On Monday Sony will sell the remaining 5% Olympus stake

Back in 2013 Sony bought 11% of Olympus. They helped the company recover after the huge Olympus fraud scandal. Sony now announced that  it will sell the remaining 5% shares on Monday. Reuters reports:

Sony Corp is selling its 5% stake in Olympus Corp back to the Japanese medical equipment maker for 80.4 billion yen ($762.88 million),

Sony said in a statement it decided to sell “considering that the initial purpose of the capital alliance to establish collaboration between Sony and Olympus has been accomplished and after reviewing the rationale for owning the Olympus shares.”

 

Samyang 18mm f/2.8 FE officially announced!

Samyang has officially announced the new 18mm f/2.8 FE lens which is available for preorder at BHphoto, Adorama.

Press:

An ultra compact lens weighs only 145g, with a wide field-of-view of 100˚ on full-frame. 8 out of the lens’s 9 glass elements are specialized, and a linear STM motor provides fast and precise autofocusing. Every unforgettable moment can be captured with exceptional quality. Broaden and deepen your photographic world with the AF 18mm F2.8 FE – an innovative wide-angle AF lens that offers new possibilities.

Sony has officially announced the new A6100 and A6600 cameras, 16-55mm f/2.8 and 70-350mm lenses

Sony has officially announced four new APS-C products! Here is all the info you need (post will be continually updated):

Preorders:
Sony A6600 at Amazon, BHphoto, Adorama, FocusCamera. In EU at Calumet DE, Park UK, WexUK.
Sony A6100  at Amazon, BHphoto, Adorama, FocusCamera. In EU at Calumet DE, Park UK, WexUK.
E 16-55mm F2.8 G at Amazon, BHphoto, Adorama, FocusCamera. In EU at Calumet DE, Park UK, WexUK.
E 70-350mm F4.5-6.3 G OSS at Amazon, BHphoto, Adorama , FocusCamera. In EU at Calumet DE, Park UK, WexUK.

Whats hot:
– Sony A6600 has 14 bit RAW!
– We got the very first GM classified APS-C lens!

Surprise:
There will be one more camera announcement soon…A7sIII?

Previews and hands-on:
Hands-on by Sony Ambassadors on Alphauniverse.
Sony A6100 vs A6400 vs A6600 – The 10 main differences (Mirrorlesscomparison).
Sony A6600 review so far (CameraLabs).
Sony E 16-55mm F2.8 G Hands-on Photos (PhotographyBlog).
Sony A6600 hands-on photos (PhotographyBlog).
First look at Gizmodo.
Hands-on by Engadget.

Official press releases:
A6600/A6100 press release on SAR.
Lens press release on SAR.
A6600 product page at Sony.
A6100 product page at Sony.
E 16-55mm product page at Sony.
E 70-350mm product page at Sony.
Press on Explora.

Sony A9 firmware 6.0 will be available in September:

Difference between A6100, A6400 and A6500:

Youtuber Videos:

Products Videos:

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Press release: Sony Strengthens APS-C Mirrorless Camera Line-up with Launch of Two New Models

Preorders:
Sony A6600 at BHphoto, Adorama and Amazon. In EU at Park UK, WexUK.
Sony A6100  at BHphoto, Adorama and Amazon. In EU at Park UK, WexUK.
E 16-55mm F2.8 G at BHphoto, Adorama and Amazon. In EU at Park UK, WexUK.
E 70-350mm F4.5-6.3 G OSS at BHphoto, Adorama and Amazon. In EU at Park UK, WexUK.

Sony today announced two new additions to its α™(Alpha™) APS-C series of mirrorless cameras with the launch of the Alpha 6600 (model ILCE-6600) and Alpha 6100 (model ILCE-6100). These new additions to the range integrate Sony’s advanced technologies into compact and lightweight bodies including leading-edge autofocus performance, superb image quality and the very latest video technologies. The new Alpha 6600 has been designedtoaddress the needs of the most demanding photographers and videographers with its versatility making it suitable for multiple types of shooting scenarios and users. The Alpha 6100 is targeted at users who are looking to make the step-up to shooting with interchangeable lens cameras and wish to shoot high-quality photos and videos in a variety of different situations.

The Sony APS-C range has been further strengthened by the launch of two new lenses, the E 16-55mm F2.8 G standard zoom lens and the E 70-350mm F4.5-6.3 G OSS super-telephoto zoom lens. With this announcement, Sony’s versatile E-mount system now features a total of 54 lenses.

“Our ‘One Mount’ strategy to continually expand the E-mount system, cameras and lenses with complete inter-compatibility between full-frame and APS-C, means that we want to offer the widest range of exciting products that customers can select from when choosing the right tool for their needs,” said Yann Salmon Legagneur, Director of Product Marketing, Digital Imaging, Sony Europe. “The APS-C market is extremely important to Sony and the Alpha 6600 and Alpha 6100 are both cameras that pack-in the very latest technology breakthroughs and whether you shoot stills, video or a combination of the two, we are confident that users will be very happy with the results.”

At the heart of both the new Alpha 6600 and Alpha 6100 sit a24.2MP[i] Exmor™ CMOS image sensor, the latest BIONZ X™ image processor and a front-end LSI implemented in Sony’s full-frame cameras. This powerful trio combine to deliver all-round enhancements in image quality and performance across all areas of photo and video capture.

The Alpha 6600 and Alpha 6100 offer a lightning fast autofocus acquisition time of 0.02 seconds[ii]. With 425 focal-plane phase-detection AF points covering approximately 84% of the image area and 425 contrast-detection AF points, the high density and wide coverage of the AF system ensure reliable AF, even in the most challenging light conditions. Both new models benefit from Sony’s ‘Real-time Tracking’ which utilises Sony’s latest algorithm including AI[iii]-based object recognition to ensure that subjects can be captured with excellent accuracy, even via the touch panel on the rear screen. In addition, the new models offer ‘Real-time Eye AF’, the latest version of Sony’s acclaimed Eye AF technology, which employs AI-based object recognition to detect and process eye data in real time, resulting in improved accuracy, speed and tracking performance of Eye AF for both humans and animals[iv], and allows the photographer to concentrate exclusively on composition[v].

An Eye for Detail

Based upon feedback from users of existing Sony APS-C camera users, further features have been added to the Alpha 6600 and Alpha 6100 to fine tune the user experience. These include:

  • -Improved colour reproduction; Algorithms inherited from full-frame models deliver natural colour reproduction, particularly in skin tones
  • -Hi-resolution internal 4K[vi] movie recording with full-pixel readout without pixel binning in Super 35mm format with easy smartphone transfers via the Imaging Edge™ Mobile application[vii]
  • -Interval shooting[viii] for stunning time-lapse videos
  • -180-degree tiltable, 3.0-type 921k-dot (approx.) LCD touch screen
  • -Integrated Microphone input for clear and crisp audio on video recordings

Alpha 6600

Across an ISO range of 100-32000 (expandable to ISO 50 – 102400[ix]),

thenew Alpha 6600 offers superb low-noise performance and delivers extremely high-quality images, even in low-light conditions. By applying noise reduction and sharpness processing optimally in each area, Area-specific Noise Reduction and Detail Reproduction Technology greatly reduce noise while preserving high resolution contributing to fine reproduction of subject textures and shadow details.

The Alpha6600 packs in many of the technology breakthroughs that are attracting praise on Sony’s high-end full-frame cameras. These include:

  • -Sony’s innovative 5-axis in-body image stabilisation system that results in a 5.0-step[x] shutter speed advantage
  • -Implementation of the industry-leading[xi] long battery life with Sony Z Battery for the first time on an APS-C camera, enabling extended power performance; approx. 720 still images using viewfinder, approx. 810 images using LCD monitor[xii]
  • -A tough magnesium alloy design that is dust and moisture resistant[xiii]
  • -Real-time Eye AF for movie shooting[xiv]. When activated, the eye of a subject is automatically tracked with high precision and reliability, allowing the shooter to focus on the content itself as opposed to what is in focus or not in focus. Touch Tracking functionality will also automatically initiate Eye AF when a human subject is selected
  • -Integrated headphone jack which allows the user to connect high-quality headphones for accurate monitoring of recorded sound

4K Recordingvi

The Alpha 6600 boasts internal 4K movie recording in Super 35mm format with full pixel readout without pixel binning, to capture approximately 2.4x[xv] the amount of information required for 4K movies (Also available in Alpha 6100). This oversampling results in stunning footage, delivered in the XAVC S™ format with unparalleled resolution. The Alpha 6600 equips an HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma)[xvi]picture profile that supports an instant HDR workflow. Recorded movies played back on an HDR (HLG)compatible TV will appear true-to-life, with no blocked shadows or blown highlights, without the need for colour grading. For users who want to colour grade their footage in post-production, S-Log3 and S-Log2 Gamma profiles are provided.

Pricing and Availability

The Alpha 6600 will ship in Europe in October 2019 priced at approximately €1600 body only or as a kit with the SEL18135 lens for €2000.

The Alpha 6100 will ship in Europe in October 2019 priced at approximately €900 body only, as a kit with the SEL1650 lens for €1000 or as a kit with the SEL1650 and SEL55210 priced at approximately €1250.

For full product details on the Alpha 6600, please visit: https://www.sony.co.uk/electronics/interchangeable-lens-cameras/ilce-6600

For full product details on the Alpha 6100, please visit: https://www.sony.co.uk/electronics/interchangeable-lens-cameras/ilce-6100

A product video on the new Alpha 6600 and Alpha 6100 canbe viewed at: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLL06nPE7_lzMbExCpSdogS9zJW0Xw_TJ4

A variety of exclusive stories, videos and exciting new content shot with the newest cameras and other Sony α products can be found at

https://www.sony.co.uk/alphauniverse. Sony’s European photography hub is available in 22 languages and details product news, competitions and an up-to-date list of Sony events in each country.

[i]Approximate effective megapixels

[ii]Based on Sony research, CIPA-guideline-compliant internal measurement with an E 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 OSS lens mounted, Pre-AF off and viewfinder in use

[iii] AI (artificial intelligence) including machine learning technology is used

[iv]Real-time Eye AF for Animals supports still images only and cannot be used in combination with tracking. Does not work with some types of animal. Focusing may not perform well depending on scene and subject conditions

[v]Both right eye and left eye are selectable, either via the menu or by the touchscreen panel

[vi]3840×2160 pixels. A Class 10 or higher SDHC/SDXC memory card is required to record movies in the XAVC S format. UHS-I (U3) SDHC/SDXC card is required for 100Mbps

[vii] Imaging Edge Mobile Ver. 7.2 or later is required

[viii] Wi-Fi does not work during interval shooting

[ix]Only on still images

[x]Based on CIPA standard. Pitch/yaw shake only. With Sonnar T* FE 55mm F1.8 ZA lens mounted. Long-exposure Noise Reduction off

[xi]Among mirrorless interchangeable-lens digital cameras equipped with an APS-C image sensor. As of August 2019, based on Sony research

[xii]CIPA standard compliant

[xiii]Not guaranteed to be 100% dust and moisture proof

[xiv] This function does not track animal eyes

[xv]24p recording. Approx. 1.6x at 30p

[xvi] Connect this product to an HDR (HLG) compatible Sony TV via a USB cable when displaying HDR (HLG) movies

Press release: Sony Expands E-mount Lens Line-up with Two New APS-C Lenses

Preorders:
Sony A6600 at BHphoto, Adorama and Amazon. In EU at Park UK, WexUK.
Sony A6100  at BHphoto, Adorama and Amazon. In EU at Park UK, WexUK.
E 16-55mm F2.8 G at BHphoto, Adorama and Amazon. In EU at Park UK, WexUK.
E 70-350mm F4.5-6.3 G OSS at BHphoto, Adorama and Amazon. In EU at Park UK, WexUK.

Sony today announced two new APS-C zoom lenses in the G LensTM series for its E-mount line-up, including the E 16-55mm F2.8 G standard zoom lens and the E 70-350mm F4.5-6.3 G OSS super-telephoto zoom lens. With this announcement, Sony’s versatile E-mount system now features a total of 54 lenses. Along with the two newly launched APS-C Mirrorless Cameras (Alpha 6600) and (Alpha 6100), Sony’s APS-C range has been further strengthened, offering creators the ability to capture the desired moment with Sony’s advanced technologies in compact and lightweight camera bodies. Sony’s “One Mount” solution for both APS-C and Full-frame cameras provides creators an extreme amount of versatility for all of their photography and video needs.

“We are extremely committed to building our E-mount line-up, in both Full-frame as well as APS-C,” said Yann Salmon Legagneur, Director of Product Marketing, Digital Imaging, Sony Europe. “We will continue to drive innovation in all aspects of imaging, empowering all creators to capture and create like they’ve never been able to before.”

Ultra-Sharp APS-C E 16-55mm F2.8 G Standard Zoom Lens (model SEL1655G)

The 16-55mm (24-82.5mm in 35mm equivalent focal length) APS-C standard zoom with a constant F2.8 aperture offers excellent G Lens image quality with outstanding all-around performance. This lens is ideal for professionals as well as enthusiasts to capture landscapes, portraits, and everyday snapshots.SAR

Key Features

  • High corner-to-corner resolution throughout the zoom range even at F2.8
  • oTwo AA (advanced aspherical) and two aspherical elements suppress aberration for outstanding corner-to-corner G Lens resolution, while three ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass elements reduce chromatic aberration and colour bleeding to a minimum
  • oClear and high image quality by suppressing flare and ghosting by adoption of Nano AR coating
  • o9-blade circular aperture mechanism and precisely controlled spherical aberration ensure beautiful bokeh
  • Bright constant F2.8 optics in a compact, lightweight lens weighing just 494 grams
  • XD (extreme dynamic) Linear Motor – as equipped in G Master™ series lenses – utilised for fast, precise, quiet AF and tracking
  • Professional control and reliability
  • oCustomisable focus hold button for instantaneous operation
  • oLinear Response MF for fine, responsive manual focus control
  • oDust and moisture resistant design in order to deal with difficult outdoor conditions
  • oFluorine coated front element to resist dirt and fingerprints

Compact and Lightweight APS-C E 70-350mm F4.5-6.3 G OSS Super-Telephoto Zoom Lens (model SEL70350G)

The new E 70-350mm F4.5-6.3 G OSS super-telephoto zoom lens with optimised optical and mechanical design provides excellent G Lens image quality throughout the image area, right out to the maximum 350mm (105-525mm in 35mm equivalent) focal length. High optical performance is combined with the convenience and mobility of a compact, lightweight design even with 5x zoom. It also includes built-in optical image stabilisation which adds even further stability and convenience to this versatile super-telephoto zoom that is ideal for landscape and wildlife photographers.

Key Features

  • Excellent corner-to-corner G Lens image quality all the way to 350mm
    • One aspherical lens suppresses optical aberration and provide outstanding resolution from corner-to-corner
    • Three ED glass elements effectively arranged suppress chromatic aberration and control colour blur even at corners
    • Circular aperture contributes to soft, beautiful bokeh
  • Compact, lightweight design weighing just 625 grams makes this 5x super-telephoto zoom remarkably mobile
  • Sony’s advanced XD Linear Motor technology in an APS-C format lens, for fast, precise AF and tracking
  • Excellent control and reliability
    • Built-in Optical SteadyShot™ image stabilisation makes it easier to capture images with greatly reduced blur, particularly when shooting at super-telephoto focal lengths
    • A conveniently placed focus hold button can be assigned to a variety of functions via camera body
    • An AF/MF focus mode switch on the lens makes it easy to quickly switch between auto and manual focus to respond to changing shooting needs
    • Engage the zoom lock switch to prevent the lens from extending under its own weight during transportation
    • Dust and moisture resistant design

Pricing and Availability

The SEL1655G will ship in Europe in September 2019 priced at approximately €1300.

The SEL70350G will ship in Europe in October 2019 priced at approximately €900.

For full product details on the SEL1655G, please visit: https://www.sony.co.uk/electronics/camera-lenses/sel1655g

For full product details on the SEL70350G, please visit: https://www.sony.co.uk/electronics/camera-lenses/sel70350g

A product video on the new SEL1655G canbe viewed at: https://youtu.be/F3JsQ_GAaTk

A product video on the new SEL70350G canbe viewed at: https://youtu.be/7PxlDcSAu68

A variety of exclusive stories, videos and exciting new content shot with the newest cameras and other Sony α products can be found at

https://www.sony.co.uk/alphauniverse. Sony’s European photography hub is available in 22 languages and details product news, competitions and an up-to-date list of Sony events in each country.