Sony A1II: Next batch will arrive in March only!

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You may have noticed the new Sony A1II is out of Stock everywhere in USA (BHphoto, Amazon, Adorama ) and Europe (FotoErhardt, FotoKoch, Calumet, WexUK). Sony Japan issued a statement saying that the number of preorders was higher than expected and that this will delay the delivery of preorders. Now we have two updates:

  • Adorama reports the A1II will be back in Stock in March
  • FotoErhardt reports “expected delivery time is over 1 month(s).”

The only place were you can find the Sony A1II in Stock is as reconditioned at BHphoto (Click here).

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Explora’s Best Premium Bridge Camera of the year is still the “old” Sony Cyber-shot RX10 IV

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Explora listed the best bridge cameras you can get and according to them the best premium camera is still the over 7 years old Sony Cyber-shot RX10 IV:

The Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 IV by Sony is considered by many to be the holy grail of bridge cameras due to its high-performance features, as well as its recording capabilities. With an updated 20.1MP 1″ Exmor RS BSI CMOS sensor and BIONZ X image processor, the RX10 IV is capable of up to 24 fps shooting at ISO 12800, as well as recording UHD 4K/30p or Full HD 1080/120p video.
For users aiming to produce content that can be pushed to a professional level (for any action shot genre) we recommend considering this system. Its ZEISS Vario-Sonnar T* 25x Zoom Lens spans a 24-600mm equivalent focal length range and has a variable maximum aperture of f/2.4-4 for adept performance from wide-angle to super telephoto. Additionally, the lens utilizes the Optical SteadyShot image stabilization system which complements the lens’ reach and reduces camera shake, ensuring your subject remains in focus. At 2.41 lb, this system is the epitome of bridge cameras, and it’s available with an accessory kit that includes a shoulder bag and fast memory card.

Pity that according to my sources Sony did terminate the camera production and no replace is being developed.

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Update on the 3D printed grip extender and cooling grip from Daniel Ockeloen

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Daniel Ockeloen is developing a grip extender for the new Sony A1II and Sony A9III. He writes:

As promised, an update on the design of the extender for the A1ii (and a9iii and probably a7V) I really want Sony or someone to make. This is now a fully working prototype: 17mm height, Airtag inside, Arca plate, Peak Design plug space, and easy battery swap. The Baby Extender Grip (BEG) is my way of begging some brand to make this. I am open to some people with 3D printers to share the files so you can test them. The core is now designed around an Airtag alu part from JJC.

The extender is compatible with popular Sony models such as the Sony A1 II, Sony A9 III, and Sony A7V.

He also made a special cooling grip:

Made a 2h22m 8k 25p 50hz, 520M 10bit 4:2:2 recording with my first test a1ii cooling grip. I just wanted to see if cooling in between the lcd and body would work. I think it can go unlimited in my test case at 20c room and no direct sunlight. I stopped it at that point. I also had to attach a usb bank to the a1ii because at 1h10m internal battery was at 10%. Did this because i was bored and well engineers that are bored start to fiddle and to provide feedback to Denz Ahmet. Ill report this back to smallrig sony design manager and maybe sony or smallrig or… will add something like this to their new cases as a option or build in. Canon made a 570 euro cooling grip for the R5ii that kind of does something like this and even this small test shows it could be done for the a1ii. I have no deep feelings if a a1ii should be used for 2hour 8k video thats up to people themselves and their usecases.

Cool project!

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At the ISSCC you see the future of sensor technology: Global shutter and 3 layer sensor tech!

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I always thought that the next big leap in image quality would be the move to three-layer sensor technology. Sigma has named the Foveon sensor as such. At Isscc from February 16-20, this will be one of the main points of discussion.

The 3-layer sensor technology (Foveon) is considered a potential future of imaging because it captures all three primary colors (RGB) at every pixel location, unlike traditional Bayer sensors that interpolate colors using a mosaic pattern. Here’s why it’s promising:

  1. Superior Color Accuracy: Each pixel captures full RGB data, resulting in more accurate and natural colors compared to Bayer sensors.
  2. Sharper Images: Without a Bayer filter, there’s no need for demosaicing, reducing artifacts like moiré and providing sharper details.
  3. Better Micro-Contrast: Foveon sensors excel at reproducing fine details and textures, offering superior micro-contrast ideal for high-quality photography.
  4. Simpler Workflow: Eliminates the need for anti-aliasing filters and complex post-processing for color reconstruction.
  5. Potential for Innovation: With advancements in material science and processing technology, the challenges of high noise and limited ISO range in Foveon sensors can be addressed, unlocking their full potential.

If these challenges are overcome, Foveon and similar 3-layer sensors could redefine image quality, particularly for fields like fine art, product, and landscape photography.

A whole series of new global shutter sensors will also be presented at the same event. They are particularly interesting when it comes to video use. As a photographer, I’m more interested in seeing 3-layer technology in a future full-frame mirrorless camera. Sigma is working on it, but hasn’t gotten some production issues under control yet. Sony has patented several “ideas” in recent years, but there is still no indication of when their new sensors will be market ready.ensors will be market ready.

 

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