Cameras and Camcorders

Sony Uses Large Text to Promote a7R II Camera

by Sohrab Osati | Jan 5, 2016 | 0 comments

Sometimes you just need to use all capital letters with a massive font size to get your point across. What’s funny is that the more I watch the short promo for the Sony a7R II, the more I like it. At first, it comes off a bit strong or pompous with large text flying on the screen but the reality of it is that an ad like this is exactly what Sony needs.

Not that they are actually running this ad on TV but what the piece does brilliantly and unapologetically is get to the point. What makes this camera worthy? Here are a few points to note. If I had to fault the short piece on anything, it’s that there is more time spent with words on the screen then actual results from what the camera is capable of outputting. Side note, the ad has been viewed nearly 5.5 million times!

New Sony Action Cam Models (AS50 & FDR-X2000) to Debut at CES?

by Sohrab Osati | Dec 29, 2015 | 2 comments

Like regular clock work, Sony has been using CES to debut new additions to their Action Cam lineup. Just last year, the company brought to market their 4K Action Cam (FDR-X1000V) while maintaining the same sleek design. If rumors and past history hold true, we’ll see a successor to their 4K model. According to sources,

It will be the best action cam on the market. The improvements are mainly a better sensor with improved frame rates and low light capabilities

None of this should be too surprising but perhaps even more juicy is what Sony plans to do with their AS50 Action Cam. Those details after the jump.

Sigma CEO – “Sony Will be the Major Player in the Photo Industry”

by Sohrab Osati | Dec 23, 2015 | 0 comments

In a recent interview, Sigma CEO Kazuto Yamaki had this to say about Sony:

To us, it is very clear that Sony will be the major player in the photo industry. Because they have sensor technology. In order to differentiate the products. the sensor and lens are the most important. Other things can be shared by other companies. I think in the photo industry who has a good technology of making good sensor and lens could survive. That is why we acquired the Foveon company and try to retain the technology to us.

As always, something can get lost in a statement like that without more clarification. Does he simply mean they will be a major player? If so, Sony has been the number 1 mirrorless camera maker for four years in a row and Sony sensors continue to dominate the mobile industry and power Apple’s iPhone alongside big body cameras from Nikon.

If he means THE major player, then it turns into a hell of a statement because that makes for a major shift in photography with the old guards (Nikon & Canon) losing their spots. Make no mistake though, a sea change in the photo industry has been slowly coming for some time. Forbes just the other day recommended the Sony RX100 IV and Sony A7s II over any other camera released this year. A fantastic and very candid interview with Sigma CEO Kazuto Yamaki and comments after the jump.

Forbes Recommends the Sony RX100 IV or Sony A7s II Cameras

by Sohrab Osati | Dec 22, 2015 | 0 comments

It’s easy to subscribe to the theory that Canon or Nikon still lead the digital camera world but the truth is that Sony’s been the number 1 mirrorless camera maker now for four years.

For the photographer on your gift list, what’s the best camera of the 2015 season? And perhaps you’ve been a good boy or girl and want to buy yourself a present? Well, to narrow it down to two choices – the’s a great pocket point and shoot, and a larger (and more expensive) full frame camera. Both are from Sony.

If that’s not enough, Steven Rosenbaum from Forbes follows it up with

Let’s start with the what I think is the best in pocket point-and-shoot camera, the Sony RX100 IV.

More after the jump.

Sony Adds ‘Sky HDR’ to PlayMemories Camera Apps

by Sohrab Osati | Dec 21, 2015 | 0 comments

Sony is beefing up their PlayMemories Camera app with a new addition, Sky HDR. According to Sony

This application lets you optimize the exposure when you shoot scenes containing vastly different brightness levels, such as dark landscapes with the sun in a clear blue sky. By capturing the scene twice at different exposure and shutter speed settings, then combining the best of both images in a single image, this feature expresses a wide dynamic range without using a graduated ND filter. Moreover, when you want to highlight hues such as those in a sunset, you can depict them with even greater expressive power by individually adjusting the White Balance setting of the sky and ground.

More details, including a trailer of the app after the jump.

Sony RX1R II Release Halted, Autofocus Issues the Culprit?

by Sohrab Osati | Dec 18, 2015 | 0 comments

It’s looking like Christmas might come a bit late for those who were hoping for a Sony RX1R II.

I got word from US and other Asian stores that also they will have to wait to get a new Stock of RX1rII cameras. The reason for the stop is unknown. And Sony also does not tell when they will resume sales.

UPDATE: An anonymous source (thanks!) told me: “The production of the RX1R2 is halted because of AF inconsistencies”

US stores also do not show the RX1RII in Stock anymore

Let’s talk after the jump.

Mac OS X El Capitan Gains Raw Support for Sony 7S II & RX1R II

by Sohrab Osati | Dec 15, 2015 | 0 comments

Via a recent software update, Mac OS X El Captain has gained RAW support for the Sony 7S II and Sony RX1R II. Specifically, the ‘Supported by Digital Camera RAW Compatibility Update 6.18’ update which is available from the app store brings with it

system-level support for RAW image

from the mentioned cameras. After the jump, the list of Sony cameras with RAW support on El Capitan.

Flash Drive in the Form of a Sony A7r II, Because Why Not

by Sohrab Osati | Dec 10, 2015 | 0 comments

Ever wanted to show the whole world how much you love your Sony A7r II but wasn’t quite sure how to do it? Is carrying it around with you to the office and movies just too cumbersome? Well do I have the thing for you. How about a flash drive in the shape of your favorite camera?

And yes, you have to remove the lens from the body which acts as a cap in order to use it. Brilliant. Link after the jump.

Sony Officially Buys Toshiba’s Image Sensor Business

by Sohrab Osati | Dec 4, 2015 | 0 comments

Rumored in late October, Sony has officially purchased Toshiba’s image sensor business for a cool 19 billion yen, or around $155 million. This move can only be seen as a healthy sign for Sony who has struggled so much in the past. By making large purchases, it shows that not only are the company’s financial fortunes turning around which would allow them to make such a move, but that they’re now able to move past defensive plays like stabilizing divisions and instead focus on future outlooks and strategic initiatives.

More details after the jump.

Sony’s a7S II ‘Black Spot’ Problem to be Fixed Tomorrow With Firmware Update

by Sohrab Osati | Nov 19, 2015 | 0 comments

As you’re probably aware by now, the Sony a7S II has a black spot problem where the camera algorithm accidentally blocks out the sun. Like all bugs, not every owner is being plagued with the issue but none the less, it’s a problem when a flagship camera could ruin your outdoor photos. Luckily Sony became aware of the problem fairly quickly and promised a fix.

Now we’ve received word that a fix will be arriving tomorrow.

Sony a7R II Receives Highest Ever Score from DPreview

by Sohrab Osati | Nov 19, 2015 | 0 comments

The Sony a7R II is a beast of a camera and there’s no way around that. Packed inside the now classic Sony design is the world’s first back-illuminated 35mm full-frame CMOS image sensor with 42.4 megapixels. Megapixels of course not being enough, a7r II offers up to ISO 102400 and 5-axis image stabilization with native 4K video, ensuring smooth handheld footage.

More impressive is what the camera can achieve at nighttime. You can get a taste of the camera’s lowlight filming capabilities and for those of you with 4K capabilities, you’ll be in for a treat. Taking that into consideration, it’s no wonder that DPreview has given the a7R II its highest score ever.

Sony a7 II Firmware Update to Debut Tomorrow

by Sohrab Osati | Nov 17, 2015 | 0 comments

Sony has announced that a new firmware update will arrive tomorrow for the Alpha a7 II. According to Sony, the firmware will bring with it

uncompressed 14-Bit RAW image capture and activates phase detection AF for faster and more precise autofocus with lenses designed for interchangeable-lens cameras including Sony’s α mount system.

Though Sony has acknowledged the ‘black spot’ problem on the A7S II, they’ve yet to issue a timetable for a firmware fix. The full statement on the A7 II firmware update can be found after the jump.

Sony Has a Fix For the a7S II ‘Black Spot’ Problem

by Sohrab Osati | Nov 12, 2015 | 0 comments

Remember how the flagship Sony a7S II has that black spot problem where the camera algorithm inexplicably covers up the sun? As it turns out, the problem is not an isolated incident and spans to most a7S II units. Luckily as we’d presumed, the issue is one that can be solved via a firmware update and Sony is not only aware of it, but on top of it as well.

A statement from Sony is after the jump.

Sony Wants Your Feedback on RX10 II and RX100 IV

by Sohrab Osati | Nov 11, 2015 | 0 comments

Sony is in need for a bit of information. Specifically, the company wants some feedback on the RX10 II and RX100 IV. As a recap, the RX10 II offered the world’s first 20.2-megapixel Exmor RS stacked back illuminated CMOS sensor with high resolution 4K movie recording with direct pixel readout and no pixel binning. Not to be outdone, the RX100 IV offered the world’s first 1.0-type stacked CMOS image sensor with DRAM chip enables up to 40x super slow motion and up to 1/32000 sec. super-high-speed.

Now Sony wants to hear from the owners of the powerful compact cameras.

Sony a7S II Has a ‘Black Spot’ Problem

by Sohrab Osati | Nov 6, 2015 | 0 comments

Do not attempt to adjust your computer/mobile device screen. The above photo was taken directly on the Sony a7S II, the flagship full-frame mirrorless camera and has not been accidentally Photochopped in any way. The black spot you see comes courtesy of the algorithm on the camera which likes to black out the sun.

Yea, let’s talk some more after the jump.