I like it when I can start the new week with a good Sony news-rumor :=)

A source (Thanks!) sent us this text but don’t try to click on the download links. They will work form October 18th only!

—-

PRESS TEXT

Please be informed that the new firmware version 1.06 for SLT-A77 & SLT-A65, and firmware version 1.03 for SLT-A57 & SLT-A37 will be available soon.
Japan is going to make an announcement for this firmware update, but we will handle it as a download content for regional website as it’s only a firmware update.

1. Target date of posting the download on Sony Asia website is 14:00 SG Time (GMT + 8hrs) on Thursday, 18 Oct 2012.
SLT-A65 Firmware Upgrade
Ver.1.06 (Microsoft Windows)
http://www.sony-asia.com/support/download/518235
Ver.1.06 (Apple Macintosh)
http://www.sony-asia.com/support/download/518237

SLT-A77 Firmware Upgrade
Ver.1.06 (Microsoft Windows)
http://www.sony-asia.com/support/download/518232
Ver.1.06 (Apple Macintosh)
http://www.sony-asia.com/support/download/518233

SLT-A37 Firmware Upgrade
Ver.1.03 (Microsoft Windows)
http://www.sony-asia.com/support/download/519325
Ver.1.03 (Apple Macintosh)
http://www.sony-asia.com/support/download/519329

SLT-A57 Firmware Upgrade
Ver.1.03 (Microsoft Windows)
http://www.sony-asia.com/support/download/518238
Ver.1.03 (Apple Macintosh)
http://www.sony-asia.com/support/download/518240

2. Applicable Model & Version
Model Name
Firmware Version
SLT-A65, SLT-A77
1.05 or earlier
SLT-A37, SLT-A57
1.02 or earlier

3. Additional Features / Improvements
· Lens compensation function is extended to the following lenses
Ø SAL30M28, SAL50F14, SAL2470Z, SAL2875, SAL70400G, SAL70200G, SAL35F14G, SAL1635Z
· Addition of capability to enable/disable the MOVIE button (applicable to SLT-A77 & SLT-A65 only)

—–

I don’t know yet if there are more new features and fixes. Hope yes!

—-

For US readers. You save $100 on the A77 open box deal at [shoplink 14756 ebay]Beachcamera (Click here)[/shoplink].

The Sony 36 Megapixel sensor used by the Nikon D800 and tested at DxOmark.

It’s always hard to be reliable on long term schedule. But sources told me that Sony set a “temporarily” release period for the next Sony Full Frame camera. If all goes well there is a fair chance the new High End Full frame camera could be announced in May-June. The camera will be more “photographer” oriented. There are currently a couple of different prototypes. One we heard of has a 36 Megapixel sensor (same as Nikon D800) and built-in vertical grip. Priced well above the current [shoplink 14165]Sony A99[/shoplink]. A second prototype has a new 50 Megapixel sensor which goal is to go as close as possible to a “medium format” quality. I am working to get more details but keep in mind that these are prototypes we are talking about! Nothing is 100% decided yet. But I am sure a High End camera is coming and that it will not be named A9x but something more like A1 or so…

 Loading ...

Links to the current “Sony powered” Nikon D800 camera at Amazon and Bhphoto. And to the sensor results at DxOmark. And if you are an Optical Viewfinder sentimalist I found one [shoplink 14714 ebay]New in BOX A850 on eBay (Click here)[/shoplink].

—

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!

[shoplink 14656 ebay][/shoplink]

Our reader Chris made the very first review of the Mitakon 35mm f/0.95 E-mount lens ([shoplink 14656 ebay]Click here to grab one of the three lenses for sale on eBay right now[/shoplink]).

Here is Chris first impression review:

“I received my black Mitakon 35mm f/0.95 today and took a bunch of unboxing and night test shots. More test shots coming tomorrow.

Some general design comments:
The lens is built like a tank, all metal body and weighs a whopping 707g (my 50mm Voigtlander + the adapter weighs 535g.) The hood seems to be a generic vented hood, aluminum but has some minor finish issues. I’ll likely buy a higher-quality brand-name hood. Same goes for the cap, generic and functional but a mismatch to the quality of the body. The glass is high quality and the lens fits my NEX-7 body perfectly.
Both focus and aperture are dampened but do not have clicks (good for video!) Aperture seems stiffer. Aperture goes from 0.95-16 in about 90 degrees of ring rotation. Focus goes from infinity to 1’/.3m in about 100 degrees of focus ring rotation. Yay for close focus and stop at infinity.
Vignetting is ok, definitely noticeable wide open but not unusual for such a wide lens (comparable, in my estimation, to the Voigtlander 25mm f/0.95 m43 lens).
Definitely need more time to take test shots.

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.4964431908002.2200471.1215264081&type=1&l=cff004b3a0

and RAW full-size pics at:
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/v123p87s79qpqhb/XaNPKd2xow”

Thanks Chris!

After all that Photokina buzz we can finally start with a new bunch of rumors. The first news is related to the Sony NEX-FS700 camera. An anonymous source just told me that there will be a new 4K upgrade coming on Thursday! Leòt’s hope this is true!

To all sources: I am collecting rumors about the next Sony FF and APSC cameras including the possible Full Frame E-mount and new lenses. As you know you can drop anonymous and untraceable messages by using the contact form you see on the right sidebar. Or contact me directly at sonyalpharumors@gmail.com. Thanks!

David Kilpatrick from Photoclubalpha (Click here) wrote an interesting article about Sigma. The three new A-mount lenses bring many innovations and David is talking about every detail. Particularly the 35mm f/1.4 is getting a lot of attentions. Sigma said it will beat the image quality of the Nikon 35mm f/1.4 lens.

Reminder, these are the thre new Sigma lenses (no preorder and price available yet):
17-70mm F2.8-4 DC OS MACRO– This new Contemporary lens is designed for cameras with an APS-c sensor and covers a range equivalent to 25.5 to 105mm on a 35mm camera. An upgrade to its predecessor, which was released in December 2009, this general purpose lens offers a new design and a more compact build.
35mm F1.4 DG HSM– This Art lens provides photographers with a state-of-the-art alternative to the more conventional 50mm. This lens’ axial chromatic aberration is minimized, which renders a cool and smooth out-of-focus image. At low apertures, it can perform like a wide-angle lens; when opened up to F1.4, it will provide background bokeh and make the subject pop like a mid-range telephoto lens.
120-300mm F2.8 DG OS HSM – With redesigned mechanics and performance, this Sports lens is an update from its predecessor released in February 2011. This high-performance lens eases difficult shooting conditions by offering a maximum focal length of 300mm and a wide-open aperture of F2.8. This lens, like the other Sports category lenses to come, is dust and moisture resistant, and allows users to adjust the focus speed and the focus limiter via a button on the lens.

Links to some A-mount Sigma lenses:
Sigma 10mm at Amazon and BHphoto.
Sigma 8-16mm at Amazon and BHphoto.
Sigma 17-50mm at Amazon and BHphoto.
Sigma 28mm at BHphoto.
Sigma 50-150mm at BHphoto.
Sigma 50-500mm at Amazon and BHphoto.
Sigma 50mm at Amazon and BHphoto.
Sigma 105mm at Amazon and BHphoto.
Sigma 12-24mm at Amazon and BHphoto.
Sigma 24-70mm at Amazon and BHphoto.
Sigma 70-200mm at Amazon and BHphoto.
Sigma 70-300mm at Amazon and BHphoto.

Egami (Translation here) spotted a new Sony patent describing a curved sensor technology. Having a curved sensor allows an increase in the lens performance and reduces the size of the lens. Egami speculates that this may be ideal for the future Full Frame NEX-9 camera. But of course, if you bring a camera with a sensor like this current A or E mount lenses wouldn’t work. I highly doubt the NEX-9 will have a sensor like this.

Dear SAR readers!

Photokina is now over but I am already receiving the next generation of rumors. Meantime I will take the chance to ask you to send me your suggestion of camera Sony should release as next. I will make you an example of cameras Sony could/should make:
NEX-9 FF camera for $3000
Sony A1 SLT with 36 MPX sensor for $3000
Sony A95 SLT with 18 MP FF sensor for $1800
RX10 APS-C fixed lenscamera for $999

Please write the most important key aspects only like “NEX or SLT”, “APS-C or FF”, megapixel number and price. After that I will sum your suggestions in one big poll where SAR readers can select the prefered options. Let’s see what SAR readers want from Sony!