’s just too bad that not all my photos are worth posting on Facebook, let alone printing them out and/or creating a booklet from like you can from iPhoto or Shutterfly. This problem will continue to manifest itself with the advent of Retina displays on all of our devices and eventual transition to 4k televisions. With the right camera at your side though, not only will your pictures turn out great for your personal viewing pleasure, but you can also be sure that their quality meets the upcoming technological changes that are either around the corner or have already happened. I’m here to tell you that the Sony RX100 is the best point-and-shoot camera I’ve ever used. After the jump, our RX100 review breaks down the super-camera’s photo/video capabilities and its retro design.

Sony Announces Cyber-shot HX300, WX300, and TX30

by Sohrab Osati | Mar 7, 2013 | 0 comments

If you’re looking for a beefier camera to sport this Spring but you’re not looking to get into more professional gear like Sony’s NEX and Alpha series, then listen up. For the upcoming season, Sony is updating their higher-end Cyber-shot cameras, starting with the HX300. Here to replace the HX200V, the Cyber-shot HX300 offers 20.4-megapixels, 50X zoom (24-1,200mm equivalent lens) with better stabilization, and a much higher autofocus speed that can focus twice as quickly at telephoto distances than the HX200V. Other features include manual/autofocus, full 1080p recording, and HDMI out. Up next is the pocket-sized WX300 which, due to its size constraints, doesn’t pack the same punch. Still, an 18.2-megapixel sensor, 20X zoom (25-50mm equivalent), autofocus which clocks in at 3.6 times faster that the previous model and Wi-Fi sharing make it a hard unit to pass up. Up next, the even thinner and waterproof TX30.

Sony NEX-3N Pictures Leaked

by Sohrab Osati | Feb 18, 2013 | 0 comments

It wouldn’t be a proper Sony camera if pictures and specs of it are not fully leaked prior to the camera’s public announcement. The Sony NEX-3N is no different, here to replace the NEX-F3 as the entry level E-mount camera. While not a lot is known about the camera quite yet, it’s expected to share many of the same traits as the outgoing F3 with a slightly sleeker form factor. After the jump, we have a few more NEX-3N pictures and specs from the F3 to give you a better understanding of the cameras likely capabilities.

Apple Adds iPhoto & Aperture Raw Compatibility Update for Sony RX1

by Sohrab Osati | Feb 13, 2013 | 0 comments

For all you Mac users out there, Apple’s ‘Digital Camera RAW Compatibility Update 4.04’ is out as a free download, adding to it a few new cameras to the list. Most importantly for our readers, Apple is now fully supporting the Sony RX1, the monster Cyber-Shot camera. After the jump, a full list of added cameras.

Sony Announces New 20mm Pancake, 18-200mm Power Zoom E-mount Lenses

by Sohrab Osati | Jan 23, 2013 | 0 comments

Though the E-mount camera segment is new for Sony, the company has been doing everything it can to grow the line of available lenses. This can prove difficult for any camera manufacture and can be that much more challenging when consumers look at your available line of lenses versus other manufactures and or Sony’s own line of A-mount lenses for their Alpha series. Enter the 20mm f/2.8 pancake and a 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 OSS powered-zoom optic E-mount lenses that we’re just announced by Sony, growing the total line to 13 E-mount lenses for the NEX series. Now lets talk dates and pricing.

Sony 16-50mm Retractable Zoom Lens Priced at $349, Ships in February

by Sohrab Osati | Dec 21, 2012 | 0 comments

While NEX-6 owners have had the Sony 16-50mm retractable zoom lens for weeks now, the rest of us have to wait till February to get our hands on them. Sony has announced that, come February, the company will release the currently NEX-6 only bundled lens for $349. Like all E-mount lenses, expect full compatibility with NEX cameras like the NEX-5, NEX-C3, NEX-7 as well as Sony’s NEX camcorders. The Sony 16-50mm lens provides a focal range and matching aperture (f/3.5-5.6) found in the Sony 18-55mm lens. Those eager enough for the new compact lens can visit Sony’s online portal for pre-order details.

20 Megapixel Sony RX100 Cyber-shot to be Available on August 8th

by Sohrab Osati | Jul 10, 2012 | 0 comments

Sony took everyone in the camera industry by surprise when it announced the Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 in early June. Equipped with a 20.2-megapixel (5472 x 3648) Exmor CMOS Low-Light Sensor and full HD 1080/60p video, the RX100 provides the compactness of the Cyber-shot range while giving DSLR quality with a full 1-inch image sensor with 1.8 f-spot, helping you achieve you crisp photos, even in lowlight.

These specs alone help the camera beat out rivals like the Fujifilm X10, and Canon S100 but its not until you see the cameras picture quality next to bigger offerings like Sony’s own NEX-5N when you really begin to realize what the compact camera has to offer. Now, Sony has set a August 8th release day for the $649 priced RX100. After the jump, you can find links to pre-ordering the highly anticipated camera.

1-inch Image Sensor Helps Justify Sony RX100 $649 Price, Bests Canon and Fuji

by Sohrab Osati | Jun 13, 2012 | 0 comments

After we published our story on the Sony Cyber-shot RX100, the $649 pocket size camera with a 20-megapixels and 1080p video, a great many of you tweeted us about the cameras price point. While the Cyber-shot line has usually ranged from $100-$500, many were surprised by the cameras higher price which places it in the entry level DSLR price territory and easily into NEX price point with the NEX-F3 being priced at $599 with a 18-55mm lens.

So what gives on the price and how is it justified? In short, Sony was able to provide a full 1-inch image sensor with 1.8 f-spot, helping you achieve you crisp photos, even in lowlight. This helps the RX100 achieve DSLR quality photos while being pocket sized at a higher MP count (20MP versus 16MP of NEX-F3). Others might look towards competitor pocket cameras like the Canon S100 (12.1MP) and Fujifilm X10 (12MP) which already sees the RX100 winning in megapixels. More importantly, it comes back to the 1-inch image sensor and the 1.8 f-spot which help the camera achieve extremely crisp photos and perform marvelously in low light.

The DSC-RX100 ISO (80-6400) also matches the Canon S100 ISO (80-6400) and beats the Fuji X10 ISO (100-3200). Sony also sweeps the max aperture comparison with 1.8 f-spot versus 2.0 for the S100 and X10. After the jump, we have a image sensor chart and sample photos from the RX100.