The Mitakon 85mm f/1.2 A and E-mount lens has been announced. It will cost $799 and ship in May for E-mount. The A-mouny version will ship later. Sample fotos can be seen at zyoptics.net. Full press release here:

Shenyang China, Apr 16, 2015 – The Mitakon Speedmaster 85mm f/1.2  is a ultra-fast portrait lens that delivers unbelievable optical performance. A maximum aperture of f/1.2 makes it extremely convenient for shooting without flash in low light conditions. Designed for the use of full frame cameras, the large aperture also provides fine control over depth of field for fascinating portrait photography. The truly circular aperture creates a shallow depth-of-field that brings attention to the subject and blurs the background, which is critical for portraits. The lens incorporates 9 elements in 6 groups with 2 pieces of Extra-low Dispersion elements & 4 pieces of High Refractive Index elements. This helps reducing aberrations and maintain excellent sharpness even at f/1.2. . Manual focus design and a click-less, silent aperture ring promote smooth handling and are especially well-suited to video applications. The lens is built of metallic enclosure with additional protective processing, which gives extra durability and aesthetic.

Pricing & Availability

Mitakon Speedmaster 85mm f/1.2 , ‘the Dream’ will be available in May at ZY Optics authorized resellers and at the official website (http://www.zyoptics.net/). Pre-order starts from 16th Apr in our official website.  The Recommended Retail price is USD 799. Free shipping & Stocks priority will be offered to those pre-ordered in our website.

There seems to be a firmware update in Japan which is not available in any other country.

Version 1.21 for the A6000: http://www.sony.jp/ichigan/update/ILCE-7_7R_7S_7M2_6000_win.html. European and US Sony stores only have version 1.20 yet.
Version 1.21 for the A7II: http://www.sony.jp/ichigan/update/ILCE-7_7R_7S_7M2_6000_win.html. European and US Sony stores only have version 1.20 yet.

Our reader Nippa from SonyAlphaForum tested the new firmware and says:

Apparently improves low light focusing in some instances. Can’t say that I see any difference but the update using Win7 went smoothly.

Our reader David says:

I updated my A7r recently to 1.21 from 1.20 and noticed much better low light AF with the 28/2. Haven’t checked other lenses yet. It’s been available in Japan for about five days. Weird that it’s not on other Sony sites yet

And Flavio said:

On the website says the 1.21 replaces 1.20 because was found a bug on the 1.20 where the camera don’t start.

I have no info yet if that’s a mistake on Sony side or if the firmware will be released within days for all other countries too.

Sony HVL-F32M Flash Review

Loxia 50mm review at Billdanby.
Rolling Sony A7II review at Planet-alpha.
Announcing the release of the 7sII!! (Instagram fool’s day joke).
Comparison between Sigma 50mm f/1.4 Art vs. Sony 55mm f/1.8 vs. Zeiss Loxia 50mm f/2 (IloveHatePhoto)
Sony A7 II Review at Imaging Resource.
Sony A7II review at Mirrorlessons.

Don: “If you are having issues with the Flash Hotshoe on your a6000, here is a quick video to explain how to easily repair it.  This fix worked with strobes mounted to the camera as well as  radio triggers.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V1vHxp3EZS8”

Christopher: “Sony A6000 + Sigma 30mm f/2.8 EX DN E + Gimp processing + Rouen cathedral bells recorded using the A6000: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3dK8iB_h2cs“

a
Off-Camera Flash Part 2: Sony Alpha Tutorial

Head To Head – Fuji X-T1 And SONY A7 II (Soundimagesplus).
Is the A7 successor still the king of sub-$2000 full-frame cameras? (Imaging Resource).
A day with the Sony Zeiss 35mm f1.4 ZA (Jorge Torralba).
16-35mm Zeiss lens review at Boksis.
Loxia 35mm VS 16-35 at 35mm test (GetDpi).
Using the Metabones mk 4 EF>Emount smart adapter on the A7II, a user review (Tyson Robichaud).
Sony A7II + Minolta 55mm MC Macro Rokkor QF 3.5 (SonyAlphaForum).

Anonymous: “The Odin for Sony is currently not compatible with the Indra500. The new firmware to make it Sony-compatible is in the works, however no release date is known so far.”

Gary: “Hey guys I just finished a video showing a review for an older Teleconverter that I picked up to use with the CX900. Its an Olympus Tcon 14B 1.45 converter. 62mm. I could not find any video samples online showing teleconverters so I bought both the Tcon and an Olympus Wcon 8b to test. You can check out the Tcon Video here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OY0rbfVqpxQ“

I posted rumors about both compact cameras the past months and I am glad to hear my rumors were spot on! Finally they have been announced: The HX90V and WX500! You can preorder them at BHphoto:
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX90V for $428 (Click here).
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX500 Digital Camera for $328 (Click here).

Here is the full press release from Sony:

SAN DIEGO, Apr. 13, 2015 – Sony today has introduced a pair of the world’s smallest 30x optical zoom cameras, the new HX90V and WX500 models.¹

The new compact cameras boast a variety of impressive imaging credentials including high-resolution 18.2 MP² Exmor R CMOS Sensors, 30x optical zoom ZEISS Vario-Sonnar T* lenses, powerful BIONZ X processors and Optical SteadyShot® stabilization, making them the ultimate companion for any travel photographer or casual weekend shooter.

The new HX90V model features the same type of high-quality retractable OLED Tru-Finder found on the acclaimed RX100 III model, making it the first truly ‘pocketable’ compact high-zoom camera with a built-in electronic viewfinder.  It also includes a variety of adjustable dials and functions including a customizable control ring, and has GPS functionality for automatically tagging photos and videos³.

Each of the new cameras also features high-resolution, 921k dot LCD screen that tilts a full 180 degrees for comfortable arms-length portraits or “selfies” and is Wi-Fi / NFC compatible.

“These two new models serve as great examples of how Sony is driving innovation throughout all aspects of the imaging business,” said Neal Manowitz, director of the still imaging business at Sony.  “With these new cameras, we’ve taken some of the most unique, advanced imaging technologies from our RX and α cameras and leveraged our unique ‘miniaturization’ ability to deliver a high-zoom shooting experience unlike anything else in the compact camera market today.”

A complete outline of key features for two new cameras is included below:

Compact Hi-Zoom HX90V Camera w/ Built-in Retractable EVF
Available in June for about $430

• – Premium 30x ZEISS Vario-Sonnar T* optical zoom lens with 60x “Clear Image” digital zoom capability
• – Built-in pop-up OLED Tru-Finder EVF w/ high contrast and vivid colors
• – 18,2 MP Exmor R CMOS sensor and BIONZ X processor ensure the finest capture details for still images and Full HD videos in all lighting conditions
• – Optical SteadyShot with 5-axis image stabilization minimizes effects of camera shake
• – 921k dot, 3.0 type LCD screen that tilts a full 180 degrees
• – Full HD movie shooting capabilities including high-speed XAVC S format at 50 mbps
• – Built-in ‘pop up’ flash for low-light shooting support
• – Compatible with Wi-Fi / NFC for seamless wireless transfer of content and with select Sony PlayMemories™ Camera apps

Ultra-Compact WX500 Camera w/ 30x Optical Zoom
Available in June for about $330

• – Premium 30x ZEISS Vario-Sonnar T* optical zoom lens with 60x “Clear Image” digital zoom capability
• – 18,2 MP Exmor R CMOS sensor and BIONZ X processor ensure the finest capture details for still images and Full HD videos in all lighting conditions
• – Optical SteadyShot with 5-axis image stabilization minimizes effects of camera shake
• – 921k dot, 3.0 type LCD screen that tilts a full 180 degrees
• – Full HD movie shooting capabilities including high-speed XAVC S format at 50 mbps
• – Built-in ‘pop up’ flash for low-light shooting support
• – Compatible with Wi-Fi / NFC for seamless wireless transfer of content and with select Sony PlayMemories™ Camera apps

New Cyber-shot®Accessories

Sony has also introduced new accessories for its Cyber-shot line including the LCJ-HWA body case and the ECM-CG60 shotgun microphone .

The new body case, compatible with both of the new HX90V and WX500 cameras, features a high-quality quality black leather-style finish for protection while offering a sure, stable grip.  The new CG60 mic attaches to the multi-interface shoe on Sony’s RX camera line to enable crystal clear audio recording during movie shooting.

The new HX90V and WX500 compact high zoom cameras and all relevant Cyber-shot® accessories will be sold at all authorized retailers throughout the Sony dealer network.

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Thanks Manoy for sharing the press release!

We have this years winners of the TIPA award. Sony cameras won in thee categories:

1) Sony QX1 as the Best Mobile Imaging Device

2) Sony A5100 as the Best Entry Level

3) Sony A7s as the Best Photo/Video Camera Professional

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Thanks Vicente for sharing this!

The only new camera announced at NAB is the HDC-4300 camcorder. It’s the World’s First 4K System Camera with Three 4K Image Sensors. The full press release can be read below.

And if are eagerly waiting for photocamera news than you will only have to wait til next week. That’s when we are going to get new RX or/and A-mount stuff!