Sony Announces World’s Smallest Travel High Zoom Cameras with 4K Movie Capability and Upgraded Image Processor

Sony announced the new HX95 and HX99 compact cameras. You can check the product page at Sony UK for more info

Press text:

Sony Announces World’s Smallest Travel High Zoom Cameras with 4K Movie Capability and Upgraded Image Processor

ZEISS® Vario-Sonnar T* 24-720mm[i] High Magnification Zoom and High Image Quality Lens packed into compact body
Stunning 4K[ii] video with full pixel readout and no pixel binning
BIONZ X™ image processing engine and newly implemented front-end LSI for seriously impressive stills
Versatile operability and shooting capabilities including Eye AF, EVF, Control Ring[iii], Touch Focus/Touch Shutteriii, Tiltable LCD and more for flexible shooting options

Sony today boosted its Cyber-shot® line-up of travel high zoom cameras with the launch of the DSC-HX99 and DSC-HX95.

Designed for users who want an unobtrusive camera that can be carried at all times, the new models are packaged in the world’s smallest[iv] body and offer a truly versatile zoom range from 24mmi at the wide end up to 720mmi super-telephoto. In addition to stunning 4Kii movie footage,at the heart of both models sits the powerful BIONZ X image processing engine combined with a front-end LSI that delivers high-speed continuous shooting at up to 10 fps with a buffer limit of up to 155 images[v]. Furthermore, these new models present a fast AF speed of 0.09 seconds[vi]. Some newly added features are Eye AF, RAW format image recording, touch focus/touch shutteriii function, and location data acquisition[vii] via Bluetooth®.

ZEISS® Vario-Sonnar T* 24-720mm High Magnification Zoom and High Image Quality Lens

The huge zoom range offered by the HX99 and HX95 means that they are ideally suited to the varied demands of travel photography and capturing daily life. Image stabilisation is controlled with Optical SteadyShot™ which effectively negates the camera shake blur that often occurs during handheld and telephoto shooting. The models are also equipped with a Zoom Assist function that allows the user to zoom out temporarily and displays a wider area when shooting a subject at the telephoto end.

Processing Power

The HX99 and HX95 can capture 4K video footage with full pixel readout and no pixel binning. This means that fine details are beautifully rendered and ‘moiré’ and ‘jaggies’ are significantly reduced. The new models can shoot fast-moving subjects withhigh-frame rate HD[viii] recording at up to 100fps[ix] to produce impressive slow-motion sequences during editing.

As the perfect picture often occurs unexpectedly, photographers need to be able to trust their camera to react quickly. With a Fast Intelligent AF speed of just 0.09 secondsvi and an upgraded BIONZ X processor[x] and front-end LSI, the HX99 and HX95 are a perfect fit, delivering high speed continuous shooting at up to 10fps (buffer limit of up to 155 images)v. For beautifully focused portraits, the new models inherit the much praised Eye AF technology from their α™ siblings and for photographers who prefer to enhance their photos with image editing software, the HX99 and HX95 offer the option to shoot in RAW. Fading light? A maximum ISO6400[xi] means that this isn’t a concern.

Intuitive and Comfortable Operation

Embracing feedback from users of the HX90 series, Sony has implemented Touch Focus and Touch Shutter functionality on the HX99 so that the photographer can directly select their shooting subject and fire whilst also implementing a Touch Pad function for smooth focus point shifting while using the retractable OLED Tru-Finder™. For those who wish to take command of their settings, the Control Ring of the HX99 can be customised with functions such as manual focus or step zooming and both HX99 and HX95 also offer My Menu personalisation for instant recall of up to 30 items and the ability to create custom menus.

A 180-degree tiltable LCD screen allows for easy framing of selfies and group shots whilst an upgraded gripx offers a firm hold and greater stability during shooting. Location data acquisition via Bluetooth® can collect and record location data from a mobile devicevii (Location Information Link) and small size Proxy recording allows transfers to smartphones or uploading to websites for quick sharing.

The new Sony Cyber-shot HX99 and HX95 will ship in Europe from October 2018, priced at approximately €520 for HX99 and €500 for HX95.

Please visit Sony.co.uk for more information: HX99 / HX95

[i]Angle of view (35mm format equivalent)

[ii]3840 x 2160 pixels. Continuous recording time is approx. 5 minutes, and may vary with recording environment

[iii]DSC-HX99 only

[iv]Among fixed lens digital cameras with a built-in viewfinder and telephoto end 700mm or above (angle of view, 35mm format equivalent) lens. As of August 2018 press release, based on Sony research

[v]With “Continuous shooting mode: Speed Priority Continuous Shooting” and “Image quality: Fine”

[vi]CIPA standard, internal measurement, at f=4.25mm (wide-end), EV8.5, Program Auto, AF area: Wide, NTSC mode

[vii]Can be connected via Bluetooth with smartphones featuring (as of August 2018 press release):

Android smartphones: Android 5.0 or later and compatible with Bluetooth 4.0 or later,

iPhone/iPad: iPhone 4S or later/iPad 3rd generation or later

[viii]Class 10 or higher micro SDHC/SDXC memory card is required to record movies in the XAVC S™ format. UHS-I (U3) is also required for recording at 100Mbps

[ix]PAL. 120fps in NTSC

[x]Compared to DSC-HX90 series

[xi]When expanded ISO sensitivity is enabled

Sony introduces the world’s toughest and fastest SD Card

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Sony introduces the world’s toughest and fastest SD Card

World’s toughest[i] SD card is 18x[ii]bend proof[iii] and drop proof[iv]
World’s first[v] one-piece molding structure for strength and hardness
Ribless and switchless design ensures there are no fragile components
World’s fastest[vi] read speed up to 300MB/s and write speed up to 299MB/s[vii]
Waterproof and dustproof world-class ratings of IPX8and IP6X respectively[viii]
Keep your work safe with the SD Scan Utility and File Rescue Software

Sony today announced a brand new innovation in storage media with the launch of the “SF-G series TOUGH specification”UHS-II SD card. Addressing the needs of photographers who are reliant upon their photographs remaining safe when their SD cards are removed from the camera, the new SF-G series TOUGH specification range combines the world’s fastest read and write speeds with an ultra-rugged design that is bend proof to 180N, and drop proof to 5 metres. For photographers who are fighting against the elements to get the perfect shot, the SF-G series TOUGH specification range of SD cards are also waterproof with an IPX8 rating and dustproof with an IP6X rating.

The new SF-G series TOUGHspecification range of SD cards are 18 times stronger than the SD standard[ix] with world’s first monolithic structure (one-piece molding, no empty space in the card) and materials of high-grade hardness, unlike conventional SD cards with a thin, 3-part ensemble. They areprotected against typical physical damage that can affect conventional SD cards such as a broken plastic casing, broken data protection lock and broken connector ribs. This has been achieved through a new means that it is the world’s first rib-less SD card with no write protection switch. These developments ensure that the SF-G series TOUGH specification is more resistant to bending and easy to break parts are removed entirely and has been engineered by Sony to deliver the best balance of hardness and toughness. Completely sealed with one-piece molding structure, no waterdrop, dust or dirt is not allowed to come into the card, meeting highest grade of waterproof (IPX8) and dustproof(IP6X).

Unleash the power of the camera

In an industry trend, driven by Sony, full-frame mirrorless cameras such as the α9 and α7 series are packing in more and more performance in both stills and video performance. These high-end cameras rely on fast memory cards to maximise their performance and with professional photographers now using SD cards more frequently, users are demanding the levels of reliability and durability associated with other professional card types. With the world’s fastest write speed of up to 299MB/s, buffer clearing time is minimised. This allows the photographer to shoot many frames per second and capture the action that they want. The SF-G series TOUGH specification range also supports V90, the highest standard of video speed class, making it an ideal companion for shooting high resolution video.

Furthermore, transferring high capacity photo and video files is made simple with the SF-G series TOUGH specification, thanks to a read speed of up to 300MB/s. This is another world’s fastest which dramatically enhances workflow efficiency after the shooting is all wrapped up. In a further acknowledgement of the practical needs of photographers, the SF-G series TOUGH specification range feature bright yellow banding design, making the card easier to spot in dark shooting conditions.

Ultimate Assurance

SF-G series TOUGHspecification SD cards offer a series of further features, designed to give photographers peace of mind. These include an ‘SD Scan Utility’ which allows the user to check that the card is good condition and File Rescue Software[x] which can recover data and photos that might have accidentally been deleted. Furthermore, SF-G series TOUGH specification SD cards are also X-ray proof, magnet proof, anti-static, temperature proof and feature UV Guard.

Pricing and Availability

The SF-G TOUGH series of memory cards will be available in 32GB, 64GB and 128GB capacities. They will launch in Europe from October. Full product details are available at: http://www.sony.net/sfgt/

[i]As a consumer SD card, Sony investigation as of August 2018.

[ii]Performance is 18x stronger compared to SD bending test specification of 10N

[iii]Bend proof to 180N

[iv]Drop proof to 5m

[v]As a SD card of 2.1mm thick. Conformance to ribless card specifications of Standard Size SD Card Mechanical Addendum 6.0. Sony investigation as of August 2018.

[vi]As of August 2018, Sony investigation.

[vii]Based on Sony internal testing. Transfer speeds vary, and are dependent on host devices, the OS version or usage conditions. To effectively utilize the product’s high-speed capabilities, your compatible device must support UHS-II. Sony investigation as of August 2018.

[viii]Conformance to IP68 standard. We cannot guarantee against damage to record data or card in all situations and conditions.

[ix]SD standard withstands 10N force, while this card withstands 180N force.

[x]Downloadable from the Sony Support site

Phase One announces the new IQ4 with the world’s first new Sony 151 megapixel sensor!

Today Phase One announced the worlds first camera using the brand new Sony 150 Megapixel 54x40mm sensor! This marks a new boundary in terms of image quality performance. Phase ONe writes:

The IQ4 150MP Backside Illuminated (BSI) sensors introduces the new standard of digital sensor technology to full frame medium format photography. The IQ4 150MP BSI sensor’s ultra-efficient pixel design results in the uninterrupted capture of light within each pixel, directly translating a more accurate render with improved color, detail and noise handling within the RAW file.

If you scroll down on this page you can find some image samples and even download full size RAWs. You will need Capture One 11 (Click here)  to open them. If you want to buy the software keep in mind you save 10% when using our code checkout “AMBSAR“.

They also have an achromatic version of this Sony sensor (WOW!):

The Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price for the XF IQ4 Camera Systems (including XF camera body and prism, a Blue Ring prime lens of your choice, 5-year warranty and 5-year uptime guarantee) are:

  • XF IQ4 150MP Camera System: $51,990 USD
  • XF IQ4 100MP Trichromatic Camera System: $47,990 USD
  • XF IQ4 150MP Achromatic Camera System: $54,990 USD

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Phase One also launched the new Capture One 11.2.1 which has many bugfixes and adds lens support for the new 400mm GM. You get a 10% discount on  Capture One 11 (Click here) and Capture One 11 for Sony (Click here) using our coupon code “AMBSAR“.

Sony Tidbits…


Sony RX100 Mark VI Hands-on Review at Mt Rainier NP – 4k

Nikkor 50 f1.2 – A timeless classic (Theweekendlens).
Tokina Firin 20mm F2 FE AF review (CameraJabber).
Traveling Cross-Country with the Peak Design Everyday Backpack (Explora).
First Church Wedding with Sony A7riii (Enthusiastphotoblog).
24-70mm GM review by Mari Pack.

Sony is gearing up for events like in the US and will be sharing them on social media and it’s website. For Belgium : 

David: “I made a new english Video for my little english side-channel about the GABALE L-Bracket. https://youtu.be/2o3u9Pd5j4Q”

Personal photos and tests from SAR Admin Andrea on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, Flickr and 500px.

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This new Zeiss patent discloses a 35mm f/2.0 lens design for the new fixed lens Full Frame camera

One of our readers (Thanks!) spotted a brand new Zeiss patent published in July. The patent descirbes a 35mm f/2.0 high quality lens:

To provide a compact camera lens having a maximum imaging quality of a camera having a full frame sensor.

The patent contains an MTF chart, indicating very high performance with nearly 0.8 @ 40 lp/mm throughout much of the frame except in the extreme corners. So this lens should indeed have “maximum imaging quality” and won’t have a “mid-zone dip” that plagues the Zeiss Loxia Biogon 35mm f/2 (which only scores 0.6 @ 40 lp/mm in the center, down to < 0.4 at the midzone and corners).
The tangential and sagittal MTF curves are also very close, indicating low coma/astigmatism/lateral chromatic aberration.
The lens has 9 elements in 7 groups, of which the last two elements are very large aspherical elements (4 aspherical surfaces total). The last element in particular has a pretty extreme shape, and also sits very close to the image sensor. It is probably difficult to manufacture and align.

The lens is internal focusing, by moving two elements.

As with always, patents do not necessarily indicate the final product. In fact, multiple variations of a similar design were in the patent. So, we cannot draw any final conclusions regarding this lens. We do not even know if this lens is in fact the same one that is going to be in the upcoming Zeiss camera.