Let’s start with a short editor’s note: On April 21 we reported about a new Sony CMOS sensor with amazing 120 fps at a full 12 Bit resolution (source DC.watch.Impress). I still noticed that many readers didn’t understand that this is a sensor for videocameras (and not for Alpha cameras). Thom Hogan explains why this is so: “It’s 24.3×12.8mm in size, which makes it slightly wider than APS-C but substantially shorter. The 2160 vertical pixels are exactly double what’s needed for 1080P (the horizontal component is almost exactly 4x). It looks like a straight-out video sensor to me. That’s confirmed by the other details: 60 fps 14-bit output, 120 fps max speed, and the first target: NHK’s Super Hi-Vision format.”

But the real interesting part of Thom Hogans article is the following one:
“To what end? Well, DSLR-enabled video is pretty compromised and about to be eclipsed by prosumer and pro video equipment, much as I predicted some time ago. Both Sony and Panasonic now have large sensor video products, with more coming. Those products blow away the capabilities within DSLRs for one simple reason: the sensor is optimized for video use. In order to get 1920×1080 (1080P) or 1280×720 (720P) out of our DSLR sensors, the cameras do two things: they line skip and they sub-sample within a line. The results are rolling shutters, artifacts, and less than optimal color information. Those dedicated large-sensor video cameras fix all those things. The output from the new Sony NEX-FS100E is noticeably better than any video-enabled DSLR I’ve seen to date. If I’m serious about video production, why would I compromise by using a DSLR? Plus the FS100E is configured to be a video camera from the get-go.”

What do you think?

Reminder: The Sony NEX-FS100U will be in Stock in July (Source: B&H).

I am now posting all those news I could not post because of the NEX-C3, Sony A35 and Flash leaks. One of the coolest new products shown at the NABshow in Las Vegas is the EOS to NEX Birger adapter. It is the first adapter that provides full control of focus and aperture on all tested EOS lenses! But that adapter will be really expensive (should cost around $800). More (few) info on Birger.com.

If you need a cheap solution you can look at the new Kipon ESO to NEX adapter with manual aperture control on [shoplink 5561 ebay]eBay (but there are no items in stock now)[/shoplink]. Looks a bit weird but it seems to work (you get what you pay for).

P.S.: See the list of all current EOS to NEX manual adpaters on [shoplink 5932 ebay]eBay (Click here)[/shoplink].

Sony NEX-FS100 Demo Footage (Click those links to check if the camera is on preorder: [shopcountry 6170]).

70-200mm F/2.8 telephoto zoom comparison (Kurtmunger).
A crazy test: Hasselblad 45mm f/4 lens on the NEX-5 (DC.watch).
Sony Ranks as the Highest Rated Consumer Electronic Company in the United States (SonyRumors.net)
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H70 review (Cnet US).
More image samples of the new chinese 28mm f/2.8 lens for NEX (Xitek forum).

As you know a few days ago we posted the first images of the NEX-C3. In our poll we asked you if you like the new camera and your answer was largely positive! ThePhoBlographer explains: “Why The Sony NEX-C3 May Be Really Awesome”. I do agree and you?

Dear SAR readers!

I wish all of you a happy time with your families and friends. I will have a long dinner with my parents and you might excuse me if I am not going to post any news or rumors today :)

Enjoy your time and take nice pictures! Feel free to post the links as a comment to that post.

P.S.: You sent me many links to news reviews and new videos during the last week. I will all post them starting from tomorrow! Thanks for your very precious help!

Sony announced a new near APS-C sensor with 19,3 Full and 17,7 effective pixels. But the really amazing feature of the sensor is that it can capture 120 fps (frame per second) at a full 12 Bit resolution. And it takes 60 fps at 14 Bit! The only real limit here is the mechanical shutter (that’s why the final fps could be lower). The sensor has been designed to limit the Rolling Shutter effect while recording video. The sensor has consumes less power than the current 16 megapixel sensor of the [shoplink 3617]Sony A55[/shoplink].

UPDATE: A reader noticed that “the dimensions are not APS-C as we know them (1.5x crop  3:2 sensor), it’s a few mm short on the height.  It’s closer to aspect ratio of 16:9 than 3:2 , thus probably a video sensor, nothing for a Alpha body.” And another reader (Thom) said: “This sensor uses Clearwid rotated pixels, effective resolution is 27 MP; it is to be used in the new 8K (about 24 MP) Ultra High Definition TV cameras, developed by Sony, in conjunction with NHK. Even BBC participates in this project.”

There is a very detailed description of the sensor specs at the japanese DC.watch (Click here) website. To bad the google english translation tool seems to be confised working on the original text. We would welcome if our japanese friends could comment this post and add some more interesting information we might have missed. Thanks!

The winners of the XXI TIPA AWARDS 2011 have been announced. Sony cameras won the price in two categories.

The [shoplink 3617]Sony A55[/shoplink] won the price in the category “Best Imaging Innovation“. That’s the motivation: “Sony has developed translucent mirror technology for a new level of functionality. The advantages of a translucent, fixed mirror technology are evident in the form of real time, phase detect autofocus (also available in Movie Mode) and much increased burst mode speed. By means of SLT design bodies can also be made smaller, thus reducing weight and size without sacrificing functionality and advanced technology benefits.”

The [shoplink 3058]Sony NEX-VG10[/shoplink] won the price in the category “Best Expert Camcorder“. Motivation: “This camcorder could be considered the perfect “convergence” imaging system, equally serving the still photo and video worlds. The novel NEX-VG10 uses most of the electronics of Sony NEX-5 CSC, the same Exmor HD CMOS APS-C size sensor and the same E-mount for interchangeable lenses. However, its architecture and layout clearly favours video with a very remarkable performance thanks to 24Mbps codec AVCHD.”

Full list of the winners at http://www.tipa.com/english/XXI_tipa_awards_2011.php

Click those direct links to check the price and availability of the cameras:
Sony A55 at [shopcountry 3617].
Sony NEX-VG10 at [shopcountry 3058].

(via Noisycamera)

A new japanese Sony NEX advertising page (Sony.jp)
A new NEX tripod mount adapter (DC.watch) and a new NEX panorama bracket (DC.watch).
Sony NEX-3 with Konica Hexanon 40mm 1.8 (SonyAlphaNex).
The Lights Down Test at EosHD ( Canon 600d vs Panasonic GH2/GF2 vs Sony NEX-3).
Replacing NEX LCD cover glass (PhotoclubAlpha)

Links to the cameras mentioned in that post:
Sony A55: [shopcountry 3617].
Sony NEX-3: [shopcountry 3000].