Cameras and Camcorders

Sony, Sandisk, and Nikon Want to Make 2TB Memory Card with 500MBps Speeds

by Sohrab Osati | Dec 8, 2010 | 1 comment

Currently, the leading standard and speed from the CompactFlash association is set at a maximum transfer rate of 167MB per second, something that Sony, Sandisk and Nikon are not happy with. With Sony and Nikon making top DSRL camera’s and Sandisk making every from of Memory Card out there, the trio are looking for bigger memory cards and faster transfer speeds. Currently, all memory cards use the PATA serial interface to transfer information around. Under the new proposal, companies would shift to the newer, PCI Express serial interface which would give them speeds up to 500MPs for transferring and up to 2TB storage space, which blows away the current 32GB and 64GB sizes that are still hard to find and afford. This will not only benefit DSLR users who want to transfer their RAW files faster to the computer, but will help out the on going Megapixel war and allow users to go on full trips without needing a new card. If this new standard is also approved, this can help Camcorder manufactures like Sony as well, who currently offer plenty of hard drive based camcorders. Now a user can just buy the storage space they want, much like they would with a digital camera. According to Engadget, The CompactFlash Association has already announced a new workgroup to study the proposal. Canon’s Shigeto Kanda, CFA chairman of the board, had this to say about the proposal:

Future professional photography and video applications will require memory cards with faster read/write speeds. The development of a new high-performance card standard with a serial interface will meet the needs of the professional imaging industry for years to come and open the door for exciting new applications.

As always, hit the jump for a full press release.

Sony Announced PMW-F3 Super 35mm Camcorder for Indie Film Makers, We Have the Specs

by Sohrab Osati | Nov 30, 2010 | 14 comments

Sony camcorders have always been the go to product for studio shoots, whether it be a Hollywood product or a 3D camcorder used to record an NFL or World Cup game. Now, Sony wants to take a crack at the ever-growing indie film market with the new PMW-F3 Super 35mm camcorder with CMOS sensor. Though Sony is still ironing out some of the last minute details and pricing for this unit, we do have specs for you.

Recording modes of 1080p at frame rates ranging from 1 up to 60
Stops at important speeds like 23.98 and 59.94
Codec: MPEG-2 Long GOP 4:2:0 8bit, 35 Mbp
Feature: ‘slow’ and ‘quick’ recording, also known as “overcranking” and “undercranking” from 1 to 30 fps at 1920×1080 (17 to 30 fps in dual-link mode) and 1 to 60 fps at 1280×720 (17 to 60 fps in dual-link mode).

Hit the jump for the official press release, as well as a gallery of this upcoming beast.

More Colors for the Sony NEX Lineup?

by Sohrab Osati | Nov 1, 2010 | 13 comments

If you are a fan of the NEX lineup like we are, then you’re going to be thrilled that there might be more colors in the pipeline from Sony. Hot on the heels of their Pink NEX-3, Sony has shown off more colors for its NEX cameras. Though to be fair, Sony has yet to announce that they are serious about offering these extra colors. So in the meantime, we have to do with the Black, Silver, Red and Pink NEX cameras. Expect a CES announcement if these colors are to happen.

[Via Engadget]

New York Times David Pogue Praises Sony Alpha A55

by Sohrab Osati | Oct 20, 2010 | 22 comments

Recently, the New York Times David Pogue got his hands on the Sony Alpha A55 and he has nothing but praise for camera, calling it a game changer and declaring Sony has got its “mojo” back. Hit link to read the full article from NYT which does a really nice job breaking down what’s new and different about this camera. Now we might not be David Pogue but come on Sony, we would love to test out your camera too! Contact us?

[New York Times]

Sony Adds Pink to NEX-3

by Sohrab Osati | Oct 20, 2010 | 30 comments

Remember, Remember the 19th of November. The NEX-3 and Pink and Sony Plot. I see of no reason, why the 19th of November should ever be forgot. Just in time for Holiday shopping, on November 19th, Sony will be giving you a new color for your NEX-3 camera. Along the already available Silver, Black and Red, Pink will be the new girl on the block. Outside of that, nothing too exciting or different to report. Although, I must say, I never understand the whole “offer gadgets in pink and girls will buy” argument. I have plenty of females around me who are into tech and I’ve never seen them own a pink laptop or camera or whatever else. So when companies go out of their way to create products like this, I just tilt my head in confusion. I mean, lets not look any further then Apple, a company that caters to females. There is no pink Macbook or iPod Nano. But for pink lovers, mark November 19th!

[Via Sony Japan]

Sony Gives NEX-3 and NEX-5 Autofocus for A-mount Lenses Via Firmware Update

by Sohrab Osati | Oct 15, 2010 | 4 comments

NEX owners, it’s time to rejoice with this new firmware update from Sony. Currently,those who used the different lenses that are made for the NEX have the capability to use Autofocus or Manual focus. But those who wanted more flexibility and decided to get an A-mount lens from Sony, noticed that the camera could only do manuel focus. Via this new firmware, all A-mount lenses will now give you the capability to use Manual or Autofocus, giving you access to now 14 different lenses for your NEX.

Those who own an old beast from Sony, the A717 will remember this new feature as well, via the firmware, you camera on screen will give you an extra zoomed in picture in the corner, so you can focus on exactly the point you want to focus upon while zooming in. Other tidbits are a more streamlined UI (user interface) as well as manual focus made a little easier. Checkout the previous firmware upgrade as well.

Hit the jump for a press release from Sony, as well as the link for the firmware download.

Sony Release New Standard Def Camcorders, DCR-SX15E and DCR-SR15E

by Sohrab Osati | Oct 11, 2010 | 4 comments

Didn’t think Sony only made HD and 3D stuff now did you? Set to release this month are two new standard definition Handycam camcorders from Sony, the DCR-SX15E and DCR-SR15E. Both units rock the following:

50X optical zoom
Image Stabilization
Face Detection
2.7″ LCD Screen
Memory Stick & SD expansion.

Only difference is that the DCR-SR15E comes with a built in 80GB hard drive which will give you roughly 61 hours of video recording time. Hit the jump for the official press release. No word yet on pricing but they should be out soon.

Sony Alpha A77 at CES 2011, E-Firmware Update Soon?

by Sohrab Osati | Oct 5, 2010 | 4 comments

Sony has recently been going around and showing off its prototype Alpha, dubbed “Advances Model”, though it wouldn’t be a hard stretch to assume from its features and designs that this will indeed by the Sony Alpha A77. Rumors put it that the camera will be officially unveiled at CES 2011 and on sale sometime after that. Building off the translucent mirror technology that Sony has used in its A55 and A33, the A77 is said to have full HD video mode, recording in AVCHD. Furthermore, expect an Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor, as Sony is noting that it will be “far more powerful than the a55,” with goals to target “serious enthusiast photographers.”

Now for all you NEX owners (and I hope to be one of them by CES), Sony is looking to release a new firmware update mid October to bring “autofocus support to A-mount lenses used on E-mount cameras, aperture control in video mode and customizable keys.” In order to give users even more flexibility, Sony is looking to introduce a total of 10 new A-mount lenses by 2012 and is said to be looking for some partners to offer even a more extensive lineup. More options can never hurt, right?

Sony Alpha A55/A33 Having Sensor Overheating Issues?

by Sohrab Osati | Oct 5, 2010 | 4 comments

Various websites are pointing out that the recently-launched Sony A55 and A33 are having sensor overheating issues while recording video. That is to say, if you are recording with Image Stabilization on for a continuous 11 minutes, with temperatures higher than 70F (20C), you will notice the heat from your unit and it will probably shut down on you. This is actually caused by the new translucent mirror technology that Sony is using which has a hard time in high usage. Nikon has the same exact issue, so their solution is to just limit your video shooting to 5 minutes clips. The solution for Sony users? There are a few, actually. First, there is no video recording limit, so feel free to record as long as you feel like it until you actually notice a heat issue, and remember, this is for continuous video recording only. Shooting in few minute bursts is not an issue at all. Second, if you turn off Image Stabilization, your camera can achieve 30 minutes of continuous video recording with no problem.

Sony Alpha A33 Auto Focus

by Sohrab Osati | Sep 13, 2010 | 5 comments

We recently posted a video showcasing the ability for the A33 to shoot in its burst mode at an insane speed. Now we have the follow-up video, courtesy of Engadget, of the amazing new capability of the A33; Auto Focus. In order to activate this, all you need to do is to place the camera in video mode and the camera takes care of the rest. It does not matter whether you are recording or not as the camera will continue to pull focus as need be, a true first in the DSRL world.

Sony Bloggie Touch: Full Specs

by Sohrab Osati | Sep 8, 2010 | 23 comments

First, congratulations to Sony for not having some weird and long name for this device: The Bloggie™ Touch. It makes sense and is easy to remember. Now, onto the product itself. Here to replace the older, multi-button and confused Bloggie, the Bloggie Touch offers a beefy array of specs while having the simplicity of the Flip HD series.

Sporting a brushed aluminum body that will come in pink, black and silver, the Bloggie Touch will replace most of the buttons found on its predecessor with a new 3-inch touch screen. The device, via its F2.8 wide angle lens and Exmor CMOS sensor, will give you the capability to record in full 1080p and take stills at a 12.8 megapixel resolution with 4X zoom. The Bloggie Touch also has a USB out for computer and Playstation hookup with also an HDMI out for direct playback. Look for these units to be release in October at $180 for a 4GB unit and $200 for the 8GB version.

Hit the jump for a full gallery and press release.

Sony Alpha A33 Burst Mode Teaser

by Sohrab Osati | Aug 24, 2010 | 29 comments

On cue, Sony today has launched their new Alpha Camera’s. Among the new changes, Sony has a new mind blowing burst mode. Here is a video from Engadget as they got to have hands on with the new units. More from the camera’s from us soon.

Sony to bring new Alpha DSRL on August 24th

by Sohrab Osati | Aug 16, 2010 | 6 comments

For anybody who is looking to buy a new Alpha in the up coming week, I would recommend that you hold off on that purchase and for anybody who just bought one, I would check your return policy. As typical, Sony on August 24th will be unveiling its new Alpha lineup for the fall. As reported from the guys over at sonyalpharumors.com, the new DSRL will be getting 10fps shooting capabilites, as well as “transparent mirror (if you don’t want to have the little light loss when using the mirror).” During this event, Sony will also be updating or tweaking some of its Cybershots as well, most likely to add further 3D capabilities.

[Via SonyAlphaRumors]

Sort Of Hands On With The Sony Alpha A390 and A290

by Sohrab Osati | Jul 28, 2010 | 55 comments

While we hope Sony one day gives us love by hitting our Contact Us page and offering us units to demo and review, we won’t neglect our readers from gaining some more insight on the new Sony A390 and A290 that we reported on. The guys over at Engadget got to spend some time with it and were so far impressed saying “we were certainly impressed by both cameras’ build quality” and “the 2.7-inch LCD looked sharp and served us well for all purposes“. So hit them up for some pictures of these new units.

[Via Engadget]

Sony Adds 3D Firmware Update To NEX-3 and NEX-5

by Sohrab Osati | Jul 15, 2010 | 20 comments

I wont beat around the bush when I say that I think the NEX series from Sony is the greatest thing to happen to camera’s since they have gone digital. I’ve extensively used the Alpha 300 from Sony and fell in love with the quality of that unit (albeit, the first ones were kind of loud, something that has been addressed since). But the CyberShot is where it all began for me. I’ve had the CyberShot series since they first came out. I remembering shopping with my dad at Best Buy at the time and there were choices of 1, 2 and 3MP Cybershots. We of course decided to go with the 2MP because I didnt want the lower end of the series, but 3 just seemed like overkill. This was around 2000 or 2001. Since then, I’ve mainly stuck with the T series, T1, T3, T99, T500 and sorts, and have crossed to the W series a few times with the W330 and W230 to name a few. But ever since I used the Alpha 300 a good 3 years ago, I knew what I was missing out on. The great battle of DSRL verse Point and Shoot. Sure I want the quality of the DSRL, but I’m the person who takes my camera with me everywhere. Taking a DSRL is just not convenient and I don’t wanna be that guy. Having said that, there are times that I would love to take a DSRL and do a photo shoot (something that I have planned for the site).

With this, Sony has really answered my prayers with the NEX series. Giving me the ability to be compact when I need to be and go full out by attaching additional lenses, this makes the NEX the only camera body I might ever need. Well for those of use who are on board with the 3D ride, Sony is now updating the NEX series to support 3D Sweep Panorama pictures. Sony has stated that the 3D mode is “activated simply by pressing the shutter button and sweeping the camera from one side to the other. The NEX-5 and NEX-3 shoot a high-speed burst of frames that are automatically combined inside the camera to create a seamless panoramic still image containing depth information.”

Other things this firmware update addresses is

Improved 2D Sweep Panorama mode
Better battery usage when the camera is turned off
Faster startup when under low-light conditions.

If you’re ready for the update, go ahead and visit the Sony Cybershot site to download the needed update. If you’re not sure which firmware your camera currently has, hit up “menu,” then “setup,” then “version” on your camera now.