(SR5) The revolution is coming: NEX adapter with built-in translucent mirror!
Image on top shows an adpater with built-in mirror from Leica (something similar is coming from Sony now!)
Is this the end of DSLR-SLT cameras? That is the first sentence that came into my mind when I read the following rumor: According to my very best sources Sony is ready to launch a special Alpha to E-mount adapter with built-in translucent mirror and phase detection AF system!!! This means you can transform every NEX camera in a perfect A-mount compatible system! Something similar has been made by Leica with the Visoflex (Click here to see that adapter on eBay). The electronic viewfinder is not included on the adapter (you can attach it separately on the hotshoe). I don’t know the price yet, but it will definitely be much more expensive than the current simple Sony Alpha LAEA1 Alpha to E-mount adapter.
This could be the first step of major revolution that will make the classic DSLR (or SLT) obsolete. In a couple of years there might be mirrorless cameras only on the market. Going a huge step forwared (with my imagination) Sony could also develop adapters with built-in Optical viewfinder system! Wouldn’t that be cool? So you could have three cameras in one, Mirrorless (NEX), SLT (with EVF) and DSLR (with OVF). Ok ok, I know I am dreaming for now, but in my opinion that’s the way to go Sony!!!
But let’s make a step back, I know for sure that Sony will make SLT cameras for the next years (A77, A99 and so on). So those of you that still do prefer the “classic” camera design should not worry.
But I want to hear what you think about that “rumor”:
Loading ...Useful links:
The Leica Visoflex on eBay (Click here).
The current A to E mount adapter at Amazon, B&H, Adorama, J&R, eBay.
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(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!
dd
2 years ago |The first real révolution will be when human eye performances will be reached…
Well, somebody nows the technical specification of an eye (aperture, sensibility, HDR, …) ?
yurilee
2 years ago |F3.5, Dynamic Range~14 db, has HDR…can automatically balance exposure levels
DD
2 years ago |The performance of the human eye? Heh, not as good as you might think…
Nico
2 years ago |It’s just tell us that there won’t be a “Nex body” with A-mount as previous rumor said….
And it means that Sony believe in their Nex camera and they are right !
A lot of people still buy SLR because they think the bulky body design (and big lenses…) make them look more “professional” !! ah ah…
Nico
2 years ago |I forgot to mention that I’d like a FF Nex body TOO !!!
Geert
2 years ago |A professional camera should have decent and easily accessible controls. That currently lacks in de NEX-bodies.
I don’t even think on buying one untill it has both individual aperture and shutterspeed controls for shooting in Manual setting.
Nico
2 years ago |+1
Chad
2 years ago |Huge fallacy Geert. The NEX is an incredibly fast camera to control.
With adapted lenses you have full physical controls for aperture and shutter speed and no shutter lag.
For AF lenses, you may not have two separate physical controls for either aperture and shutter but you can toggle between them with one push of a button that rests directly on the Jog wheel – So if you want to shoot in manual mode, simply adjust your aperture with the physical jog wheel, press down at the bottom of the wheel and then spin again to adjust shutter – fast, efficient and easy. The fact that your finger never moves off the Jog control makes operation very quick – definitely faster than my X100. And if you are shooting Av or Tv and want to use exposure compensation, the controls work exactly the same.
Rachnaroch
2 years ago |Why go back to designs of 50 years ago? What we need is more level of customization, I want all the buttons in a camera, all, to be configurable, not just one or two Fn buttons. I want to decide what every wheel will be used for in every mode. It’s only software after all. I wish they came with something like apps where you can store a few configuration apps in the camera and even share them with photographers.
You can have a wheel do one stop shutter speed increments if that’s what you like (or 1/2 or 1/3 increments, or all, you decide) while I would prefer that same wheel to let me choose between a few pre-configured to my taste image or camera modes, or combinations of both. It’s only software. I’d like to see which will be the first manufacturer to offer us full control over their cameras. It’s about time.
john
2 years ago |Will this be the end to DSLR’s?
http://cdn.photojojo.net/store/awesomeness/productImages/iphone-slr-mount-e14c_600.0000001309999543.jpg
Steve Jones
2 years ago |In principle, it’s a very good idea to have an enhanced A-Mount adapter for NEX series cameras, especially if it supports screw-drive lenses (in fact I would view that as essential). The NEX would then, in effect, be the base of a modular camera system.
However, whether such a thing could be made to work seamlessly with existing NEX systems is another question. The NEX base system would have to understand the PAF system and the data interface to the new adapter would have to incorporate all the appropriate control interfaces.
Also, to make this a viable alternative to an A-Mount camera, any new NEX cameras would require in-body stabilisation and, hopefully, the potential for FF (reputedly possible with the E mount throat size). Clearly any such NEX would have to have a more substantial body than the current ones and include a built-in EVF.
Personally I think such a camera won’t be appearing soon, but it does give some slight credence to the idea of an A-Mount NEX that was rumoured a couple of weeks ago. My list of the requirements for such a camera would include :-
1) Native E-Mount
2) Enhanced A-Mount adapter with PAF & SLT
3) Body should include an EVF
4) An optional grip to optimise ergonomics when used in “A-Mount” mode
5) In body stabilisation
6) Support for CF card
Why buy this rather than a native A-Mount? Primarily to provide a more compact travel option with smaller lenses whilst still being able to exploit my collection of A-Mount lenses.
El Aura
2 years ago |@Steve Jones:
Good point about the A-mount NEX rumour (which had considered completely non-sensical on its own without this added twist). And I fully agree with your five points, except the CF card one. I don’t think the speed and capacity vs. price advantage of CF cards really warrant the extra space required in a compact camera like the NEX. If we consider buying completely new cameras (if not camera systems), the cost of replacing ones CF cards with SD cards is likely to be a minor one (annoying yes but hardly worth arguing about).
Alex
2 years ago |I want more small high quality lenses for the Nex, not more lens adapter for my big big A-mount-lenses
Clifton
2 years ago |…ok..great….now some more A77 news…please
Dee2Vee
2 years ago |+1 Clifton..
Harpo
2 years ago |++2
Milos Janata
2 years ago |+3
kalpurush :)
2 years ago |+4
Thanks Andrea
mugen
2 years ago |+ 5
Milos Janata
2 years ago |Yeah, Thanks Andrea for tomorrow’s revolutionary A77 and A99 rumors.
JOSÉ MARIA
2 years ago |I am extremely concerned about the future of DSLR / DSLT Sony. I think the amazing technological development on mirrolers cameras. Sony will dominate the market in this area. And the idea of using A-mount lens is great. But to think the system will replace the DSLT Nex is a destructive thinking for Sony.
This adapter NEX need the A-mount lenses. And Sony would continue to develop cutting-edge lens with Carl-Zeiss, for example, if the market isonly for mirrorlers? Sony professional photographers imagine coming to a wedding or event with a Nex, attaching a lens adapter and a CZ 24-70to work? The image that can demonstrate a professional with animprovised equipment, not a cutting-edge equipment.
It seems that Sony is shutting down the legacy Minolta to create technology in the field of photography.
Photographers want efficient cameras to take pictures!
This is the goal of Nikon and Canon. Evolve its equipment to make thembetter and better … to take pictures!
This adapter only shows that Sony is on the wrong track regarding DSLT!The NEX was born mirrorless camera and are creating a piece for herwork as a DSLT. Just getting uglier than a DSLT original.
Sony: Work in the evolution of its sensors – Nikon uses them better than you!
Do not let your users DSLT left – remember: a Canon or Nikon user know can always count on them.
Dulaney Ward
2 years ago |A lesns-designer friend of mine has said that he has been working on something like this for one or more major camera companies. He added that he expected that Canon & Nikon in the future will be lens makers, not camera makers.
Sony is quite entirely mindful of photographers at all levels in the cameras it makes, like Canon & Nikon. But unlike them Sony is blazing the trail to the future.
meh
2 years ago |Yeah, this didn’t need to by hyped on Friday. Still no offense meant.
The revolution is the mirrorless system. The translucent mirror is just a lifeline to the dying DSLR.
As sensors get better the lower light gathering ability of E mount lenses becomes less of an issue. As the camera market overall shifts towards smartphones, the compact market is disappearing and the DSLR is going to increasingly mark the person who carries it as a camera geek.
Why lug all that weight? most people will say.
The NEX is the revolutionary camera.
Matt
2 years ago |Some of us, myself included, will never own a smartphone. We have a burner Tracfone/Net10 phone for emergencies, and that’s the way it’s been for years and that’s the way it always will be. I can’t get myself or the wife to even use more than 50 minutes of our 300 minute/60 day allocation. Drives me mad, but that’s the way it is. One phone we had was sitting at 2500 carryover minutes before a better (free) phone came along – and, those carryover minutes were essentially free.
There is a life, you know, beyond your smartphone, twitter, and facebook. To that end, I and the rest of my family are non-members of all online social networks. We have a life, unlike the rest of the idiots wasting time on farmville.
Dennis
2 years ago |Too sad that there’s so much bad temper in this forum right now. If I were you, Andrea, I wouldn’t advertise future rumors anymore from now on – that will always keep people disappointed and they will go nuts speculating about insane features or specs, even if you write “Do not expect a picture or detailed specs.” Now you have furious readers that didn’t sleep the whole weekend and blame you for the bulkiness of the new adapter, because they see a picture of an adapter from the last century (without having ANY idea of how the new adapter will look like). And no one of them will appreciate your work, which is a pity.
Hence, let me thank you for your good work and the nice rumor. I personally don’t think that it would break anyones back, neither do I think this would be advantageous for us in the future. But I still think it’s a very interesting thing that might move more people to E-Mount.
I myself am waiting for the A77, but it is bugging me immensely that this piece of glass will eat away light and ‘compensate’ for that by adding ghosting (and Nikon will have better scores with the same sensor). NEX wasn’t an alternative to me up to now, because I want fast PDAF for my lenses. But there’s three advantages of NEX:
- compact size
- no extra glass
- tons of cheap adapters available, due to small flange distance
This adapter is the key element that finally makes NEX really interesting for me. It would allow us (or at least me) to take advantage of the best things from both worlds. However, the usefulness of the adapter will depend on the following things:
1) How many AF points? AF performance?
2) What about screw-driven lenses? Maybe NEX7 is coming with motor?
3) Price
4) Seamless integration into NEX camera handling.
5) Other ergonomics (and also style)
6) Summarizing: NEX7 + adapter = A77 ??
Therefore, it’d be great if you could get any further specs about it!
Cheers,
Dennis
john
2 years ago |“advantages of NEX:
– compact size
– no extra glass
– tons of cheap adapters available, due to small flange distance
6) Summarizing: NEX7 + adapter = A77 ??”
Add the extra glass to the NEX7 and remove ergonomics and IBIS (maybe battery life)from A77
Sounds like lose/lose to me.
Dennis
2 years ago |Yeah, if you put it like that. The loss of ergonomics is a good point, but that will depend on the adapter and the NEX7.
I don’t care too much about the loss of light in situations and the ghosting in situations where I want fast PDAF. There, I usually find okayish lighting conditions. But with NEX+adapter, I do get the option to
1) remove the extra sheet of glass and take low-light shots
2) take a small camera with me on hiking trips
3) use all kinds of old manual lenses and other brand’s lenses with a cheap adapter.
That’s why I think that I get the best of both worlds. Not at the same time, but I can chose any time which ‘world’ I want.
john
2 years ago |“But with NEX+adapter, I do get the option to
1) remove the extra sheet of glass and take low-light shots”
Only if you buy BOTH adapters.
Or do you currently have E-mount lenses?.
Or will Sony allow removal of mirror from the new adapter?
I kinda doubt it.
I’m not trying to rain on your parade just trying to point out possible problems.
Dennis
2 years ago |I’m fully aware of the 2-adapter thing. I know it sucks to buy two of them, but I then have a NEX and a A77! (If A77 ~ NEX7+adapter)
(And you’re not raining on my parade. In the end, I’ll probably still buy the A77, due to ergonomics. But it’s the first time I’m actually considering the NEX7.)
greyhat
2 years ago |Why remove IBIS from NEX-7?
If Sony add IBIS to NEX-7 it will sell more cameras, even if disengage when a E-mount lens is attached.
@admin: any news if NEX-7 may have IBIS?
They have the technology and the parts. What could be wrong on making an IBIS APS-C mirrorless camera with the best sensor available?
And if the answer is battery life, a better grip makes space for a bigger battery.
Anonymous
2 years ago |I don’t think the NEX-7 will come with IBIS because of the simple fact that Sony includes IS in their e-mount lenses (current 18-55 kit lens and upcoming 40/2 prime). Really disappointing. Maybe they can put IS in this adapter? Just joking lol.
Erational
2 years ago |I keep asking if ANY of these brave new world offerings offer in-body stabilization. The silence is deafening. Do not know about you guys, but a strong reason I bought into the Sony system was because of SSS on ANY lens, not just zooms. With this adapter, the Next 7, and the mirrorless A-mount cam leaked here- I am hearing NOTHING about SSS. Does no-one like having their primes stabilized out there any more ? Do not know why Sony why would want to throw-away their killer app that they and Minolta poured so much money into. Olympus has in-body stabilization in its mirrorless cams, yet Sony has thrown it’s SSS advantage into the fire- seemingly for the slight advantage of a few mm slimmer bodies than the competition.
JOSÉ MARIA
2 years ago |In no time the overwhelming majority of us, frenzied followers of the SAR, make critical Andrea.
This site is the best site for rumors among all brands.
Our joys and frustrations are directed at Sony and it would not be possible if the information were not given the efficiency of the SAR.
Congratulations for the excellent work and personal dedication you give to this site.
I’m sure that Sony is following to see the sense of his followers, who give valuable opinions on the direction the company takes.
CRYO
2 years ago |So now all previous rumors makes sense, if they all refer to the same camera: NEX PRO / 7
Nex 7 will ask for $1200 with kit lens, and it will also bundle with new SLT A-E adapter, which makes it the 3rd alpha camera comes together with a65 and a77, that have A mount, NEX styled and looks alike the V3.
Good job Sony. I’ll buy it, IF it does have SSS in body
Mportillo
2 years ago |Price prediction?
Rkieux
2 years ago |Why not just work on the CDAF technology to increase AF speed like the EP3? Then give us small lenses instead. Isn’t that the more logical future for the NEX?
El Aura
2 years ago |@Rkieux
Sure, no problem, just wait another ten years for contrast detect to have caught with PD-AF for really low DOF lenses (85 mm f/1.4, 200 mm f/2.8). And you might be able to increase the sensor readout rate by orders of magnitude, but increasing the speed of moving large and heavy lens elements cannot be increased by the same factor (energy-density of motors simply does not increase that much).
john
2 years ago |I totally agree. Sony’s CDAF can/should be much improved.
Here is a vid comparing the auto focus speed of the EP3 compared to the Canon 7D.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OeUNGYmmqXo
As you can see the EP3 is lightning fast at focusing on shoes sitting in a shoe rack.
BUT…
how does it do for moving subjects, low light or low contrast?
And if and object is not moving….
do you EVEN NEED auto focus?
Irfan
2 years ago |7D is a DSLR with lenses optimized for PDAF. It’s stupid to compare that with mirrorless.
Adi
2 years ago |Cool gadget, with use for some people. Don’t see myself using one (hate adapters). NEX was out of my list because it needed an external flash. Like other said why by a small camera (the only advantage of NEX over Alfa) if you start using adapters after that. But for somebody with a large collection of A lenses which decides to switch to NEX (or use NEX as a backup camera) it may make sense. Sorry but I don’t see at all the SLR/SLT becoming obsolete as I don’t see to many people preffering this solution over a standard camera (ergonomics/size).
However, as sensor evolves and will do in sensor AF I can see future mirorless Alfa cameras ( will take another 1 or 2 generations however, to get there).
zstan
2 years ago |Really lol at all the haters. This product has not even hit the shelves yet and everybody is already condemning it. Same thing like the DSLT issue last time.
I will reserve my comments for now but converter this does sound interesting.
HS
2 years ago |Does that mean we will finally get a Sony DSLR without stabilisation?
Pay much more for much less? What a great step back and really like a revolution! And a new market: NEX Accessory Backpacks
I would prefer an incamera stabilisation (steady shot?) and fast contrastfocus and an electronic adapter for at lest A-Mount (and, if I can dream, for F-Mount and Canon-Mount etc.)
And some really good NEX-lenses.
Piriya33
2 years ago |One thing about the poll.
I’ve long since ditched my Minolta Dynax 7D for Sony’s a700
I’ll soon be replacing that with the a77
But I’ve also got a NEX-5 (which I carry everywhere with me, with a Pextax 50mm f1.4 glass)
So I’ll probably be getting NEX-7 when that comes out too.
Not to mention that I also own a NEX-VG10 (though I’m not planning to get the VG-20 anytime soon)
So, yeah, I’d have gotten all of it anyways.. I guess.
But, then again, bow that I have the NEX-5, I found myself using the alpha less and less.
Vladimiros
2 years ago |Heretical, redundant, obsolete and, wow, modular. But before being modular, it`s still heretical: the NEX cameras, lacking a built-in viewfinder, are display-centred (as you can see from ergonomics and controls). A viewfinder-centred camera must offer blind-operated controls. And NEX are obviously lacking such controls. So, the electronic viewfinder is feature-esque, and the translucent mirror adapter is redundant and made obsolete by the cheaper Alpha to E-mount existing one. If you want a fast focusing mirror-less camera, buy a Pen-3. Or hope Sony will wake up.
spada
2 years ago |Umm, why would this make DSLR/DSLT obsolete? And what would make that any different than having an A55.
DSLT’s will not be obsolete, NEX cameras are still going to always be APS-C. Don’t get too far ahead of yourself. Sure, it sounds like a real cool gadget to have, but you are acting like the NEX is already the most perfect camera system ever made, and everyone should just stop making cameras forever.
Daemonius
2 years ago |NEXaflex? Amazing.. That can be solution to most problems.
Heh they could even do it with regular mirror, NEX with OVF, that would be something.
Now, what about full-frame NEX with this?
Bruce Ramage
2 years ago |NEXaflex. It’s a good tradename, I like it.
Eric
2 years ago |This is a really cool idea, and it’s something Olympus should be doing to keep their classic 4/3′s users happy since they’ve all but ceased 4/3′s production, but Sony needs native E-Mount lenses for NEX system, not a fancy A-Mount adapter. I have zero desire to use large lenses on a small camera. The only reason to buy a NEX over a traditional DSLR is size, and this adapter will take that advantage away.
Perhaps this adapter will convince some people worried about the death of the DSLR to keep on purchasing A-Mount glass, but as a current NEX user I have no interest. Give us lenses please! How hard is that to understand? A camera system can’t be a system until it has glass. If I do buy a NEX-7 I still have no idea what lenses I will use on it.
Don Cox
2 years ago |“The only reason to buy a NEX over a traditional DSLR is size”
Not size as such but thinness. The reason to buy a NEX is that it is thin enough to accept adaptors for all kinds of lenses and macro gear which cannot be used with a DSLR.
Rachnaroch
2 years ago |I see this adapter as a rather useless gimmick, but it makes the Sony system more interesting as a whole. Sometimes is not what you need or want to buy but what you know you can buy in the future if needed (which is a reason why Canon or Nikon systems have been so popular, because they give you the most choices even if yo don’t need them at a given moment, but make you feel more confident about the system).
Which BTW also makes more frustrating the lack of NEX lenses.
monster bash
2 years ago |Nice, but I will probably be satisfied with just the NEX-7. What do youo make of this A99 rumor on the Photorumors site? I don’t expect all those items on the wish list, but is it possible to obtain shutter speeds higher than 1/8000 sec with electronic shutters? Why would anyone need such a fast shutter speed as 1/24000?
emarsh
2 years ago |I don’t think that this adapter will do away with larger ‘A’ mount cameras, adapters are nice, and it sounds like they are going to make a great one for the NEX, but if you like larger cameras then, the NEX won’t do it for you, as for now they are too small for a lot of people. However, if they make a full sized NEX, then you could satisfy this group of people who want the NeX mount flexibility, all the old manual lenses of various brands can be used, plus all the old minolta maxxum lenses can be used, then hey, this would be great. Try that on a Canon or Nikon, you can’t do it.(But you could use their lenses on you NEX).
albin
2 years ago |The possibilities are amazing!
Two words: digital back
Mayby sony is working on some sort of modular camera. Nex is ideal for this. You have all the space needed to mount something in between.
Once more one can only dream
Din
2 years ago |When an image sensor can adjust the exposure for each pixel independently, we will reach the DR of the human eye.
Rob
2 years ago |This only makes sense if the adapter is a complete package that has the same ergonomics as a large DSLR. I’m attached to all my buttons and wheels, and like the ergonomics of a large body. If the adapter had the form factor of a larger body, and all the functionality, then the NEX cameras would be like interchangeale components – so when the next big change in resolution or iso comes along the Sony user could just buy the NEX body, and substitute for the old – and keep using all the same external hardward. I think Ricoh has a similar model now….
GH
2 years ago |This could really lead to a completely modular camera system. Imagine NEX bodies of various sizes with switchable grips (like the EP-3.) One could use this new adapter with a large handgrip and other accessories when shooting in the studio with a-mount lenses, and then remove the adapter and hand grips to make a small camera for street shooting later on. This really opens up a lot of possibilities.
Raul S.
2 years ago |The best use I can give to this new adapter could be on NEX-VG10, NEX-VG20 and NEX-FS100…Those cameras need fast AF lenses for fast action, continuous AF footage…for the NEX-3/5/C3/7, mmm maybe that could be excellent for big telephoto lenses (when mounted on a tripod) because anything bigger than SAL35F18 and SAL50F18 lenses it’s unbalanced to use on the current NEX-series cameras.
I’m wondering if the adapter have screw-AF compatibility with old lenses and if now it’s possible to AF with Sigma/Tamron lenses…I will buy it instantly since I’m a NEX-5 user that wanted the 50-500mm bigma to work fully =D
Me
2 years ago |Considering we don’t have any further details of what Sony might release along with this, it definetely created a lot of buzz.
Any other rumours? How about this one from today: http://photorumors.com/2011/07/18/some-sony-alpha-a99-rumors/
john
2 years ago |That rumor is almost as fake as this one
http://nikonrumors.com/2011/06/02/reality-or-fiction-nikon-d4-d4x-d400-d400x-d800-d800x-d9000-specs.aspx/
Bugger
2 years ago |As a NEX user who is contemplating a migration to the SLR/SLT system, this is pretty big news.
One of my grips of the NEX is the lack of glass and control. I actually sold my a550 to get the NEX due to its size and convenience when I wasn’t really familiar with SLRs, but now that I’m getting the hang of it, I was seriously considering moving back again because of:
- More lens choices
- Price of lenses (ie. a-mount 18-250 much cheaper than E-mount 18-200)
- More direct control
But I really liked the NEX for its
- Size
- Convenience
With this adapter, I have the option of moving between control+versatility and size+convenience, depending on whether I’m doing a simple to moderate walk/trek or doing a proper, dirty hike.
I’m just concerned with interoperatibility of lenses. Like maybe, with the adapter on, the AF isn’t as fast, etc.
Then again, that probably explains why almost all the new A lenses have the SAM in-built. Helps bridge compatibility between both mounts eh?
I feel that they should address another one of their major flaws tho – the lack of weather proof solutions.
Walt
2 years ago |The NEX is one of Sony’s big errors. Yep they sell some cameras, but look at how many lens sales they loose when folks just adapt other brands of lenses. It shows cybershot thinking on the management’s fault, they don’t understand how much money is to be made in selling a complete system rather than just selling another low cost camera body being all that they make money off of.
As one who’s used a visoflex I can say it’s ergonomics lost out long long ago to the SLR design. Even when it was around it was not a big sellor. Very antique way of doing things.
Gabriel
2 years ago |You missed to post this article on Twitter… I was reading the sequel and was so confused, because I missed this one… Just to let you know! ; )
Dan
2 years ago |Walt, get off it. Sony has no lens or system sales to loose as they are coming from zero position. Their priority is to establish themselves as a respected photo brand. If/when they achieve it, they can start worrying about how to protect their system sales. Surely, you did not miss the fact that Nikon and Canon are not in the mirrorless category exactly so that they do not canibalise their SLR sales.
Dan
2 years ago |Nikon (at least, maybe others) also made these adapters in the glory days of rangefinders (1950s and early 1960s). They allowed the use of long lenses on RF bodies – you occasionally see a 500 mm in Leica M or Nikon S (+ adapter) mount on eBay or wherever. I believe that what drove them off the market is that nobody ever got one to meter through the lens (of course, you could use a meter that didn’t go through the lens, but that’s very hard to aim with a long lens.
Greg
2 years ago |This would be very exciting if Sony can pull this off and still maintain the fast AF of the a-mount lenses on the newer a-mount cameras, if its even a little slower I would still buy SLT’s over NEX. Also, the NEX needs to achieve all the other features of an SLT, larger body design (hand grip), flash control with the Minolta smartshoe (especially wireless flash control that all Alpha SLT/DSLR’s have), battery grip. The NEX is great, but it needs to be more than a “pocket” mirrorless to truly replace an SLT. If the NEX-7 is a real camera then it might just be what I am looking for. They also need the NEX models to go down to ISO100, the sensor is capable and there are times where the difference matters enough that I want to be able to shoot as ISO100.
Adam
2 years ago |Would I be better off just buying a new lens for my a55, or should I wait to see what this is?
ieR
2 years ago |wow, 2 button SLT~ yay?
please be remind, its only works with A mount, and its a lot more expensive then the LAEA1. people would just save the money and get a DSLT instead (and more buttons)
efe-zero
2 years ago |here some photos of NEX + Visoflex…
Matt
2 years ago |Oh god, like with any true innovation no one seems to get it at first, because they can only see the here and now. So allow me to address why this will make a huge impact on the shape of things to come.
Ergonomics: If you think that this adapter is designed to go with the current crop of NEX cameras, then you probably aren’t getting the point. First of all the EVF side of things, this is completely unrelated to this lens mount adapter, just because it has a mirror in it doesn’t mean that is where you get the image from in the EVF, they two are not linked physically or for operation. SLTs get their EVF image from the main sensor – just because the mirror is directing light to where the EVF is located on that particular design has nothing to do with it’s operation, they are in no way linked. It is also no possible (or at least likely) for their to be an OVF as part of this design, too little light would be shone through the OVF. Secondly you are assuming this is designed to mount to the current NEX cameras such as the 3,C3 and 5 – while it theoretically could be made to work (and I would love it if it did) it isn’t it’s purpose as such. This is for new models of camera that we have yet to see. The a55 for example has this already buit in to the body and I would exactly call that camera an ergonomic nightmare, sure it is small but there will be other examples. The fact is that section of the camera DOES NOT have to be moulded in to the plastic body of the camera and certainly doesn’t have to be to handle well. All they are doing is creating a disconnection point to detach the front section of the camera, one that not only enables you to remove the front section, but be able to attach different elements in it’s place. Thus creating a properly modular design. Imagine being able to buy an a22 with e-mount so that you have a compact camera for travel, family snaps etc. Then you add on the front section, add on an additional hand grip with control dials (to augment the ones on the back of the body), add on a high resolution EVF and you have yourself a proper SLT. Bolt that front end onto your FS100 or VG10 and you have PDAF on your video camera. Or being able to chuck on a PL mount, M-Mount or whatever you like to a fuller body than the NEX provides, want the EVF? Stick that on too… or leave it at home – the choice is yours.
Personally I would love this, I have an a55 that I recently bought but as I was chaging systems I bought a NEX3 as well for legacy glass. Now I always have to chose which camera I am going to take, or take both. I also have conundrums as to whether to buy more e-mount stuff as it comes out (when it comes out!) or buy a-mount glass instead, knowing that I will be limited in which cameras I can use it with, especially e-mount stuff. This way I wouldn’t have to choose, I would buy lenses based on which mode I will use that particular lens in more and feel much more at ease with buying e-mount glass. If I had the coice of having the pros of both cameras in the one design I would go that route any day of the week.
The current CDAF in the NEX is pretty decent, I and many others would say it is fairly similar to entry level DSLRs, the biggest problem is the a-Mount lenses aren’t exactly well sorted for CDAF, which means they are incredibly slow when on the current a-mount adapter, this will recitfy that. Making the AF system in camera faster will likely not help anywhere near what having PDAF in the adapter will be able to do. Further to this it might be possible in this design for the PDAF to augment the CDAF offing the speed of PD with the accuracy of CD.
As far as I am concerned, Sony are the only manufacturer making a proper ‘System’ of cameras. Panasonic are a close second, however they are missing the high end and will forever do so as their lenses and mount aren’t designed for Full Frame – Sony’s are. A camera that is fully compatible with both mounts, deisgned around using both mounts (not hard to do) and give you the best of both worlds sounds pretty revolutionary to me. But not just Sony mounts, Sony are embracing their users using all sorts of weird and wonderful glass on their cameras – why not extand that to their entire line of cameras?
Sony are bringing the best of mirrorless and SLR/T together and making it easy for you to choose – have both!
Why anyone would sook and stamp their feet about this rumor is absolutely beyond me!
Anonymous
2 years ago |I agree with everything you’ve just said.
Alot of people here can only see this adapter being used on the current NEX-3/5/3C cameras. What people don’t realize is that I think Sony will have two tiers of NEX. Once entry level (NEX3/5/3C) and an enthusiast level (manual controls, two dials etc). This adapter will work best with the enthusiast level NEX. So there goes the ergonomics issue.
I don’t understand why people say they’d rather just get an a33/a55 level camera. It’s huge (in comparison to NEX) and you’re stuck with it. whereas with this concept, you can take off the a-mount adapter and stick an e-mount primes on it and you have a small compact mirrorless camera. What’s the point of buying a NEX and an a33/a55? Unless of course the adapter is MORE expensive than the a33/a55 body, which I doubt it would be.
Andrew
2 years ago |This rumor made me feel so worried, why is sony prioritizing the nex system?? Come on the alpha line is getting left behind, sony should concentrate on improving their line of lenses instead of making point and shoot cameras with ginormous lenses. And another thing why did sony make and e-mount if they planned to put alpha lenses on it, sony just doesnt make sense anymore. If they dont step up there A game on the alpha lens i’ll probably switch to canon or nikon like the rest of the world. If they’re gonna cater most of their cameras to beginners i’ll just sell all of my alpha cameras and lenses. To be more strait forward sony is commiting a sucide on there alpha line.
Frosti7
2 years ago |According to the poll:
50% of users buy SLT
50% buy NEX
Thats a good sign for sony