Sony patents two new 20mm and 28mm f/2.8 prime compact APS-C lenses.

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Sony US patent Number 20140204265 discloses the design for two new Full Frame prime lenses. The 20mm f/2.8 and 28mm f/2.8. These primes are designed to be very compact and high speed autofocusing lenses. As Sony writes these lenses are suited for both still and video shooting and have fast inner focusing.

The 20mm could be the updated version of the current SEL-20F28 while the 28mm lens would a complete new entry. According to the patent both lenses will cover the APS-C sensor area only (no FF).

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(SR4) Sony A77 firmware update coming soon?

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User of the russian Sony forum spotted an image of the new A77 1.08 firmware update. There is also yet no info about the improvements.

Thanks to our russian sources for sending me the link!


Message to sources: 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.

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!

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Good news: Sony surprises with first-quarter profit!

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Finally some good news about the Financial situation: The company posted net income of 26.8 billion yen ($261 million) in the three months ended June, compared with 3.5 billion yen a year earlier (Source: Bloomberg). And if we look at the Imaging Division there are some good news too. While the overall sales decreased because of the global shrinking compact camera market the income increased. This means Sony is selling less compact cameras but more high end (and profitable) system cameras.
This is what Sony writes about the Imaging Division:
Sales:
decreased 9.0% year-on-year (a 10% decrease on a constant currency basis) to 164.6 billion yen (1,630 million U.S. dollars). This decrease was primarily due to a significant decrease in unit sales of compact digital cameras reflecting a contraction of this market.
Operating income:
increased 8.3 billion yen year-on-year to 17.4 billion yen (172 million U.S. dollars). This increase was mainly due to a reduction in selling, general and administrative expenses in the current quarter, partially offset by the above-mentioned decrease in sales.

Foecast:

Sales are expected to be below the May forecast primarily due to anticipated lower sales in emerging market countries. Operating income is expected to remain unchanged from the May forecast due to the above-mentioned decrease in sales being offset primarily by cost reductions.
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