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Sony officially released a press text (Click here) describing the Key Strategies for the future. There is a section concerning the Imaging Division. In short they want:
1) to expand the image sensor business
2) focus on 4K-compatible cameras
3) expand sales in the mirrorless market by “introducing models that leverage Sony’s image sensor technologies to further enhance image quality“. Also size reduction and new higher-powered zooms are described as key tech for to the mirrorless success.

Note: A-mount will become mirrorless too. That’s why (I guess) they didn’t talk about the DSLR system cameras

Here is the full original Sony text regarding the Imaging Business:
“Placing image sensors, a particularly strong category for Sony, at its core, Sony is concentrating the focus of its imaging businesses on creating value-added products, while aggressively exploring new applications for its imaging technologies in both the consumer and professional markets. In terms of image sensors, the Company will continue to commercialize new sensor technologies capable of differentiating finished products, for use in a range of consumer and professional applications. The Company also plans to engage in aggressive capital investment in order to meet the robust demand for these components. At the same time, Sony is also developing technologies that further expand the range of sensor applications, including sensors capable of sensing beyond the visible light spectrum, and sensors capable of detecting and categorizing different types of information. For the professional market, Sony will continue to reinforce its professional camera lineup centering on 4K-compatible cameras, as well as cameras for cinematography. The Company will also target further business growth by extending the scope of its digital imaging technologies to new business areas such as security, sports and medical, and will reallocate resources accordingly. In the consumer market, where business conditions continue to shift rapidly, Sony aims to expand sales of value-added compact digital still cameras by introducing models that leverage Sony’s image sensor technologies to further enhance image quality, and also incorporate feature enhancements such as reduced size and weight, and higher-powered zoom. Sony will also seek to firmly maintain its number one global market share in the growing mirrorless lens camera category. Through these measures, Sony will target sales of 1.3 trillion yen and an operating profit margin of more than 10% across the image sensor, professional, and consumer categories by FY14.”

Photorumors spotted that video of a Hasselblad presentation in New York. Ready to buy it?

These new Zeiss Touit lenses look like a very great addition to the new E-mount lens range. SAR reader Rob had the pleasure to test these lenses on the Sony NEX-5n: “I just posted à long hands on review of the Carl zeiss touit 12mm on à Sony nex 5n. See http://transcontinenta.wordpress.com/2013/05/08/hands-on-review-van-de-carl-zeiss-touit-2-812mm/
I also did Many shots with the Sony nex 7 and the Same lens in the Dutch Keukenhof . See our flickr account for that with Many high res touit samples taken With the 32mm on à fujifilm XE-1 and à Sony nex 7.”

And there are plenty of new image samples and news to read: A new Zeiss Blog entry that talks about the lens design, 12mm Hands-on at Photographyblog and image samples at Photographyblog. 32mm Hands-on at Photographyblog and image samples at Photographyblog. Image samples also at Diglloyd. 12mm image samples at ThePhoBlographer.

Zeiss preorder links:
12mm f/2.8 at BHphoto, Adorama and Uniquephoto. In Europe at CameraCenter UK and FotoMundus.
32mm f/1.8 at BHphoto, Adorama and Uniquephoto. In Europe at CameraCenter UK and FotoMundus.

You know it already…the compact camera market is dramatically shrinking and the present and future of photography is smartphones with high photo quality. That’s where Sony is investing their development sources. And the next “honami” phone is supposed to come soon featuring also a new JPEG engine that we may will see in future Alpha and NEX cameras too. According to a new source the new “Sony H2″ phone “will use a 2/3″ sensor with xenon flash and Cyber-shot branding and manual controls like the RX100.”

P.S: Do not confuse the H2 phone with the H2 cybershot

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Reminder (SR = Sonyrumor):
SR1=probably fake rumor
SR2=rumor from unknown sources
SR3=50% chance it is correct
SR4=rumor from known sources
SR5=almost certainly correct!

The A99 price if slowly dropping in germany too. Lately the price was floating at around 2600 Euro and now it dropped down to 2400 in Germany at Photo Preim. It’s even lower if you buy it at eBay UK (a little bit above 2100 Euro).

UPDATE: You get the battery for grip with the A99 at Wexphotographic UK (Click here).

Thanks Alexander for finding the deal!