Park Cameras Hands-on First Look: Sony a7s II

Beautiful Japan pictures reportage (SonyAlphaForum).
Sony A7sII review at TheVideoMode.
A7sII review by Mirrorlessons.
Sony IMX258 Flyer (Image Sensor World).
Sony 28-70mm f3.5-5.6 OSS review by ThePhoBlographer.
a6000 and 12mm touit in Yosemite at MoveToMirrorless.

Edd: “I recently finished writing reviews for the three small auto focus Sony FE primes. Analysing how well each lens copes with different infra-red wavelengths. This was tested on a full spectrum Sony A7, with various filters. I thought this might be of use any A7 shooters wanting to try out IR because most of these lenses aren’t mentioned on any other IR lens list yet.
28mm – http://infraedd.blogspot.co.uk/2015/10/lens-review-sony-fe-28mm-f20.html
35mm http://infraedd.blogspot.co.uk/2015/11/lens-review-carl-zeiss-sonnar-t-fe-35mm.html
55mm – http://infraedd.blogspot.co.uk/2015/10/lens-review-carl-zeiss-sonnar-fe-55mm.html”

Fiberstrobe: “I’ve developed a freelensing technique for the SEL16F28 + VCL-ECF1 but I guess it can be used with the FF version as well. I describe it in detail on my blog:
http://fiberstrobe.blogspot.de/2015/07/can-we-get-bit-closer.html
http://fiberstrobe.blogspot.de/2015/09/freelensing.html
http://fiberstrobe.blogspot.de/2015/09/freelensing-versus-30mm-macro-with.html
By the way I’ve just won a dpreview challenge (Freelensing) with one of my photos taken with this technique (although it was a mini challenge I have to admit):
http://www.dpreview.com/challenges/Entry.aspx?ID=942059&View=Results&Rows=4”

Sony Europe deals:
Aktion: 15% Rabatt auf Original Zubehör und bis zu 50 EUR Sofortrabatt auf Objektive (Amazon Germany).
Bis zu 50 EUR Sofortrabatt auf den Kaufpreis beim Kauf einer ausgewählten Sony Kamera (Amazon Germany).
Gratis Halterung für Sony Alpha 7R (nur Gehäuse) (Amazon Germany).
Up to £200 cashback on a selected Sony Digital Imaging selection (Amazon UK).
Offre de remboursement Sony : Jusqu’à 100€ remboursés sur une sélection de produits Photo (Amazon France).

Hurray…This was superfast! Read this:

“Sony will release a firmware update for the α7S II camera on 20th November, 2015. It is designed to eliminate the occurrence of a black spot that may appear in frame when shooting in a specific set of high intensity light conditions.  The new firmware, version 1.10, will be available for download through Sony’s e-support site http://www.sony.eu/support/ on the product page for model “ILCE-7SM2“

found via EosHD.

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A7sII store list:
In USA at Amazon, BHphoto, FocusCamera, Adorama.
In Europe/Asia at ParkCameras, WexUK, Jessops and Digitalrev.

ZEISS Loxia and Batis On Location Review

Sony FS7 firmware update confirmed for December 2015 – gains 2K center scan, movable focus magnification and more (Newsshooter).
Sony 70-200mm f4 OSS review at ThePhoBlographer.
Sony RX10 vs. Panasonic FZ1000- Powerhouse All Rounders at Bargain Prices (Photographic Central).
Zeiss Otus 55mm review at SLRlounge.
Digitizing my diapositive slides with my A7 (SonyAlphaForum).
Sony A7RII and Zeiss Milvus 85mm (Jorge Torralba).

David: “Earlier today it occurred to me that sometimes we all forget to just have some fun with the camera. Today I set my new A7RII to use Sonyy’s creative modes and wandered around Richmond, a city-fringe suburb of my home town of Melbourne, taking photos. Here is a link to some of the photos that I liked: http://havefunwithsony.blogspot.com.au/2015/11/back-streets-of-richmond-victoria.html
Thinking about it, I am surprised about how many camera reviews (not just the A7RII) cover nothing more than “and it has the usual creative modes as well, if you’re that way inclined.” They’re fun!”

Anonymous: “Although clearly not a Sony rumor, your readers might find this interesting. Here is an active Kickstarter Project that is going gangbusters: Hercules – The World’s Smallest Camera Motion Control System.
Link: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/2044759634/hercules-the-worlds-smallest-camera-motion-control/comments
Depending on the Reward that you select, this is a pocket-sized device that will do motorized panoramic moves, motorized time lapse moves, motorized dolly moves on any flat surface and motorized slider moves on the supplied track.
Be sure to read the updates section regarding the Stretch Goals. They have already reached a Stretch Goal #1 that allows magnetic to be used for speed ramping start/stop and repeat moves — like a second shooter for a B-Camera.
Anyway, I thought your readers might find it interesting, especially while the campaign and reduced pricing is still available.”

Sony Europe deals:
Aktion: 15% Rabatt auf Original Zubehör und bis zu 50 EUR Sofortrabatt auf Objektive (Amazon Germany).
Bis zu 50 EUR Sofortrabatt auf den Kaufpreis beim Kauf einer ausgewählten Sony Kamera (Amazon Germany).
Gratis Halterung für Sony Alpha 7R (nur Gehäuse) (Amazon Germany).
Up to £200 cashback on a selected Sony Digital Imaging selection (Amazon UK).
Offre de remboursement Sony : Jusqu’à 100€ remboursés sur une sélection de produits Photo (Amazon France).

Lightroom CC 2015.3 and Lightroom 6.3 are now available on Adobe.com. It adds support for the new RX1RII and Loxia 21mm FE lens.

One day earlier than expected the new A7II firmware update is already available for download through Sony Eu sites. Here are the links:
UK: Windows / Mac
Germany: Windows / Mac
France: Windows / Mac
Italy: Windows / Mac

Benefits and improvements:

• Adds the selectable feature for uncompressed 14-Bit RAW image capture(*)
• Adds support for AF Phase-detection for LA-EA3/LA-EA1
• Adds custom buttons for MOVIE recording

Tomorrow (Nov 18) Sony will release the A7II firmware update which adds impressively improved AF performance and uncompressed RAW. And on Sunday (Nov 22) Sony will launch their first Black Friday deals.

The official press text about the upcoming A7m2 firmware update:

SAN DIEGO, Nov. 4, 2015 – Sony Electronics, a worldwide leader in digital imaging and the world’s largest image sensor manufacturer, has announced plans to release a free firmware update for α7 II cameras on November 18^th that will add 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.
The α7 II becomes the latest Sony full-frame camera, along with α7S II, α7R II and RX1R II to offer uncompressed RAW capture, which becomes a selectable feature (uncompressed/compressed RAW) within the menu system.
Additionally, it becomes the second Sony camera, along with the flagship α7R II, to offer fully-functional phase detection AF to A-mount lenses in addition to E-mount lenses. The firmware update activates the 117-point focal plane phase detection AF sensor on the α7 II for lenses beyond just the native Sony FE lenses. This includes Sony’s extensive collection of A-mount lenses, which can be utilized along with the LA-EA3 mount adapter.
“We’re continuing to innovate, with a clear focus to ensure we are meeting the needs and demands of Sony α customers,” said Neal Manowitz, Vice President for Digital Imaging at Sony Electronics.  “The addition of Uncompressed 14-Bit RAW processing and the activation of phase detection AF brings a level of performance and versatility to the α7 II that is well beyond any camera in its class.”

In addition to these feature upgrades, the MOVIE button can now be assigned to a custom button..

The new firmware, version 2.0, will be available for download at no cost through Sony’s e-support site www.esupport.sony.com on the product page for model “ILCE-7M2”.

Today SLR Magic announced a new Full Frame E-mount lens. It’s the CINE 50mm f/1.1. Full details here:

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PRESS RELEASE

NEW: THE SLR Magic CINE 50mm F1.1

Hong Kong, China (November 17, 2015) – SLR Magic begins it’s FE-mount lineup with the SLR Magic CINE 50mm F1.1 standard angle lens. The product will be officially introduced during upcoming InterBEE 2015 fair in Tokyo.

The field of view of this new lens corresponds to a 50mm lens in 35mm format and this fast standard angle of view opens up many new creative composition opportunities, particularly in the fields of portrait, interior, architectural and landscape cinematography and photography. Additionally, a fast max aperture of F1.1 makes the SLR Magic CINE 50mm F1.1 ideal for available-light photography.

We place our highest priority in the development on our lenses to fulfill the demands of professional cinematographers and photographers. The design and build of the SLR Magic CINE 50mm F1.1 is solid and reliable.

The SLR Magic CINE 50mm F1.1 (MSRP: $349 US/ $1,999 RMB) will be available from authorised SLR Magic dealers starting beginnng of December, 2015.

The SLR Magic CINE 50mm F1.1 will be first presented at InterBEE 2015 fair. There would be a demo at the ATOMOS booth in (No. 3404, Hall 3) during the fairs which are to be held in Tokyo from 18th to 20th of November 2015. For visitors at InterBEE fair, we welcome you to drop by and try.

Technical Data SLR Magic CINE 50mm F1.1

Lens Type:
Fast standard lens

Compatible Cameras:
FE-mount and E-mount cameras

Optical Design:
6 elements in 5 groups

Distance Settings:
Distance range: 0.50m to ∞, combined scale meter/feet

Aperture:
Manually controlled diaphragm, 13 aperture blades , Lowest value 16

Filter Mount:
Internal thread for 52mm filter; filter mount does not rotate.

Surface Finish:
Black anodized

Dimensions:
Length to bayonet mount: approx. 54.8mm (approx. 2.16in)
Largest diameter: approx. 63.00mm (approx. 2.48in)

Weight:
approx. 400g (approx. 14.11oz)

Andrew Chan
Product Manager