New Image Data Converter

Sony just released the new Image Data Converter! The update allows better high ISO conversion. Probably the same new algorithm will be availble in future firmware updates of the Sony A850 and Sony A900.

Press release:

α (Alpha) digital SLR users can now enjoy even more control over creating beautiful, low noise images with the latest release of Image Data Converter software.

Image Data Converter SR Version 3.2 now features new algorithms that significantly reduce image noise at high ISO settings when converting RAW data to JPEG files. Processing is most effective at ISO 800 and higher, delivering impressively natural results with minimised colour noise right up to ISO 12,800 (depends on DLSR model).

The new algorithm is effective when converting RAW file or cRAW files (depends on DSLR model) to JPEG files produced by all current and previous model digital SLR cameras by Sony (excluding DSLR-A100).

Image Data Convertor SR Version 3.2 is part of the Image Data Suite that also includes Image Data Lightbox SR Version 2.2. Supplied free of charge with all new digital SLR cameras by Sony, the enhanced bundle now also offers support for Mac OS 10.6 (Snow Leopard).

Registered Alpha customers can download Image Data Convertor SR Version 3.2 free of charge from the Sony Europe support website in English version from 31st March 2010. Other languages will be available to download within the next 10 working days. To download the new update, please visit: http://support.sony-europe.com/dime/digistill/alpha/alpha.aspx?

Source: Photoclubalpha

The 10 most sold Sony mount lenses in Japan

BCNranking just published the lens sales ranking for January-Febraury 2010.

The following lens list contains the 10 most sold Alpha mount lenses (including third-party producer like Sigma). Click on the lens name to see the product page on amazon.

1 Sony 75-300mm F4.5-5.6
2 Tamron AF18-200mm F/3.5-6.3 XR DiII LD Aspherical[IF]Macro
3 Sony DT 50mm F1.8 SAM
4 Sony DT 30mm F2.8 Macro SAM
5 Sony DT 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 SAM
6 Tamron SP AF90mm F/2.8 Di MACRO 1:1
7 Sigma APO 70-300mm F4-5.6 DG MACRO
8 Tamron AF70-300mm F/4-5.6 Di LD Macro 1:2
9 Sony DT 18-250mm F3.5-6.3
10 Sigma 30mm F1.4 EX DC
10 Sony 70-300mm F4.5-5.6 G SSM
10 Sigma 70-300mm F4-5.6 DG MACRO

What can we learn from the ranking?
1) No expensive Zeiss lens made it into the top 10!
2) Thirs-party producer are selling ver well!

Happy Birthday Zeiss (and give us more lenses and a digital Ikon)


Today Zeiss becomes 120 years old! Happy Birthday!

Zeiss has such an incredible history! An example: Did you know that Zeiss produced a Planar 0,7/50 mm Lens which has been used by Stanley Kubrick in „Barry Lyndon“? Zeiss Lenses have also been used by astronauts on the moon and for the “Lord of the Rings” movies.

What do I wish for the future?
1) More Sony Zeiss fast prime lenses of course!
2) Lower the price please
3) Make a digital Zeiss Ikon ZM :)

To read the google english translation fo the original german press release click the link below:

Read more

Sony TidBits


Sony A550 – product demonstration video

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Sony Cyber-shot TX7 Review (PhotographyBay)
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Sony H55 Hands-On Review (Photographybay)
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New weekly Japanese DSLR sales rankings (BCNranking)
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And here you have a NO-news: Focus Numerique had an exclusive interview with Hidenori Toyoda from Sony Japan. The Interview doesn’t reveal anything new :(

Sony TidBits


Sony at the CP+ show

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Sony Alpha DSLR-A500 review (optyczne.pl)
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Why I’m still excited about Sony’s Future …(alphamountworld)
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Focus Numerique “Sony PC + 2010, the cult of mystery” (click here to read the google english translation)
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Sony opens Apple-like Nagoya store (electronista.com)
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Amazon DEALS:
Sony DSC-HX5V
Sony A500 -$50 price drop!