All concept images via Yanko Design.

We had quite a long and complex discussion last week about how Sony should make hybrid mount camera. And Designers Dae Jin Ahn and Chun Hyun Park found a very creative solution. They designed a modular NEX camera that has as its hardcore a compact Sensor module. I found this to be an extremely elegant solution but I doubt Sony is going to develop a modular E-mount system- Would be nice, but not going to happen.

Source: Yanko Design. Found via TogTech.

Click on the images to see a large size version:

Image on top: The Metabones Speed Booster.

Metabones created an amazing adapter with the Speed Booster. And it’s also a very pricey tool. You pay $399 for a manual adapter and up to $599 for an electronic adapter. So if you are praying for for a cheaper alternative than your prayers will be listened by the Chinese company Mitakon. I have been informed that these guys are going to launch a much more affordable “speed booster” alike adapter in July. Price will be at least the half of the Metabones. Of course we have to see 1) if the quality of those adapters will be as good as the Metabones 2) and how the heck Mitakon will avoid to get into a patent dispute with Metabones.

back to the Metabones adapter. They are shipping at Metabones website. Those are the different versions:

ALPA to NEX ([shoplink 16469 ebay]check Alpa lenses here on eBay[/shoplink]).
Canon EF to NEX ([shoplink 17391 ebay]check Alpa lenses here on eBay[/shoplink]).
Contarex to NEX ([shoplink 16478 ebay]check Contarex lenses here on eBay[/shoplink]).
Contax C/Y to NEX ([shoplink 17392 ebay]check Alpa lenses here on eBay[/shoplink]).
Nikon F to NEX ([shoplink 17393 ebay]check Alpa lenses here on eBay[/shoplink]).
Leica R to NEX ([shoplink 16471 ebay]check Leica R lenses here on eBay[/shoplink]).

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Reminder (SR = Sonyrumor):
SR1=probably fake rumor
SR2=rumor from unknown sources
SR3=50% chance it is correct
SR4=rumor from known sources
SR5=almost certainly correct!

A source was that kind to explain me the different solution Sony engineers found to create the hybrid A an E mount camera. He didn’t unveil to me which one has been picked up by Sony. But here they are:

a)  Singular mount that accepts all current lenses at differing distances from the sensor plane.
b)  Sensor that moves the focal plane inward and outward dependent upon the mounting of all current lenses.
c)  Singular mount that moves all current lenses at differing distances from the sensor plane.
d)  3 Interior (in-body) camera mounts that can be user switched dependent upon the mounting of all current lenses.
e)  Redesign of all current production lenses to one physical mount.

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That said I don’t know if it makes really sense to work on those kind of tech solution. I think it makes mroe sense to keep the E and A mount system separated.

It isn’t really a surprise but I am getting first “confirmations” that both the NEX-7 and the A77 successors will use the same new 24 Megapixel APS-C sensor. And they will also use the same 3,8 Million Dot OLED viewfinder. The NEX-7n may be announced in April while the A78 (or whatever name it will have) will be announced in June-July.

What’s coming after the NEX-7n and A78? It looks like all the more advanced and Full Frame stuff is coming form early 2014 towards. There may be a new RX10 and RX200 the second half of this year but I got no reliable info about that yet.

For sources: I know ask my sources if they have some more info about the upcoming E-mount lenses. I heard there may be a fast and expensive zoom lens. If you have some details you can share than contact me at sonyalpharumors@gmail.com or use the anonymous contact form you see on the right border of this website. Thanks!

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Reminder (SR = Sonyrumor):
SR1=probably fake rumor
SR2=rumor from unknown sources
SR3=50% chance it is correct
SR4=rumor from known sources
SR5=almost certainly correct!

Got some news about the famous Sony “hybrid” solution: A trusted source just let me know that it is Sony’s plan to make the NEX-9 Full Frame camera compatible with the Alpha Mount. But he said this will not be through the use of a simple adapter. Apparently Sony engineers found another solution but he didn’t unveil me how that will work.

I may ask other sources if they have a clue about the Sony’s solution. The only idea I have comes via the [shoplink 10295 ebay]Zeiss Ikon Contax I, II and III (here on eBay)[/shoplink]. They had a sort of native double mount on camera. I am really curious to see this!

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Reminder (SR = Sonyrumor):
SR1=probably fake rumor
SR2=rumor from unknown sources
SR3=50% chance it is correct
SR4=rumor from known sources
SR5=almost certainly correct!

A source let me know that the next NEX-7 and likely also A77 firmware updated are scheduled for a summer release.

I have been specifically asked to ask you SAR readers what you absolutely need to be fixed or done with the new firmware update! :)

P.S: There may be tethering coming too…

Go!

Got some more bits about the future NEX-7n. Still not 100% sure about the specs yet but I think we are very close :)

This are some features of the new camera:
– New 24 Megapixel APS-C sensor with 1/2 stop improvement and increased dynamic range
– 3, 8 Million dot EVF
– touchscreen
– Hybrid Contrast and Phase Detection AF
– Tri Navi design reviewed
– Focus Peaking will be much improved with choice of colors
– Wifi, but no GPS on board.
– Same size and form factor of the current NEX-7 but with a minor redesign

Announcement soon (likely early April) and in Stock in May!

Message to sources: Thanks for all the info you send me. Please be aware that it mat take time until I post your rumor because I usually try to double check the info I get. You can send me more info anonymously by using the contact form you see on the very right of your browser. You can also contact me directly at sonyalpharumors@gmail.com.

For readers: Subscribe the RSS feed (Click here) and Twitter (Click here) stream and the Facebook fan page (Click here) in order to not miss any news!

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Reminder (SR = Sonyrumor):
SR1=probably fake rumor
SR2=rumor from unknown sources
SR3=50% chance it is correct
SR4=rumor from known sources
SR5=almost certainly correct!