Cameras and Camcorders

Nikon D4 DSLR Uses New Sony Sensor

When conversations tend to go down towards brand royalty, they tend to turn humorous as fans of particular companies will line up in the crosshairs and defend one company while completely destroying the opposing company with no regards to the actual dealing behind the scenes. What many don’t realize though is that outside of competition, many of these companies in part work with each other in different aspects and divisions. Sure Apple and Samsung are in a bitter patent battle but Samsung also provides many of the parts for the iPhone and iPad. In the gaming world, the PS3 and Xbox 360 tend to be a case of water and oil yet Sony and Microsoft have recently worked on a new DRAM format together and Sony computers use Windows and Microsoft Office which is where Microsoft makes its majority of its income.

The camera world tends to be no different as Sony, Nikon and Canon continue to battle each other out. So although there are plenty of reports praising Sony and their DSLR strategy and studies showing that Sony currently holds the second highest camera market share and is closing in on the number one spot, fans of other brands will still find some way to skew the reality of the situation and form a narrative that best feeds their mindset. Because of this, it’s always refreshing to find reports where a company is actually using parts from their competitor. In this case, the current Nikon D3X uses a Sony 24 megapixel sensor, a part that can be found in the Sony Alpha A900. Nikon also plans on using Sony sensors in their upcoming D4 DSLR which is rumored to be the same 36 megapixel camera sensors that will be making their way into Sony 2012 FF translucent cameras. So the next time that you want to completely lay waste to a company that you might not be fond of, it might do you well to do some research and see what parts are in your own product and even better to remember that there are people on the other end of that product, not just corporate bricks.

[via SonyAlphaRumors]

Should You Buy the ‘Sony DPF-D1020 Digital Photo Frame?’ (video)

A little over a week ago, we posted a video unboxing of the Sony DPF-D1020 for Father’s Day and today we will be reviewing the 10.2-inch Sony DPF-D1020 digital photo frame. As we mentioned in our previous post and video, although we had geared our time with it for Father’s Day, the unit itself actually makes a great gift for almost any event. In general, Father’s Day is irrelevant to our findings. Just as a recap, some noteworthy specs include:

  • 10.2-inch Backlight LCD screen.
  • JPEG, BMP, TIFF and RAW files support
  • 800 x 480 Resolution
  • 2GB of internal storage (roughly 4,000 photos)
  • Memory Stick Duo or SD card.

Beyond that, the DPF-D1020 hosts some cool features like multiple clock, calendar and picture with clock or calendar views. Mix that with my favorite feature, which enables you to set up some advance on and off time configurations, this 10.2 digital photo frame has earned a spot on our mantle. Beginner users can keep the setting on “Basic Mode” which gives them a simple option which lets them choose which days of the week they would like the unit to turn on. Followed by the same screen, instead this time asking them to select the time they would like their unit to turn off. More advanced users can instead bring up a week view, which further breaks down into hours, allowing you to choose multiple on and off times per day. This makes it perfect if you would like your unit to be, for instance, on during the morning while you are home, off while away, and on again once you are back home.

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

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

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 3D Bloggie Taken Apart by iFixit

If you have about 6 spare minutes, like a cute co-host, have a habit of taking things apart, and are interested in the 3D Bloggie, then you will like the following video. Sony’s internal video division, SGNL, along with iFixit CEO Kyle Wiens, decided to take the 3D Bloggie apart in order to show you just what goes into making a 3D pocket-sized camera while also sneaking in some specs about the 3D Bloggie. So although you might not find any new pieces of information, it’s still an interesting video to look at for your inner Tony Stark. Hit the jump for the video.

Sony Cybershot DSC-HX9V Receives Rave Reviews

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

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

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

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

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

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

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?)

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

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]

Sony 30mm Macro Lens Leaked

Though there isn’t much to go off of here, we know that Sony will eventually be releasing the NEX-C3 and a long side of it, some new NEX (E-mount) lenses. Now, we have a good idea on of those lenses and that is a 30mm macro. Thanks to a leak, we know that this 30mm f/3.5 macro lens is priced at €259, though we don’t have a specific launch date to report. We will have more for you on this as more leaks or official news come.

[Via SonyAlphaRumors]