A new source (Thanks!) just contacted me to say that the “Nex3/5/vg10 firmware could come as early as dec15“. Indeed the new VG10 manual is already available as pdf (Click here / via NEX-VG10 forum).
P.S.: I didn’t hear yet about the new A77/A65 2.0 firmware update. But as soon as I hear something from my sources I will let you know!
[/shoplink]
There is a new article at Luminous Landscape at their NEX-7 rolling review (Click here). They talk about the Creative Styles, EVF and Live View Display. First they show you a “trick” to control the contrast of the EVF (because in bright light the EVF contrast can be too high). And they also found a small bug related to histogram feature. I hope Sony will fix that minor issue with the new firmware. There is another small NEX-7 review at karaatanasov (Click here): “I had never seen so much details from an APS-C. Colors are astonishing. It seems the Dynamic Range in RAW is amazing too (I do not have RAW software.). Again on colors this is the first Sony camera to remenice of the Minolta days”
As you have read yesterday the NEX-7 is now shipping at Sonystore in USA. It should be available by mid January in Europe and Asia. Check these search links if the stores are accepting preorders: [shopcountry 8454].
Cameralabs (Click here) just posted the full NEX-5n review: “Sony has pulled it off and produced one of the most compelling mirrorless ILC models on the market and one we have no hesitation in granting our Highly recommended award.“.
Techradar (Click here) published a full A65 review: “The Alpha 65 is very well-specified in comparison to its rivals, matching or exceeding the competition’s feature-sets in many respects. It’s pricier, but we feel the impressive stack of high-end features that this camera has to offer more than outweigh its cost“.
In Stock status check:
A77 at [shopcountry 8461]
A65 at [shopcountry 8459].
Sony NEX-7 [shopcountry 8454].
Sony NEX-5n [shopcountry 8452].
Zeiss 24mm f/1.8 [shopcountry 8450].
Sony 50mm f/1.8 [shopcountry 8448].
Sony 55-210mm [shopcountry 8444].
NEX-5n viewfinder [shopcountry 9110].
UPDATE: there is another good news for our USA readers. As you can see from the screenshot above (Thanks William!) the NEX-7 will start shipping tomorrow from Sonystyle!
The very first Zeiss 24mm f/1.8 lenses are (UPDATE: now WAS) in Stock in USA at BHphoto (Click here). In Europe and Asia the Zeiss lens in Stock at Amazon Germany (Click here), Amazon UK (Click here), Amazon France (Click here), [shoplink 10611 ebay]Cameracentre (Click here)[/shoplink], Digitalrev (Click here),
Image on top: The current Sony SAL-300F28G 300mm f/2.8 APO G SSM
Reminder: The A99 and the new lenses should be announced in Spring 2012.
The Super discount on Sony lenses is ongoing in USA until the end fo the year:
$500 off on Sony 300mm f/2.8 at Amazon (Click here), Adorama (Click here), BHphoto (Click here).
$150 off on Zeiss 24 -70mm f/2.8 at Amazon (Click here), Adorama (Click here), BHphoto (Click here).
$150 off on Sony 70-200mm f/2.8 at Amazon (Click here), Adorama (Click here), BHphoto (Click here).
$100 off on Zeiss Distagon T* 24mm f/2 at Amazon (Click here), Adorama (Click here), BHphoto (Click here).
$50 off on Sony 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 at Amazon (Click here), Adorama (Click here), BHphoto (Click here).
$50 off on Zeiss 16-80mm f/3.5-4.5 at Amazon (Click here), Adorama (Click here), BHphoto (Click here).
$50 off on Sony 100mm f/2.8 macro at Amazon (Click here), Adorama (Click here), BHphoto (Click here).
$50 off on Sony DT 16-105mm f/3.5-5.6 at Amazon (Click here), Adorama (Click here), BHphoto (Click here).
$50 off on Sony 50mm f/2.8 Macro at Amazon (Click here), Adorama (Click here), BHphoto (Click here).
$25 off on Sony 50mm f/1.4 at Amazon (Click here), Adorama (Click here), BHphoto (Click here).
$25 off on Sony 85mm f/2.8 SAM at Amazon (Click here), BHphoto (Click here).
$25 off on Sony DT 35mm f/1.8 SAM at Amazon (Click here), Adorama (Click here), BHphoto (Click here).
$25 off on Sony 30mm f/2.8 DT AF at Amazon (Click here), Adorama (Click here), BHphoto (Click here).
$25 off on Sony 50mm f/1.8 DT AF at Amazon (Click here), Adorama (Click here), BHphoto (Click here).
And the NEX converters + adapter + external flash + external monitor have been discounted at Amazon (Click here).
I got two rumors about the new Ricoh-Pentax company (yes Ricoh bought Pentax!). Apparently some of their future products will use Sony sensors.
(SR4) The upcoming new 24-85mm Ricoh GXR module features the same 16 megapixel APS-C Sony NEX-5n sensor! As you know the [shoplink 10592 ebay]Ricoh GXR system[/shoplink] is a modular system where lens and sensor are built-in in the same module.
(SR2) For a long time now we hear rumors about a new Pentax fullframe camera. A unconfirmed rumor says the new Pentax will use the same 24 Megapixel sensor from the A99. The camera will be released in 2012. (Source: Dpreview forum)
One thing is sure, the Nikon D800 is coming very soon and will probably feature the new Sony 36 megapixels sensor. The Sony A99 will be announced in Spring 2012 and rely on the translucent technology. There is no plan to make an optical viewfinder version. Sony believes electornic viewfinders are the future. And so di I…but I think optical viewfinders still have the edge for now.
—
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!
Low Budget Filming – Sony Alpha 77 & Movcam Rig
AF in manual video movie mode workaround Sony SLT A77 (Mikekobal). And contact sheets with A77 and NEX-5n (Mikekobal).
Sony A77 review by SonyAlphaLab (Click here): “I can pick apart a feature here and there and say the Nikon X is better in High ISO and the Canon Y has better AF, but as a whole the A77 is a phenomenal camera for a great price in my humble opinion.”
A77 test at Expertreview (Click here): “Packed with features and impressive strengths including a superb kit lens, but high noise levels and lethargic controls aren’t acceptable at this price“.
The A77 is in Stock at Amazon Germany (Click here), [shoplink 10586 ebay]Heidfoto (crazy name!)[/shoplink], [shoplink 10587 ebay]Foto Neuber (Click here)[/shoplink], in US at [shoplink 10585 ebay]willoughbyscamera (with $400 extra to pay)[/shoplink], almost in Stock at Digitalrev (two weeks). There is a £50 discount at Amazon UK but the camera is not in Stock yet.
[/shoplink]
Steve Huff (Click here) posted his final 50mm f/1.8 for NEX review: “Basically this lens is a must have for any NEX shooter who wants a medium telephoto with a fast aperture. The lens has great color, has a fast aperture for shallow depth of field or when the lights get low and the lens pumps out great color with rich saturated tones. The lens is sharp but not clinically sharp. On the NEX-7 it is a fantastic performer.”
Yes that lens is a real winner. It only has a couple of drawbacks. It’s a bit too big, and it doesn’t come in black for my future NEX-7. I hope Sony will soon introduce a black version.
The lens is in Stock in Asia at Digitalrev (Click here). You can get it within 6-10 days at Amazon Japan (Click here). You will only get in January-February in Europe and US although SonyStore US (Click here) says it’s coming next week. I heard this isn’t true yet. Let’s see who is right…
Meanwhile good news for all those of you who preordered the Zeiss 24mm f/1.8 lens at Amazon (but you cannot make a new preorder yet).
Full new NEX and lens rpeorder links:
Sony NEX-7 [shopcountry 8454].
Sony NEX-5n [shopcountry 8452].
Zeiss 24mm f/1.8 [shopcountry 8450].
Sony 50mm f/1.8 [shopcountry 8448].
Sony 55-210mm [shopcountry 8444].
NEX-5n viewfinder [shopcountry 9110].
