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The Sony RX series became quite popular thanks to the superbly made RX100 and RX1. And of course we can expect Sony to release an RX10 APS-C sensor camera this year. But while the RX100 and the RX1 have no competition to fear the RX10 will play in a busy and growing segment. Today Nikon announced the “Nikon Coolpix A“. An APS-C compact camera with fixed 28mmf /2.8 lens. I am not impressed by the use of a slow lens but more about the tiny size of the camera. it’s much smaller than the Fuji X100s and Pentax MX-1.

There are so many ways Sony could do the RX10. I just hope they will use a faster lens than the Nikon, a hybrid viewfinder like the Fuji and the price of the Pentax…yeah I know I am dreaming. I am pretty sure there will no built-in viewfinder!

Nikon price and specs at Amazon, Adorama and BHphoto.

RX series price and specs check:
RX100 at [shopcountry 12780]
RX1 at [shopcountry 15824]

As you know two weeks ago RED told Sony that they have to stop the further sale of the Sony’s F65, F55 and F5 cameras and have them destroyed…yes they literally the word “destroyed“. Sony finally answered RED and said: “Sony has now had an opportunity to study Red’s complaint and the asserted patents, and categorically denies Red’s allegations. Sony intends to defend itself vigorously in the Red lawsuit. Sony looks forward to prevailing in court, thus vindicating the Sony engineers who developed Sony’s quality digital cinema cameras.” (Source: Filmmakermagazine).

And at the same time the first batch of the new F55 (here at BH) and the F5 (here at BH) shipped out. And there is even a new firmware update (1.03). Just to say how relaxed Sony is about this RED danger :)

USA Deal reminder:
Sigma lens:
Sigma launched a series of new rebates on their A-mount lenses at BHphoto (Click here). The same deal is advertised on Amazon Gold Box page too (Click here). But for some weird reason their link doesn’t seem to work!
NEX-6 superkit deals:
There is a super “Ultimate Bundle” deal for $919 at [shoplink 17231 ebay]Beachcamera (official Sony reseller)[/shoplink] and [shoplink 17232 ebay]BuyDig (via eBay)[/shoplink].
A57 beats the rest:
Curious but the “old” A57 is selling better than the new A58 accoridng to the Amazon ranking (Click here).

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The new Contax G to E-mount adapter with full electronic aperture and autofocus control is now available for sale at www.deo-tech.com. Original price is US$299 but pre-orders will get 20% off and there is a 1 year international warranty. Shipping…now!
Some early tests can be read on the Chinese Xitek forum.

May not all know that Contax lenses are actually made from Zeiss :) Superb quality for a great price!
Here is the list of great G lenses with links to eBay price:
Hologon 16mm; 1:8 on [shoplink 16235 ebay]eBay (Click here)[/shoplink] -> (will not work on the DEO TECHART adapter).
Biogon T* 21 mm; 1:2,8 on [shoplink 16236 ebay]eBay (Click here)[/shoplink] -> (will not work on the DEO TECHART adapter).
Biogon T* 28 mm; 1:2,8 on [shoplink 16237 ebay]eBay (Click here)[/shoplink].
Planar T* 35 mm; 1:2,0 on [shoplink 16238 ebay]eBay (Click here)[/shoplink].
Planar T* 45 mm; 1:2,0 on [shoplink 16239 ebay]eBay (Click here)[/shoplink].
Sonnar T* 90 mm; 1:2,8 on [shoplink 16240 ebay]eBay (Click here)[/shoplink].
Vario-Sonnar T* 35 – 70 mm; 1:3,5-5,6 on [shoplink 16241 ebay]eBay (Click here)[/shoplink].

In case you missed it on top you can watch the full CameraDiner Interview with Sony UK manager Joe Asai. Some of the SonyAlphaRumors readers question have been answered during the show!

Many Sony products got awraded by the iF product design award 2013 (Click here). Here you can read the winners and the reason why the designers liked them:

Sony A99:
High-end DSLR featuring a 35 mm full-frame sensor. To offer the exceptional control that shooters demand, the designers focused closely on the grip shape, front-to-back shape and button layout. Taut-looking surfaces seem stretched over each element, from the body to the grip to the pentaprism, giving the camera body an aura of high performance and a sculptural, well-integrated appearance.

DSC-RX1:
Proofing that good things can come in small packages, this camera packs a 35 mm full-frame sensor and large f/2.0 lens into a compact, spartan body of magnesium alloy. For satisfying control and pride of ownership, the smooth, luxurious lens barrel and buttons were refined by repeatedly fine-tuning a universal layout. Subtly rounded ends support both form and function, creating a nicely squarish body that is easier to hold.
And there is also a special Jury-Statement on the RX1:
I love the quality of this camera lens. There are so many details and textures. It also has a very modern feel to it. Here Sony has imagined how to do things differently than anyone else. It is wonderfully designed. Every detail is appropriate. This is a mechanical piece with pleasantly surprising high-quality details.

DSC-RX100
The DSC-RX100 is small and light, but features a 1” image sensor. High-quality aluminum is used for the body, ensuring optimal rigidity and texture. The main controls are metal and the styling emphasizes the edges, giving users a sense of the camera’s reliability. The centrally positioned lens tube, with a diameter nearly equal to the height of the body, allows the camera to be held securely and makes the control ring easy to operate. The solid feel of the body – not seen before in this class – and the premium simple shape make this camera a joy to own, inspiring users to give free reign to their creativity.

NEX-5R
Innovative interchangeable-lens camera housing a large image sensor in a body as small as it can be – barely tall enough to accommodate the mount. Though compact, the camera offers welcome features, such as an LCD screen that tilts to include the shooter and enable high- and low-angle shots, expanding shooting options. A generous grip maintains usability even with larger lenses. Also designed for fast shootings, because a rapid settings adjustment is possible via a dial on the back.

DSC-HX30V:
Although a pop-up flash suppresses vignetting in shots applying the optical 20x zoom, the flash sits higher than the mode dial across from it. Fortunately, gently slanted surfaces provide a graceful transition and elegant design accent. Inside, the reassuring grip is a high-capacity capacitor for bright flash in zoomed shots. Subtly contrasting body and lens finishes, a nicely finished band around the body, a perfectly positioned power button and other details make this a highly polished camera.

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via TalkNex.

As you know Nikon uses also Aptina sensors in order to become more independent from Sony. So it is interesting to read the latest news (Source: Engadget) about the Aptina-Sony agreement:

Here is the text:

Aptina Enters into Patent License Agreement with Sony

SAN JOSE, Calif.–Aptina today announced that it has signed a patent cross-license agreement with Sony, which provides each company with access to the other’s patent portfolio.
Aptina and Sony have built industry leading patent portfolios that include seminal image sensor patents covering image capture and processing methods. These technologies are fundamental to the world’s growing image sensor industry, with sales of over two billion units annually, and found in almost every consumer electronics device including smart phones, automobiles, tablets, televisions, gaming platforms, medical equipment and digital cameras.
This cross-license agreement enables these two innovation leaders to operate freely and use each other’s patented inventions to advance the pace of development for cameras and other imaging applications. The cooperation fostered by the cross-license reinforces the ability of both companies to provide compelling imaging solutions to their customers.
“Patents and innovation are a critical component of Aptina’s strategy, and Aptina’s patent portfolio is the largest and strongest in the image sensor industry,” said Bob Gove, President and CTO of Aptina. “We believe that this powerful blend will advance technology to realize our goal of enabling consumers to capture beautiful images and visual information.”
Aptina, the foundational CMOS imaging company, began within Micron Technology in 2001 with acquisitions of early CMOS imaging companies Photobit and then Avago Technologies’ image sensor business. Aptina became an independent company in 2009. Aptina delivers advanced CMOS imaging solutions to all major imaging markets and is the leading supplier in many markets including the rapidly growing automotive market.

P.S:: Sony also announced the sale of their huge Sony building in Osaki (Source: Engadget).

A99 Handheld with Carl Zeis 16 to 35 F2.8, Steadyshot On from The Lightshapers Studios on Vimeo.

Sigma 35mm f1.4 review at CameraLabs and Photozone.
Informal Lens Comparison: Sony 35mm f1.8 (NEX) vs Fujifilm 35mm f1.4 (X Mount) at ThePhoBlographer.
Sony DSC-RX100 review by Admiringlight.
A superb Vario-Sonnar T* 2,8/16-35 ZA tets report by Paul James on Zeiss Blog.
Sony NEX-3n image gallery at Whatdigitalcamera.
Sony’s moment of truth (The New Yorker).
sony 500mm f8+sigma tc 1.4x ex DG+vivitar tc 2x mc4 DGII on the sony nex 5n. A 2100mm test(!) on Flickr.
Replacing the NEX-6 LCD at Hellyeahpictures.
German NEX-5r review at Heise.