Image on top shows the current non-radio HVL-F60M

The rumors are increasing saying that Sony will launch a new”HVL-F60RM” by end of this year. It’s a radio-controlled version of the Sony HVL-F60M.

Image on top shows the curent AS50 and not the rumored new model

Sony registered a new Action Camera model at the FCC. There are no pictures of the new camera and all the specs written on the test are these:

• • Wire type: Wi-Fi (802.11b / g / n), Bluetooth 4.1 (LE)
  • Battery: DC 3.7 V / 700 mAh
  • Length from camera exterior to wireless module

So this camera is smaller than the current AS50.

via Nokishita

The current E-mount cameras do have a 10 pin communication terminal on the mount. But this brand new Sony patent describes an 8 pin version. The big unanswered question is:

1) Is this for a modified E-mount camera?

2) Is this a completely new kind of mount (medium format) ?

Maybe some patent expert can check into this? Thanks :)

I got two info about a possible new Sony A77III A-mount camera:

Source 1:

the development for a77 mk3 is finished, it is now already in deep real-life testing cycle and it will be astonishing good and really, but really fast ;)

A SAR reader had a talk with a Sony manager who told him this:

Same A6500 sensor
Same A77m2 AF-phase detection module combined with a new Hybrid-AF (on sensor AF of the A6500)
4K Video

This all sounds very reasonable to me. Hope to get some more details about the announcement time soon. Anyway, A-mount is still alive for now :)

A source at Nikongear spilled out the possible Nikon D850 specs. And it really seems like it will NOT use the same Sony A7rII sensor. Instead it will feature a Sony made (and Nikon tweaked?) 46 megapixel Full Frame sensor. It is highly likely that the new Sony A7rIII which is probably going to be announced in early 2018 will feature an even higher resolution sensor (something between 60-70MP) and not this new 46MP sensor.

These are the other specs from the same source:

10 fps (without battery pack)
together with fast AF this will be a sports capable camera with 46 Megapixels resolution
(appears to adapt something of the D500 concept for FX)
NOT compatible with MB-D12, there will be a new dedicated battery-pack
They expect the first samples to be available in October
Pricing will be about 1000 Euros above the D810 which will remain available in parallel

Thanks Bill on Dpreview forum for this.

Fuji GFX vs Sony A7rII

So far all past Sony medium format rumors from non-verified sources were incorrect. But never the less I am going to publish this because it sounds a bit more “reasonable” and I would like to kickstart a discussion on this:

Many cameras are tested and never brought to market, so this might be the case with this design. I have knowledge of a lens design that uses a new mount that will accommodate the 53×40 sensor and a shorter flange distance.
I would like this mount to come to market, so the more you can poll people on price and design, it will help management here to make the decision.

Of course this isn’t a rumor from our trusted verified sources and that’s why you shouldn’t get too excited about that info yet. But I am certain Sony is considering all options on the table. A couple of considerations:

1. Sony is super busy with FE lens developement and has yet paused APS-C E-mount and A-mount lens development. A commitment to a new Medium Format system would certainly make not be a good news for those waiting to get new non-FE lenses…
2. Image quality from Full Frame cameras are already terrific. Do we really need super expensive medium format cameras that are not even “real” medium formats? Note: The 44x33mm sensor used by the Fuji GFX and Hasselblad X1D are barely close to “real” classic medium format sensor size. The sensor is also “only” 1.7x times larger than FF.
3. The 44x33mm medium format world is a very small niche and already crowded with options (Fuji GFX, Hasselblad X1D, Pentax 645Z, Leica S). So if at all Sony should really go for the much larger 54x40mm sensor?
4. Probably a RX medium format camera with fixed lens and priced below the current GFX and X1D would be a more unique and sensible proposal?

Here are my two questions to SAR readers  (Discuss the matter below and think a bit before to vote):

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Hopefully this can help Sony to get a clue about what has to be done…