More patents disclosing a Sony medium format camera concept with curved sensor!

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I spotted another Sony patent describing lenses designed for a medium format camera with curved sensor. Of course, we don’t know yet if Sony is serious about this or if this is just a theoretical exercise and way to protect possible future ideas by patenting them.

These are the Sony patented lenses designed for the curved sensor medium format camera:

  • 387mm f/2.8 (lens length: 679mm) – in Full Frame terms this is a 240mm f/1.7
  • 323mm f/2.8 (lens length: 576mm) – in Full Frame terms this is a 200mm f/1.7
  • 258mm f/2.8 (lens length: 380mm) – in Full Frame terms this is a 160mm f/1.7
  • 161mm f/2.8 – in Full Frame terms this is a 100mm f/1.7
  • 84mm f/2.9 (lens length: 123mm) – in Full Frame terms this is a 52mm f/1.7 (it would be only 2cm longer than the Zeiss 50mm f/1.4 FE)

I think it would make a lot of sense for Sony to make a medium format camera with curved sensor: the curved sensor allows for a more compact lens design (around 30% less in size and weight). It would give Sony a distinctive advantage over the competition!

The real problem is price. Making such curved sensor is likely to be a bit more costly. But let’s say for the sake of argument Sony can match the pricing of the Fuji GF camera system which ranges between the $4,500 of the GFX50R and the $9,900 of the GFX100…here is the question you gotta answer:

Would you buy into an new Sony medium format system with curved sensor tech?

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STC Reveal Fogrip (Folding Grip) for Sony α9 II 7 α7R IV Cameras.

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Press text:

Introducing the FoGrip for Sony α9 II / α7R IV Cameras

Manufacturers of market-leading imaging innovations, STC, has announced another sibling in the FoGrip, (folding grip) family; this time for Sony α9 II / α7R IV cameras, delivering greater stability and immediate benefit with weight distribution when using medium-to-large lenses for Sony mirrorless system shooters.

STC continues to produce ground-breaking innovations for photographers and videographers the world over and their latest product announcement has been designed specifically for the faithful users of Sony mirrorless system cameras.

The new grip, which is compatible with both the Sony α7R IV and the α9 II cameras, will be welcome news for those shooting for long periods, with large, heavy lenses, and searching for a practical and reliable solution. The latest FoGrip follows the release of the STC Fogrip for the Sony α7/α9series and FoGrips for Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III and the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III and Mark II.

STC’s expanding range of FoGrips have been subject to years of development to ensure performance, solid build and their innovative and practical fold-away design. The new member of the FoGrip family is certain to quickly become an indispensable partner for Sony shooters everywhere. Perfect for the travelling photographer, the grip’s clever design and fold-away function enable the camera to sit completely flat when not in use and allows the user to comfortably shoot with just a single hand.

The whole unit has been constructed from extremely tough, yet light 6061 aerospace-level aluminium alloy, which adds just 80g to the camera when attached. Users can keep shooting by easily accessing the camera battery door without removing the grip. Furthermore, ultimate compatibility is assured with both quick-release plates and L-Brackets and the anodized frame, which comes in Sony-Orange and Matt Black, will give users protection for both the camera and hand-grip.

Sony has made significant steps in mirrorless imaging technology, leading in many areas of the market. They have long been renowned for producing cameras which are smaller and lighter than their DSLR counterparts. That said, even small camera bodies can start to feel heavy after shooting for hours on end, or when using large lenses. STC’s new Fogrip for Sony’s α7R IV and the α9 II cameras addresses this issue by giving users 25% more grip when shooting handheld, making it easier to shoot for longer periods of time and added stability to support lens weight. Furthermore, the new Fogrip for Sony α7R IV and the α9 II Cameras is compatible with quick-release plates and L-Brackets, allowing for easy transfer and use tripods, along with unobstructed, effortless access to the battery door without the need to remove the grip. STC has produced an optional adonized L-Bracket in Sony-Orange, as well as Standard Black colourways.

William Wu, CEO and Lead Design Engineer, STC, said: “The new Sony FoGrip has been produced specifically for the army of loyal Sony shooters the world over. Many have upgraded to the α7R IV and α9 II Cameras and will welcome this perfect and adaptable grip. We are certain that it will provide a practical solution for those shooting for long periods and with heavier lenses. We see this model as a perfect example of a small-yet-powerful camera whose users will benefit from additional stabilisation when using the camera hand-held. We are very excited to see how this new and innovative product will be received by the Sony community.”

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Wake up Europeans: You save 600 Euro (YES!) on the Sony 16-35mm f/2.8 GM lens sold directly by Amazon Spain!

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I know it’s Sunday morning and you are likely to have a hang over like the one I have today :)  But you should not miss this deal: 600 Euro off(!) on the Sony 16-35mm f/2.8 FE lens sold directly by Amazon Spain (Click here). Ships to nearly all EU countries!

We know from the past that for whatever weird reason Amazon Spain sometimes has those crazy deals that last for a short time.

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Sony Tidbits…

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BETTER than the Sony 24 GM? | Sony 20mm f/1.8 G Review

Note: If you are interested in electric cars check out our new website Electric-fun.com
Introducing the Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VXD Zoom for Sony E (Allan Weitz).
Sony Engineers Talk about BSI ToF Sensor Development (Image Sensor World).
DpreviewTV: The Camera Gear that Changed my Life (the humble wrist strap)
Online Photo, Media, and Tech Resources for Working from Home (Explora).
The ins and outs of ISO: What is ISO? (Dpreview).
Das beste 24-70mm f2.8 Objektiv für Sony E-Mount? Krolop&Gerst

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

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Topaz unveils the new Mask AI plugin (get $32 off with our code)

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Today Topaz announced the new Mask AI v1.2 (click here to see all details). It includes new tweaks and improvements, like improved processing models for a better masking experience. Use our checkout code “RUMOR” to get an additional 15% discount on top of the intitial $15 rebate (you pay $68 instead of $99).

The checkout code “RUMOR” works on all TOPAZ products (Click here):

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