Just a heads up on the Galaxy NX Android camera release:
A source just told me that the vision of Samsung about integrating camera with phone like the Galaxy NX, will not be followed. But instead the connectivity with smartphones will be intensified. There will be no Nex/Alpha camera with LTE/3G connectivity, but with bluetooth/wifi.
Samsung Galaxy NX hands-on by Imaging Resource
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Samsung just announced the Galaxy NX camera which runs entirely on Android Jelly Bean (4.2.2) operating system. To put it in an easy way this is a 4.8-inch LCD Galaxy smartphone with NX mount, grip and viewfinder around it. It is the first camera built on the idea of full connectivity and Android APP support. A couple of hands-on articles can be read at Photocomment, Digitalcamerainfo, dpreview, engadget, digitalcamerareview and at Imaging Resource.
Why should we care about it? I honestly don’t know if this is the future of cameras. But it may be that more manufacturers will follow Samsung’s path. IN theory these kind of cameras gives you access to a huge potential of photo apps you can use with it. So let SRA readers know what you think about it by commenting this post and voting that poll:
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A short note for US readers. Amazon is currently listing four Sony deals (Click here). The Lens deal will be over aftertomorrow. The other three deal by end of next week. So if you have some new camera or lens on your buying list you may buy it before these deals will run out of time:
$100 off on Sony lenses (Click here).
Save up to $300 on Qualifying Sony Alpha Digital SLR Cameras (Click here).
Save up to $250 on Select Sony NEX Compact System Cameras (Click here).
Buy a Qualifying Sony Alpha NEX Compact System Camera and Save $50 on the Sony 20mm E-Mount Lens (Click here).
Save up to $100 on Select Sony Handycam Camcorders (Click here).
A special mention goes to the Sony NEX-6 double lens kit where you save $300 (Click here).
I read your comments on yesterdays article about the A-mount future. It’s correct to say that A-mount strategy will mainly focus on the High End market while E-mount will focus mainly on the entry level market. But I have to add one more info. The Sony digital camera world will not be that Manichaeist. It’s not all Black or White. Sony will also make two steps in a sort of “grey zone”:
1) There will be E-mount FF cameras
2) There will be hybrid A-E mount cameras
Both camera projects are quite innovative and it could be that Sony launch them just to see how the market reacts (like they did with the RX series). If there is a success they will expand the concepts. Situation is very fluid and like they did with the NEX,SLT and RX cameras they are willing to risk and release some innovative concepts. And for that we have to be grateful. Other companies keep being very conservative on the innovation side…h the
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STay tuned on SAR! RX camera announcement on June 27!
You will have a hard time finding any bad reviews of the new Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 lens. Today Fstoppers (Click here) posted the full Sigma review. And as so many reviewers before they write: “I tested the sharpness of this lens in a number of situations, and found it to be pretty consistent and sharp at all focal lengths and apertures.” And on the creative side “I really loved the bokeh out of this lens. It’s smooth and fluid, and makes the shallow depth of field really beautiful. Thumbs up here.”
They end the review by writing: “For Sigma’s first run at a previously never before seen lens concept, this is a rousing success.”
Preorderes in USA at BHphoto (Click here) and Adorama (Click here) and in Germany at Foto Erhardt and Hifishop. Please let us know if you can find more pre order options. You can also add them directly at DealsRunner.com. By doing so they will be instantaneously be displayed on the SAR sidebar.
P.S.: In the almost impossible case you need to buy a SOny NEX and a Samsung tablet…you can get both as bundle with a $130 discount at Adorama (Click here).
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Short note for US readers: Both Zeiss Touit lenses, the 12 and 32mm primes are in Stock now at Adorama (Click here) and BHphoto (Click here).
New reviews: Matthew Durr posted the Zeiss Touit 32mm f/1.8 test made on the NEX-7 camera. And Luminous Landscape tested both lenses (on a Fuji camera).
Matthew writes: “Though I did give high marks to the Sony 35mm f/1.8 OSS, and I still stand by what I said, the Zeiss is in another league in areas of performance like sharpness and aberrations.”
LL writes: “Overall we rate the new Touit 12mm and 32mm lenses very highly. Technical reviews on sites that measure MTF, distortion and such are already showing first rate results, and our pragmatic field tests fully corroborate this.”
As you know the new Sony CEO Hirai forced a complete revamp of the A-mount strategy. The planed release of the A78, and FF SLT cameras has been deleted in order to focus resources and push the development of the new generation A-mount mirrorless cameras. So here are some general info I got form very high trusted sources:
1) I have been told that 2014 will be THE YEAR for A-mount. It means that Sony is aware that they have to succeed in the High End camera market to make profit. And Sony does believe that the DSLR form factor and the A-mount are the key success to achieve this gold (and not small E-mount cameras).
2) First A-mount mirrorless FF and APS-C cameras to hit the market in early 2014. They will be all mirrorless but maintain the current DSLR form factor.
3) AF, EVF and other key aspects have been considerably improved. The sensor is definitely 30+ megapixel and with phase detection pixels on sensor.
4) The cameras are not cheap. So I have been told :( Anyway, if they are really good than this aspect can be not so important anymore.
5) As I told you before Sony expects a great increase in A-mount lens sales for 2014 due of the impact of the new A-mount cameras.
Now let’s hope this become true! Meantime stay tuned on SAR on June 27. Big RX camera announcement day coming!
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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.
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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!
