The possible Sony camera roadmap (A99II, A5300, A9, A7III)

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sony-a99

It’s hard to be spot on the Sony roadmap and it’s even harder this year because we still have to evaluate the damage caused by the earthquake in Kumamoto. But let’s try to sum up what could be announced by Sony from now til end 2016:

Very likely to be introduced in 2016:
Sony A9 (70+ megapixel, bigger body, dual XQD slot)
Sony A99II (A-mount, trimmed for sport and not for high megapixel)

Uncertain:
A5300 (not sure about that camera coming soon)
A7III (it may be released in 2017 only)

Unlikely to be introduced in 2016:
Medium format camera (fixed lens or interchangeable)

Now tell us:

What's the one camera you would like to get?

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Canon 85mm f/1.2 versus the Sony 85mm f/1.4 GM by Gary Fong

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[shoplink 47395]vs85mmbattle[/shoplink]

Gary Fong compared the mighty [shoplink 48632 ebay]Canon 85mm f/1.2 lens[/shoplink] against the new [shoplink 47395]Sony 85mm f/1.4 GM[/shoplink] bokeh king lens. Note that there is a typo on the video and the Canon images are shot at f/1.2 and not at f/1.8 as written on the video.

85mm GM store links: [shopcountry 47395].

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The new Samyang FE autofocus lenses will ship in July. Watch the MTF graphs and image samples.

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Bildschirmfoto 2016-06-09 um 10.46.49

Samyang Korea issued a full press text regarding the two new Autufocus FE lenses. The two lenses will ship in July in Korea and a bit later elsewhere in the world. They still didn’t announce the final pricing but the price will be less than $600.

They released the MTF graphs and some low resolution image samples too:

50mm F1.4 AS IF UMC Full Frame E-mount

 Bildschirmfoto 2016-06-09 um 10.51.15

Bildschirmfoto 2016-06-09 um 10.50.03

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14mm F2.8 ED AS IF UMC Full Frame E-mount

Bildschirmfoto 2016-06-09 um 10.53.57
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found via Dicahub. Thanks!

Reminder: Eggry.blog shared some info on those new lenses:

1) AF lenses is not named yet. They’re conducting naming contest in Kora. That’s why it’s just engraved like AF 14/2.8 FE.
2) 14mm f2.8 is not ready for the exhibition so no hands-on time.
3) 560g. almost double of FE55.8ZA but it’s f1.4. Sigma 50.4 Art is 860g even without adapter.
4) closest focus distance is 45cm which is not suprising in Fifties.
5) Aluminum casing feels good, very similar to Sony lenses.
6) Unfortunately, focus ring is focus-by-wire. They confirmed it.
7) Sharpness at 1.4 is not surprising. It improves vastly at f2. There’s some amount of CA from 1.4 to 2. from 2.8, there’s nothing bothering in my eyes.
8) AF is good. not fast as 55.8ZA but I guess faster than 50.8. for sure it’s faster and reliable than Sigma 50.4 with MC-11. Wobbling is bigger than Sony lenses. Noise is not big but noticable than Sony.
9) Movie AF is not satisfying. You can check it another article here.(also sharpness and Bokeh test! sharpness at f2 is certainly wrongly focused.)
http://www.popco.net/zboard/zboard.php?id=samyang
10) Price is not finalized yet. Samyang is listening visitors’ opinion. I said 600 USD with tax and they said it won’t be that expensive. The other said 400 USD and told it will be more than it. So I guess it would be around 500 USD. I think it’s good positioning.
11) All lenses are beta version. so it can be improved when launched.

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New EL-Skyport Plus HS for Sony

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EL1

Here is the press text via Elinchrom:

Since the launch of the Skyport Plus HS for Canon and Nikon, Sony users have been patiently awaiting their dedicated Transmitter. As promised, the most advanced Skyport ever is now available to Sony users. This will give them the ability to control and visualize power settings for all their compatible Elinchrom lights and the capability to shoot at speeds up to 1/8000s in Hi-Sync mode.

Visual Feedback Interface

The Large LCD display of the Skyport HS features two-way control via a visual feedback interface that lets you see the exact power up to 10 compatible Elinchrom lights in your setup right on the transmitter.

Users can control the modelling lamp and power of each flash unit directly from the Skyport transmitter, which instantly shows the updated settings.

This provides unsurpassed levels of “two-way communication and control” for every light in your setup, right from your camera.
Hi-Sync opens up the world of flash photography

Elinchrom Hi-Sync technology lets you go beyond the X-Sync of your camera. Photographers can simply switch to Hi-Sync mode and access sync speeds up to 1/8000s to freeze motion, overpower the sun, darken backgrounds or use a wider aperture. The ODS (Over Drive Sync) enables users to fine tune the Skyport Plus HS transmitter’s trigger signal to optimize exposure at high shutter speeds while gaining up to 2 more f-stops of light.

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Even more

The Skyport HS has 20 frequency channels that can be used for either Normal or Speed mode. The transmitter attaches easily and securely to the hotshoe with its one-touch quick-lock mechanism, and is powered by 2x AA batteries. Users can also enjoy a range of up to 656ft (200m) outdoors, and up to 196ft (60m) indoors.
The Skyport HS continues the Elinchrom commitment to quality

Providing photographers with tools to enhance their shooting experience whilst also showing how Elinchrom is looking firmly ahead to the future. The Skyport HS represents a seamless extension of the EL-Skyport family since it is also compatible with the three previous generations of Elinchrom flash units (those using the EL-Skyport Transceiver RX module for Style RX, Digital RX, and Ranger RX systems, and those with integrated EL-Skyport modules for the BRX, D-Lite RX, ELC Pro HD, and ELB series.)

Other camera systems are currently being evaluated for future release.

EL-Skyport Plus HS Features

Large LCD with unique, real-time display of remote flash power settings
Easy access buttons and rotation ring for fast setup and control
20 Channels, 4 Groups for Normal and Speed Sync Modes
Hi-Sync, up to 1/8000sec with Sony, Canon and Nikon cameras
Extended working range up to 656ft (200m)
AF Illuminator and sure-lock mounting foot
USB port for future-proof upgrades

The EL-Skyport Transmitter Plus HS is now available for Sony, Canon and Nikon cameras.
EL19371 – EL-Skyport Transmitter Plus HS for Sony
Street Price: $249.95 USD / €249 EUR / £199 GBP

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Specifications

Frequency Band : 2.4 GHz

Channels : 40; (20 in Normal mode – green / 20 in Speed mode – red)

Groups : 4: 1, 2, 3, 4

Flash synchronization :

Normal: limited to the native X-sync of your camera

Hi-Sync mode: up to a 1/8000 sec.*

2nd curtain sync: only Canon

Range : Up to 200m (656’) for triggering

AF Assist Beam : Yes

Connection :

Foot for Sony hotshoe (19371) Canon hotshoe (19366) and Nikon hotshoe (19367)

Mini-USB for firmware updates

2.5 mm remote release

Power source : 2x AA batteries

Indicators and Controls :

LCD screen display:

Sync mode, group, channel, ODS activation, Hi-Sync activation, shutter mode, remaining battery power, flash unit name, flash unit ID, flash unit power level, flash unit modelling level.

Buttons:

Group selection, test, rotation ring to change values, confirmation, on/off and refresh.

There are also 4 buttons with variable functionality:

Power +/-, Modelling lamp off/prop/free, Individual unit selection and setup on the dashboard. Menu up, menu down and exit in the setup menu.

Dimensions : 84.1 x 68.3 x 58.5 mm (3.3 x 2.7 x 2.3”)

Weight : 120 g ( 0.27 lbs.) without batteries

 

 

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