Sony TidBits…

24 Hours in Alaska from Ben Klea on Vimeo. (Sony A7s)

When Price is Not an Issue: A Roundup of High-End Photo Gear at BHphoto.
Great Sony Clock site.
One Million Down – with SONY Action Cam (ActionCameraRumors).
Sony α5100 tested at Photoreview.
Zeiss 16-35mm FE test at Kasaypa.
Fotodiox Lens Mount Adapter for Sony A7 Review (Movingelectrons).
16-35mm Zeiss FE test at Fengniao.
White A6000 announced in Japan (Sony).
IBELUX 40mm F0.85 to be released in November in Japan (DC.watch).

Riaan R Roux: “High Speed Sync studio strobe to Sony A99 up to 8000th second: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hWJ0oA49vvU”

Peter: “For those interested to see how the Sony a7 or Sony RX1 perform for relative amateur family, everyday and landscape use, my blog (kathmandustories.com) contains plenty of photos shot with both cameras (and in earlier entries the Sony Nex5n).  Pictures in the latest entry – Langtang Redux – were taken on the 35 f2 RX1, and on the a7 with either the 28-70 f3.5-5.6, the Zeiss 55 f1.8 or the Sony G 70-200 f4.  When hiking I have the RX1 in a small padded case strapped to the hip belt of my rucksack (I actually use a Granite Gear ice cream case, intended for brining a Ben & Jerry’s to a picnic, but the RX1 fits perfectly).  Easy access combined with some padded protection – perfect for most shots.  When I have more time I use the a7 which is otherwise packed away.  I also use a 3 Legged Thing Brian tripod with the Airhed 0 ball head – fits the slim profile of these cameras perfectly and is a versatile and stable mount for landscape and long exposures.  Weighs a lot less than my Manfrotto, although the Manfrotto is a bit more stable and quicker to set up – the 700g difference is too much so the 3LT comes with on hikes.  Overall, I love the light weight and versatility of the set up.  I went for this over a Canon or Nikon, despite the lack of lenses initially, because the bodies and lenses are all at least 30% lighter if not more, and I like to travel light (especially when I have a 15kg 3 year old on my back too!). Hope you enjoy the photos. http://kathmandustories.com/2014/11/07/langtang-redux/”

Daniel: “So I had a recent project which I thought you may find interesting. I was recently graced with the opportunity to film a short with Daniel Ilabaca who is one of the top parkour athletes (traceurs) in the world. In this short Daniel traverses through the Los Angeles landscape in ways and places that are rarely seen. It is a unique glimpse into a city that everyone knows but that few have known like this. 90% of this short was shot on the Sony FS700. It has been my go to camera for actions sports for a couple years now. Daniel Ilabaca – L.A. Found http://youtu.be/p9m-ujtNkHs”

Jorge: “2014 ZeissImages.com Contest.
It’s that time of the year again. The 2014 ZeissImages.com contest has officially begun.  Just like the previous contests we have hosted,  A big thanks to Richard Schleuning  of Carl Zeiss, Camera Lens Division for providing the winning prize once again.  This time the winner can choose one lens from the following list.
Distagon 2/28 ZE or ZF.2
Distagon 2/35 ZE or ZF.2
Planar 1.4/50 ZE or ZF.2
Planar 1.4/85 ZE or ZF.2
Makro-Planar 2/50 ZE or ZF.2
Touit 2.8/12 E or X
Touit 1.8/32 E or X
Touit 2.8/50M E or X
Loxia 2/50 E
Loxia 2/35 E
This year’s theme will be “In the Open”.  This could be any subject photographed outdoors where the surroundings blend well with the main subject and contribute to the overall image.  For example,  a nice landscape where the overall scene is the main subject, a cow grazing on a field where the surroundings make the cow seem interesting rather than boring, a portrait where bokeh from the surroundings  enhance the subject, a fire fighter surrounded by a blazing building. Being captivated by the image is what we want.
Try and avoid portraits where you are only drawn to the main subject and ignore the rest of the frame. Avoid macro work and the proverbial cornucopias.  Avoid heavy post processing that makes a photo look unnatural.
I think you get the picture now J The objective is to maximize use of the entire frame and captivate the viewer.
You are allowed three entries under the category 2014 – Contest.  This time, the contest is open to Zeiss users and non- Zeiss users as well. This will give all photographers a chance to own a coveted Zeiss lens. The only catch is that whatever camera you use must accept a Zeiss lens.
The contest will close on Dec 31, 2014 23:59:59 GMT and the judges will include staff members of Popflash Photo and ZeissImages.com“